Your Gospel Songwriter Connection

Your Gospel Songwriter Connection
July-August 2011
Writers Direct
Issue 001
Twila LaBar: Training Tips
Gerald Crabb: I’m Inspired
Greg Day: A Little Personal
Ronny Hinson: The Message
Val Johnson: G-team Spotlight
Gospel Songwriters Convention
Pitch Sheet, Tidbits & Much More...
“I am living proof that
God can use anybody”
Greg Day
-~ It All Begins With A Songwriter ~-
Content
Mickey’s Memo … page 3
Greg Day: A Little Personal … page 4
Val Johnson: G-team Spotlight … page 7
Rodney Griffin: Favorite Songs … page 9
Twila LaBar: Training Tips … page 10
Gerald Crabb: I’m Inspired … page 14
Pitch Sheet … page 15
Fawn Jacobs: Freedom Throughout Eternity … page 16
Kudos … page 18
Tammie Herring: Song Story … page 19
Happy Birthday … page 20
Ronny Hinson: The Message … page 21
Red, White & Bluegrass: Snapshot … page 22
Gospel Songwriter Magazine is a division of Gospel Songwriter Enterprises, a subsidiary of Mickey Mixon Ministries.
Publisher & Editor: Mickey Mixon
Executive Secretary: Rainie Mixon
Board Of Advisors: Dee Gaskin, Tammie Herring & Phil Kelly
This magazine is provided to help network Gospel songwriters with artists who need Gospel songs to sing and record. It is also
provided to enhance the presence of Gospel songwriters in the Gospel music community and to provide relative news and information about Gospel songwriters to people who appreciate and are interested in those who write the Gospel in song.
Gospel Songwriter Magazine, Gospel Songwriter Enterprises, Mickey Mixon Ministries and or staff cannot and will not be responsible in any form or fashion, legal or otherwise, for possible copyright infringements or royalties or any such like.
Gospel Songwriter Magazine only serves Black Gospel, Bluegrass Gospel, Country Gospel, Contemporary Gospel and Southern
Gospel music. It does not serve Hard, Rock, Rap, or any other style of Gospel music, nor does it serve secular music. The exception is some, conservative Praise & Worship music. Thank You.
2
Mickey’s Memo
Welcome to Gospel Songwriter Magazine (GSM). Come in and
make yourself at home, friend.
We begin distribution of GSM bimonthly, and as our readership
and advertisers increase we may consider monthly distribution.
Through the years, I’ve seen new magazines come on the scene.
They began small, some in newspaper format, but in time grew to
become a great magazine. They had small beginnings but they
provided what was needed. The same holds true for GSM.
I believe we are long over due for a Gospel songwriter magazine,
and though we begin small and don’t quite look like a magazine,
please give us a little time, support and prayer and you’ll soon
see a magazine for Gospel songwriters you can be proud of.
Of course, we need advertisers. Although GSM is digital we still have monthly expenses and need advertising dollars to help keep it online. You can find advertising rates on our website and we trust you will become
one of our advertisers. Thanks!
We have a lot planned for GSM, several informative articles and goodies are “waiting in the wings” so be
sure to download each issue; it’ll get better and sweeter as we go.
I am excited about our Gospel Songwriters Convention and our Gospel Songwriter Awards and invite you to
participate. You’ll find more information within the pages of GSM.
Thank you for taking time to peruse GSM, we hope you will become a regular reader. And please, help us
pass the word about our magazine; it’s for Gospel songwriters, Gospel singers and folks who appreciate
those who write the Gospel in song.
Keep Writing, Pitching and Singing for Jesus!!!
www.ifcj.org
Be a part of end-time prophecy and help bring the Israelis home.
Please visit the IFCJ website and show your support. Thanks!
3
A Little Personal with Greg Day
Name: Gregory Allen Day
Birth Date: 7/13/62
Birthplace: Dover, Delaware
Spouse: Heather
Children: Zachary
Occupation: Music Evangelist
Approximate Songs Written: 150
Songs Recognized For: “Midnight Cry” and “Angels In The Room”, both
coauthored with my brother Chuck Day.
Awards: “Midnight Cry” received the 1988 Song of the Year Award from the Singing News Magazine and
the Gospel Voice Magazine.
Favorites:
Writing Location: While traveling
Song: “Yes I Am” written by Phil Cross, performed by the Hoppers
Songwriter: Ronny Hinson, Kenny Hinson, Phil Cross, and Squire Parsons
Artist: Ivan Parker, Randy Swift, and the Williams Brothers
Musician: pianist Dirk Johnson
Musical Instrument: Piano and Guitar
Songwriting Tool: Bible
Bible Scripture: Psalm 91
A Little Personal continued on page 5...
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A Little Personal continued...
Charity: Project Nehemiah (Jerusalem, Israel)
Book: The Bible, The Indwelling, and golf magazines
Animal: Dogs and Cats
Color: Blue
Store: Wal-Mart
Restaurant: Abby’s Grill
Food: Anything sweet
Holiday: Christmas
Click Here to visit
Greg’s website
Season: Fall
Hobby: Golf
TV Program: Weather Channel
Pet Peeve: Fast food servers not filling my order correctly. It happens too frequently.
Comment: I’m just a child of God, nothing special. I'm living proof that God can use anyone if they’ll just
submit themselves to Him and say, “Here I am, I’m your vessel, use me, whatever you want me to do, if it’s
writing songs, singing or just cleaning up the church”. It's all ministry.
Greg Day supports Israel and Project Nehemiah Ministries, you can too.
Please visit www.projectnehemiah.net and share your support. Thanks!
5
Do I Have A Song For You
Need Songs? These Gospel songwriters are waiting to serve you.
Click on their name to visit their webpage and hear their songs.
Please mention Gospel Songwriter Magazine when you contact them.
www.gospelsongwriter.com/JoeDiehl Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/BobEdmondson Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/DeeGaskin Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/DebbyHarrah Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/MarkHawkins Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/TammieHerring Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/FawnJacobs Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/JamesJordan Black Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/PhilKelly Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/WesLambert Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/MaryMaggard Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/MickeyMixon Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/NinaNash Bluegrass Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/DixiePhillips Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/KeithTurchan Southern Gospel
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G-team Spotlight
Highlighting GospelSongwriter.Com Writers
This issue, we shine the spotlight on G-team member Val Johnson. Some of our
readers are familiar with the many charting songs of this prolific songwriter.
Her song “Coming Soon” was released by the Spencers in the USA and the Virgin Islands in 1989 and quickly shot to the top of the charts in both countries.
Over 100 of her songs have been recorded by the Inspirations, the Singing
Cookes, Kevin Spencer, Rhonda Vincent, Buck Rambo, and many others.
Val started singing at the age of four and has written Gospel music for over
twenty years.
She hails from Sparta, Tennessee and proudly gives God the glory for all her
success in writing and ministering the Gospel in song.
You can learn more about Val, hear some of her songs and e-mail her via her profile page. We invite you to
contact her for songs, and please let her know you saw her featured in Gospel Songwriter Magazine.
www.gospelsongwriter.com/ValJohnson
www.migdalohrusa.org
Support the Children of Abraham.
Please visit the Migdal Ohr website to learn more.
Migdal Ohr (Hebrew for Tower of Light) was established in 1972 for the express purpose of providing
education and social guidance to the children from underprivileged and troubled homes from across
Israel. Homes with drug problems, impoverished, crime-ridden families, one-parent families in distress,
new immigrant families -- these are the target populations from which Migdal Ohr draws its nearly 6,500
students at all levels of the educational spectrum. Its goal - to transform these youngsters into proud
and productive citizens of Israel.
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GOSPEL SONGWRITERS CONVENTION
Gospel songwriters from around America came to Nashville TN for the Gospel Songwriters Convention,
March 4th, 5th and 6th, 2011, for a great time of fellowship, training and worship.
Our keynote speaker was the prolific and award winning Gospel songwriter Phil Cross. Phil was assisted by
some fabulous writers including the legendary Mosie Lister.
Phil Kelly said, “The convention by my definition was a wonderfully spiritually uplifting, emotional and
educational Mt. Everest experience... there were so many blessings that pounds of ink and tons of paper
would be required to capture the event...”
Kathy Woodward said, “What a powerful weekend for me as a songwriter. Phil Cross was an amazing
speaker, singer, teacher and friend… Already looking forward to 2012.”
Phil Cross said, “It was such a pleasure to participate at this year's Gospel Songwriters Convention. The
highlight for me was the fellowship with each songwriter and their guests. I feel like I made lifetime friends
and I know I'm going to be hearing wonderful songs from all my new songwriter family.”
Visit www.gospelsongwriter.com/2011-convention/report for photos and more comments.
Missed this year? That’s okay, we’re doing it again next year. See page 12 for information about this fantastic event for Gospel songwriters.
(be sure to register soon … space is limited)
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Favorite Songs
The Spirit Of Brokenness
Rodney Griffin
Every writer has a favorite song that they’ve written, and this is mine. No it’s not the fastest, highest or loudest but it’s my favorite. The reason is simple; I’ll always have a need to be broken. Wherever I am in my relationship to God I’ll always need to be closer. I’ll never be finished. I’ll always need a
little bending here and there. And you know, He won’t do anything with me until I give
Him permission. He won’t barge in. He’s a perfect gentleman. That’s why Rodney Griffin needs to hear this song.
Our group’s (Greater Vision) favorite evangelist is Bill Stafford, from Chattanooga, Tennessee. His every message seems to come back to one theme, brokenness. And we need
to hear it. You see, in the Gospel music world we are constantly being told that we singers are great, talented and the best of the best. And, if we believe what we hear we will
believe something false about ourselves. The truth is, we are no different than anyone
else. We are simply Christians. And every Christian has the same struggle, the Spirit versus the flesh. The flesh loves to hear about how good it is. It loves to think that it doesn’t need help from
God to attain goodness. And if you were honest you’d admit that your flesh feels the same way. It does not
like to be told what to do, by God or anybody. Therefore, we all could use a little brokenness, whether we
make our living on a stage or on a construction site.
I wrote this song with Gerald in mind to sing it. After hearing so many Bill Stafford sermons on brokenness I
knew there had to be a song here. I finished the chorus and sat on it for six months. I could not get anywhere
on the verses. All I knew was that I wanted the song to have the theme of humility all through it. I wanted to
open up my heart and take the listener on a very personal journey of my spiritual walk with God, so I wrote
it in the first person.
You see, none of us stays on the spiritual mountaintop forever. This walk is oftentimes a struggle. And, it’s a
battle that can only be won by one with a humble spirit, a spirit of brokenness.
Considerable Quotes
A painter paints pictures on canvas, but musicians paint their pictures on silence.
~ Leopold Stokowski
I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I
sing praises unto thee. Psalms 144:9
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Training Tips
Song Structure & Self Editing
Twila LaBar
The journey of songwriting is a learning process for every songwriter. Many songwriters write from the
heart but do not have structure to their songs. Song structure - this phrase probably doesn’t make you want
to grab your guitar and start writing a song. Learning about song structure will help songwriters craft better
songs and become better songwriters.
Song structure is key when writing songs for popular genres and for artists. There are several “formulas” for
structuring a song.
Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus is a common formula.
This is the ABAB formula, A = verse, B = Chorus.
Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus/Bridge is another common song formula.
ABABCB, with C being the Bridge.
Many hymns are AAAA - Verse/Verse/Verse/Verse.
Amazing Grace is an example of this formula.
Another formula is AABA - Verse/Verse/Chorus or Bridge/Verse.
Southern Gospel music typically follows a structure of Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus. Not all songs have bridges and not all songs need a bridge.
Writing with structure will help your song follow a pattern that will draw your listener in and help you tell
your story in just a few minutes rather than page after page of ideas that aren’t singable or memorable.
Some songwriters write ideas or sentences and call it a song. Their “song” is in list form and really has no
structure at all. A while back a new songwriter wanted me to review his new song. He handed me the lyric
and instantly I could see there was no structure to his song. It was two pages of sentences with no chorus, no
verse and no structure. Imagine hearing a song like this and trying to remember any part of the song.
As songwriters our goal is to convey our message to the listener in a way that will help them remember the
song and want to hear it again. Songs that are written using the formulas listed above will have a better
chance of the listener remembering the title or concept of the song.
The use of repetition will also make your song more memorable. Let’s say you are writing a song and the
title of your song is the first line of the chorus. The lyric for verse 1 should setup your concept or idea and
start setting up the hook or title that is placed in the first line of the chorus. Listeners want to hear that title
over and over so it’s great to place the title in the chorus again, perhaps in the middle or at the end of the
chorus. By the time the second chorus rolls around after verse 2 the listener will probably have a good idea
of what will be coming in the first line of the chorus.
Song Structure & Self Editing continued on page 11...
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Song Structure & Self Editing continued...
Starting out as a young writer I wrote many songs and dreamed of artists some day recording my songs. I
followed song structures but didn’t realize the importance of self editing or critiquing my own songs. My
songs were my treasures and I didn’t want to go back and change anything about them once they were finished. When I started meeting with publishers I soon realized the importance of digging deeper to find better
lyrics, stronger ideas and more creative melodies. This will also help you write better songs.
I encourage you to dare to go on your journey of songwriting and write many songs. Good ones, mediocre
ones, bad ones - don’t be afraid to write them all. Just write! Those songs will help you grow and become a
better writer. Each song you write plays an important part in your development as a songwriter. Following
song structure as you write will help you remain focused on your hook or title and will draw in the listener.
Your song will be more memorable as well.
Songs are written to be sung and heard. So sharpen your skills and learn more about the craft of songwriting
by reading, listening to great songs, studying lyrics. Try writing in the style of your favorite songs or even
genres you aren’t familiar with and follow a formula for structuring your song to make it the best it can be.
Imagine how far your journey can take you if you only dare to sharpen your skills and write, write, write!
Royalty Reminder
Thank you for paying royalties.
Gospel songwriters appreciate your recording and performance of their songs, and your support
via paid royalties. Demo production, CD duplication and shipping, and internet costs can be quite
expensive. Royalties help defray the cost and keep these writers writing more great songs for you
to employ. So, again we say, thank you for paying royalties.
Owe no man anything but to love one another, for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8
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Gospel Songwriters Convention
Celebrating The Gift The Gifted & The Giver
Join us for one of the greatest events for Gospel songwriters. Edification, education, fellowship, prizes,
gifts, awards, Jubilee and more; enjoy seminars, chapel services, Gospel music and a great time in the Lord.
Date: March 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2012
Place: Nashville, Tennessee
Facility: Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumnashville
Seminar Subjects Include:
Demo Secrets: How To Get Demos Produced For Free, The Pros And Cons Of Production, The Translation
Factor, The Harmony Factor, The Blend Factor, and How To Make Money.
Nuggets Of Knowledge: Word Painting, Writing Poetically, Simplicity & Profundity, The Amen Factor.
We’ll have a live Song Review and interview with Daywind Record’s Rick Shelton.
Our special guests Lewis & Lewis will teach and minister in song.
Saturday evening includes Communion and the Gospel Songwriter Awards ceremony.
Sunday evening we conclude with our Jubilee; registered, Gospel songwriters are invited to sing one of
their songs for us. This is one of the "favorites" of our convention.
Rick Shelton
Lewis & Lewis
Mickey Mixon
Space is limited so register soon. Visit our convention webpage for more details about our convention, how
to register and how to reserve your guestroom at Millennium Maxwell House Hotel. We’ll see you there!!!
www.GospelSongwriter.Com/2012-Convention
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“Song Helped Raise $2,000”
The Kelly’s ~ I’ve Got Crohn's
G-team member, Phil Kelly (singing and playing piano) wrote a song for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
of America (CCFA).
The song was part of a fund raising event “Take Steps, Be Heard for Crohn's and Colitis”. The walk took
place in Birmingham Alabama, May 14, 2011. Participants walked to raise money for the CCFA.
Phil and the Kelly’s performed his song “I've Got Crohn’s” for entertainment and to help generate awareness for this great organization.
Phil’s daughter, Allison (singing and walking in the photos) is battling Crohn’s disease and is working to
help support the CCFA and others who are fighting Crohn’s.
This year, Allison and her walking team earned over $2,000 for CCFA. She will be on the planning committee for a walk at Gulf Shores Alabama this fall.
Last year Phil wrote “The Storm Before The Calm” for the CCFA. The Kelly’s performed both songs at this
year’s event.
Mickey Mixon said, “I’m proud of Phil. I appreciate when writers use their talent to support worthy causes
and organizations, that is also ministry and true success. Way to go Phil”.
www.ccfa.org
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I’m Inspired
Gerald Crabb
I think that to really be able to write a Gospel song you need an experience with Jesus Christ. I don’t think
you can really express something you don’t know anything about.
I have talked with some secular writers, who are not really tuned in, they were
great writers but they just didn’t get the point. You can tell they haven’t had
that experience.
Your soul has to be touched first before you are able to express and explain
something. You need to have an experience with Jesus in order to really be
able to express what you feel.
Also, you need to be open to the leading of the Spirit. I’m inspired, I can’t just sit down and write and say
“okay I’m going to write a song about the sky is blue and the grass is green” I can’t hardly do that, if I did it
wouldn’t be worth listening to.
The Lord inspires me and gives me thoughts. There have been times I needed to write and I asked Him to
help me and He did, He gave me the inspiration.
Without the spiritual involvement of the Holy Spirit, and us having an experience with Christ and being in
the Word, I don’t think there would be any Gospel songs.
Tidbits
Gerald Crabb received three Dove Awards (pictured above) April 20, 2011 in Atlanta, GA during the 42nd
Annual GMA Dove Awards at the Fox Theatre. Gerald received an award for Songwriter Of The Year, and
one for Song Of The Year for his song “Sometimes I Cry”. He owns part of the publishing of this song thus
the third award for publishing Song Of The Year. It’s been 35 years since a Southern Gospel songwriter received a Dove Award for Songwriter Of The Year.
The Loynachan’s recently completed their new album. Eight of the songs recorded were written by G-team
writers which include “Let It Rain” by Linda Barton, “When God Moves” by Sandy Bloemer, “I Came To
Get My Blessing” by Michael Crocker, “Jesus, You’re My Everything” by Joe Diehl, “Throne Of Grace”
by Buddy Durrett, “Mountain Moving God” by Mark Hawkins, “Just Look Up, God’s Looking Down” by
Tammie Herring, and “Tunblin' Walls” by Roger Barkley.
G-team member, Mark Hawkins recently placed as a top 5 finalist in the 2011 Singing News Magazine
Songwriters Search Contest with his song “Lord It’s The Journey”.
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Pitch Sheet
This list includes the name, contact information, style of Gospel music the artist
is requesting for review, and performance format (solo, trio, quartet). Feel free
to pitch your songs accordingly and let the artists know you saw them listed on
the Gospel Songwriter Magazine Pitch Sheet. Thanks!
CrossWalk
PO Box 19126
Colorado City CO 81019
Country Gospel, Southern Gospel
Quartet
Red White & Bluegrass
3565 Highway 378
Conway SC 29527
Bluegrass Gospel
Trio
Hope For Tomorrow Trio
1120 Old Alabama Rd SW
McDonald TN 37353
Southern Gospel
Trio
David Smith
43 Walnut Rd
West Liberty KY 41472
Country Gospel, Southern Gospel
Soloist
In His Name
1270 Camp Road
Salisbury NC 28147
Bluegrass Gospel, Southern Gospel
Duet
James Smith
38845 LA Hwy 16
Denham Springs LA 70706
Black Gospel, Southern Gospel
Soloist
Nella Jenkins & Company
111 Loren Ryan Drive
Aurora TX 76078
Country Gospel, Southern Gospel
Soloist
Kimberly Ward
276 Kentwood Lane
Lexington NC 27295
Praise & Worship
Soloist
Promise Trio
13011 Greencreek Drive
Charlotte NC 28273
Contemporary Gospel, Southern Gospel
Trio
Rhonda Whitt
PO Box 151
Mullens WV 25882
Southern Gospel
Soloist
Get Listed ~ It’s Free
Are you a Gospel singer? Would you or your group like to be listed on our Pitch Sheet?
Visit our Artist Service page on GospelSongwriter.Com for details on how you can be listed.
15
Freedom Throughout Eternity
Fawn Jacobs
Webster defines Independence as “Freedom from the control of another”. Thank
God for the freedom we have in America.
On July 4, 1776 our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence, laying the
ground rules and foundation for America and what it stands for. It was written by
Thomas Jefferson as an announcement and affirmation of the freedom of the colonies from the rule and control of Great Britain.
America was built on God, of whom our leaders reverenced. This is what made
America great, along with the blessings of God. Over the years, many have fought
and died for the sake of our freedom and still today we have the freedom to make choices, voice our opinion and live in peace. Sadly, some have turned aside from this Godly foundation but God still has a people
in this land and He still gives us a choice.
Over 2000 years ago, on a hill called Mount Calvary, Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, made a way
for all who would choose to be free from the bondage and control of sin and satan. The battle for our souls
was fought the day Jesus bled and died for you and me. Then, on that third day, He arose from the grave
and became the Victor, defeating the power of death and damnation.
Praise the Lord; He signed our spiritual Declaration of Independence on the cross with His blood, so that
cross stands for freedom, freedom you can claim if you have yet to do so, freedom that will last throughout
eternity.
Happy Independence Day
16
In Loving Memory
Harold Lane
February 1, 1929 ~ June 6, 2011
Mr. Lane was a native of West Virginia. He became a noted singer, songwriter,
teacher and Gospel music arranger.
As a writer, his hit songs include “Standing On The Solid Rock”, “Touring That
City” and “What Sins Are You Talking About”.
As a singer, he performed with the Gospel Harmony Boys Quartet, the Homeland
Harmony Quartet, and the Speer Family.
He arranged and edited six books of orchestral accompaniment for congregational singing. He taught at the
Stamps-Baxter School of Music as well as the Ben Speer School of Music. He influenced many young
lives as the band director for Wayne High School.
Mr. Lane was an inductee of the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2009.
He passed away at age 82.
www.sgma.org/inductee_bios/harold_lane.htm
Shannon Childress
April 6, 1965 ~ May 16, 2011
In the 1980s and 1990s, Shannon was the pianist for the Hopper’s and sometimes filled in as bass vocalist.
He wrote or co-wrote some of the Hoppers hit songs including “Anchor To The
Power Of The Cross” and “Milk And Honey”.
After leaving the Hoppers, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he continued writing and producing
music, teaching piano and voice and playing piano at Faith Baptist Church and Holy Trinity Community
Church. He also worked as a paralegal for Adams and Reese Entertainment Law Firm, Nashville.
He passed away at age 46.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord
shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive
and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1st Thessalonians 4:14-18
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Kudos
Thanks, we appreciate your kind words, it helps us know we’re on the right track.
Thank you Mickey and thanks to all your wonderful writers. We received some of the most beautiful songs
we have ever heard. All the songs we have chosen for our project came from GospelSongwriter.Com and
we plan to record them in July.
May God Richly Bless You,
Ron & Sandi Carter
Hey Mickey, just wanted to say thanks for the invaluable service you are providing. We recorded two songs
from two of your writers on our first project, one of them being a national release. God is blessing us
through this music that was provided through your service. What a joy it must be to know that you are a
conduit for the Lord. We look forward to hearing more from your songwriters in the future.
Thanks Again,
Kelly Gragg
One Hope Ministries
We used your service a few times and have had great results. The writers have been very nice and responsive. I have been contacted by several groups wanting to know where we get our songs. I sent them to you
and they have been so happy. Thank you Gospel songwriters.
God Bless,
Rick Carroll
Joyful Noyz Ministries
Mickey, thanks to your website we received some great music from some great writers. We were introduced to Dave Williford; we recorded and released one of his songs, “Jesus Saved My Soul”. That release
is being played on XM Radio and Sirius Radio.
God Bless Your Ministry,
John Graves
Of 1 Accord
I want to say a huge THANK YOU to you Mickey and all the talented writers at GospelSongwriter.Com.
We have used your site for several years and have recorded dozens of songs from your writers.
Blessings,
Gregg Martin
The Gospelmen
18
Song Story
Tammie Herring
Tery Wilkins is a busy individual. He is a worship leader, songwriter, music publisher and a financial analyst for the U.S. Navy. Tammie shares the story behind
his song “Anything But Ordinary Everything But Typical”.
TH: Tell us how you came to write this great song.
TW: Well; me and my bud Adam Kohout have known each other for a long time
and I consider him one of my dearest friends and more like a brother. He had this
chorus idea and called me about it. I loved his chorus and bugged and bugged him
to let's finish this tune. I began to think about how it must have been when Jesus
was healing the masses, performing all kinds of miracles and this one guy who was lame wanted to get right
in the middle of it, so they lifted him up onto the roof and everyone began to shout “There's a miracle on its
way” because they knew when God shows up he shows out (I love that title). We finished the second verse
together and the rest is history.
TH: How did you get the song to the Dove Brothers Quartet and what has
been the song’s journey?
TW: Actually, Adam and I were writing for Crossroads Music (The Dove's
Record Label) and once Greg Bentley (Crossroads Guru) heard the tune he
pitched it to them, they recorded and singled it. BMI reported it as the most
performed song on Christian radio in 2007 and presented me an award for it;
thank you Adam, thank you Greg, thank you Doves, and more than anything,
thank you God.
Tery Wilkins
TH: And thank you Tery for sharing your Song Story with us. Keep up the great work.
Gospel Songwriter Awards
Be sure to download your copy of the September issue of GSM, it contains information
about how you can cast your vote for Songwriter Of The Year.
Note: Voters must be a subscriber of Gospel Songwriter Magazine, so be sure to subscribe,
it’s free. You can subscribe via our website www.gospelsongwriter.com.
19
Happy Birthday GospelSongwriter.Com
June 10th 1999 Mickey registered the domain name and before the
end of the month GospelSongwriter.Com was online and being used
by Gospel singers and songwriters all across America.
Mickey said, “I am grateful to all the singers and songwriters who
blessed this ministry with the opportunity to serve them. Thanks to all
who supported this ministry and helped make it what it has become
during the past 12 years. To God Be The Glory”.
Happy Birthday GospelSongwriter.Com - I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful ministry to singers
and songwriters. May God give you many more years to come.
Debbie Davis
Happy Birthday GospelSongwriter.Com - This is your final preteen party but I hope you have a blast
throughout your teenage years.
James McMickin
I want to personally wish GospelSongwriter.Com Happy Birthday. It has been an oasis of encouragement in
the middle of a desert for my songwriting. The fellowship over the past few years and especially the convention has been mighty blessings for me and my family. Thank God for the Mixon's and their sacrifice for
us fledgling songwriters, for the encouragements and programs. Happy Birthday GospelSongwriter.Com.
Phil Kelly
Happy Birthday to a wonderful, God-honoring organization - As a songwriter, I feel blessed to finally have
a voice in the Gospel music industry. God Bless.
Cara DeFriece
Happy 12th Birthday GospelSongwriter.Com - What a blessing you have been to the songwriter. God bless
you for the connections you've made between writer and singer.
Fawn Jacobs
Happy Birthday! Mickey, I appreciate your hard work.
Steve Hurst
Steve Hurst School of Music
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The Message
Ronny Hinson
Sometimes I feel like “boy, I’ve written everything that can be written” and I
wonder “are people really taking my music seriously or is it just all about the
charts, politics and seeing who can get to the record execs better or quicker
than another writer” in order to get a song recorded or get an artist to listen to a
song. Or, is it still about the message of the song.
There was a time I got to the point where I thought, “Well, I think I’ll just kind
of put my focus someplace else”, and then I was reminded of my song The
Lighthouse.
Even after The Lighthouse won several awards the real award came when I
was at a singing in Atlanta, GA. A man came up to me and relayed his story.
He said, “You don’t know me and I don’t know you, but this is my first time to come to a Gospel concert. I
have never known anything about Gospel music and I’ve never known anything about God. But I was on my
way home from work, recently one Friday. I left my job and told my fellow workers goodbye. They didn’t
know but I was saying goodbye to them for the last time”.
He said, “I was headed home, where I already had the revolver on my dresser, and I knew when I got home I
was going to put the gun in my mouth and pull the trigger. I was driving on the 285 bypass in Atlanta and I
got stuck in some heavy traffic. I got frustrated and started thinking of something I could do to keep my
mind from talking me out of what I was intending to do, so I turned on the radio. There was some kind of
weird music coming out of the radio, talking about a lighthouse, and about Jesus being the lighthouse that
will keep your life from crashing against the rocks. I tried to turn the radio knob but it wouldn’t change the
station, and I have a brand new car. So, I listened to the song.”
He said, “Something started causing my eyes to flood with tears and I couldn’t see. I became concerned that
if the traffic started moving then I might cause an accident and someone else’s life would be at risk so I
pulled off to the side of the road. After I pulled over God began to touch my heart. I got out of my car, went
to the passenger side, opened the door and knelt in the dirt by the seat. I asked God if He could help me, that
if He could be that lighthouse to me to please help me.”
He continued, “I have been hunting for that song and the writer of that song. This weekend, while reading
the newspaper, I saw the advertisement that you were going to be here in Atlanta. And I have come to see
you and tell you my story”.
This story still looms heavy in my mind especially when I think about how this modern age seems to put
more emphasis on the beat and rhythm and high instrumentation of a song. I still think the emphasis should
be on the message of the song and when I try to deviate from that God brings me back to a testimony such as
this one and reminds me that it’s still about the message of the song.
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M
Snapshot
Red, White & Bluegrass
Let’s take a quick look at Red, White & Bluegrass.
Red, White & Bluegrass is a Bluegrass Gospel group
based in Conway, South Carolina.
The group consists of Gwen White Johnson, Barbara
White Old, Randy Smith, Josh Greene, Chris Holmes and
his children Josie, Emily and Lee.
The group was known as the Red White Family. After
the passing of the father and originator of the group, the
name was changed to Red, White & Bluegrass.
Red, White & Bluegrass performs approximately 40
times per year, in churches, festivals and concerts throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia,
Pennsylvania, Georgia and Florida.
They have recorded 10 albums since their beginning in the 1960’s.
Red, White & Bluegrass received the Jean Laney Folk Heritage Award for their accomplishment and furtherance of Bluegrass Gospel music. The award was presented to them by South Carolina Lt. Governor Bob
Peeler.
The group is currently looking for songs to review; you’ll find them listed in our Pitch Sheet, on page 14.
God bless you Red, White & Bluegrass as you continue to serve Him via Gospel music.
Gospel Songwriter Magazine is on
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Thanks
Okay friend, that’s it for this issue of Gospel Songwriter Magazine. Thanks for taking time to read our
magazine, we trust you enjoyed it, feel free to peruse through it again.
We’re already working on our next issue which is scheduled for September. It
will include more goodies for you to enjoy along with information about our
upcoming awards and an article about my hero Kenny Hinson.
Don’t forget our Gospel Songwriters Convention, we’re going to have a great
time in the Lord, I would love to see you there. Remember, space is limited so
you need to register for our convention and reserve your hotel guestroom as
soon as you can.
Kenny and Mickey
Thanks to those who contributed to this issue of GSM, I enjoyed your articles.
And thanks to those who will contribute to GSM in the future. We appreciate your articles and support of
this magazine. We can’t do it without you.
Thanks to all who will share GSM with those you believe will appreciate reading it.
Be sure to subscribe to the Gospel Songwriter Magazine e-mail list so we can alert you when each issue is
ready for you to download, we don’t want you to miss a single issue. Thanks!!!
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