Krissy Nordhoff won a 2012 Dove Award for Worship Song of the Year for “Your Great Name.”
She cowrote the song with Michael Neale after a two year journey of suffering from lyme disease.
“It was a debilitating disease. I suffered for two years,” Nordhoff said. “Then I went to this healing service and the Lord touched me in a way that I had never been touched before. And I wanted to write a song about (God) that he is who he says he is. He showed me through his healing. And then I got stuck writing, so I brought the song to Michael and I’ll let him explain.”
Neale said he was writing at the piano with the “kids running around the music room and my wife came in the room and said, ‘That’s good. Keep writing.’ ”
Here’s a few winners. Lots of chaos in the pressroom. I’m going to add the newer winners to the top of this list as they come in.
Newest update:
Male vocalist of year
Jason Crabb
Southern Gospel Album of the Year
* Reach Out; Karen Peck & New River; Wayne Haun; Daywind
Song of the Year
Laura Story Blessings
New Artist of Year
* Jamie Grace
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
* I Smile; Hello Fear; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, James Harris, Terry Lewis, Frederick Tackett; Verity
Female vocalist of year
* Natalie Grant
Recorded Music Packaging
* Christmas In Diverse City; TobyMac; Jan Cook; Eddy Boer for Boerhaus; Lee Stephen, Ryan Lampa, Nick West
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
* Rehab: The Overdose; LeCrae; Reach Records
Urban Recorded Song of the Year
* Sweeter; The Love Album; Kim Burrell.
Long Form Music Video of the Year
* Fear Not Tomorrow; The Collingsworth Family; Curt Casassa; Jim Hammond; P&KC Music; P&KC Music
Worship Song of the Year
* Your Great Name; Michael Neale, Krissy Nordhoff; Integrity’s Praise Music; Love Revolution; Natalie Grant; Integrity Music
Are you in need of uplifting both lyrically and musically? With its latest CD, “Rebel Transmission,” NewWorldSon intertwines the two into a brilliant trip down numerous musical lanes while jogging the mind with a poignant view of the world and a message of hope.
I hear influences of The Beach Boys, The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and then there’s this little song — Selah — that places you right at a table in smoke-filled New Orleans juke joint. Deep on Track 8, “Selah” is a fun surprise starting with a snare drum beat, add in some keys and you can just see the patrons dancing a jitterbug. The song’s about how God works in mysterious ways.
Once upon a time there was a mean old man
Used to fall asleep beside a garbage can
Then somebody said he met the Holy Dove
Now you never met someone so filled with love
Lead vocalist Joel Parisien takes on numerous forms — from the ballads of the current radio hit, “Learning To Be the Light” and “Today” to a taste of Motown on “Homeless Child” and “Son of Man,” and even a bit of country with “Sweet Grace,” complete with pedal guitar. The Canadian band that got its start in a jazz club keeps the listener interested with a diverse tone and beat throughout the CD.
“5,6, 7, 8” is a fast-paced dance number with hints of Rare Earth and The Temptations, including “funky” drum and bass solos and a few “na na na’s and di di di’s thrown in with these lyrics:
I live on 5678 Get Down Street
I’ve got the music to move your feet
People come knocking from miles around
Just to get a sample of the beat
The sign on the lawn says: God is love
And the Spirit lives in my song
There is no way you are sitting still when this one is playing.
“Old Time Religion” features a doo-wop sound that incorporates deep background vocals and asks how you can call Christianity old-time religion?
Ain’t nothing old about God’s Holy Spirit
He’s the same today as yesterday
And evermore shall He be
Call my crazy, but I’m a sucker for the Motown sound and I just can’t get enough of this CD. When I’m in need of blocking out this world and gaining a message of Christ’s promises this is the CD that I have been popping in.
The Life is Loud spring tour featuring Kutless and Hawk Nelson has been canceled.
Kutless lead singer Jon Micah Sumrall announced the cancellation on Facebook late Monday night. This is what he wrote:
Unfortunately, due to a situation that was out of our control and unrelated to Kutless completely, the Life is Loud Spring tour with Hawk Nelson has been cancelled. We were not apart of the decision making process to cancel the tour and we were unable to influence the decision at all. Despite our best efforts, we are not able to save any of the dates. We are very disappointed in this decision, but are confident that the Lord is in control and has an amazing plan for Kutless. We will be at many of the summer festivals and, are currently planning a fall headline tour, and hopefully we will be in your town soon. Please click the tour dates tab or go to www.kutless.com for tour dates. Thank you so much for your loyal support
There was nothing on the Hawk Nelson Facebook page as of last night, but on the band’s website there is a note about the tour being canceled. It also states the band is working on a new album. Earlier this year, the band announced it was losing its frontman Jason Dunn. Here’s a link to a Q&A I did with guitarist Jonathan Steingard in February.
What do you do when you are at a crossroads in life? Flip a coin, talk with friends and family?
Moriah Peters turned to prayer when she was faced with accepting a scholarship to Cal State-Fullerton to study law or charging forward with a music career filled with risk.
“It was a real tough decision. I worked so hard and studied so hard because I wanted to go to law school and be an entertainment lawyer,” said Peters, who held a 4.1 grade-point average at Don Antonio Lugo High School in Chino, Calif. “Music was always the unsure road. Music was the risk. It involved so much faith, and I needed God to show me which path to take.”
So down on her knees Peters went, but what did she pray?
“I prayed that God would give me clarity. I prayed, ‘God you know logically I’m 17 years old, I have three songs, no touring experience, no understanding of the music business. God I trust that you would open the right doors. I really don’t want to this. I want to stay in school, so if you don’t open this door that’s OK.’ He was very clear in what I should do.”
The message she received was to forgo college and step into the Christian music world, but how did she know so clearly, especially after the “American Idol” judges nixed her while telling the California native to go experience life – kiss a boy — before even thinking of embarking on a music career?
After putting out a three-song demo, Peters went back to Nashville to meet with record labels. “And every single label made me an offer,” she said. “That was insane and unheard of. God answered my prayers.”
It all culminates on Tuesday, April 17, when Reunion Records releases her debut CD “I Choose Jesus,” which is finding radio airtime with the title track. But it was not an easy road, as a child, Peters’ friends called her “Froggy” because of her voice.
What do you do when you are at a crossroads in life? Flip a coin, talk with friends and family?
Moriah Peters turned to prayer when she was faced with accepting a scholarship to Cal State-Fullerton to study law or charging forward with a music career filled with risk.
“It was a real tough decision. I worked so hard and studied so hard because I wanted to go to law school and be an entertainment lawyer,” said Peters, who held a 4.1 grade-point average at Don Antonio Lugo High School in Chino, Calif. “Music was always the unsure road. Music was the risk. It involved so much faith, and I needed God to show me which path to take.”
So down on her knees Peters went, but what did she pray?
“I prayed that God would give me clarity. I prayed, ‘God you know logically I’m 17 years old, I have three songs, no touring experience, no understanding of the music business. God I trust that you would open the right doors. I really don’t want to this. I want to stay in school, so if you don’t open this door that’s OK.’ He was very clear in what I should do.”
The message she received was to forgo college and step into the Christian music world, but how did she know so clearly, especially after the “American Idol” judges nixed her while telling the California native to go experience life – kiss a boy — before even thinking of embarking on a music career?
After putting out a three-song demo, Peters went back to Nashville to meet with record labels. “And every single label made me an offer,” she said. “That was insane and unheard of. God answered my prayers.”
It all culminates on Tuesday, April 17, when Reunion Records releases her debut CD “I Choose Jesus,” which is finding radio airtime with the title track. But it was not an easy road, as a child, Peters’ friends called her “Froggy” because of her voice.
[media-credit name=“Courtesy of Blake Koch ” align=“aligncenter” width=“460”][/media-credit]
NASCAR Nationwide driver Blake Koch will be racing Friday night in this ChristianCinema.com scheme after the company stepped up as a primary sponsor for the Texas Motor Speedway race.
Nationwide driver Blake Koch is running again with a primary sponsor.
About a month ago, Koch’s primary sponsor — Rise Up & Register — had to step down to a secondary sponsorship after ESPN refused to run the company’s ads that promote voter registration. An ESPN executive first cited Koch’s Christian faith as the reason for denying the ad, but the network soon backtracked.
Less than 12 hours before the race Friday night at Texas Motor Speedway, ChristianCinema.com stepped up in the role as the primary sponsor for Koch’s Chevy Impala while also starting #KeepBlakeRacing Campaign.
“It shows me how much God has his hand on the situation that he would bring along ChristianCinema.com at just the right time,” said Koch in a statement. “I’m excited about how they encourage families in their faith, which is extremely important to me. God is always faithful!”
Koch entered the weekend 20th in the point standings and is still in need of a primary sponsor for the next 28 races.
A Grammy Award adorns Jason Crabb’s mantel along with numerous Dove Awards, but the Gospel music artist is not slowing down, even after garnering eight Dove Award nominations this year.
“Oh, no, now is not the time,” Crabb said of taking a break. “These things fire me up. We are working on a special family album, with songs we grew up with – hymns, special and regular church services. I’m preparing songs for a solo project. And I’m working on another book – a children’s series. So I’m thrilled about that.”
But wait there’s more on Crabb’s schedule.
“And what I’m really hyped about is working on a positive film. It’s my first acting part,” he explained, “and my family has a small part in it, and boy, they are all hyped. The kids are telling their friends they are going to be in a movie.
“It’s a great story with a positive message. I play an artist that encourages a young man,” Crabb explained. “And that’s really me and how I live. I like sharing and encouraging people. God gave you your dreams to work toward. Not to ignore them. God gave them to you to work on. So go after it. Live out your life’s dreams. Go after them. You can make them happen.”
Growing up in Beaver Dam, Ky., a town of about 3,000, Crabb can relate to the young man chasing his dreams in what can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
“If you look at my surroundings and where I grew up you would think you would never be able to be successful,” Crabb said. “Living in a town that didn’t have a lot to offer – but it taught me how to treat people — there were no record companies on Main Street. All we knew was coal mining and working at the lumberyard. But you can’t let your surroundings dictate your dreams. You got to make it happen. Never give up.”
But those dreams were almost derailed by a rebellious period in Crabb’s life when he was in his early teens – a time he writes about in his book “Trusting God to Get You Through.”
Are you in need of uplifting both lyrically and musically? With its latest CD, “Rebel Transmission,” NewWorldSon intertwines the two into a brilliant trip down numerous musical lanes while jogging the mind with a poignant view of the world and a message of hope.
I hear influences of The Beach Boys, The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and then there’s this little song — Selah — that places you right at a table in smoke-filled New Orleans juke joint. Deep on Track 8, “Selah” is a fun surprise starting with a snare drum beat, add in some keys and you can just see the patrons dancing a jitterbug. The song’s about how God works in mysterious ways.
Once upon a time there was a mean old man Used to fall asleep beside a garbage can Then somebody said he met the Holy Dove Now you never met someone so filled with love
Lead vocalist Joel Parisien takes on numerous forms — from the ballads of the current radio hit, “Learning To Be the Light” and “Today” to a taste of Motown on “Homeless Child” and “Son of Man,” and even a bit of country with “Sweet Grace,” complete with pedal guitar. The Canadian band that got its start in a jazz club keeps the listener interested with a diverse tone and beat throughout the CD.
“5,6, 7, 8” is a fast-paced dance number with hints of Rare Earth and The Temptations, including “funky” drum and bass solos and a few “na na na’s and di di di’s thrown in with these lyrics:
I live on 5678 Get Down Street I’ve got the music to move your feet People come knocking from miles around Just to get a sample of the beat The sign on the lawn says: God is love And the Spirit lives in my song
There is no way you are sitting still when this one is playing.
“Old Time Religion” features a doo-wop sound that incorporates deep background vocals and asks how you can call Christianity old-time religion?
Ain’t nothing old about God’s Holy Spirit He’s the same today as yesterday And evermore shall He be
Call my crazy, but I’m a sucker for the Motown sound and I just can’t get enough of this CD. When I’m in need of blocking out this world and gaining a message of Christ’s promises this is the CD that I have been popping in.
NASCAR Nationwide driver Blake Koch is trading paint with ESPN over his ad advocating voter registration. The network refused to run the ad and as a result Koch lost his sponsor Rise Up & Register.
Koch told Fox News the reason ESPN refused the ad is because of his religious convictions and provides a voicemail he received from ESPN’s Rosa Gatti, senior vice president of corporate outreach in February. Since the denial of the ad, ESPN has backpedaled and issued this statement Thursday: “The spot did not meet our guidelines in regard to advocacy messaging. Blake’s personal religious beliefs played no role in our evaluation.”
Take a look at the ad. It clearly is not political or religious. It asks viewers to register to vote. What do you think?
Koch is clearly a Christian, but so is Tim Tebow, so I’m a little confused at ESPN’s reasoning for denying the ad. Here’s Koch’s Twitter account: @BlakeKochRacing and his website
NASCAR Nationwide driver Blake Koch is trading paint with ESPN over his ad advocating voter registration. The network refused to run the ad and as a result Koch lost his sponsor Rise Up & Register.
Koch told Fox News the reasonESPN refused the ad is because of his religious convictions and provides a voicemail he received from ESPN’s Rosa Gatti, senior vice president of corporate outreach in February. Since the denial of the ad, ESPN has backpedaled and issued this statement Thursday: “The spot did not meet our guidelines in regard to advocacy messaging. Blake’s personal religious beliefs played no role in our evaluation.”
Take a look at the ad and watch the Fox News story. The ad clearly is not political or religious. It asks viewers to register to vote. What do you think?
Koch is clearly a Christian, but so is Tim Tebow, so I’m a little confused at ESPN’s reasoning for denying the ad.
Jimmy Needham didn’t just clear the stage with his new CD by the same name — he cleared his music slate.
Needham, who has been compared with Jack Johnson, reinvents himself on “Clear the Stage” with the help of producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Laura Story, Aaron Shust). The album includes fun, high-energy music, along with his trademark soulful and thoughtful sound.
The Texas native expands his musical talents with the first track, “I Will Find You” as he mixes it up with rapper LeCrae, who attended George Washington High in Denver. You will find your feet tapping and body gyrating with this tune.
“Stay,” featuring Lizi Bailey, is an acoustic duet backed by an orchestra. (I’m a sucker for strings.) Bailey’s voice adds a nice dimension to Needham in this love song, a surprise because I would not have imagined these two together.
“My Victory” is a worship song that calls upon the listener to not look back and to live freely in God’s grace.
“You are the hope that broke the dark in me.
“You are the light the shines when I can’t see.
“You are, you are, you are my victory.”
“Rock Bottom” and “In the Middle” melds Needham’s rhythm and blues sound with a rap vibe that adds depth to the album.
