Power Source Magazine - April 2024 by Power Source Magazine

A Christian Music Magazine APRIL 2024

The Education of Music

The Education of Music 2

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Welcome to the Education of Music Issue - April 2024! The month of March is designated to honor Music Education, as the calendar set it was to be our Easter celebration. We stand with you in celebration that HE ROSE and with that WE RISE! Thank you to Father God for sending His Son to Save each of us! In this issue we talk about the music, all of it, every genre, it is a true Education of Music. Plus all of your favorites pack the pages, don’t miss a word and make sure to check out the music and the artists that fill the pages. There are some exciting announcements inside that you don’t want to miss. It’s Power Source, Your Christian Music Magazine! Get inside the pages to see the artist spotlight on chart topper Stephen McWhirter. The Power Source Magazine Top 40 Christian Country Chart awaits and so much more, don’t miss a page! Thank you for your support and the honor to bring this publication to you each month! We have so much exciting news to share between publications, make sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!

Be Empowered,

Cece Owens

Monica Walker Mandy Hall 3

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CONTENTS INDUSTRY

EDITORIAL

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT- STEPHEN WHIRTER

SONGWRITERS CAFE

THE EDUCATION OF MUSIC

CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS

MASTERS OF AIR

ARTIST CONNECTION

SUZZETTE MICHAELS

TENFIFTYSEVEN MEDIA TIPS

GODLY WOMAN

#READTHERED

CONGITATIN WITH GENE

MUSIC

LIFESTYLE

CHRISTIAN COUNTRY TOP 40

GLUTEN FREE RECIPES

FAVE TEN CHRISTIAN MUSIC

MINISTRY MOMENTS

CHRISTIAN BLUEGRASS TOP 10

SONGTRIPPIN TRAVELS

REVIEW / REWIND

ON THE ROAD READS

PROMOTIONS

STAGE STYLES

Power PowerTeam. Team. Publisher Publisher TenFiftySeven TenFiftySeven Media Media Group Group Editor Editor in in Chief Chief CeCe CeCe Owens Owens Deputy Deputy Editor Editor Monica Monica Walker Walker Senior Senior Editor Editor Mandy Mandy Hall Hall Contributors Contributors Corey Corey Lee Lee Barker, Barker, Rebecca Rebecca Higgins, Higgins, KristeNicole, KristeNicole, Monica Monica Walker, Walker, CeCe CeCe Owens, Owens, Gene Gene Reasoner, Reasoner, Shane Shane Roark, Roark, William William Harris, Harris, Suzzette Suzzette Michaels Michaels Chief Chief Photography Photography Editor Editor Ben Ben Gibson Gibson Contributing Contributing Photography Photography Cheryl Cheryl O'Neal, O'Neal, CeCe CeCe Owens, Owens, Mandy Mandy Hall, Hall, Monica Monica Walker, Walker, KristeNicole, KristeNicole, Suzzette Suzzette Michaels Michaels Publishers Publishers Note: Note: Content, Content, Logos Logos and and Images Images are are the the property property of of or or in in use use with with granted granted rights rights exclusively exclusively to to PowerSource, PowerSource, A A TenFiftySeven TenFiftySeven Media Media Magazine. Magazine. Use Use of of these these creative creative properties properties without without written written approval approval by by Power Power Source Source Magazine, Magazine, LLC. LLC. or or TenFiftySeven TenFiftySeven Media, Media, LLC. LLC. is is strictly strictly prohibited. prohibited. SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS www.PowerSourceMagazine.com www.PowerSourceMagazine.com PowerSource@TenFiftySevenMedia.com PowerSource@TenFiftySevenMedia.com The The Power Power Source Source Magazine Magazine is is published published by by TenFiftySevenMedia TenFiftySevenMedia Group Group

Artist Spotlight

From addiction to redemption,Stephen McWhirter’s powerful testimony is one of radical restoration after giving his life to Jesus. Growing up the son of an evangelist, it was a childhood filled with witnessed hypocrisy as the man he knew as Dad in private did not match the one in public. He wanted nothing to do with Christianity, he ran from God and all things related. Falling into drug addiction, a dark path that led to an over 5 year journey with crystal meth. One night, as he read a book given to him, the presence of God was in the room. Stephen discovered the true God, it was the first day of a real relationship with his Heavenly Father. It was an instant life changing experience taking him from addiction to redemption. Stephen Mcwhirter is unswervingly committed to WORSHIPPING JESUS + LEADING OTHERS TO HIM! Stephen's testimony of Jesus taking Him from addiction to redemption is a central part of his ministry. His song “Come Jesus Come” has amassed over 60 million views across TikTok, Facebook, & YouTube. “COME JESUS COME,” written by Stephen McWhirter, is a song of prayer and hope for the return of Jesus Christ, based on Revelation 1:7 and Revelation 21:4. Congratulations to Stephen McWhirter!

POWER SOURCE MAGAZINE SALUTES STEPHEN MCWHIRTER! 9

GODLY WOMAN

As I think back on the many seasons of my life, the melody and lyrics of the song “I Believe” by Jon Reddick, pops into my brain and I begin to sing along: It’s not just a story, It’s a livin’, breathin,’ walkin’ testimony Of a God so good, He’d leave His home in glory, For the world He loved, for the world that He so loved.

I would have never dreamed in a million years my life would be what it is today. There have been ups and downs and some moments that seemed hopeless. Can you relate? Maybe you’re there right now. Let me encourage you to hang on, because the story just might change. Who would have thought when they took Jesus off the cross, carried Him to a tomb, and rolled the stone in front of it that that wasn’t really the end? Nobody, definitely not the Jewish leaders or Pontius Pilot, had the slightest idea that the story was about to change. JESUS Arrested By Those Who Should Have Worshiped Him Abandoned By Those Who Followed Him Crucified By A Man Who Thought He Was Innocent Buried In A Tomb He Couldn’t Afford But This Story Changes! Raised From The Dead Ascended To The Father Given A Name Above Every Name Every Knee Will Bow Before Him Every Tongue Will Confess That He Is Lord

The Story Changed God can use the evil of men for good purposes in your life. Genesis 50:20 “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” The evil of Satan and man are no match to the power of the goodness of God! Our stories can have a great ending IF we will let the Heavenly Father be the Heavenly Father and quit telling the Heavenly Father how to run His business and saying stuff like: “If you knew what you were doing, I wouldn’t be in this situation…” “If you loved me, I wouldn’t be in this situation……” “If you had any power and loved me at all, I wouldn’t be in this situation…..” Quit trying to play the Heavenly Father and let Him figure out what to do with your problems and pain. Meanwhile, focus on humbling yourself as we are told in 1 Peter 5:6-7 which says, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.” The middle of your story may not look like the end of it. So, cry out to God; tell Him how awful and terrible things are in your life. Tell Him how you never thought you could hurt so badly or experience such loss in your life. Pour it all out. However, don’t let what you don’t know get in the way of what you do know. We do know that: He is good and He loves us. Hold on, don’t quit. Let the Heavenly Father write your story. Persist until your soul is singing the next verse of “I Believe” that says: “I can’t deny it. If I said, “I got here on my own,” I’d be lyin’. ‘Cause my eyes have seen the goodness of the Father oh, We’re the one He loves, we’re the ones that He so loves.” When you get to this point remember to celebrate and give thanks, because: You believe in the life of Jesus. You believe that He conquered death. You believe in the resurrection. You believe He’s coming back again. You believe that His Spirit is within us. You believe that He gives us power. You believe that He is the Son of God. So, if things aren’t looking so great in whatever your situation of life right now, remember - He can change your story and turn your tragedy into triumph. And, if you ask me, He writes really great endings.

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Faith Women

MIRIAM Song of Miriam Miriam is both the first woman to contribute a song to the Bible and the first woman named a prophet by scripture. The sister of Moses and Aaron, her song only consists of two lines of lyrics. Miriam’s song is about freedom, celebration, and gratitude upon witnessing the hand of God freeing the Israelites from oppression. Scripture notes that Miriam leads the Israelite women with tambourines and dancing before singing: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.” After God parted the seas so they could escape Pharaoh's men, Miriam encouraged the other Israelite women to join her in giving thanksgiving and praise to God in song. Exodus 15:20-21: Then the prophet Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, while all the women went out after her with tambourines, dancing; and she responded to them: Sing to the Lord, for he is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea.

BRING ON THE BLINDERS!

It’s funny what you remember from your childhood. Some things are so vibrant it’s as though they just happened yesterday. I remember sitting on the porch shelling peas and snapping green beans. Making lye soap and churning butter. I remember picking okra and tomatoes, and eating watermelon till I popped. I loved to climb papaw’s apple tree, because we all know the biggest and best apples are at the top! And boy did I get in trouble for that one; but man it was so worth it! One of my favorite childhood memories was watching my papaw plow with his mule. I liked that old mule, although he could be really stubborn at times. But papaw would put a bridle on him with blinders on it. The blinders prevented the mule from seeing behind him and off to each side. It kept him from getting distracted or spooked. Its purpose was to keep his focus on what was in front of him. Now I think that’s a grand idea! How awesome would it be if we had a pair of blinders that made us focus on the tasks that God has given us? We’d have no fear as we go about His business. Imagine how much of God’s work we could get done! But in our human weakness we can easily be overcome with guilt, fear and shame. The sins of our past comes to the forefront of our thoughts and drag us down into that murky pit time and time again. We question our worth, which limits our potential. And there are so many distractions in our world today. Too often our actions are self-serving. We are not about God’s work and tend to put Him last. We don’t make God our priority when this old world screams at us daily and our sinful nature pulls us astray.

If we could just put on our blinders each morning before our feet touch the floor! Our first thoughts of the day would be about God’s business. Our blinders would keep us from looking back and dragging up our past; realizing that those sins were forgiven many years ago. Our blinders would keep us from looking side to side and worrying about what others are thinking or comparing our lives to theirs. With our blinders our focus would not be on the world around us that constantly begs for our attention. No, with our God given blinders our focus would be on being the best goal reaching, soul seeking servants of God! But unlike the mule, we don’t have those blinders. Or do we? Our study of God’s word gives us direction and perspective. Our Christian brothers and sisters provide encouragement and accountability. And our prayer life allows us to communicate directly with our Creator! Our daily Christian walk gives us that focus. And when we fail? Our Heavenly Father is so full of mercy! He comes right down into the mud and mire and pulls us out. He ain’t skeered of our dirt! He places His clothing upon us and cleans us right up. He wraps us in his arms and gathers us back into his fold to continue the God given race that was set before us to run. So bring on the blinders and let’s be about God's work!

J.E.S.U.S Life Lesson in the Tall Grass It was a warm sunny day where I worked, and the boys that were housed there were outside playing basketball. A few of them were chosen to mow the yard, and as they went about their task, one of the young men did not know how to mow the tall grass without causing the lawn mower to stall and shut off. Over by the gym where he was assigned to mow, the grass was partly in the sun and partly in the shade of the building, causing some of the grass to be taller and thicker than the other grass, and therein was his problem because he had to mow two different lengths of grass. As I watched the young man become more and more frustrated with the job, which was a very simple job to do, but he didn’t know how to make the proper adjustments on the lawn mower to make his work easier. Most of the young men where I worked had no father figure in their lives to teach them the simple things, such as mowing the lawn and I saw a rare opportunity to teach a life lesson to this young man. I was not his father but we as men should be ready at any moment to teach someone a life lesson that could benefit them later in their lives. W. E. B. DuBois said,” The important thing is this, to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we can become.” We must never back down from an opportunity to help someone to become a better person, and this was my opportunity. As I walked over to the young man, he seemed oblivious as to what the problem was, but I could see the frustration on his face as he stood staring at the lawn mower. I asked him what the problem was. And he said,'' the stupid thing keeps shutting off. Then I began to show him how to mow the tall grass and keep the mower from shutting off, I showed him how to take smaller bites of grass with the mower while in the tall grass. One of the problems was that he was walking rather fast while he was pushing the mower, because he wanted to hurry and finish in order to play basketball with his friends. I then told him that while he was mowing the short grass, he could pick up the pace, but when it came to the tall grass he had to slow down and take smaller bites because it was taller and thicker than the short grass. The life lessons that were taught, “was that mowing the tall grass was like walking through the journey of life, instead of rushing through you must take small bites in order not to stall out and quit. But if you take small bites, you can handle it better. Proverb 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from the path”. At every turn in life, life lessons must be taught, otherwise we take too big of a bite of life, stall out and quit. Adjustments must be made for all levels of our lives in order to succeed.

WILLIAM THE ENCOURAGER. W.M. Harris grew up in Mississippi on a plantation with his mother and stepfather, who were sharecroppers. He spent his teenage years in Chicago where he was involved with gangs, drugs, and violence. After a shooting incident and with a broken heart his mother made a decision that changed her son’s life forever. She dedicated his life, her son to the Lord. God heard a mother’s prayer, and today that ever present hand of God is the living testimony of William The Encourager...An Author, Speaker, Radio Show Host, Husband, Father, Friend and Follower of J.E.S.U.S.

The Education of Music The relaunch of Power Source Magazine on September 1, 2022 expressed the priority to bring attention to the excellence of Christian Music with a focus on Christian Country Music. It was clear that a re-education about the genre known by so many names was required. Therefore, let’s take the Education of Music journey to learn where it all started and maybe we can enjoy where it is going a little more. The Carter Family brought the “mountain” sound, that music of Appalachia to the world. On August 1,1927, they made those first recordings. All three of the group were immersed in the songs of mountain gospel music and shape note singing, a sound common to the southern revivals of that time. Notably, A.P. Carter reworked the classic hymnal, “Can The Circle Be Unbroken,” into a country/folk song giving the listener the same story in the lyrics, but because of the new sound, it was a fresh approach. It could be said that without that re-work, the hymn would be just another song in that book on the pew shelf that we only know if directed by the pulpit to sing. Instead, that hymn has been recorded by too many artists to list and in about every genre, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1988. The Bristol session of 1927 is considered the beginning of the country music genre, additionally it is also the start of Christian country music, all happening in the same recording session. From the very beginning, country music was full of faith and life, it remains pure storytelling. The revivals of this time within the southern United States made the most of this popular sound giving birth to what we know today as Southern Gospel Music. Yes, it is a fact of history that all music intersects with each other, Christian Country and Southern Gospel, otherwise known as country music with a faith based message has run parallel from the beginning. Southern Gospel is considered a genre to itself, while Christian Country is a subgenre of Country music. Both with the same message, great sound, and truly only different in instrument use and vocal harmonies. Best description would be to consider the many forms of preaching within our faith, it is the same Bible, while the styles vary and are received differently… it’s the preaching of the Word of God. Albeit not known, however, it could be concluded that the Southern Gospel genre influenced A.P. Carter in the reworking of the classic hymn in 1927. It is believed that the Southern Gospel genre was established around 1910, with some evidence of it existing before that date. Both Christian Country and Southern Gospel are rooted in the Appalachian sound, the parallel of them most clearly expressed back in 1933 when the Carter Family met the Speer Family and began to tour together.

The Speer Family, founded in 1921 and considered pioneers for adding women singers to what was previously only the “quartet” of four men. Legendary is not a big enough word to cover these music families. There are members of both families still active today in varied genres of music. If we could travel back in time, it would be amazing to join Maybelle Carter in 1933 at the fair in West Virginia listening to the Speer Family for the first time. To have that moment to know what made her think to ask them to partner on tour. Over 90 years ago, working together was a successful concept in music that remains the key today, what you can do individually pales in comparison to what can be achieved together! Continuing on the path of education of music, the question of which came first country or bluegrass comes into view. To answer this question, we will take a completely different road for a moment into two other genres that precede everything. First let’s talk about Blues music, which actually is in fact first of them all. Coming around in the 1800’s from African Slave Spirituals, the sound of the Blues included religious songs, also known as spirituals, which in theme to all Christian music of today addressed aspects of life with a faith theme. In this time, around the Civil War years, it was specific to the lives of slaves which led to often being a focal point in poor rural community churches. Other sources were work songs, ballads like singing from the fields. It was during this time that we saw Church services become a source of hope and strength, a place to let out the emotions through song. As life migrated from the south to the north, the path for blue singers set course for destinations in Memphis, St. Louis and Chicago. The doors with Jazz music opened wide and would take this sound into all other genres with an incredible impact. For instance, Blues defined excellence in storytelling through vocal performance best expressed by Bessie Smith joining with Louis Armstrong. Bessie, nicknamed the “Empress of Blues,” was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1894, the daughter of a baptist minister. After the unexpected passing of her parents, she along with her siblings would survive by street corner performances. Smith, clearly one of most gifted performers of her time, was sassy and racy in her lyrics, she did not stay aligned with those spirituals. Louis Armstrong, born in New Orleans, Louisiana around 1901, was raised by his grandmother to age 5, then returned to his mother to work alongside her for the Karnoffsky family. Notably, he credited that family for teaching him to sing from the heart. Both had successful careers when they met on January 14, 1925 at Columbia Records New York. That day, with Fred Longshaw they recorded five classics in one session. Undoubtedly, the most iconic single recording session of any genre. The effect of Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith is throughout all of American music, they gave us lyrical expression with both the vocal and the musical instrument. It would be suitable to discuss those “Spirituals” now to keep our education going. This is the birthplace of Christian music, any genre. The term “spiritual” is found within Ephesians 5:19, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” It is and has always been a religious storytelling song, coming to general awareness in the last decades of the eighteenth century, it is the most significant form of American music impacting, and influencing all of life. The spirituals were used as code by Harriet Tubman during the Underground Railroad. One of the most famous of these songs is “Swing Log, Sweet Chariot,” composed by Wallis Willis around 1840 in Oklahoma. Willis was a Choctaw freedman, which is an formerly enslaved person granted citizenship with the Choctaw Nation following emancipation. A minister at the Choctaw boarding school heard Wallis WIllis singing and transcribed the words. He sent them to the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University who popularized the songs. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are an African-American ensemble, organized in 1871 to raise funds for the college. And the legend continues as the Fisk Jubilee Singers are still active today, winning a Grammy in 2021.

Today, the influence of those “Spirituals,” is felt in all genres and experienced in every note within the Gospel Music genre. Thomas A. Dorsey, considered the father of Gospel music, pioneered it all in Chicago, Illinois. Before taking his career in that direction, Dorsey was an accomplished blues and jazz composer and pianist. He was the son of a Georgia Baptist minister, he was greatly influenced by the secular music of that time merging it to his sacred style. Thomas Dorsey joined with Mahalia Jackson, who was also exposed to both the Baptist church and the sounds of Bessie Smith. Together they set their own path on the street corners of Chicago and around the country, going away from the music industry ways and established their successful vision that continues today. The genre of Gospel music continues to impact popular music today, heard within all artists across the genres, secular and Christian. Did you know that Rap music actually started across lower Mississippi, not out in California? Those coded gospel songs and spirituals were in the form of Rap embedded into the hymnal type song. Meanwhile as the Gospel sound was gaining all that attention and popularity, the end of World War II was met with the discovery of a Kentucky man named Bill Monroe, who’s band The Blue Grass Boys began performing, actually the music know as Bluegrass today did not develop until 1945 when Bill Monroe recorded his signature Kentucky Waltz. The influence of Southern Gospel, Country and Gospel is well blended in the Bluegrass Genre. Like the other genres, taking it from the storytelling of country music to sharing the message of faith, love, and hope with a bluegrass background was a destined happening. This is best described by the youngest artist to be invited into the Grand Ole Opry in 1982, Ricky Skaggs. He took this genre to a higher level of excellence with a unique ability to express his faith in every note no matter the lyrics. The fact that gospel and bluegrass sounds combined from the start cannot be denied - the blend remains the foundation, the tradition. Later on in the 60’ and 70’s, the country was experiencing a revival called the Jesus Movement and the music world was stormed by what we know as Contemporary Christian. Rock and Roll had taken hold in the 50’s much to the distaste of the church. Yet, quickly during those revival years evangelical churches realized there was a need to appeal to those “sinful” music styles. It was at this time worship in the church style changed to adopt popular music styles. Prior to the revival movement, Larry Norman is remembered as the “father of Christian rock, as he mixed rock rhythms with a religious message. Then came Mylon LeFevre’s blending of gospel music and southern rock followed by other pioneers like Keith Green, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Stryper, and Benny Hester. All taking different popular secular sounds and injecting the faith message. By the 80’s it was a multi-million dollar industry and hasn’t stopped growing to date. That rock and roll movement with legends like Elvis Presley, continued to succeed on the radio bringing more attention to secular country music and blues genres. Many of those artists took hold of the Jesus movement and returned to their roots recording Gospel albums. This is a tradition that continues today within the Country music community as successful artists in mainstream record faith based music. It is only fitting that music circles back to the beginning. Every artist knows that the emotion of the note formed is where the passion behind the talent ignites, it gives greater reward that any award won or dollar amount in the bank. Which brings us to the second publication of the relaunched Power Source Magazine in October 2022 when a former member of the country supergroup Confederate Railroad graced the cover. Cody McCarver has an emotion-filled voice on display in his musical storytelling and what makes him part of this story is being the “Father of Outlaw Gospel.” The latest installation of music genres in our Christian world is a sound that mixes the beloved Southern Rock, Gospel and Country. Utilizing incredibly popular instrument sounds with lyrics of life with the ever presence of a loving Heavenly Father to guide every step. It is the Education of Music that reminds us that we are loved, we are never alone and there will always be our God that so loved the world He gave his only Son to save us. Every note from the start to where we are now has been anointed, the talent is from Him and best delivered when He is the reason for singing.

MASTERS OF AIR

by Rebecca Higgins

You may be currently watching the fascinating series on television called Masters of the Air about the air war against Germany in World War II. The series is well done and very interesting, if hard to watch at times due to the intense scenes of the aerial combat. The series is based on a book titled Masters of the Air by Donald L. Miller that gives the history of the men of the United States Eighth Air Force, based in England, that took on the daylight bombing missions over Europe from 1942 until the war ended in 1945. Prior to World War II, the use of aircraft in war was still in its infancy and there were numerous competing theories of how to best employ aircraft (bombers in particular) in warfare. Unfortunately, practically nothing could be gleaned from the aerial experiences of World War I because the aircraft in 1918 were so archaic in capability compared to those aircraft of the late 1930’s and ‘40s. Therefore, at the start of World War II, the application of aviation in warfare was largely a conglomeration of guesswork and unproven theory. Throughout World War II many of these aerial warfare theories would prove to be untenable in both its execution and results. The price the men of the Eighth Air Force paid to establish a solid aerial warfare doctrine from the many competing aerial warfare theories was extremely high. From 1943 to late 1944, the casualty rate among the Eighth Air Force bomber crews as a staggering 70% as they flew what almost amounted to suicide missions. These men flew either B-24 Liberators or B-17 Flying Fortresses, four-engine “heavy” bombers. They flew daylight bombing missions further and further into France and Germany as the war progressed. For the first several years they did so without any long-range fighter aircraft support. One of the pre-war theories that proved to be grossly inaccurate was that bombers didn’t require fighter escort and that their heavy armament and flying formation would preclude such. The old saying “there are no foxholes in the sky” was proven by these men as two-thirds of them would ultimately die from aerial combat or be captured after having to eject. An additional 17% of air crews would be casualties of wounds, mental strain, or die in accidents over England. The Eighth lost more men during WW2 than the entire Marine Corps. At the end of the war a total of about 38,000 airmen from both the bombers and fighter planes were POWs in Germany. The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) ran their own POW camps for captured allied airmen and while these pow camps were not as breathtakingly horrible as the German SS run concentration camps; they were still a terrible experience for anyone held in these POW camps. In the latter years of the war as the allies advanced into Germany, these airmen POWs were forced to march hundreds of miles out of their POW Camps into even less austere camps/facilities deeper into Germany. Some of our airmen were also held in neutral Sweden and Switzerland if they had managed to eject over or fly a battle-damaged aircraft into these countries. In order to maintain their neutrality, Sweden and Switzerland would not repatriate these “guest” airmen until after the war. These men were from every station in life from Wall Street lawyers to coal miners. They were from all parts of the US and every different ethnic group. Protestant, Catholics, and Jews all flew together as a team. Black soldiers, however, were not in flying roles in the Eighth Air Force though the famed Tuskegee Airmen did eventually provide some fighter escort to the Eighth Air Force bombing missions.

The two men that most people have heard of that flew with the Eighth Air Force during WWII are Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart. Clark Gable enlisted at 40 years old after the death of his wife, Carole Lombard, and arrived in England in 1943. He had helped produce a short training film on aerial gunnery at the personal request of an Army Air Force General and wanted to be a gunner. He enlisted as a Private (he would eventually be commissioned as an officer) and set out to prove the stereotype of a cosseted movie star wrong. At first, the Army Air Force refused to let him be a gunner, so he set out to film the war for a documentary. The head of the German Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring, put a bounty on his head and as such Gable said he would never bail out, but would ride the plane down to avoid being displayed in a cage. Gable went out on some of the toughest combat missions and his fellow flyers adored him. Gable’s Air Force documentary film, “Combat America” was released in 1943 and can be seen on YouTube today (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvbx3PhPmBU). Gable resigned from the Army Air Force in 1947 with his discharge papers being signed by fellow actor Captain Ronald Reagan. Official records say he flew 5 combat missions yet actual veterans say he flew many more. Jimmy Stewart entered the Army as a Private and retired from the reserves in 1968 as a Brigadier General. At the time Stewart joined the Army Air Corps, he had been a private pilot and was in his 30s which was a little old for an Army Private. He originally was used by the military in recruiting films and training, but wanted to serve overseas and asked to be transferred to England. He flew 20 combat missions as the leader of a squad of B-24 Liberators. He received two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his service in WW2. He was highly respected as a pilot and a leader. However, close to the end of the war he started exhibiting the signs of what we now know as PTSD and the Army grounded him. This was not uncommon among the pilots and men. He had the signs of nightmares, depression, loss of focus, and weight loss. After the war, Stewart made the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” at the urging of Frank Capra. Capra felt strongly that if Stewart did not do something to deal with the PTSD he was suffering that he would die. His scenes of distress in the movie were not really “acting”. “It’s A Wonderful Life” helped Stewart turn a corner on his PTSD and ease back into life and become the beloved actor for which he is known. The story of these men needed to be told in depth and detail so to learn more, I recommend reading and watching Masters of The Air. The world owes a debt to these men who knew the risks and continued to fly into danger. We should be moved by their courage and their love for each other, their fellow man, and us.

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THE CANVAS I love to paint. I love mixing colors to create something that I can share with others and make them smile. It's very relaxing to me. It relieves my stress. It's comforting to know that if I mess up, I can just paint over it and start anew. I don't have to throw out the canvas; it's not ruined. It can be used again. And this kind of got me to thinking about my life and my walk with God. I am the canvas. I can be used by God regardless of my past, and so can you. Our walk through this life may not be going as we had intended. Maybe the road we decided to take was not the one we really wanted to be on. Or we started out right with God and just took the wrong road somewhere along the way. Whatever it may be. You start out in life with a clean canvas, a newborn baby. As you grow you begin to add colors to your canvas. Maybe you paint your life with bright, vibrant colors. Perhaps your colors are more pastel. Or maybe your canvas is full of dark, stormy colors. Usually in life we get to choose what colors we use. Sometimes we don't. But we do get to choose if we are going to keep those colors. Remember, you started out life with a white canvas and you can have that again. And you can have the greatest painter of all times as your teacher, adding new colors. And when your painting is nished, He puts the brush down and says it is good! Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Celebrating 14 Years!

of Excellence with Integrity

2024 Award Winners and Nominations New Music Awards Nominees John McDonough Bill Abernathy Jeremy Parsons MTS Records Gospel Choice Music Awards Nominees Richard Lynch Lady Redneck HeIsTheArtist DPB Michael Stover/MTS Independent Music Network Awards Winners Jeremy Parsons Bill Abernathy Gary Pratt Eleyet McConnell Pam Ross Eddy Mann MTS Records 28

MTS Management Group/MTS Records www.mtsmanagementgroup.com Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters- Colossians 3:23

CLIFF & SUSAN

Cliff and Susan, a married independent music duo from

In 2017, Cliff and Susan incorporated Big Red Dog

Little Rock, Arkansas, captivate audiences worldwide with

Productions, a music production and artist development

their piano, fiddle, and guitar performances. With over

company based in Little Rock, Arkansas. As an e9tension

2,000 songs in their arsenal, their musical versatility is

of their artistic brand, their e-commerce store, Rainy Ray,

truly impressive.

features their handmade jewelry, apparel, and artwork.

Cliff Prowse, a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist,

The duo has hosted the Cliff & Susan Podcast since 2021,

arranger, and producer, has been creating music for

offering insights into their lives while educating,

decades. He started at a young age honing his skills in the

entertaining, and inspiring listeners.

town square of Mt. View, Arkansas, to recording, living, and performing in Nashville, TN. Cliff's versatility as a

In 2022, they launched the Entertainers Academy to help

multi-instrumentalist has led to many collaborations with

independent artists build profitable music careers and stay

award-winning artists. He has produced over 30 artists

up-to-date in the ever-evolving music industry.

and continues writing, arranging, and creating. Cliff and Susan reside in Little Rock, Arkansas, with their Susan Erwin Prowse, a singing piano entertainer, boasts a

3 little dogs.

thriving international music career spanning two decades, with two albums released out of Nashville. Since 2003,

Website: www.cliffandsusan.live

Susan has followed her music passion and left the

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cliffandsusan

corporate world as a Radio Frequency Engineer to travel

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cliffandsusan

the world entertaining in high-energy piano bars. Susan

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cliff!and!susan

took 10 years of classical piano lessons starting at the age

Music: https://smarturl.it/cliffandsusan

of 6. She is an honors graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Pure Mathematics.

Hashtag:

cliffandsusan

Cliff and Susan met on stage in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2016 and immediately formed their music duo. Love blossomed, and they eloped in Las Vegas in 2017. Cliff & Susan have toured internationally in over seven countries, performing more than 200 shows per year.

The duo released their debut single, "Drivin' Me Crazy," in April 2020. Their signature song, "Fiddle & eys," released in anuary 2023, caught the attention of overnor Mike Huckabee, and lead to an invitation to perform on his nationally televised Huckabee Show in February 2023.

The State Of Christian Country Music Every year the President of the United States goes before Congress and gives the State Of The Union Address. This month the theme for Power Source is Education of Music. So I have decided to give my assessment of the State of Christian Country Music. Hopefully, that will fit the theme of Music Education for the month. It's important, I believe, to look back occasionally to see where we've come from and how we've progressed on our journey. We need to identify our mistakes and try to learn from them. We do our best to follow God's plan but occasionally we miss it. In the early days before the term Christian Country Music was born, the three bands, White River, The Mid South Boys and The Days, were all under the umbrella of Southern Gospel Music. That's all we had and that's the only radio market that existed for our music. I refer to these three bands primarily because by this time the DMB Band, who as far as I know had recorded the first Christian Country music, had gone back to being a Southern Gospel group. I will speak for White River because I was a founding member of that band. We would listen to Country music on our bus and wish we could sound that way. We would often say, "I wish we could sound like that but have our message!" We knew that The Days and The Mid South Boys were feeling the same as we were. So the commitment was made by all three bands to go for it! We all began to write more in a country style, dress more country on stage and record and mix our recordings like the country artists were doing. This all happened organically but with purpose. It was a commitment because we had to walk away from everything we had known to that point. Some of the powers that be in Southern Gospel music misunderstood what we were trying to do. They thought we were trying to make waves and cause trouble but we had no intention of that. We were just trying to follow our vision. As time moved on we followed our dream and began to talk about forming some kind of trade organization that could help with promotion of our music to radio and the masses. The plan was to get some of the industry executives and a few artists together to begin planning strategies and ways to make this happen. We were trying to take our time and not get ahead of ourselves. The idea was to make wise calculated decisions. However, word began to leak out. We were talking about these things and other people jumped in and threw together an organization. It made a big splash in the beginning and did a few good things but eventually in this writer's opinion, it evolved into a way of making money. The emphasis was put on an annual award show rather than cultivating the growth of Christian Country music and creating a strong radio market. Fast forward to today. The few gains we made years ago are now mostly gone. There is simply no radio market and hardly anyone knows we even exist. The vision we had back in the late 80's is fading fast.

So why has this happened? I don't have all the answers to that question but I think the number one reason is a lack of excellence in our music. I know, I've been railing on this for the last several years but there is just simply too much mediocre to poor music being sung, produced and recorded. What few radio stations we have that play Christian Country are so starved for music they will play pretty much anything to fill their programming. Whoever has the money will go into a mediocre studio with a producer who doesn't know what they are doing, and make CD's that are not radio worthy and certainly not commercial. Individuals who want to make a little extra money will create compilation CD's to send to radio and radio programmers who don't know a good song from a hot dog will play it! All of these things and more are killing what industry we have managed to create! I know these statements I'm making are blanket statements. There are exceptions here and there but for the most part, these things are true. I recently attended a benefit show in Nashville to benefit a Nashville session musician who is a friend of mine. It was a country show by some of the top country artists in the business. It was held at a well known bar and grill venue in downtown Nashville. As I sat and listened to the quality and excellence of the music that night I wept because I realized that if Christian Country music was putting out high quality music like this, we wouldn't be struggling to exist. But instead, we let anyone on our stages because if they are "singing for the Lord '', that's all that matters. No! Many of those people should only be singing specials at their local church and by all means stay out of the recording studio! I like what one of my former pastors used to say, "everyone can sing but not everyone should record!" The Lord deserves our excellence and our best quality! So what can we do about this? Obviously we need to change tactics. If we keep doing what we're doing we will keep getting the same results. We need to recognize that times have changed and our efforts have failed. Christian Country music is basically non-existent. Sorry, but that is the cold hard truth. (Don't get excited, someone has already written a hit song about that!) If you are a recording artist and you perform, do it with excellence. Figure out if you're really good enough to be out there. Don't be chasing the award circuit! We have too many doing that. They go from one award show to the other and sing to others who do the same thing. Excuse me, but I call them "award whores". It's not about awards! It's about creating great music that touches people and changes their hearts. If you do that, the awards will come. Nothing I"m saying is meant to offend, it's meant to enlighten. I, along with several others have put heart and soul into this music and I'm frustrated watching it die. Like the country songwriter, I've seen an awful murder, down on music row. So, the State Of Christian Country Music is not good. Honestly, I'm not sure if our music can be saved. The only thing I know to do is move on. Be true to yourself, do your music honestly and with excellence. Let's plow the old ground, plant new seeds with love, and maybe we can harvest a new crop. If you love me, say Amen! I love you.

Cogitate on this.....

Gene Reasoner 31

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LEE LANCASTER Lee’s aspirations to be in broadcasting started early in life partly due to the success of his older brother (Jeff Davis – WLS Chicago). As a long-haired Rock and Roll DJ, Lee started his radio career in 1977. From the beginning, he felt there was something missing, “When God called me to Christian Radio in 1984, I knew He had a better plan for me that I could ever have for myself” shared Lancaster. He’s spent the last 40 plus years using his gift and drive for the Lord, expressing the hope and power of Jesus Christ. Lee has served radio stations as Program Director, Operations Director, and General Manager. Currently serving as President/General Manager of Legacy Broadcasting and hosting the morning show on Today’s Christian Country. Legacy Broadcasting Inc. started the “Today’s Christian Country” format about 11 years ago on the terrestrial station KYMS 89.9 FM in (Spokane, WA DMA). All worked well, about 3 years ago, WUCG 93.1 reached out about sharing the format on their station which led to the purchase of Legacy’s second station in Dahlonega, Ga – WCDG 88.7 FM. Early 2022, Town Square Media reached out with an opportunity to add KHKM 98.7 FM, a 100,000-watt radio station in Missoula, MT. Now, Today’s Christian Country is on 4 radio stations, in the process of building two more radio stations and continuously looking for expansion opportunities. “For those who aren’t familiar,” Lee explains, “with the differences between Christian Country and Southern Gospel” – “it’s Everything!” With over 40 years of history in mind, Lancaster is proud of Southern Gospel with its long list of great artists, it just isn’t Christian Country Music. In fact, Today’s Christian Country format includes many of the same artists as your local country radio station. The faithbased cuts from mainstream country artists like George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Cody Johnson and more are mixed with the great pool of Christian Country artist like Scott Mac Brown, Delnora, Olivia Lane, Barry Lee White, Zach Ray and many more. When you put that all together with exceptional DJ talent, you have the format that makes Lee very proud. “To be honest,” said Lee “I would put this radio format up against any country radio station in America.” It has been a hard-fought battle for the Christian Country radio stations, Lee was asked back in the mid 90’s to do a Christian Country countdown – finding the talent to match the mainstream counterparts was nearly impossible, not enough to maintain a chart. Today, organizations like Inspirational Country Music Association (ICMA) and American Christian Country Music Association (ACCMA) are supporting/promoting the genre and artists. The countdown chart issue disappeared with radio stations all over America catching up with the popularity of Christian Country music resulting in recognized charts like the Power Source Magazine Christian Country Top 40, Cashbox Christian Country 100, ACCMA Christian Country Top 40 and more. “Today, you can see the popularity and growth on the charts,” said Lee, “You have Mainstream and Christian Country artists doing duets and so much more together.” The future is limitless with talents like Lee Lancaster supporting, promoting, and purposed to grow the genre. Lee can be reached at lee@legacybroadcasting.org 33

With Corey Lee Barker

PREPARE FOR SUCCESS One of my favorite quotes is “Success is what happens when opportunity meets preparation.” I don’t know who first said it but I stand by it wholeheartedly. I can think of several instances where this was true in my career and perhaps the thought could ring true for all of us. So what does that look like? What can we do to be prepared for pitching opportunities? I brainstormed over a list of possibilities after my 3rd cup of coffee and perhaps some of these may be helpful? If not, at least I got to enjoy some coffee and waste your time:) 1 - Are my songs organized and easy to access? Do I have them all in my itunes database where I can easily forward them in a moment's notice, along with the lyric sheets and contact info? *Note - if there is no contact info on the lyric or the metadata of the mp3 they may not know who sent it to them a year from now when they go over it again. 2 - Do i have a digital link i could send where they could listen without having to download anything, as many people prefer? Reverbnation.com and soundcloud.com are great examples that are free. I personally have 5 (one for gospel, Christmas, military, tv and film, and traditional country) This keeps the genres separated so they can narrow in on what they are actually looking for) *Note - If you are pitching to TV and Film you will want to use disco.ac program. (Around $150 per year give or take) Most of the music supervisors prefer this for delivery. You will need to know how to type in your metadata into the mp3 so they can see it, along with your lyrics and typically picture of the artist / vocalist. If this is all foreign to you I have a book on amazon.com called writing for tv/film that will guide you through it easily. Just look up Corey Lee Barker books on amazon.com and it will pop up. Happy to help! 3 - Have you thought of keeping a business card with your scan code that goes directly to your digital links on the back. My wife made me one and it comes in handy for sure. They can pull it up and listen immediately on their phone while you’re standing there.

4 - Keeping a thumb drive of your favorite songs in your glove compartment or even in your pocket at functions where you are meeting artists, producers, etc. is never a terrible idea. They can’t put a cd in their pocket but it’s easy to stick a thumb drive in there for future listening moments. 5 - Have you already done your homework on the artist you want to pitch to, so you know what they have already recorded and don’t need anymore? Do you know anything about their personal life that may be enticing to put into the song so that they connect with it more heavily? Do you know their vocal range so you don’t pitch them something they can’t remotely pull off when the chorus soars? *Note - Keep in mind when you are snarling at the time consuming thought of uploading all your songs to Reverbnation or whatever site you want to use, this is your only option for a lot of artists / producers. They can’t download every mp3 from every writer pitched to them because their inbox would blow up and they’d run out of space. The great thing is, Reverbnation holds up to 200 songs which you could never send in one email as mp3s. If your page was full you just created the possibility of pitching 200 songs when you may have thought 3 or 4 was too many, assuming they were bored enough to listen to the whole site:) In my emails I have all my reverb links under my picture of tv / placements as well as a disco link of cleared Christmas songs, which means I have created the opportunity to fail 1200 times in one email:) But it only takes one yes! Good luck my friends - Corey Lee Barker

www.CoreyLeeBarker.com

Rank

Song Title

Artist Name

BY AND BY

BRANDON ROWELL

Come In Jesus

Brent Harrison

Whiskey And A Prayer

Landon Heights

Come Jesus Come

Stephen McWhirter

Jesus Is The Door

Matt Winters

Mama Used To Pray For Me

Travis Tritt

Make Me A Mop

Cody Johnson

Planting Seeds

Greaternity

Dear Heavenly Father

11th Hour

#10

Tell Me Why

KristeNicole

#11

You Can Find Jesus Anywhere

Andrew Marshall

#12

He's My Everything

Denise Boni

#13

Here Comes Jesus

Jeff & Sheri Easter w/ Mo Pitney

#14

God Did That

Cody McCarver

#15

God & Country

Anne Wilson

#16

Good Luck And God

Shane Profitt

#17

All Things

The Sound

#18

Take Up Your Cross

Mary James

#19

Good God

Jacksonville

#20

Goodness Goes On And On

Daniel Doss

#21

Fishin With Jesus

Cody Webb

#22

Where I Grew Up

Dillion Carmichael

#23

You'll Find Faith

Michael Tetrick Jr.

#24

PB&J

Todd Tilghman

#25

Changed

Hannah Kerr

#26

I Got You

Danny Gokey

#27

Jesus Cries

Riley Clemmons

#28

Testimony

Ben Fuller

#29

Six Feet Deep

David Timms

#30

Missing Jesus

Caleb & John

#31

The Well

Michael Lee

#32

Jesus In A Bible

The Springs

#33

Book Of Momma

RayNicole

#34

The Days He Can Believe

Small Town Sunday

#35

Raise Up A Warrior

Doug Mathis

#36

You Get To Me

Delnora

#37

Ain't About You

HunterGirl

#38

Cancel

Randy Houser

#39

The Basic Of Life

Jackson Heights

#40

Like The Prodigal

Josiah Queen

The Power Source Top 40 is compiled by online engagements, playlists, and spins of multiple platforms. Information is collected over a 30 day period with a maximum 100/ minimum 60 songs submitted to the Power Source Panel for final determination of placement on the chart. The panel criteria includes spins, engagements, production, vocals, and message of lyrics.

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AWARD WINNING SOUTHERN GOSPEL DUO DAVID & BRENDA FAYE BABB

B’S

B BA

Christi Joy Cargil

the-babbs.com Singer. Songwriter. Entrepreneur. Musician 40

Destiny is her first solo release and one of her proudest. Destiny has already touched thousands of lives, going viral on Tiktok. Followers quoting "I saw Jesus as I was listening to

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I N W E

UNSUNG HERO

GRAMMY AWARD WINNING DUO FOR KING & COUNTRY SET TO RELEASE SECOND FEATURE- LENGTH FILM, “UNSUNG HERO.“ IN THE '90S, THE SMALLBONE FAMILY MOVED FROM AUSTRALIA TO THE UNITED STATES AFTER THEIR FATHER'S MUSIC COMPANY IN AUSTRALIA COLLAPSED. THE MOVIE EXPLORES THEMES OF RESILIENCE OF FAMILY AND STARTING OVER. THE FILM WILL DEBUT IN THEATERS ON APRIL 26, 2024 VIA LIONSGATE AND KINGDOM STORY COMPANY. DIRECTED BY JOEL SMALLBONE WITH LUKE SMALLBONE CREDITED AS PRODUCER. ADDITIONALLY JOEL WILL STAR IN THE FILM AS THEIR FATHER (DAVID). CAST MEMBERS INCLUDE KIRRILEE BERGER, JONATHAN JACKSON, LUCAS BLACK, CANDACE CAMERON BURE, TERRY O’QUINN AND HILLARY SCOTT. FANS CAN SIGN UP FOR UPDATES AT UNSUNGHEROMOVIE.COM.

A E S L E

PRODUCED BY DON WILLIAMS

A true miracle album for the legendary Barbara Fairchild. Recorded 38 years ago with her dear friend and country music legend Don Williams. It is a priceless gem of music. Released on March 29th, available on all digital platforms and can be purchased online at BarbaraFairchild.com. It’s a MUST HAVE ALBUM!! The songs are pure Barbara with the magic of Don Williams in every note. Elegant vocals weaved with the tread of that beloved traditional sound.

BarbaraFairchild.com 45

#THEGOSPELTRUTH

"THE POWER OF CHOICE" By Shane Roark

“Choice”… What a seemingly simple word. However, this word packs a bigger punch than most people in today's culture even realizes.

Choice (for the most part) is so mishandled and underrated these days. People like to say “it’s my choice and I can do whatever I want to do” and for the most part, that is true. People really can pretty much do whatever they want to do. We as Christians are shocked at this behavior. We feel as if the entire world has gone insane and we are the only ones that have any sense. I often feel the same way. But Is this concept of “I will do whatever I want” a new one? Not at all… As a matter of fact, Choice is the reasoning behind the creation of Adam and Eve. Adam was the first being to ever fully have the power of “Choice”. Given a will and a living soul, he was unique in his abilities. These are abilities that we share. We can choose to serve God, or not. It’s that simple. But the power of choice is not simple at all really. With this new found power of choice, Adam did what he wanted to do. Along with his wife Eve, they both chose to eat that forbidden fruit which threw the entire plan into a mess for thousands of years. Just imagine, 1 simple “Choice”. Now, often we hear the phrase “If it's God's will”. How does that come into play with our choices? If God could simply override the power of choice, he would’ve slapped that apple out of Eve's hand and killed that serpent on the spot. Why didn’t he? CHOICE. That is the ticket to this whole thing. God gave Adam (and us) a will and a soul and choice so that we could and would choose him. Those of you who have children, you want them to choose to love you. You want them to choose to spend time with you. That is what God wants as well. He can force the mountains to cry out and praise him but it's not the same. It is God's will that we are blessed and happy. But the choice to allow him into our lives and to be in control is ours to make. This is truly how powerful “choice” really is. One choice threw the entire world out of balance for thousands of years. It took Christ and his sacrifice to reset us. We seem to think that our choices do not pack that much power in today's time, they do. We make choices everyday but now we tend to feel as if they only affect us. “Its my choice” we will often say. And it is “our choice” but, what is the domino effect of those choices?

#THEGOSPELTRUTH What if Eve had chosen to “Not” eat that fruit? What if Abraham had made the choice to disobey God? What if David had never chosen to take Bathsheba? What if Noah had decided he was actually crazy and didn’t build the ark? What if Mary had chosen to not allow herself to be used by God to bring Christ to this world? What if Paul had made the choice to turn back to his old ways and abandon the call to ministry? You see my point here. This is the power of choice. Our choices potentially affect thousands and perhaps millions of people. How do we know? I have seen hundreds of people come to Christ through songs I have written. What if I had chosen to not write? What if I had chosen to not record and perform those songs? We do not know the ramifications of our choices. How do I know what those people went on to do or who they affected after the fact? I do not know and will never know on this side of Heaven. So, what if your choices are simple ones? Maybe you feel like your choices hurt or help no one. You’d be mistaken. Recently a lady went into the place where my daughter works. She felt as if she had been charged twice for the services that are offered there. My daughter explained that she was not charged twice but that the first mark was simply a “hold” on her card and the second the actual charge. The woman remained furious, she was not having the explanation or the alleged “Charge”. She called my daughter (who is brilliant and in her masters program at 21) an idiot. She yelled and called her names and threatened the company etc. Of course after reviewing her bank app, she discovered that my daughter was correct. She had not been charged twice at all. She offered no apology whatsoever. The lady continued her rant and told my daughter that the company should have that policy in writing and made it more clear to the customers. My daughter showed her the paper that the lady had been holding the entire time that outlined the hold and charge policy. This woman made a choice. A choice to be mean and hateful. It got her banned from that place of business. Now, you might think that the ramifications of her choice was made right by the fact that she was banned. Unfortunately, her choice to act like that does not end there. After she left, my daughter looked her up on Facebook. Her page is filled with scripture and posts about her church. It's full of posts about the love of God and the joy of Christ. It is hard enough to get young people to see the importance of God in their life, this woman made it really really hard for me. See, I don’t know her and never will but, her choice has affected my family. Be careful of your choices. That is what separates us from every other being ever made. Choices of words and actions can sometimes seem personal but often reach way further than we can ever realize. We should always choose God and his mindset. It should never be considered “it's my choice and I will do what I want”. It may be our choice, but we all affect one another and the entire world could be changed because of any one of us.

#THEGOSPELTRUTH WITH SHANE ROARK Shane is the co-owner of Chapel Valley Studios. He started playing sessions at age 16 and worked in multiple studios before launching Chapel Valley. He has been producing music for over 25 years, and is well respected among his colleagues and clients alike. Follow TheGospelTruth on Facebook!

POWER SOURCE

CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS LEGEND

NEW MUSIC

SANDRA CROUCH Sandra Crouch, the twin sister and collaborator of gospel music legend Andraé Crouch, died earlier this month after an illness. At the time of her death, Crouch was senior pastor of New Christ Memorial, after her twin brother took the controversial step in 1998 of ordaining her as copastor of the Pentecostal church started by their parents. She cowrote “Jesus Is the Answer” with her brother—a 1970s hit. In the 1980s, she composed, produced, and sang the lead on “We Sing Praises,” for which she won a Grammy in 1984 for best soul gospel performance by a female. Sandra Crouch performed with her twin in gatherings that ranged from a meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals to the crusades of evangelist Billy Graham. She also joined her sibling in working with notable artists outside gospel, such as cowriting songs and performing percussion on the 1986 soundtrack for Quincy Jones’ production of The Color Purple. Crouch, 81, who died on March 17, will be honored with a musical tribute and funeral at New Christ Memorial Church in San Fernando, California, set for April 16–17, according to an announcement.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC ARTIST GIVES US “3 DAYS” ON GOOD FRIDAY!

Lady Redneck, the talented singer, songwriter and social media influencer is release her latest single, “3 Days” on Good Friday! Known for her high energy performances and fun, tongue-in-cheek songs, Lady Redneck has earned a loyal fan base with her relatable lyrics and infectious melodies. But with “3 Days”, she takes a more serious tone, focusing on the holy significance of the Easter holiday. “I wrote this song as a reminder of the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made for us,” explains Lady Redneck. “It’s a story we’ve all heard before, but I hope that by putting it into song, I can share the message in a new and impactful way.”

Fans can follow Lady Redneck on her social media channels for updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the making of “3 Days”. She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and ReverbNation. “3 Days” is just one of the many Christianthemed songs that Lady Redneck has been releasing in recent years. Her previous single, “Pray for Peace”, reached #1 on the UK iTunes Christian music chart,

ARTISTS

BARBARA MANDRELL

Barbara Mandrell's album Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics has soared to the Number One spot on the Luminate Top Christian Albums chart following its digital release. Originally released 35 years ago, the album has been digitally remastered. Fans can stream and purchase Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics on all major digital platforms. The album is now available at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store™.

Photo by Alonso Garcia

POWER SOURCE

CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS AWARD

2024 Dove Awards NEW AWARD!!

Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced a new category dedicated to Spanish representation in Christian music for their annual Dove Awards. The award for Spanish language worship recorded song of the year will debut at the 55th GMA Dove Awards, set to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at the Allen Arena in Nashville. Nominations will be announced on July 24.

FESTIVAL

CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

TenFiftySeven Media Group and Power Source Magazine are set to announce SOURCEFEST, a Christian Music Festival taking place in Vonore, Tennessee at the Historic Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. It will be 1057 minutes of Christian music (all genres) over two days, complete with a daily sunrise praise and worship, vendors, food, multiple stages and a nightly concert at the museum amphitheater. Tickets will go on sale May 1, 2024, with more details to follow - stay tuned via social media get all the updates.

POWER SOURCE

CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS TOURS

COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU!!! May 9th- 2024 Texas Country Music Summit and Industry Awards Sawyer Park Ice - House Spring, TX www.texascountrymusicassociation.org May 16th-18th Gospel Radio Favorites Festival & Fundraiser Biblical Times Dinner Theater, Pigeon Forge, TN www.biblicaltimestheater.com May 28th The Sound of Small Town America Finales Troubadour Theater, Nashville, TN www.inspirationalcountrymusicassociation.com May 29th Inspirational Country Music Association Awards Show The Grand Ole Opry House - Nashville,TN www.inspirationalcountrymusicassociation.com June 7-8 Resound Festival Bethany, MO www.resoundfest.org June 7-8 Rise Fest Sheldon,IA www.riseministries.com June 12-15 Faith Country and Bluegrass Music Festival Ark Encounter Williamstown, KY www.arkencounter.com

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New Single Release

“I AM” Now Available! Radio & Streaming Platforms Contact: suzzette@suzzette.net | 615-384-7608

www.suzzette.net Suzzette Michaels Music

P.O. Box 1281

Springfield, TN 37172 53

Are you struggling? Even in your walk of faith? He's not surprised. He Knows exactly where you are, and the good news is that He Loves you too much to leave you there! He is more sovereign than your circumstances and much stronger than your struggle! He knew you needed a Savior a long time ago! I want to tell you about some of the tools that He's been using to work in your life all along. His Word. His People. Circumstances that He allows. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 I hope to help you with worship. He's given me a message to remind you that He’s building you...in His image... Faithfully...with Love... Grace... and forgiveness! Teaching you how to, more fully, trust Him... It is Him at work winning you over to agree with Him more than you ever have before! It's no small thing! It's God's Math! He Provides! And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31

The Work of a Carpenter Ministries Greg McDougal Full Time Music Evangelist greg@theworkofacarpenterministries.org

ROBBY LYNN The Heart of Sunday's Country

The Heart of Sunday’s Kind Of Country Radio & TV, is host Robby Lynn. A national award-winning radio personality, Mr. Lynn has been honored at both the local and national levels for his contributions to the radio industry. He has won numerous National Radio Personality of the Year awards presented by the Inspirational Country Music Association in 2001, 2002, 2008, and 2016. Sunday’s Kind Of Country radio program is 3 hours of Christian Country Music that was established in 1995 with one simple mission in mind: to bring a Positive Message and Christian Country Music to its listeners.

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FROM THE TOP WITH MARTY SMITH Tell us about your journey to radio?

Marty Smith Morning Show Host Heaven's Country! Take It From TheTop! www.heavenscountry.com

I knew that God wanted me in radio. I didn't know a thing about radio broadcasting, but I knew that's what I was called to do. So, I started going to different radio stations asking if they were hiring. I was told no so many times I almost gave up, but I kept knocking on doors. Finally, a man by the name of Gary Babb gave me a chance. He was the owner of AM 1090 KEXS. It was the first station I ever worked for. It was a Southern Gospel music station, but we soon changed our format to Christian Country. We played artists like Paula McCulla, Ken Holloway, Bruce Haynes, Lisa Daggs, Mid South, White River, The Days and more. I worked there for three years and then moved to Denver, CO in 1993 to work at AM 560 KLZ and 800 AM KLTT, a Christian Country radio station. I spent a couple of years there and then went to work at KWBI 91.1 FM in Denver, CO. I also worked part-time at the Jones Satellite Radio Network in Denver. After a few years I went to work at KBIQ 102.7 FM in Colorado Springs, CO. I was the morning drive co-host with Bobbie Lemieux, and we were the number three morning show in town. Having a Christian radio station with the number three morning show was unheard of at the time. After a few years there I wound up moving to California and worked at Star 92.7 FM and The Cabin 93.5 FM. In 1992, I started my syndicated radio show, "Cross Country" (now called 'Today's Cross Country'). I still host that show today. A lot of people think I'm fairly new to this industry, but I was one of the first Disc Jockeys to play Christian Country music. I've been on the air for over thirty-two years now.

In 2008, I was introduced to Internet radio. I built my online radio station, Heaven's Country (www.heavenscountry.com) and went LIVE on April 1, 2011. We play Christian Country, Positive Country and Bluegrass. We're also on iHeart Radio which gives us a bigger platform to share Christian Country with the world. In June of 2022, Heaven's Country teamed up with AM 1070 WEKT Heavenly Country in Elkton, KY to broadcast our radio feed overnights so we're now on the AM Dial. I currently host the syndicated television show, "The Nashville Corner", which airs on Family Friendly Entertainment (FFE) under the umbrella of Nashville 37201 TV. It's owned by Bev McCann and Jim Sheldon, I'm a member of Absolutely Gospel and Absolutely Country, owned by Bev McCann, the International Country Gospel Music Association, Texoma Gospel Music Association and the Country Music Association. I'm also Vice President of The American Christian Country Music Association. It's an organization designed to help artists, promoters, songwriters, and radio disc jockeys learn how to invest and grow their ministries. I also have the privilege of mentoring other disc jockeys and help them build their online radio stations. My morning show, "Mar-Tay In The Morning" airs weekdays at 7 AM Central Monday through Friday and is simulcast on Heaven's Country, King Country Radio, Country Gold Radio, Branson Gospel Radio, God's Country Radio, WGHC TV and the WOTG Radio and Television network. You can also watch me on You Tube (@HeavensCountryRadio), Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, and Instagram.

What is your musical influence journey and where did Christian Country come into it for you? My parents listened to country music when I was growing up. I loved listening to Charlie Rich, Charlie Pride, Margo Smith, Barbara Fairchild, and the Statler Brothers. In the 80's my biggest musical influence was Ronnie Milsap, Randy Travis, and the group Alabama. I loved their sound and their message. I still remember hearing, "My Home's In Alabama” and the words, 'Drinking was forbidden in my Christian Country Home". It was the first time I ever heard the term, "Christian Country". Little did I know at the time that I would play a big part in helping get this genre of music off the ground. As for Ronnie Milsap, Alabama, and Randy Travis, I still play a lot of their songs on Heaven's Country. They just had a way of communicating with you through their songs and the messages in those songs still touch me today. I try to bring that feeling to the airwaves.

Tell us about yourself, hobbies, fun things? I'm very passionate about what I do with radio. It's what God called me to do. I'm still amazed after all these years that people still want to listen to me. There are billions of choices out there, but I still get people that love tuning in. I love to have fun and share this music with the world. I love getting up in the morning and hosting my morning show and seeing the comments from my viewers. I get emails from people all over the world thanking me for playing Christian Country Music. Most of my time is spent in the Heaven's Country studio and making sure things run smoothly. However, when I can get away, I love to go kayaking. There's nothing like being on the water.

Ministry Moments

Listen to this INCREDIBLE motivational speech by T.D. Jakes. He shares his greatest wisdom's, telling us his life story, and journey to becoming the man he is today. https://youtu.be/vRubjtR8E1M?si=MxhgBbvn5BiNCYfO Bishop TD Jakes is an influential and visionary spiritual leader. He is the founder and Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House, a multicultural, nondenominational church and humanitarian organization based in Dallas, TX, as well as a New York Times best-selling author, award-winning filmmaker, and host of the TD Jakes Show. Bishop TD Jakes has reached millions of people around the world through his 40-plus years of ministry. T.D. Jakes tdjakes.org The Potter's House thepottershouse.org Facebook facebook.com/bishopjakes Twitter twitter.com/BishopJakes Instagram instagram.com/bishopjakes

Joy Alexander had come to terms with who she was a long time ago. She was different, quirky and socially awkward. And, she was homeless. Well, not quite homeless, squatting was more like it, and in the very house that she was supposed to be getting cleaned up and ready for the owner to arrive. “Now, what, Lord?” She asked as she hurried around, picking up clothes off the floor. She was excellent at cleaning other people’s houses, but not so much when it came to her own, however, this wasn’t her home

Jodie is a multi-genre author and an ASCAP affiliated songwriter. A romantic at heart, her passion is a great love story. A true love story, though mystery and suspense run a close second in her love of writing. She has also shared her skills in establishing and writing scripts and skits for Class A.C.T. youth drama team. Her professional background is in the commercial insurance industry. She attended business college as a working adult and young mother. She is a licensed broker in the real estate and insurance industries and a certified paralegal with a discipline in property law. She makes her home and enjoys the splendor of four-season beauty in the Ozarks region of Southwest Missouri. She shares her life with her husband, Paul who she describes as chivalrous and a true renaissance man. He is her biggest fan and loving supporter. Their real-life romance and relationship is the source of much of her inspiration

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N O I T A C C U D I E S U e M H T OF

Located near the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont is recognized nationwide for high-quality academic programs, entrepreneurial spirit and warm, welcoming community. Where over 9,000 students from every state and more than 30 countries come together to live, learn and grow, all while pursuing a life of purpose, meaning and impact. 66

A 93-acre campus is in the heart of the legendary Music Row!

In 1890, two school principals from Philadelphia founded a school to help female students find their voices at a time when women were expected to be quiet. The school that Susan L. Heron and Ida B. Hood launched has grown and evolved in countless ways in the 130-plus years since then, but the founders’ mission of empowering students to find their purpose remains strong to this day. Belmont College for Young Women opened September 4, 1890, bucking the traditional trend of sending girls to finishing schools by empowering students to lead lives of purpose through cultural, intellectual and social learning. 90 students enroll the first year, paying $60 in tuition. In 1913, Heron and Hood retire. Belmont College merges with Nashville’s prestigious Ward Seminary for Young Ladies to form Ward-Belmont College. In 1922, Ward-Belmont becomes home to the production of Nashville’s first radio broadcast — a concert by pianist Philip Gordon before a live audience of Ward-Belmont students and their families. In 1951, The executive board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention unanimously votes to purchase WardBelmont’s property, and it becomes a co-educational, four-year institution. That same year, the newly appointed board of trustees chooses a new name for the school: Belmont College. In 1971, based on a suggestion from music legend Roy Acuff, Professor Robert E. Mulloy starts teaching an Introduction to Music Business course — and the school’s music business program is born. In 2003, Songwriter, producer and record company owner Mike Curb helps establish the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, the University’s biggest college. Twenty years later in 2023, Belmont receives $32 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. that will fund nationwide initiative in Christianity and the arts, supporting efforts to inspire people from all walks of life to discover and live the beauty and wisdom of Christian faith and encounter God through the arts. Take a trip to Belmont University - Belmont University’s School of Music offers students a variety of performing ensembles that showcase the School of Music’s incredible musical diversity. With 25 instrumental and 14 vocal ensembles, audiences are sure to find a style they enjoy, including chamber music, orchestral, choral, jazz, bluegrass, country, popular hits or gospel. Visit Belmont.edu to learn more, experience events and plan your SONGTRIPPIN TO BELMONT!!

ON THE ROAD READS

The 25th Anniversary Edition of Keith Green's inspiring biography, revised and updated by his wife, Melody. This expanded biography contains many added stories and insights, never before published photos, extra selections from Keith's private journals, and glimpses into Melody's season of grieving and raising their two surviving children on her own. He was only twenty-eight when he died in a plane crash with two of his small children, but singer/songwriter Keith Green had already created a legacy of music and inspiration that would outlive him. A spiritual revolutionary, he found freedom through Jesus, not religion, and spent his last years convincing others to refuse to accept the status quo and instead to bring compassion and honesty back to the church. He touched people through vibrant lyrics in songs like "Your Love Broke Through," "You Put This Love In My Heart," and "Asleep In The Light." Last Days Ministries, which he and his wife Melody founded, went on to challenge thousands of people to take to the mission fields of the world. Melody updated her husband's biography with new photos, essays from current musicians who were influenced by Keith, selections from Keith's private journal, and stories about what it was like raising their two remaining children on her own. First published in 1989, the 25th Anniversary Edition published in 2014. A must read for all!

STAGE STYLE Tips Wear a Costume not just an outfit… Did you know that Costuming is the foundation of many famous artists? Having a little fun with your stage style and planning your outfits to be completely different or an exaggerated version of your style is great. Here are some tips to help get your wheels turning on some new outfits.

Top Tips Have Fun!

Have some fun and dress the part. Whatever your genre, make sure your outfit reflects you! Think of your clothes as a costume not just an outfit! Go all out! Here is a question for you. Always wanted to wear something but were too afraid? Guess what, Now is your chance!

Be Comfy!

Make comfort a priority when choosing your outfit, it should be a top priority. You do not want your clothing distracting you from your performance or ministry time. Avoid too tight or restrictive clothes, wear something that allows free movement.

Consider those Lights!

Some colors and fabrics will change in appearance under stage lights, you don’t want to have “see through” skirt or top moment! Limit wearing too much white as it reflects under stage lighting instead choose colors that will make you stand out.

NEVER FORGET YOUR BRAND!

This last tip is the one that covers all the rest! You are Your Brand! Your clothing (costume) needs to reflect and encompass you! People will get to know you and remember your for the style, so wear your brand!

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INTERNATIONAL GUITAR MONTH APRIL APRIL 2024 2024

International Guitar Month in April inspires the world to strum and pick their way through chords to sweet serenity. This beautiful stringed instrument dates back to 15th century Spain and has contributed to music history ever since.

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