Tag Country Gospel

Joyaires’ ministry is aptly named

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The Joyaires, Ernie and Debbie Peters, seek to bring the joy of Christ in their
music ministry. (Photo by John Herndon)

After 43 years, joy in Christ continues to be the message they bring

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

You probably won’t find any artist of any genre with a more fitting name than The Joyaires.

They’ve been singing gospel music since 1979, bringing joy to anyone who hears their message about Jesus and the joy that is found in Him.

“We hadn’t thought about what we were going to call ourselves, so we just jotted down a bunch of names,” Ernie Peters says of how the group came up with its name. 

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A Touch of Heaven Touching People for 50 years

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Primitive Quartet at Sand Spring Baptist Church on September 23. From left are Reagan Riddle, Randy Fox, Jeff Tolbert, Mike Riddle and Larry Riddle.

Primitive Quartet in final months of amazing ministry, still giving God all the praise

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. – Little did some fishing buddies know that a springtime camping trip would be the beginning of a career that has been reeling in accolades from almost every corner of the gospel music industry.

But that’s how God has worked through Primitive Quartet ever since April 1973. 

The Primitives have cast their influence through a true-to-their-roots music and a faithful-to-their-Savior faith that has led them to touch more people than could have ever been imagined when the Riddle brothers and Wilson brothers were sitting around a campfire picking and singing.

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God is All she needs

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Victoria Shirey Bowlin sings during 11th Hour’s concert at Sand Spring Baptist Church on Aug. 18.

11th Hour’s Victoria Shirey Bowlin shares His power and providence through music

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

When Victoria Shirey Bowlin joined 11th Hour last summer, she could only see it as another way God worked in her life. 

“Honestly, God threw it in my lap,” she says with a huge smile. “I had no intention of ever joining another group when I stopped singing with my family.”

Victoria had sung with her parents and sister for 20 years when she decided to concentrate on ministry with her husband, Aaron Bowlin, and do solo work in 2014. And she was happy in those roles when the opportunity to sing with 11th Hour presented itself. 

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Just picking for Jesus

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The Ol’ Elkhorn Pickers Club performs at Sand Spring Baptist Church on March 31, 2022. From left are bassist Gary Mitchell, Jeff Brewer, rhythm guitarist David Rayborn, drummer Ken King and guitarist Joel Miller. Behind Miller is keyboardist Rodney Smith.

Ol’ Elkhorn Pickers Club delivers joy wherever it goes

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. – They might have an unconventional name, an unconventional history and even a mission that’s a bit different.

But when the Ol’ Elkhorn Pickers Club took the stage at Sand Spring Baptist Church last Thursday, the music was about as traditional as it could be as they sang the unchanging message found in the Bible.

And in their first appearance at Sand Spring, the Pickers brought the house down with several standing ovations from one of the largest post-covid crowds in the popular gospel concert series. 

Not bad for a group of guys who simply got together to have some fun playing music at Midway, Kentucky.

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Chris Golden honored to sing at Glensboro

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Chris Golden in concert at Graefenburg Christian Church, November 2019.

‘My main focus is shining a light on The Reason for the Season, Jesus.’

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

Chris Golden knows the opportunity to sing about the one who gave him the gift is always special, but he probably didn’t know just how special his appearance at Glensboro Baptist Church could be.

Golden, one of the top names in Inspirational Country Music is scheduled to present his Christmas concert at Glensboro on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.

The concert was booked in the summer when Robert Stopher, a well-known gospel music enthusiast and a member at Glensboro contacted Golden, who had never performed in Lawrenceburg. 

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Opening doors in a Grand fashion

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The Isaacs perform at Coffmania in Danville, Ky., on August 28.

Isaacs humbled by Opry invitation, see another opportunity to share the gospel

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

(First of two parts. Coming soon, The Isaacs talk about their latest album, “The American Face.”)

The Isaacs had no idea that August 10 would be a night that would change their lives forever. 

None. There was no clue that a special night would be elevated to the realm of extraordinary.

And there was certainly no indication that the most coveted invitation among Nashville musicians would be theirs before they left the stage that Tuesday evening.

And almost three weeks after being asked to become the newest members of The Grand Ole Opry, there was still a sense of wonder in their voices. 

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A Menu of Glorifying God

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Lee Collins is all smiles as his Billy Ray’s Restaurant is nearly full at lunch time on June 22, 2021. Collins runs his restaurant on the Christian principles of which he sings. (Photo by John Herndon)

Eastern Kentucky singer Lee Collins’ only desire is to share the message of Christ in all he does

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — You can get just about anything you want to tickle your taste buds at Billy Ray’s Restaurant but you can be sure that regardless of your appetite, Lee Collins wants to give you the bread of life.

The restaurant has been Lee Collins’ livelihood for more than 30 years and on an early summer weekday, he greeted a lunchtime crowd with a huge smile, often calling them by name or asking about family and friends. It’s the kind of down home atmosphere that has made Billy Ray’s a local landmark. 

But as much as Lee Collins would like for someone to try one of his dinners — the pork chops we ordered were fantastic! — he knows his mission is much more than the hospitality industry. 

“I just love singing about the Lord,” he said as a steady stream of patrons filed by. “That is what I have sung all my life.”

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Playing for The One who gives the gift

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Multi-talented musician Chris Golden brings a night of country gospel music to Renfro Valley, Kentucky on June 1, 2018.

 

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

Chris Golden is happy just playing for The One who gave him the gift.

There are few packed crowds like he’d enjoyed during his 17 years as drummer for country and gospel music Hall of Famers The Oak Ridge Boys. Instead, Chris is his own driver, sound man, publicist, merchandiser and musician. “I’m a one man band now,” Chris says with his easy smile.

And he’s happy with the direction his musical journey is taking. Continue reading “Playing for The One who gives the gift” →