Artist: Joanne Cash & Johnny Cash Song: Lower Lights CD: Gospel Genre: southgospel Label:ACME Music Group Homepage
With twenty-six historic recordings under her belt, the acclaimed autobiography My Fears Are Gone, continuous concert appearances and lineage to one of music’s most famous families, Joanne Cash has countless tales to tell.
But more than artistic accolades, her slew of collaborations with brother Johnny Cash and having spent several years working at the historic House of Cash hit making factory, the singer/songwriter extraordinaire is driven by a deeper sense of eternal purpose, despite times of trial and seasons of straying.
“My main purpose in this music is to win the lost and uplift the downtrodden, Cash says of her brand new career-spanning compilation Gospel. “I don’t think we have much time left before Christ comes again and I want to be everything I can be for Jesus. I’ve seen so many people try and build their kingdom in music, but I don’t worry about any of that earthly gain. When you let God do it, that’s when the real effectiveness happens.”
On of the last tracks Joanne and Johnny ever recorded together was “Lower Lights,” which is highlighted by Joanne’s sweet disposition and Johnny’s weakening but inspiring voice that signifies a genuine, holy-spirit directed moment.
“I’m amazed that at my age I still want to sing, but it’s like therapy for me,” she summarizes. “I’d say 2003 was one of the hardest years of my life since we lost four family members - our oldest sister Louise, June, Johnny and June’s daughter Rosie- but it’s like a prayer that lifts me up and it rests me when I’m tired. Johnny always helped me remember that and he was constantly encouraging. But there was one short phrase from Johnny that’s always stuck with me and it’s one I’ll continue for as long as I’m here: ‘Baby, just keep on singing!’”
CONTACT: Publicity Brian Mayes - Nashville Publicity Group 5016 Spedale Ct., Suite 394 Spring Hill, TN 37174
Artist: Monte Stephens Song: Crying CD: Time Genre: southgospel Label:Freedom Records Homepage
FREEDOM RECORDS P. O. Box 5572 Maryville, TN 37802
Monte Stephens was given Grammy consideration for ... Best New Artist of the Year! (Category 4) Gospel Song of the Year "Crying" (Category 52) Gospel Album of the Year (Category 55)
Although Monte's efforts did not achieve final nomination ... Monte is humbled and sincerely appreciates the Academy's attention!
The Godfather of Christian Country Music MONTE STEPHENS BIO
THE GHOST IS BACK! After a ten-year absence from the studio, Stephens is releasing his new album "TIME". His 1994 "OUT OF HIS SIDE" album gave him TWO .. 1 hits and six songs made the international TOP 20. Nominated for "Album Of The Year" "Songwriter and Veteran Vocalist Of The Year" and won the "Horizon Award" and disappeared once again from the music scenic. Now the ghost is back!
With the recording of "TIME", many in the music industry say it is Stephens' best to date. Nashville engineer Ken Isham who has over 30 years experience at the mixing board said, "after this project was completed, I would find myself getting out of bed at night and going to the studio and listening to it again. In my view it's one of those recordings that wins awards." Freedom Records producer Gerri' Dee said, "looking at the world of music through Monte's windshield is a challenge, but I was blessed to be apart of the creative process."
Called the "Godfather of Christian country music", Stephens has been writing and performing his country style of gospel music three decades before the Christian Country Music Association was formed in Nashville.
"TIME" has been in the making for three years, picking songs Stephens has written over a four-decade span of time. Monte also chose a couple of songs written by two dear friends, Sammy Ammons and D. Royce Baird, both of which have had gold and platinum ink flow from their pens. Know to include on his recordings a gospel classic, Monte chose Ronnie Hinson's "When He Was On The Cross." Hinson upon hearing Monte's vocal performance of his classic said, "I loved his vocal phrasing, Monte truly made the song his own. Quoting the remarks of others about one of gospel music's "unique stylists" is totally insufficient.
The album "TIME" must be heard, to experience the spiritual journey through music Monte will take you. I walked away with the feeling "what a ride."
Freedom Records: Publicist Ron Lewis For Booking Information: Write P.O.Box 5572 Maryville, Tn. 37802
