From a post at the Singing News forums:

Bob Jones Sr., an Iconic figure in Southern Gospel Music, passed away today at age 93. Bob Sr. gave birth to many classic SG Quartets over the years since his starting of the Songfellows Quartet here in Southern California in the early ’40′s. One of those quartets started here in Southern California was The Weatherfords. Bob Sr. helped Earl Weatherford form his group, and the rest is history.

Please keep the Jones family in your prayers at this time.

From a Singing News SG Wire:

WASHINGTON, DC(Press Release) – A last-minute stop has been added to Brian Free & Assurance’s concert schedule a stop in the Nation’s Capital for a musical performance in XM Radio’s Performance Theater. It can be heard live on Friday morning, July 27th, beginning at 11 AM Eastern Time on enLighten XM Channel 34 or DirecTV Channel 828.

More information about XM Radio’s Southern Gospel enLighten 34 and its programming can be found at www.enLighten34.com.

According to a recent Daniel Britt interview with Ernie Haase, Ernie said that he’d like to have an SG workout video line.
First an online TV station (which I thoroughly enjoy, by the way) and now this? What a world, what a world….

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s Website

From an email newsletter from Mercy’s Mark:

Hi Everyone -

Wow! There are so many things happening with Mercy’s Mark right now that I am not sure where to start. First I apologize for not touching base last week but it has been such a busy time for us.

As many of you may have already heard, Josh Feemster is no longer with the group.This past Sunday night was his last performance with us. Josh shared with me that when he recently moved to Jasper, Alabama to start his pallet business on the side he never anticipated it taking off so quickly but it is doing so well that it is demanding more time from him than he had expected and he feels he needs to be home to tend to it. As much as we hated to see him go, it seemed like such a wonderful business opportunity for his family that we wholeheartedly supported his decision to come off the road to pursue it. We wish he and his family all the best.

So the big question we are getting is “who is going to sing lead for Mercy’s Mark right now?”

We are thrilled to let everyone know that Shane Dunlap has agreed to step into the position while we are in the audition process. You may recognize Shane’s name from his many years in Southern Gospel. He became a favorite while traveling with his group N’Harmony. He later joined me in the original line-up of Signature Sound. He is a dynamic lead singer and a wonderful Christian man. It has been several years since Shane and I have traveled together and we are all excited that he will be joining us. Shane’s first date with Mercy’s Mark will be this Thursday, July 26th at SoGospelNews Fan Festival in Smyrna, Tennessee. If you live around Nashville we would love to see you. If not, check out the website, we will be posting pictures of the concert.

We will continue accepting resumes with demo cd’s and photo for the lead position.They can be submitted through our website or to the following address:

P.O. Box 275

Grove City, Ohio 43123

After I am able to review the resumes I will begin the audition process. So if you have sent something in don’t be discouraged I have not made it home yet this week.

Please continue to keep MM in your prayers throughout this process. We only want to pursue His will in our lives and ministry.

We hope you continue to have a Blessed week and hope to see you on the road soon.

Garry Jones

——————————————————————————–

Hmm… nice to see Shane Dunlap back with a group… I wonder if he’ll stick with it for the long haul? Like Josh Garner, he’d be a great fit for MM. We shall see….

Apparently, Garry Jones/Mercy’s Mark sent out a press release that confirmed Feemster leaving. The PR said that he is pursuing a business opportunity outside of SG. Hm.. guess that rumour about he and Chris West forming a group is out the window now…

I will reiterate what I said in a previous post: I can see Josh Garner taking the lead position in Mercy’s Mark. Thoughts?

On a happier note…

While I was gone, Brian Free & Assurance must have convinced Daywind Records to release their Real Faith project early, and so they did (2 months early)! Along with this release comes a redesigned BFA website! I’ve heard it’s good and hope to get it soon.

Well, looks like things have happened in my absence…

According to a blog post at Averyfineline.com, Josh Feemster is leaving Mercy’s Mark. There are rumours that he will start a group with Chris West (former bass singer for Mercy’s Mark), West’s brother, and an unnamed fourth singer.

I have mixed feelings about this news. Feemster has been with Mercy’s Mark since its inception, even through the personnel changes, and now this. He’s a fine young lead singer, and I’m sad to see him go. However, if the rumours are true, then one of my favorite bass singers will finally be on the road again! I can only hope that they are true, and even if they aren’t, I hope Feemster will find another group to sing with.

Hmm.. now, who to replace Feemster? Josh Garner, perhaps?

Just letting y’all know I will be gone to camp till Saturday. God bless!

On behalf of fellow SG blogger and friend, Daniel Mount, I thought I’d tell you all that his site is down. According to a Singing News Forum post, the filter he uses is blocking him on the grounds that his site is somehow listed under “News Cults”. He doesn’t know why it’s doing this and hopes to find a different filter soon. Until then, you can still view the site, but it won’t be updated.

You’re welcome, Daniel!

Daniel Mount’s Site

Update: It’s back up!

From an article on SoGospelNews.com:

Crabb Explosion-Going Out With A Bang

From a church in rural Kentucky to an annual concert audience of 800,000, the Crabb Family has managed to break through musical genre barriers to reach people from all walks of life with the message of the gospel. From the beginning of their musical ministry over 10 years ago, they had no way of knowing just what was in store.

Although their roots are primarily Southern Gospel, the Crabb Family reaches a vast concert audience. Their schedule leads them from the Grand Ole’ Opry to a Contemporary Christian Festival in South Dakota and everything in between.

In an economy that shows a potential decline for entertainment as a whole, it is a proven fact that the addition of the Crabb Family to any program increases concert attendance. The Crabb Family is a sure asset to many “family friendly” or wholesome mainstream events. Many mainstream events from the Grand Ole’ Opry to State Fairs and Festivals are incorporating the Crabb Family into their entertainment roster because of the value of their music and their ability to sell a ticket.

Despite the rapid success and doors that continually open, the Crabb Family remains devoted to the calling and purpose on which their ministry was founded. Siblings Jason, Kelly, Adam, Aaron, and Terah share a common desire to reach the lost. They are not hindered by opinion or manmade limitations, but willing to accept any challenge that comes their way. God has honored their obedience and willingness with open doors beyond expectation.

In August 2006, the Crabb Family, Jason, Kelly, Adam, Aaron and Terah, decided to say farewell. The siblings felt it was time to move to a new season in their lives. Each member has plans to keep with tradition and will continue to pursue their separate ministries. Everyone is anticipating what God has in store for the family. The Crabb Family is currently on tour to thank their fans for their unwavering support over the past 10 years. Their last day as a group will fall on August 1, 2007. However, the family will host a major farewell concert at the North Cleveland Church of God in Cleveland, TN July 19th-21st. Tickets may be purchased by logging onto http://www.thecrabbfamily.com or calling 615-264-3711.

Crabb Family Official Website