» PREMIERE ISSUE

SOUTHERNGOSPELUPDATE.COM

he Wliamsonsnew single

“IT WAS THE WORD!”written by Lisa Williamson

new project October 1st

#TELLSOMEBODY

See theSee the Williamsons perform atDOLLYWOODOctober 20, 2014

CONNECT ONLINE - www.WilliamsonsMusic.com

Fans of the beloved trio were shocked w

hen The Booth Brothers, via

a video posted on their Facebook, made

the announcement recently

that long-time member Jim Brady would

be leaving the group at the

end of the year to start a brand new min

istry with his wife, Melissa.

Jim was a member of the trio for over 12

years. Paul Lancaster has

been named as Jim’s replacement and T

im Parton will complete the

Jim Brady Trio. Daywind Records has sign

ed the new group.

3

4

5

6

8

3

13

11

®

15

17

f t w

19

Editor’s Note:I’ve had the privilege of attending Write About Jesus for the past two years. Often in the midst of songwriting, I frequently hear the voice of the instructors guiding me through the technical process. I’m also grateful for the relationships that have come from the workshop! I can’t say enough good things about Sue Smith. She has a vision to teach people around the world and the next generation how to write great songs about Jesus. If you’re a songwriter, this is a workshop you don’t need to miss! ~ Rhonda Frye ~ Rhonda Frye

There is an excitement in the air throughout the Christian Songwriters community! Songwriters from all across the country will gather in St. Charles, Missouri on October 9-11, 2014 to participate in this year’s Write About Jesus Songwriter’s Workshop. Attendees glean wisdom, get instruction and encouragement from some of the most successful Christian songwriters of our day. “I look forward to Write About Jesus every single year,” founder, Sue C. Smith says. “I treasure the chance to welcome so many dear writer friends who come to teach all the classes. Just as wonderful is to welcome back writers from across the nation who have been to the workshop in the past and have become part of the Write About Jesus family. The absolute best thing is to see new registrants arrive a little hesitant and uncertain, sometimes even slightly skeptical, and then see how they've jumped in with both feet by the time the first few class sessions have gone by. We are looking forward to a great time together this year.” Write About Jesus is structured to cover all genres of Christian music and equips songwriters in each stage from the beginner to the advanced. Throughout the weekend, students learn the ins and outs of writing great songs. Topics include song structure, rhyming, co-writing, song painting, melody writing, publishing and more. Students may also opt to have songs critiqued by staff members during the weekend.This year, a track has been added for children age 9-14! “Nick and Allie Lapointe, will use their 10 years WAJ This year, a track has been added for children age 9-14! “Nick and Allie Lapointe, will use their 10 years WAJ experience, not to mention their experiences as writers, worship leaders and parents of 3 highly creative kids to inspire and guide the next generation of songwriters through a fun- filled workshop experience,” Sue explains. “The Kids WAJ track will include separate classes, a t-shirt, a special notebook and meals for Friday and Saturday.” A special highlight of the weekend is the songwriting competition. Registrants may enter a song to be categorized in either Pop/AC, Southern Gospel, Worship, or Print/Choral, or Children’s/Special Occasion/Novelty. Other highlights of the weekend include chapel services, fellowship, a concert put on by WAJ staff, and plenty of opportunities for songwriters to build relationships and network. Write About Jesus is a complete resource for Christian songwriters to become inspired, motivated and equipped to Write Songs About Jesus! For testimonials, registration, song competition and hotel information and more, visit www.writeaboutjesus.com.

The summer before my freshman year in high school was full of changes for me. My parents had recently divorced, I had gained new step-parents, new siblings, and then there was that whole high school thing hanging over my head. That's a lot for a 14 year old. However, none of those changes would compare to what would happen on a hot summer night in July. would happen on a hot summer night in July. I was listening to gospel music, in my headphones. At this time in my life, gospel music was not what I listened to, but that night, I did and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face. Soon after those tears, I was at the foot of the bed, being led in prayer by my family, and accepting Christ as my personal Savior. It was a beautiful moment my personal Savior. It was a beautiful moment in my life. Now that I look back, after all these years, I'm still so thankful that God spoke to a 14 year old lost, broken, lonely girl. He let me know very quickly that He had a plan, a plan that a broken home couldn’t stop, a plan that my own shortcomings couldn't stop, a plan for my life. It would turn out to be a plan that would exceed my greatest dreams. The one thing that I my greatest dreams. The one thing that I remember thinking, was a God that has been so good to bring such purpose to me, He deserves my best. I will do my best to be true to Him. There are days, that I know I have failed, I'm so thankful for His mercy, I'm so thankful for His grace, and I will always be thankful for that hot July night in Kentucky, where His love that hot July night in Kentucky, where His love found me and saved me.

20

21

To me this verse explains exactly what happens when a sinner is Saved By Grace. Out with the old way of life, and in with the new life through Christ. This also is a great verse of assurance for those who have a past and can't let it go. Through Christ, it can all be washed away!

There's a reason the Hoppers are known as “America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music.” Excellent music, strong family values, and an outstanding work ethic characterize the nearly 60 years, three generation family ministry. For years the Hoppers have lodged themselves into the hearts of audiences across the world by striking and maintaining the perfect balance of warmth and sincerity with excellence and professionalism. Even after all these years, the Hoppers are pressing full steam ahead with new music and an exciting new tour in a special celebration of what God has done in their lives. Originally organized in 1957 by Claude Hopper, the Hoppers were first known as The Hopper Brothers. An encounter between Claude and Connie in 1958 at a small town stop light was nothing short of a divine interaction. That day, Connie agreed to be the pianist for the Hopper Brothers, then subsequently fell in love with the music and with Claude. After their marriage, along came sons, Dean and Mike. All in perfect timing, one by one, God eventually arranged for Mike, Dean, and Dean’s wife, Kim and now their daughter Karlye, to come alongside Claude and Connie as “The Hoppers.

22

Throughout the years there have been many chart-topping songs, awards and opportunities to travel the world. Songs such as “Jerusalem,” “Shoutin’ Time,” “Yes I Am,” and “Yaweh” have made the Hoppers a household name in the world of music. In response to putting out consistently amazing music, the Hoppers have received numerous accolades, fan-voted awards, and honors including their 2012 induction into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame and in 2011, the SGMG Lifetime Achievement award for Claude and Connie. The demand for live performances has landed the Hoppers in numerous churches, and venues across America and in Israel, Europe and Africa. While staying busy, more dreams churned in Claude’s heart. “Being that I love this music so much, when we decided to go full-time, I wanted to be involved in every single aspect!” Claude and sons Dean and Mike are heavily involved in every aspect from behind the scenes tasks to providing business leadership within the industry. Some of those endeavors include music publishing, concert promotions, recording as well as being part owners of the National Quartet Convention. Although Claude stays involved in business, he has now passed on most day-to-day operations to Dean and Mike. If anyone could use the phrase, “Been there, done that and got the T-shirt…” it would be the Hoppers. However, with six full decades of meaningful ministry and successful music careers, they are hardly ready to sit down! Instead, the Hoppers are inspired with a fresh zeal to create more great music and they are determined more than ever to deliver it to the people! And, there's no stop sign in view! The Hoppers say more great music is on the horizon. A new children’s album is in the works, along with a solo album from Kim, a solo album from Claude including several surprise guests and a new group project is in the making.

In 2015, it's full steam ahead with the recently announced 58 Years, 58 Cities Tour! The Hoppers are working alongside the Berry Agency to put together a one of a kind celebration tour complete with new music, video and full production. The plan is to celebrate 58 years by visiting 58 cities! Make no mistake, this tour is not a set-up for a farewell, but is about celebrating the great things God has done in the life of the Hoppers ministry over the past 58 years. “We are working hard to plan something very special for us and our fans. This is a time of going into new cities, working with choirs and really celebrating where we’ve been and what God has done for us,” Dean explains. The first part of the tour kicks off in February and then one in the spring and summer, and then 2 in the fall. Much planning has taken place recently regarding tour destinations, new production ideas, and video segments to be included in each presentation. “We certainly want everyone to come out and celebrate with us,” Kim says, “The tour is really about just being a time where we acknowledge Claude and Connie’s dream of having this family group has been fulfilled.” Dreams fulfilled, no stop sign in sight, new music, new tour...The Hoppers - better than ever!

26

28

30

36

38

40

41

(10 will be randomly selected on October 15, 2014)WIN A MINI IPAD

Register at www.guardiansquartet.com

Everyone loves Duck Dynasty - including our very own gospel music stars!

It seems the feeling is mutual with

the famous Robertson family. Check out these fun photos.

Shellye & Jason Crabb catch up with Willie Robertson on the CMA Red Carpet

Amber Nelon Thompson poses with Phil Robertsonin Atlanta, GA at CBA

Jason surprises John Luke and Sadie Robertson with a special Duck Crabb call onstage in Knoxville TN at Thompson Boling Arena

Kelly Nelon, Ed Leonard (Daywind Records,) Autumn Nelon Clark and Robertson

Phil, Rhonda Frye and Miss Kay share a smile.

Michael English visited the Louisiana headquarters during a recent concert stop.

Declaration is a great group and the real deal! They follow and serve Christ and are effective. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. - Michael Booth

45

46

www.RickWebbFamilyMusic.com

AVAILABLE NOW!

50

52