The Talleys – Wherever I Am (1984) By summer of 1984, the Talleys had signed with Canaan Records and were soon in the studio recording their first label album, and the comparison between this album and their first 2 independent recordings is like night and day! During the time leading up to signing with Canaan, …
Arden, North Carolina — “2023 was a year of change for The Kingdom Heirs,” Dollywood’s resident Southern Gospel group observe at the start of the liner notes to No Better Time, their new album for Sonlite Records. What follows proves that they’re masters, not just of legendary singing, but of understatement. “In our 40-plus years of ministry, we had never seen anything quite like it. Within a six month span, we replaced three out of four of our front line vocals and added a guitar player/vocalist. This project is nothing short of a miracle from God, along with help and encouragement from so many people!”
Indeed, though the turnover has been substantial since last year’s collection of genre classics, Something Good, Vol. 3, the release of three singles in advance of the full project reassured longtime and recent fans alike that the Kingdom Heirs sound and spirit were as strong as ever. From the classic, jaunty opening piano of the “The Lord’s Been Good to Me” to the more contemporary flavor of the closing “Yesterday, Today, Forever Faithful,” No Better Time offers up a rounded portrait of multi-dimensional artistry placed in the service of the Gospel.
Yet while a string section makes appearances on radio favorite “Until Prayer Changes Me” and the meditative “Already Free,” and horns enliven the title track, country flavors, soulful harmonies, and traditional touches predominate on numbers such as the up-tempo “All The Way To The Gates,” recent single “I Want To Live Like Jesus,” the gently syncopated “We’ll Be Moving” and focus track “I Went Down.” And though there are somber moments in the empathetic “Life Hurts, God Heals” and “He Still Is,” with its aching tenor lead vocal, most of No Better Time’s themes are perfectly summed up in the chorus of its title track:
No better time than the present
No better time than the now
No better time than the moment
To be touched by His power
And see once again He’s so faithful
He’s always changing lives
No better way, no better day, no better time
“This album is something every member of our group should be very proud of,” the liner notes affirm. “Each guy was involved in every aspect of the finished product. There also would not be a ‘finished product’ if not for all the songwriters who submitted material that took a considerable amount of time to process. There were so many great songs, and we feel that we chose the best of the best. Thank you, songwriters, for your talent and commitment to keep sharing words that change people’s lives!
“Last but certainly not least, THANK YOU to our family and friends, who not only support what we do, but more importantly, you BELIEVE in what we do! Without each one of you who is sitting in our audience daily or sitting at home praying for us daily, this ministry would be nothing more than a bunch of guys playing music! We love you, and thank you…YOU make this possible!!”
No Better Time is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and TIDAL. Listen to it HERE.
NASHVILLE TN, (Nov 1st, 2024) – Marking a new chapter under the Daywind Music Group umbrella, the legendary Southern Gospel group LeFevre Quartet announces their partnership with Daywind Records. Originally signed in 2017 with New Day Records, the LeFevre Quartet has since released four albums under the New Day Records banner garnering multiple award nominations and #1 singles. This …
NASHVILLE, TN – Marking a new chapter under the Daywind Music Group umbrella, the legendary Southern Gospel group LeFevre Quartet announces their partnership with Daywind Records. Originally signed in 2017 with New Day Records, the LeFevre Quartet has since released four albums under the New Day Records banner, garnering multiple award nominations and #1 singles.
This latest partnership with Daywind Records was made official at the 2024 National Quartet Convention, where LeFevre Quartet also celebrated their nomination for the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Album of the Year for Nobody Like Jesus. The nomination, along with this exciting new signing, highlights a landmark year for the group as they continue their legacy within the Southern Gospel community.
For nearly two decades, the LeFevre Quartet, now comprised of Mike LeFevre (Baritone), Jordan LeFevre (Lead), Jonathan Price (Tenor), Daniel Ashmore (Bass), and Channing Eleton (Pianist), have earned a reputation for their rich harmonies, high-energy performances, and an unwavering dedication to sharing the hope and truth of the Gospel through their music. Their transition to Daywind Records brings new opportunities to expand their reach and continue delivering music that inspires and uplifts listeners worldwide for generations to come.
In celebrating the extension of the relationship, Dusty Wells, Director of Artist Relations at Daywind Records, shared, “We here at Daywind Records respect and love working alongside Mike and Jordan LeFevre and all the members of the LeFevre Quartet. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are signing them to a new long-term contract with Daywind Records. The group is known for their incredible legacy of ministry and music, and they continue to bring out some of the finest music to their ever-growing fan and friend base. I am a huge fan, myself, and cannot wait to get back into the studio with them for a new recording that will be coming early next year. Mike is a dear friend, and I love and admire his consistency, passion, and care for the group and their mission.
Mike LeFevre added, “We are thrilled and honored to renew our relationship with Daywind! They are not just a record company, but are family to us. We are very thankful that God has allowed us to continue partnering with them.”
To book the LeFevre Quartet, email lefevrebooking@gmail.com or call (706) 333-7171.
Arden, North Carolina (November 1, 2024) — “2023 was a year of change for The Kingdom Heirs,” Dollywood’s resident Southern Gospel group observe at the start of the liner notes to No Better Time, their new album for Sonlite Records. What follows proves that they’re masters, not just of legendary singing, but of understatement. “In our 40-plus years of ministry, we had never seen …
East Tennessee – Sacred Harmony, a renowned trio founded and led by Janet Weaver, is thrilled to announce the addition of new members to their group in mid-2024. These talented artists are well-acquainted with the Christian music scene, enhancing the group’s mission to create a worshipful experience that blends gospel, country, and praise music. Joining Sacred Harmony are Melissa Evans, a multi-award-winning solo artist from Kentucky, who brings her strong vocals and extensive performance experience, and Caleb Howard, a Kentucky resident and award-winning artist known in the country gospel realm. Their unique musical styles will contribute to a fresh dynamic within the group’s harmonies, whether delivering intimate a cappella pieces or bold ballads. The ensemble also features Greg Odom as a talented stand-in member, providing flexibility and powerful vocal support across various performances. Together, these gifted artists elevate Sacred Harmony’s musical offerings.
Sacred Harmony is excited to share newly released music with their audience, recorded and produced by Godsey Media at Daywind Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Their latest singles have received notable attention, achieving impressive placements on the Singing News Faith Country Top 40 chart. In addition to group performances, each member will continue their individual ministries, releasing solo music and hosting solo concerts on select dates. The group is also in production for new episodes of their television program, “Behind the Scenes with Sacred Harmony,” airing online. For more information on Sacred Harmony, including their ministry and concert schedule, please visit sacredharmony1.com.
Paul Edward Marker
October 20, 1946 — October 27, 2024
Portland, Tennessee
Paul Edward Marker, known affectionately to many as Ed, went home to be with Jesus on October 27, 2024, at the age of 78. Ed was a devoted husband, stepfather, and step-grandfather who lived a life rich in love and purpose.
Ed was born to Marcus Paul and Louise Esther Marker (Lee) on October 20, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Ed dedicated 31 years of his career to the State of Tennessee where his passion and dedication earned him the respect of his peers. He was known for his integrity and work ethic, always willing to lend a helping hand.
Ed had an unwavering faith in God and his life was a testament to his faith. He was humble, kind and loved his family and friends. His life will be remembered as one of service, friendship, and unwavering faith. He was an active member of the Portland General Baptist Church, where his love for the Lord was evident to all who knew him.
Outside of his professional and spiritual life, Ed had a passion for Southern Gospel music, photography, and meeting new people. His friendly and open nature meant he never met a stranger.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, M. Paul and Louise Esther Marker, his first wife, Deborah Marker, and brothers Stephen Bartron and Mark E. Marker.
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Doris C. Marker, stepson Ricky Archer (Candy) of Trion, GA, stepdaughter Vanessa Jacobs (Ron) of Portland, TN, brothers Phillip R. Marker (Paulette) and Daniel W. Marker (Susan) both from Kettering, Ohio, sisters Elizabeth Bartron Pittenger of Weedville, PA, and Carol Bartron Furtick of Gaston, South Carolina. He also leaves behind many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins who will miss him dearly.
A service to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at Portland General Baptist, 107 W. Market St., Portland, TN 37148 on Friday, November 1, 2024. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (central time), followed by the service at 1:00 p.m. (central time). Ed will be deeply missed and will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and the joy he brought to those around him.
Read the original obituary at www.sumnerfuneral.com/obituaries/paul-marker.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Moved by the magnitude of need in the mountains of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee following the unprecedented destruction left by Hurricane Helene, bluegrass hitmakers and native Appalachians Chosen Road are bringing together a star-studded lineup for “Mountain Aid: Music For Healing, Strength For Tomorrow.” Presented by Food City, the concert—featuring some of Christian music’s …
The Talleys – As For Me and My House (1983) / Lift Up Your Voice (1984) In December 1983, Roger and Debra resigned from the Hoppers, and Kirk resigned from the Cathedrals, and sang for the first time together in public as the Talleys in January 1984. In fact, before they ever officially started the …
Nashville, TN – Over the past five decades, it’s safe to say The Perrys have enjoyed quite an amazing journey. Their walk has been filled with many mountaintop experiences, as well as difficult valleys. The path hasn’t always been easy, but charter member Libbi Perry Stuffle and The Perrys are evidence that, along the journey, we make discoveries about ourselves …
