Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Southern Gospel added to Sirius lineup, survives XM merger

It's no longer a mystery or secret to keep. Tell the world! Southern Gospel programming not only survives the Sirius-XM merger, but flourishes on BOTH satellite platforms!

enLighten and its programs, including Daniel Britt & Friends and The Gospel Greats, will continue to be heard on both XM at channel 34 and on Sirius at channel 67.

In addition, the Gaither Homecoming Radio show is added to the enLighten family of programming.

Early estimates that I've seen for the combined Sirius+XM audience ranges as low as 17 million, and as high as 19 million. (The official number released by Sirius XM PR is "18 million.")

Another byproduct of this merger is the continued partnership between XM & DirecTV and Sirius & Dish Network. These satellite television services provide a simulcasted audio feed to their subscribers.

Certainly unofficial, I did a quick tabulation of subscribers to XM, Sirius, DirecTV, and Dish Network, and came up with a ballpark just under 50 million subscribers.

While that's strictly a very quick ballpark, it shows that Southern Gospel has a real chance to prove itself to an incredibly large number of people. Let us not disappoint!

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Monday, August 25, 2008

Bill Gaither co-hosts 3-part series on Convention Style Music

Bill Gaither called me earlier in the year wanting to do something educational in nature and focus on convention style music. We took 3 weeks of Daniel Britt & Friends and, together, co-hosted a series on that theme.

The first of the three weeks is tonight - coming your way at 7 p.m. Eastern time on XM 34 and DirecTV 828.

Two additional broadcasts will be heard on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET, and on Saturday at 12 p.m. (noon) ET.

Here's the PR piece:
Coming up on the next Daniel Britt & Friends: It's a three-part educational series on the history of Convention-Style music as we welcome guest co-host to the show, Bill Gaither! You'll hear many samples of what convention style music is, learn where it came from, and gain a passion for why this American art form needs to live. It's on the next three editions of Daniel Britt & Friends!

-Daniel Britt

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Saturday, August 16, 2008

Joy FM Gets Artists to Lip Sync!

At Joy FM, we recently conducted a "Lip Sync" contest to win tickets to The Greene's annual Jubilee concert.

At the concert, we decided to take the lip sync challenge to the next level.

We invited audience members on stage to lip sync "Shouting Time" by The Hoppers.

At the second chorus, we surprised the crowd with a celebrity makeup of The Hoppers - see Rodney Griffin, Clayton Inman, Ivan Parker, Sue Dodge, Joseph Habedank, Scotty Inman, and Tony Greene acting as the Hoppers.

The videos are accessible at this link.

-Daniel Britt

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Monday, March 31, 2008

Bill & Gloria Gaither 4-Hour Special

I wanted to drop a note to alert you of a special extended broadcast presentation of Daniel Britt & Friends - starting tonight on XM's enLighten Channel 34:

It's a four-hour documentary on Bill & Gloria Gaither.

This week you can hear the first two hours; next week you can catch the final two hours.

Here's the scoop:

Coming up on the next Daniel Britt & Friends: Bill & Gloria Gaither! You’ve seen them on television, you may have been to a Homecoming concert or two, you’ve likely heard bits and pieces of the Gaither story … but did you know that the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) named these two folks Songwriters of the Century … based on the impact their work has made on American culture in the 20th century? Several weeks ago, Daniel Britt traveled to Alexandria, Indiana … the town where Bill Gaither has lived his entire life … to sit around microphones in a Gaither studio and hear their “life stories” from their own lips – a conversation which consumed more than four hours! Not only did Daniel talk with Bill and Gloria about their early lives and meeting, but about their songwriting together, traveling as the Bill Gaither Trio with Bill’s brother Danny and how the Homecoming phenomenon came about … and so much more! Plus, you’ll hear from some folks in their hometown of Alexandria who have know them for 40 or more years, including the principal of the high school where they were both teachers and first met. And, while in town, Daniel chatted with Bill’s lifelong best friend about the personal side of Bill and what “makes him tick.” Of course, you’ll hear how the Gaither musical sound has evolved over the years from its beginnings more than 40 years ago. You won’t want to miss a minute of these four hours devoted to these two humble folks who are truly icons of Gospel music … presented in two extended two-hour broadcasts of Daniel Britt & Friends … coming the weeks of March 31st and April 7th on XM Radio Channel 34, enLighten.

Daniel Britt & Friends is heard each week throughout the U.S. and Canada on XM Satellite Radio's enLighten 34 - Mondays at 7PM ET, Thursdays at 10PM ET, and Saturdays at 12 Noon ET. You can also hear it online at xmradio.com, at AOL Radio, or with DirecTV on channel 828. After the broadcast, you can download the extended interview from www.danielbritt.com

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Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Long Overdue Update

Wow! It has been MONTHS since I've updated things around here. Forgive me; things have been a bit busy.

First: I'm now living in Winston-Salem, NC serving as Operations Manager and Morning Show Host of Joy FM.

Second: The New Joy FM launched this week (on Labor Day). With that, came the new morning show called "The Morning JoyRide with Daniel, Candi, & Melody." These ladies are fun to talk with each morning as we play great Gospel music. My biggest challenge is going to be in holding my own when these two gang up on me. Call it Two Girls and a Handtruck or Two Misses and a Hit ... either way, just throw me a bone every now and then! BONUS: See pictures from a recent photo shoot here >>

Third: I am still the afternoon guy and the Saturday Southern Gospel/Southern Majesty guru on NewLife FM in Atlanta. I'm enjoying that tremendously!

Fourth and finally: The New season of Daniel Britt & Friends is set to begin the week of September 10th on XM's enLighten 34. The kickoff guests are Gordon Mote, Ben Speer, and the Gaither(less) Vocal Band with Guy, March, & Wes. Stay tuned! (You can also keep up to date with the latest at http://www.enlighten34.com

Again, sorry for the lack of updates.

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Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Roy Webb No Longer EHSS Pianist

From a Signature Sound newsletter issued today:

Roy Webb will no longer be the piano player for EH&SS. I want to publicly thank Roy for his three plus years of service to our group. We truly wish our brother and His family the best as they move forward. Roy gave us all many laughs.

Please keep EH&SS in your prayers as we too move forward in the days ahead.

Oh What A Savior He Is,

Ernie

The first reasons given were because of the family situation surrounding Roy's dad, but now the absence has been made permanent.

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Monday, April 16, 2007

Bill Gaither's Health and the Atlanta Concert

Bill Gaither missed the Memphis, TN "Jubilate' re-schedule" date on Thursday. Gloria went along to fill in for him. Word has it that he had some issue with the heart stint that was put in back during the Myrtle Beach "Gaither-Fest" when Mark Lowry had to fill-in.

But, Bill flew into Atlanta in time for Friday night's show and he honestly seemed fine. (Aside from Bill leaving the stage about a minute or two before the very end of the concert, he was there "all along.")

The concert was tremendous, as usual. I really didn't "notice" that the tour's artist roster had been cut. The music was still plentiful and there wasn't a boring part to the night.

I don't have a rundown of the songs... but I do have some pictures that I snapped of some backstage moments that I'll post soon.

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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Daniel Britt & Friends on Atlanta Radio & in Papua New Guinea

Starting April 7, Daniel Britt & Friends launches in Atlanta on NewLife.FM. You can now hear the broadcast every week on 90.7 (Griffin / Atlanta / Macon) and 107.1 (Jonesboro) on the radio in Georgia, as well as online via web streaming at the station's website. The show will air every Saturday at 7 p.m. at the beginning of Daniel's "Southern Majesty."

And, soon the program will also be heard in Papua New Guinea on a series of stations called Wantok Radio Light, reaching the nation of over 5 million people with the good news in song!

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Wednesday, March 21, 2007

XM Special on Legacy Five, Bennett

I don't normally post on the blog much about upcoming shows of Daniel Britt & Friends on XM (really because you have several other places where you can keep up with that: the schedule page, the newsletter, or enlighten34).

However, there is a unique spotlight coming up that I thought you should know about.

Before Roger Bennett passed away on the 17th, we had plans already in place, and the broadcast fully produced, to air a special on Legacy Five the week of 3/26/07.

Now that Roger has passed, this interview and L5 spotlight will be even timelier. This is one of Roger's last interviews, recorded during NQC week 2006, just following the news of his leukemia relapse.

There's a lot of conversation with Roger in this special where he talks very candidly about his health struggles and some hard places where he has walked.

You will notice a tribute to Roger just before the produced broadcast airs. This edition of the program will last over an hour.

Here's the official synopsis of next week's show:

Coming up on the next Daniel Britt & Friends: In the quartet world of gospel singing, a group of FIVE guys may seem to be a quandary. Not so when talking about Legacy Five! This "quartet," with their talented pianist Roger Bennett, carries on a legacy the spans generations. You have the invitation to hear their music and share stories of their individual lives coming up. We've got them all sitting around our table with a place set for you, too. Glenn, Frank, the two Scotts and the one and only Roger are here for the hour. With the passing of Roger earlier this month, this interview provides one of the final opportunities for listeners to hear directly from his heart. It was recorded in September 2006, just a matter of days after Roger's reoccurrence of leukemia and he talked with us about that current situation he faced. In addition to the special hour-long highlight on Legacy Five, we also begin the program with a tribute to Roger Bennett. This is certainly a program worth holding out for and it's coming soon on Daniel Britt & Friends.

Daniel Britt & Friends is heard each week on XM Satellite Radio's enLighten 34 - Mondays at 7PM ET, Thursdays at 10PM ET, and Saturdays at 12 Noon ET. You can also hear it online at xmradio.com, at AOL Radio, or with DirecTV on channel 828. After the broadcast, you can download the extended interview from www.danielbritt.com

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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Daniel Britt & Friends, Southern Gospel launches in Canada

This link announces the addition of XM's Southern Gospel radio channel, enLighten, to the satellite radio menu in Canada via XM Canada (www.xmradio.ca).

This announcement also means that the weekly release of "Daniel Britt & Friends" will now be heard throughout all of North America.

Expect these changes to take effect April 1, 2007.

Welcome, Canadians!

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Monday, March 12, 2007

Yes, Virginia. We are taking over Southern Gospel.

As most of the other participants have already acknowledged, there was a summit of sorts in Asheville, NC on Friday.

I was a part of it; so were Mr. Averyfineline, Douglas Harrison; Mr. Musicscribe, David Bruce Murray; Mr. SouthernGospelBlog, Daniel J. Mount; from Crossroads: Mickey Gamble, Chris White, Jim Stover, and Scott Wagner; from Vine: Kevin Ward and Wayne Haun.

It was 1) a good dialogue of ideas, both from the record industry reps and from us guests and 2) filled with examples of how the business really works and what is really going on in the current state of the genre.

Key points, rhetoricals, and topics that I took away (although not necessarily in agreement with them all) include the following:

-Record companies are the financiers of the industry and are often last in line to get paid

-Song writers are, probably, the most important piece to the S.G. puzzle

-Without good songs to sing, the best singers in the world are (for the most part) useless

-Most albums today are filled with filler instead of outstanding songs; this is due to how often a new record is churned out, and lack of artist direction by the record companies

-Suggested changes to the album problem: let a record last for longer than 18months and only record songs that are individually, stand-alone hits in their own right; or, if you must record a new project more often, only cut a handful of GREAT songs that can receive the proper amount of dedication (read: spend more $$ on a few good songs than spreading your budget out over more tunes).

-Radio needs to play more currents to better the industry

-There may be no compelling reason to convince radio to play more currents, unless the audience absolutely demands it or ad revenue rates increase as a result of it

-There are almost no major market radio outlets representing S.G.

-There is a cashola/payola case currently being taken care of in S.G.

-Chart reform is necessary

-Performers need more "candy" to offer the fans of today's "A.D.D.-give-me-more-more-more culture"

-Gaither did not necessarily revive a "dying" industry in the early 90's

-The industry was not necessarily "dying" in the early 90's

-Gaither is a great example of quality; his success is based on quality; no one can deny it

-Gaither's success benefits Gaither more than it benefits the genre as a whole

-SoundScan monitors sales from major retailers

-SoundScan prohibits monitoring of record table sales in church settings

-Most groups appear to care less about retail (other than their own record sales)

-Good ministry is achieved best when there is good business

-If you're into ministry only and don't care about anything else (quality, business, popularity, etc.), then stay out of the business side altogether. Go minister, get your eyes off the $$, keep your calls away from radio, and don't hire a producer to enhance your sound

-Don't go 7 hours in a meeting with record company execs without taking a bathroom break

-The Southern Gospel feast is spread over a long, long table and there is room enough for you (if you sing correctly, hopefully)

-Good is usually subjective when speaking of music (e.g. Inspirations, Russ Taff, and Cynthia Clawson are all good singers; they sing notes well and can follow a beat. The fact that you may not like one sound over another doesn't make them bad, just different)

-I related S.G. to Polka. There isn't enough demand to warrant an individual radio format for their sub-genres. In other words, to create a Bluegrass S.G. format to please those fans, a quartet S.G. format to please those fans, and a progressive S.G. format to please those fans would be great, but I just don't think the marketplace would support them individually. One industry-ite admitted to being treated (albeit professionally) like "Polka" when representing Southern Gospel to the larger music community

-If S.G. were not as varied as it is, however, would it appeal to as many (different kinds of) people?

There was more, but for now, this is what comes to mind. Again, check David Bruce Murray, Averyfineline, and Daniel J. Mount for more perspectives on the summit.

-Daniel

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Thursday, February 22, 2007

Southern Gospel Satellite Survival

enLighten 34 has been available as a 24 hour, solid Southern Gospel formatted channel on XM Satellite Radio now for nearly a year. enLighten program director Marlin Taylor answered a few questions about the merger and how it will affect the Southern Gospel fans at this link.

A few key quotes from Marlin worth underlining:

Q: What will happen to enLighten, is it likely to go away?
A: Absolutely not! I am pleased to report that in listenership, enLighten ranks in the top one-fifth of all of XM's 170 channels ... with more than a half-million persons tuning in every week! And, many of "our family" are listening for long hours most every day.

This makes the enLighten body of listeners a serious segment of the total XM subscribership ... and management recognizes that a goodly number of you listen to little else in the XM lineup. Add to this the fact that Sirius has no counter-part to enLighten or anything remotely close to it.

... While I cannot speak for corporate management, it is my confirmed belief that the biggest change you, the enLighten listener, might encounter sometime in the years down the road is a change in channel number, which could occur at the point when the two channel lineups are melded into one.

Bottom line: I see absolutely nothing for anyone to be concerned about regarding the future of enLighten. Another piece of good news is that, just within the past few days, senior management has acknowledged that - even though many of you have been begging for this channel for years - enLighten 34 is a major XM success story! Hallelujah and praise the Lord!

-Daniel Britt

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Thursday, February 08, 2007

Newspaper article on "Daniel Britt & Friends" now posted

Back in September, just before my show on XM debuted, The Griffin Daily News published a front-page story on the new broadcast.

The full text of the story is now posted at this link (scroll down).

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Friday, February 02, 2007

AUDIO>> 3 minute preview of XM's "Daniel Britt & Friends"

I've just finished production on an upcoming broadcast special with Gold City. The hour was so much fun that I wanted to give you a preview of what to expect. This will also give you a nice "Sam's Club sample" of the flavor of Daniel Britt & Friends heard weekly on XM.

Copyright laws prohibit me from offering the complete show for download online -- so the only place to hear it is by listening to XM Satellite Radio or any of its partners -- but, enjoy this sneak peek into some of the fun we have on the show!

Audio>> 3 minute preview

Link>> List of previous and upcoming guests

-Daniel Britt

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Monday, January 22, 2007

Looking ahead on Daniel Britt & Friends

I've printed a pretty major "sneak peek" into who my guests will be for the next several months on Daniel Britt & Friends (heard on XM channel 34). This is by no means stamped in blood or written in concrete. It's only the shows I've outlined for my planning purposes.

Repeating: the schedule is subject to change :0)

Having said that...if you want to see the schedule, click here.

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Tuesday, January 16, 2007

China is paying attention to Southern Gospel

Here's an article about the recent Harmony Honors that appeared in "The Global Herald" online news service for Chinese Christians.

Just another way "Southern" Gospel is reaching out.

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Monday, January 08, 2007

More NQC pictures added

This link, will take you directly to the start of the new photos that were taken at NQC 2006 of Allison Durham Speer, Mike Allen, and me -- all courtesy of Brian Speer's handy photography skills.

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Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Gloria Gaither admitted to the Emergency Room last night

I talked to Bill Gaither just now and he mentioned that Gloria had to be taken to the Emergency Room last night. He didn't specify why but he said something about the fact that she can't talk right now...

Details aren't necessary to pray, so pray away!

UPDATE>> From Emily Southerland at the Gaither headquarters:

Gloria has been struggling with bronchitis, so she wanted to make sure it didn't go into pneumonia. The chest x-ray was clear and she is just fine. Thanks for the prayers.

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Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Bill Gaither just called

What a surprise! Bill called Lynda Randle this morning to tell her how much he enjoyed our program last night on XM. He told her that "that kid asking the questions sounded pretty sharp."

She gave him my personal number and so this afternoon he called to encourage ME...

...and encourage he did!

Thanks, Bill! I can live on that for a month.

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Sunday, November 19, 2006

Gaither Jubilate' (New Year) concert CANCELLED

Pretty big news, especially for ticket holders: Jubilate' (New Year) concert is cancelled!

The Gaither organization says it is being cancelled because: 12/31 is on a Sunday and they don't want to compete with area Church services.

Ticket holders are angry because: they've already purchased tickets, airline accommodations and hotel rooms plus they were not notified personally (email, telephone, etc.). From what I hear (via Gaither.com forums), it was posted on a non-Gaither website even before it was posted on Gaither.com.

Here's the info from two sources:

SINGING NEWS: Friday November 17 2006 - 5:37 PM ET
Gaither New Year's Eve Concert Rescheduled
by Staff
ALEXANDERIA, IN(Special Release) - The Memphis, Tenn., Gaither concert scheduled for New Year's Eve (Sunday, December 31, 2006), has been rescheduled due to the potential impact that New Year's Eve festivities as well as planned church services on New Year's Eve, might have on the ease of Gaither patrons to attend the holiday show.

This concert is NOT cancelled; rather it is rescheduled for Thursday, April 12, 2007. ALL the seats that have been sold to date will be honored for the NEW date manifest, so that the ticket holder for the 12/31 show retains the seat. All tickets purchased for the concert in Memphis will NOW be purchasing tickets to the April 12th event.


GAITHER.COM: 11.18.06 Homecoming change of plans this New Years Eve
The Gaither Homecoming concert scheduled for December 31 has been rescheduled for April 12, 2007. All ticket-holders unable to attend the April 12 event may go to the box office for a refund.

The Gaither organization thanks you for your understanding as we respect local church events that evening.

------------

-Daniel Britt

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Wednesday, November 08, 2006

McRaes are now, officially, a trio


Here's the press release that's out today from the McRaes:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"McRaes Announce New Vocalists"

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.--The McRaes are pleased to announce the addition of Morgann McClanahan from Rowe, Virginia and Amanda Till of Prattville, AL. Annie, Morgann and Amanda made their debut as a trio this past weekend to an overwhelming response.

"I believe that God has sent two of the most talented and anointed individuals to our ministry. From the first time we sang together it just felt right. I prayed for singers that would share my vision for the lost and God answered my prayers. I am so excited about where God is leading the McRaes and what He is doing in each of our lives. It has always been my dream for the McRaes to be a trio, but I didn't realize until now how much fun it would be singing with a third part," commented Annie McRae.

The McRaes are booked by the Beckie Simmons Agency, record for Daywind Music Group and are managed by Big Ten Entertainment. For more information on the trio, visit www.annieandkellymcrae.com.

The McRaes
Since their beginnings only six years ago, the McRaes have experienced many career highlights. In 2004 the group claimed their first number one song on the national radio charts, “If It Had Not Been The Lord” and in 2005 they celebrated Song of the Year with “There Is A Remedy.” They have been seen during Mark Lowry’s Senior Trip, the CrabbJam Tour, featured during Gospel Music Week, on Gospel Music Television, at the Gospel Music Association’s Estes Park, presenting during the 2006 Dove Awards and on the Gaither Homecoming Video Series. The McRaes opened for Mark Lowry’s 2000 tour and were featured on his On Broadway video project alongside the Gaither Vocal Band and Sandy Patti. As their ministry expands to hit the national scene, their goal remains one of sharing the Gospel and encouraging fellow Christians.

Program note: On next week's Daniel Britt & Friends, you will hear about how you can audition. Obviously, that information is now null and void.

-Daniel Britt

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Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Update on book interview

On March 14, 2005, I was interviewed for a book to be written about making it in radio.

It is now available as an e-book here.

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Monday, October 30, 2006

Songwriter Marijohn Wilkin Dies

The AP is reporting that the co-author of "One Day at a Time" passed away on Saturday. Here's a link to a news obit.

Here's a biographical sketch on her.

-Daniel Britt

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Friday, October 27, 2006

Newspaper article on Mary Tom Speer, plus more

LINK>> Newspaper article on Mary Tom & SG

Daniel Mount over at Southern Gospel Blog has already linked to this story, but I have to add my two-cents' worth here.

It is foremost an article on Mary Tom Speer Reid; however, it doesn't stop with her. It includes quotes from Dr. Goff, Charlie Waller, Lily Fern Weatherford and Eva Mae LeFevre.

It actually crams a lot of historical Southern Gospel information into this one article. It's also interesting to note the documented (lack of a) relationship between Southern Gospel and the Gospel Music Association.

Kudos to the writer of the story for his research!

-Daniel Britt

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Monday, September 25, 2006

Today is the day

Daniel Britt & Friends debuts this evening at 7 Eastern on enLighten 34. I'm excited about it...just a little bit ;) I will then be on America 10 a little later this evening to talk with Dan Dixon about the show.

PR has been good leading up to tonight's launch... Griffin Daily News (Griffin, GA) did a front page article on it; AllAccess had a write-up, as well as the Singing News and SouthernGospelLovers. XM promoted it in their weekly email newsletter, right under Oprah and Amy Grant.

Not only has "Oprah & Friends" (I like the name) debuted as well, but I found out something interesting about today's date: Today is the 5 year anniversary of XM Satellite Radio. Originally, XM was scheduled to launch its inaugural services on September 12, 2001. Because of the terrorist attacks, the date was moved back. Here's the XM press release from 9/25/01:

XM USHERS IN NEXT GENERATION OF RADIO WITH 71 GREAT SONGS

Washington D.C., September 25, 2001 -- XM Satellite Radio ushered in the next generation of radio with 71 great songs representing the spirit and passion of each of its music channels.

"Twenty years ago MTV launched its service with one song, 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by the Buggles. Today's, launch of XM Radio with 71 great songs from modern Rock to Classical, Blues to Hip Hop, Heavy Metal to Country shows that radio is very much alive and well with each of our channels a celebration of the music and the artists they are dedicated to serve."

Tuesday, September 25, 2001 is not only the launch date of XM but is also the birthday for 71 great XM music channels. Thus, each disc jockey and music director was tasked with identifying that one song that summarized the spirit and passion of their respective channel. The list is as follows:

Channel Song Artist
The 40s Sunny Side of the Street Tommy Dorsey
The 50s Rock Around the Clock Bill Haley
The 60s Revolution Beatles
The 70s Space Oddity David Bowie
The 80s Radio GAGA Queen
The 90s O.P.P. Naughty By Nature
America God Bless the U.S.A. Lee Greenwood
WSIX XM It's A Great Day to Be Alive Travis Tritt
X Country I'm Country Trent Summar
Hank's Place Honky Tonkin' Hank Williams
Bluegrass Junction Steam Powered Aeroplane John Hartford
Highway 15 Only In America Brooks & Dunn
20 on 20 I'm Real Jennifer Lopez
KISS Drive Incubus
MIX Follow Me Uncle Kracker
Heart Power of Love Celine Dion
LITE Against All Odds Collins/Carey
MTV Radio Music Madonna
VHI Radio Beautiful Day U2
Cinemagic Over The Rainbow Judy Garland
On Broadway Circle of Life Lion King
U-POP Rock DJ Robbie Williams
Special X The Adventures of Greggery Peccary Frank Zappa
The Torch Minuteman Stavescare
The Fish Gather at the River Point of Grace
On the Rocks That Old Black Magic Louis Prima & Keeley Smith
Ethel History Repeating Propellerhead w/ Shirley Bassey
Deep Tracks Brave New World Steve Miller
Boneyard Hello America Def Leppard
XMLM Liberate Slipknot
XMU The Mind KRS-1
Fred Radio Clash The Clash
XM Café Satellite Dave Matthews Band
Top Tracks Born In the USA Bruce Springsteen
The Loft World in Changes Dave Mason
XM Music Lab The Return of Sathington Willoughby Primus
Unsigned You're Electric Marnie Ann
Soul Street National Anthem (NBA Performance) Marvin Gaye
Flow Rock the Boat Aaliyah
BET Uptown Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now McFaddin & Whitehead
Spirit Purpose Jeff Major
Groove Shining Star Earth, Wind & Fire
The Rhyme Beats to the Rhyme Run-DMC
RAW All-Cities Mix of Petey Pablo's Raise Up
Real Jazz What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
Watercolors Can You Hear Me? The Jazzmasters
Beyond Jazz Here to Stay Pat Metheney
Frank's Place I've Got the World on a String Frank Sinatra
Bluesville Why I Sing the Blues BB King
Luna Luna de Fiesta Jose Luis Encinas
The Move Blackout Lil' Louis & The World
BPM Music Sounds Better Stardust
Club 82 Hot Music Pal Joey
Chrome Get Down Tonight KC & The Sunshine Band
Aguila El Ray Vicente Fernandez
Caricia Abrazame Muy Fuerte Juan Gabriel
Vibra Nostalgia El Tria
Tejano Las Nubas Little Joey y La Familia
Caliente Guatanemero Perez Prado
World Zone Field of Gold Daughters of the Celtic Moon
The Joint One Love Bob Marley
Ngoma Magic System Premier Grou
Audiovisions Within You Without You Angels of Venice
Radio Taj Mitwa Lagaan
C-Wave I Believe Art Rene Lau
XM Classics Consecration of the House Overture Beethoven
Fine Tuning Turn Me On Rotary Connection
Vox An Die Musik (To Music) Schubert
XM Pops Jupiter Holst
XM Kids Small People Ziggy Marley
Radio Disney Pop 'N Sync
XM Comedy Seven Dirty Words Carlin
Laugh USA Who's on First Abbot & Costello

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Wednesday, September 20, 2006

New NQC Pictures Added

See new pictures from the National Quartet Convention (2006) where I did a TON of artist interviews for the new XM show.

It includes pictures of:
Legacy Five
Janet Paschal
Hemphills
Weatherfords
Ben Speer
Mike Allen
Crabb Family
Greater Vision
and The Isaacs

More pics to come soon...

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 2:48 PM  0 comments links to this post

Guy Penrod Faints On Stage...?

Daniel Mount's blog is reporting that an audience member attending a Gaither concert in South Africa last week witnessed Guy Penrod fainting at the end of a song when Guy hit a high note. I hear Guy is ok ... which is quite a relief to hear! No more dramatic moments, please!

- Daniel Britt

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 1:49 PM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, September 18, 2006

Annie & Kelly McRae: group changes

As a result of an interview I had with Annie and Kelly McRae during this year's NQC, I found out that Kelly (the younger of "Annie and Kelly" fame) will be coming off the road soon. She recently married Ricky Free (son of Brian Free) and will cease traveling to be at home more.

Annie will remain on the road and will add two members to evolve the duo into a trio and undoubtedly announce a new name for the group.

As soon as I have the audio from my interview, I will post the clip that includes their announcement so you can hear first-hand as I heard it. As far as the rumor that Ricky Free will be leaving Brian Free & Assurance, I don't think anything specific was said - so at this point, it's still just a rumor.

UPDATE: I have the audio up in Kelly's own words announcing her departure from "The McRaes." After reviewing the audio, I also caught the fact that her husband, Ricky Free, will be coming off the road to do more studio work. So, two personnel deletions to make note of.

For the Kelly McRae audio announcement...click here.

-Daniel Britt

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 11:52 AM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Daniel Britt Joins XM Satellite Radio!

The news is out: I will be producing and hosting a new weekly radio show for XM Satellite Radio, on Channel 34, enLighten!

I really can't tell you how excited I am about this opportunity.

The show is called "Daniel Britt & Friends" and will focus a large part on artists interviews and documentaries, as well as including other fun features like flashbacks, did you know?, and concert happenings around the country.

The program debuts on Monday, September 25, 2006 at 7PM Eastern (4PM Pacific). Each week, you will have three opportunities to catch the show. Here are the scheduled broadcast times:

- Mondays at 7 PM Eastern/4 PM Pacific
- Thursdays at 10 PM Eastern/7 PM Pacific
- Saturdays at 12 Noon Eastern/9 AM Pacific

The first program is a tribute to the late Anthony Burger, and for the program, I talked to LuAnn Burger, Lori, Sonya and Lily Isaacs, and Buddy Greene. The week of the show's debut, enLighten will also be paying a week-long tribute to Anthony, including some great contest.

As you might expect, you can keep up to date with future programming notes and details, as well as download more extensive versions of the interviews, here at danielbritt.com.

I'm also putting together an email newsletter that will keep you abreast of program notes. You can subscribe here.

"Daniel Britt & Friends" will be heard on XM Satellite Radio's channel 34, enLighten. You can also hear it online at xmradio.com, at AOL Radio, or with DirecTV on channel 828.

- Learn more about XM at xmradio.com
- Learn more about enLighten
- Check out enlighten34.com
- Sign up for the Daniel Britt & Friends email newsletter
- Read press release here
- See newspaper article

(note: nothing changes with the affiliation with NewLife.FM in Atlanta. Daniel will still be heard each weekday afternoon at 4:30 and on Saturday nights at 7. See updated schedule page)

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:58 AM  0 comments links to this post

NQC T-Shirt


Over at averyfineline, there's been a suggestion to create a t-shirt (in fun) that reads "Spiritually Certified by NQC" ... It kept staring me in the face when I would read it... so, I couldn't resist.

It's been designed, you can buy it and maybe even have it shipped by NQC time. Who knows.

Here's the link: https://www.spreadshirt.com/shop.php?sid=49585

(note: really, this is just for fun. no disrespect is meant. hey, and it's free press for CMP!)

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:51 AM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, August 31, 2006

BIG NEWS COMING SOON!

In just a matter of days, I will have a big announcement to be made public. Keep watching for details (I'm a bit excited!) :)

-Daniel

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 4:41 PM  1 comments links to this post

Thursday, July 20, 2006

NEW! SOUTHERN GOSPEL RADIO PRODUCTION

- FOR CONCERT SPOTS, PRE-SHOW ANNOUNCEMENTS, INDUSTRY SEMINARS & CONVENTIONS, AND MORE!

LISTEN TO A 6:30 MINUTE MP3 DEMO OF WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:
>High Quality-4.47mb
>Low Quality-2.23mb

Fully produced Southern Gospel concert spots start at just $99 with great discounts for multiple orders - perfect for multi-city concert tours!

Custom pre-show announcements to enhance your group's slide show or video are available. REQUEST A QUOTE to get started.

As always, turnaround is FAST and you can choose from many options of receiving your finished product (click here for details).

Email sgspots@danielbritt.com for more information or call 404-308-1089.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 10:07 AM  0 comments links to this post

Friday, June 30, 2006

John Darin Rowsey in the news


LINK>>Newspaper article on John Darin Rowsey, writer of Singing with the Saints and former member of Karen Peck & New River.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 10:08 AM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, June 26, 2006

That 'Signature Sound' ... in the dark!

UPDATE>> Pictures posted-click here...

Friday night was the Atlanta stop on the Summer Spectacular tour of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. The doors opened at Roswell Street Baptist in Marietta, GA at 6:30. Then, at about 6:32, a super storm hit with wind (strong enough to blow a porta-potty across the parking lot) and then the lights went out.

Funny thing is how the lights went completely out in the auditorium itself, while the lights stayed on in the hallway. Then, fire alarms went off with a voice on a loudspeaker declaring an emergency and to find an exit. Thankfully, no one freaked or even left the building because, also thankfully, there was no emergency.

So, from 6:30 until about 8:45, there was no power or lights in the sanctuary. Ernie and the guys started singing shortly after 7:30 (when the concert was supposed to start), but did so most of that time in the dark and a cappella. It gave Roy great opportunity to use his comedy and rib Ernie a lot. Funny stuff.

I have taken pictures and even a video clip - but because the lights were out, the pictures are not very clear (click here to view).

The air conditioning in the church never really did come on, so it was like an oven there... where, just before the storm, my car's temperature gauge read 105 degrees!

Where some artists would cancel or delay the show (and frankly, after about 45 minutes of winging it with no power, I expected the group to take a break or wait it out... ), Signature Sound kept on singing and talking throughout the whole ordeal with no signs of stopping. For part of the time they somehow managed to power a portion of their lighting and sound systems. (Ernie at one point was working on connecting the bus generator to the sound and lights). The minimum setup was short-lived (not sure why), because during one song, at the end of a verse, it all went dark again. Somebody used a flashlight as a spotlight to provide an eerie kind of glow onto Ernie and the guys. But, they were determined to sing their way through the mess and, eventually, it paid off as the power company had everything restored and the show continued on.

As one other reviewer put it: It was the night the lights went out in Georgia!

-Daniel Britt

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:32 AM  5 comments links to this post

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Good newspaper writeup on Southern Gospel Music

LINK>> The Shreveport Times

Here's a good writeup on a group known as the Glory Down Singers. If you watch local newspapers, usually they simply report event details or a pre-written press release. But this article has some accurate quotes and facts about Southern Gospel Music worth reading.

-Daniel Britt

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 10:18 AM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Just lookin' - Homecoming Radio Website


Looks like things are changing at the Homecoming Radio website. First off, I noticed that it says "Coming in July...Homecoming Radio On-Line." I can only guess that this is maybe a way to download or listen to each week's show on the web (via podcast?). Will this be one of the first music-intensive podcasts in Southern Gospel? With copyright issues so prevalent these days, most podcasters are afraid to include a lot of music in those downloads. I guess Gaither owns so much of the music he features, he's willing to cut himself a deal.

Another thing that I notice is a free gift you can receive if you click the banner "Christmas in June & July." I've entered my name and address and when I receive said (or unsaid in this case) gift, I will report back to you what it is.

Thirdly, the registration page is under an entirely different domain name, "www.homecomingmusic.net." I'll be interested to see if that becomes a full-fledged website or just a mirror image of the current Gaither Store.

-Daniel Britt

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 8:51 AM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Jimmy Jones needs your prayers

I just received news that Jimmy Jones (bass singer, formerly of the LeFevres and featured Gaither Homecoming Friend) has a serious and rare form of cancer. It may be down to months for Jimmy.

A press release is forthcoming. Please keep Jimmy in your prayers.

UPDATE: The press release is available at the Singing News website, for which you may have to have a password to view. Here's the link.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 4:56 PM  0 comments links to this post

Friday, May 05, 2006

Bill Gaither Releases Official Statement

Well, if you'll read the addendums/comments to the previous post , then you know that there was something that appeared to be a statement by Bill Gaither. However, since we’re dealing with the internet, there really was no sure way to know for sure, until now.

The Singing News Magazine’s website has released an official statement from Bill Gaither that is identical to the statement posted yesterday. It’s exactly how I had hoped this whole thing would end.

-Daniel Britt

Statement from Bill Gaither:

ALEXANDRIA, IN (Press Release) - Apparently, a visit by Marsha Stevens to a Gaither Homecoming concert in 2002 is being misrepresented and misused by her and others. Marsha Stevens is an outspoken lesbian singer-songwriter who operates an organization called Born Again Lesbian Music (BALM Ministries). Her story is a sad one.

In 1969, as the 16 year-old leader of what many consider to be the first contemporary Christian music group, Children of the Day, Marsha wrote "For Those Tears I Died," which quickly became one of the most popular songs of the so-called Jesus Movement. Featured on Maranatha's "The Everlastin' Living Jesus Music Concert" album, her song became one of the best known Christian folk songs of the decade.

Gloria and I, along with hundreds of churches around the country have sung that song for years. Unfortunately, in more recent years Marsha publicly declared herself to be lesbian and took her music and work in a very different direction from where it started.

In December 2002, we had a Gaither Homecoming concert in Phoenix, where someone told us she was in attendance and asked if she could come backstage and say hello. Mark Lowry and I greeted Marsha and her partner and someone snapped a photograph of the four of us, a picture Marsha has exploited on her Web site ever since. False reports of what transpired at the concert have also surfaced on various Web sites so we pulled the videotape of the concert and reviewed it. Here is exactly what happened.

Gloria and I were celebrating our 40th anniversary that night and we sang a number of songs that had been special to us over the years, including, "For Those Tears I Died." I mentioned, from the platform, that the woman who wrote that song "is here tonight." I then said that I love that song because someone "may have seen a grownup with a Jesus that maybe is pushing you away, that wouldn't let you in. And you were never good enough. The only Christ I know is the Christ in that song, with His arms out very wide, saying, 'come to the water.' That's the only Christ I know-come as you are."

We then continued the concert without any further mention of Marsha or this song. Any other report of this concert is simply and sadly false. I regret that this brief exchange has apparently been used to suggest some sort of endorsement of Marsha and her current life and work. Clearly I do not endorse or support either, though I believe God can, and does still use this song to minister to people. I pray for Marsha and encourage others to do the same.

Bill Gaither

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:02 AM  2 comments links to this post

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Bill & Gloria are brought up in gay discussion on radio talk show

I listen to Steve Brown Etc., a weekly radio talk show. This past week, he talked to Mel White, a former "ghost-writer" for such evangelicals as Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, and Jerry Falwell. He is also a homosexual activist.

During the course of the interview, Steve (who is a friend of Bill & Gloria Gaither) brings up a conversation he had with Gloria Gaither about how the church treats homosexuals.

If you'll listen to the Steve Brown show (click here) and go 24:30 into the program, you'll hear Mel say that Gloria is wrong and unrealistic in what she said to Steve about the church showing love to gays. You really should listen to it to also hear Mel say that Bill & Gloria are surrounded by gay people every day [in Christian/church music.]

(For what it's worth, I agree with Brown's position: it's a sin, but I'm not your mother and I'm not going to throw rocks from my glass house).

NOTE / UPDATE >> I have posted some updates on this topic under the "comments" section. CLICK HERE TO READ THE UPDATES.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 3:04 PM  9 comments links to this post

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Crabb Marketing - not bad!

I just received an email from the Crabb Family's newsletter. Here's a screen shot (click to enlarge):


The email went on to say:

We are excited to announce CCM Magazine's growing coverage as The Crabb Family's ministry grows into new territory. CCM has devoted space in at least two of the next issues to present the lives, music and ministry of The Crabb Family! Show your support by purchasing a subscription to CCM here.
Plus, in a partnership with CCM Magazine, a portion of your purchase will go to benefit The Crabb Family ministry! And you'll be sending a message to CCM that fans of The Crabb Family are ready to Blur the Lines!
Here's what Jason Crabb has to say about CCM Magazine: "I can't wait each month until I get my copy of the latest CCM Magazine. The whole family enjoys keeping up with what our friends on the road are doing. Plus, we like the pictures."
Subscribe Today!

Not bad when you can actively sell Singing News AND CCM subscriptions... I have previewed the Blur the Lines project and remember making a comment that it is going to be big. For those who complain and say that it's not Southern Gospel, I say: Play the Crabb Family for contemporary music fans and they'll call it Southern Gospel all day long.

I love the traditional sounds--it's what attracted me to the music! But everything changes and the 1950's style of Southern Gospel is different from the 1980's style. What we're hearing from these "progressive" groups today is simply the natural "evolution" of Southern Gospel.

I think the different flavors of Southern Gospel has given the genre a wider appeal. Kind of the "if you don't like this song, just hang on...it'll change in a minute" philosophy. The Isaacs may be too bluegrass for you, but hang on...Gold City is next.

In related Crabb/Blur-the-Lines news:

XM Radio Announces Crabb Family Day - WASHINGTON, DC--The Crabb Family is set to be the featured artist for Tuesday, May 2nd on XM Satellite Radio's Channel 34 (enLighten) . The day will include excerpts from the brand new album, Blur The Lines, along with numerous other Crabb Family hits, commercial free. Crabb Family Day will begin at 10:00am ET and conclude at 9:00pm ET with the best of the Crabb Family being featured at the top of each hour. The Crabb siblings are the first Southern Gospel artist to have a featured day on the station. "The Crabb Family is very honored that XM Radio would believe in our music to the extent of adding a station that plays only Southern Gospel music 24 hours a day. There is added enthusiasm knowing that Blur The Lines and the Crabb Family will be featured during their broadcast this Tuesday. Many of the Crabb Family members are XM subscribers. How exciting that Southern Gospel music and the Crabb Family are now part of the XM Satellite Radio world," stated Kelly Bowling, the Crabb Family. "Dan Dixon and I are looking forward to doing many exciting things here on enLighten," says Program Director Marlin Taylor, "now that we are truly America's Southern Gospel music station, including setting aside a day from time to time to salute one of Southern Gospel's leading groups. We feel it's significant that we kick off this series with the Crabbs, who are leading the way in exposing Southern Gospel to new audiences." For more information on XM Satellite Radio, check out www.xmradio.com.

I'm glad to see such creative promotions on XM and not just a seldom-updated juke box format.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 2:45 PM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, April 24, 2006

What is Southern Gospel?

My father-in-law is writing a paper on the history of Southern Gospel Music. He asked me for my input on 1) the different styles of SG and 2) SG today. I sat down and, in basically an hour's time, came up with the following. Keep in mind that I didn't do any formal research for this, I simply sat and wrote based on my opinion and what I would tell someone if asked about these topics. Disagree if you'd like. More "scientific" works have been published, such as "Close Harmony: A History of Southern Gospel" written by Dr. Jerry Goff, "Music in the Air: The Golden Age of Gospel Radio" written by Mark Ward, Sr., and "Murray's Encyclopedia Of Southern Gospel Music" written by David Bruce Murray. There are also biographies of many beloved Gospel legends available, such as Vestal Goodman's and Bill Gaither's.

Here are my thoughts:

Styles within Southern Gospel

  • Traditional is what many may associate with a quartet style or standard mixed-group sound that features unique four-part harmonies with high tenors, low basses and a 4/4 time pattern. Songs are usually straight-forward and simple: several verses with a familiar chorus that is referred back to several times throughout the song.

  • Convention-style is what is referred to as a branch of the traditional style that focuses heavily on shape note singing. It's a very cut-and-dry way of singing. The songs may contain emotion and passion, but usually do not exhibit any "fancy" deviation from the written music. (One usually sticks to the notes on the page and sings as-is without adding or improvising).

  • Progressive Southern Gospel incorporates or borrows from a contemporary sound and matches it with one of the more traditional styles. The most common "borrowed" sounds are pop, progressive country (often referred to as a Nashville sound), inspirational, and urban. The best way to describe how an otherwise traditional sound is made "progressive" is to think of a song being given a pop flair (or an urban beat, or use of new technology to produce more of an electronic sound). Usually, groups that fall under a progressive sound also fit well under a traditional sound when given the opportunity to "just sing" with a piano and bass. Some examples are The Gaither Vocal Band, Gold City Quartet, Karen Peck & New River, The Nelons, Signature Sound Quartet, The Crabb Family, and Janet Paschal.

  • Bluegrass has been closely aligned with Southern Gospel, although there is a difference between the two. Usually the twangy mountain bluegrass sound is replaced with tighter harmonies and a more polished delivery, while the instrumentation and bluegrass-style of composition sticks. Groups that have used their bluegrass heritage to produce a popular new sound of Southern Gospel are The Isaacs, The Bishops, and The Crabb Family.
    Mountain Gospel music is a bit different than bluegrass. If you take the traditional Southern Gospel sound (especially the conventional sound) and marry it with the less-polished delivery of bluegrass, you'll have an example of down home mountain Gospel singing. Two groups that immediately come to mind are The Inspirations and The McKameys. Their talent is no less than the other styles; you'll just notice their sound is uniquely "mountain."

  • Black Southern Gospel is characterized by artists like Charles Johnson & The Revivers, The Reggie Saddler Family, Jessy Dixon, Lynda Randle, Andre Crouch, Babbie Mason, Larnelle Harris, and Alvin Slaughter. Listening to very traditional sounds of Black Gospel like the Blind Boys of Alabama or the Fairfield Four will give you an idea of the similarities between white and black gospel music. Jessy Dixon and Lynda Randle have brought unique sounds, blending their personal roots in black gospel with the songs closely aligned with white southern gospel to provide a "country/western meets soul and blues" sound that is appealing to lovers of both styles.

  • Country Gospel music has probably one of the most straight-forward definitions: anything the sounds like what the secular country music genre is producing. Obviously it has a wide range as well. Some people associate "old country church hymns" as being Country Gospel, while others associate the sound of a steel guitar, southern drawls like Merle Haggard or Hank Williams, and story-songs that grab emotions to be what defines "Country." I think both associations are accurate: "On The Wings of A Snow White Dove" is just as much a Country Gospel song as is Randy Travis’ recent hit "Three Wooden Crosses." Examples of Country Gospel artists are: Jeff & Sheri Easter, The McRaes, Randy Travis, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Mike Bowling.

Southern Gospel Today

The music today falls into two main categories: concerts and churches. Most groups use both to expand their reach.

Concert venues are generally seen as more entertainment, usually charge an admission for the show, have concessions that are for sale, give time for an intermission and feature multiple groups sharing the stage while an emcee or host moves the night along. There is usually a heavy push for the artist's product available for purchase in a foyer or lobby.

The Bill Gaither Homecoming series is an example of a highly-successful concert production. Gaither has outsold other secular music acts in tickets sales, artists like Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi.

Church venues are typically used more to aid in worship or to minister. These appearances are usually less showy and are more straight-laced than concerts. Admission is rare, but a love offering is common. Interestingly enough, product tables are almost always setup and promoted at church events as well. One common way for a church to land a big name in Southern Gospel is through connections and last-minute bookings where the group is traveling from point A to point B and has an open date in between the two. The group's booking agency will contact area churches and offer a low-cost booking option in exchange for the group to fill its schedule last-minute.

While there are some groups who only perform at concert venues, there aren't many who only sing to church groups. When given the chance to perform at a civic hall or on an arena stage, Southern Gospel artists usually take it. Since the music is Christian at its root, artists argue that regardless of "concert" or "church," ministry still exists and is the main goal. It is, as Bill Gaither's biographical title states it, "More Than The Music."

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:17 AM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, April 13, 2006

XM Satellite Radio - Now Featuring Southern Gospel!

Link: XM Satellite Radio

Some great news has come about as a subscriber and fan of XM Radio: enLighten is debuting on Monday, featuring 24 hours of Southern Gospel coast to coast (and if I'm not mistaken, into Canada?)! I've listened to it online, but will certainly listen to it more now that it's on satellite.

I wonder what the Torch people think of their alternative-Christian music channel getting dropped. I'm not being mean, but I'm sure the CCM fans are maybe bewildered as to why such an "old-timey sounding music" is making so many waves and demanding satellite space. As a friend of mine used to say "Don't tell me Southern Gospel doesn't sell!"

I couldn't agree more.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 10:52 AM  2 comments links to this post

Monday, April 03, 2006

Daniel Britt featured on Musicscribe

Musicscribe, a website created by David Bruce Murray, has invited me to be a contributor to their site of all things Southern Gospel.

It really is worth the visit and bookmarking to read the thoughts and opinions posted there. And, it's ever growing and updated often.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:39 AM  0 comments links to this post

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Anthony Burger photos by Al Fasoldt

These are pictures of Anthony Burger and the Homecoming singers during the cruise:
Anthony Burger photos by Al Fasoldt

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 10:55 PM  3 comments links to this post

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Tim Riley returning to Gold City?

In all fairness, I want to say out front: I have not verified this. For now, it's rumor... But, someone told me that Daniel Riley said that Bill Lawrence is coming off the road and Tim Riley is reclaiming the bass position with Gold City.

Again, I can't verify this and have seen this nowhere else. "For what it's worth..."

Here's a link to the Gold City Quartet

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:34 AM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, March 06, 2006

Mark Lowry hospitalized

Report from Gaither.com

Mark Lowry had a motorcycling accident this weekend. One report (from Bob Sauer, Mark's manager) was that he broke his leg and has a bump on his head; the other report (as linked to above) says he's hospitalized.

Either way, I hope he's gonna be alright!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 1:59 PM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Anthony Burger's daughter, Lori

Link: Lori

This is the website for Anthony and LuAnn Burger's daughter, Lori. The last opportunity I had to see Anthony was at a solo date in Covington and Lori was there singing some as well. Her debut CD is wonderful and very well produced. Check out her sound clips and watch for good things from her!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 8:35 AM  10 comments links to this post

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Anthony Burger Funeral to be streamed live

02.28.06 Anthony Burger service to be streamed live from Christ Church:
At 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, Christ Church will stream the memorial service for Anthony Burger live online at www.ChristChurchNashville.org for those unable to personally attend the service. The service is being streamed with the blessing of the Burger family.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:45 PM  3 comments links to this post

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Anthony Burger

NOTE: THIS POST IS UPDATED WITH NEW LINKS

Sad News: Anthony Burger has died.

Here's the report from Mark Lowry posted last night:

I just got a phone call from Michael Lord, Stan Whitmire, then Scott Davis so I called Barry Jennings to confirm it. About an hour and a half ago Anthony Burger was playing, 'We Shall Be Hold Him' on The Gaither Cruise, collapsed and died. A couple of people took him backstage and they tried to revive him, but couldn't. I presume this was a heart attack. I'll post more when I know the details. Please keep all of Anthony's family in your prayers.

From Gaither.com:

During the evening of Wednesday, February 22, while in concert on the Gaither Homecoming Cruise, Anthony Burger collapsed on-stage. He was taken backstage but was unable to be revived. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, but is thought to have been a heart attack.

Please keep Anthony's family in your prayers during this unexpected and tragic loss.

Further details and arrangements will be provided as they become available.


And from the Singing News:

Pianist Anthony Burger died today after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 44. Anthony was aboard a Bill Gaither Homecoming cruise this week and it was during one of today's performances when he suffered the heart attack. Anthony is survived by his wife LuAnn, two sons and one daughter. No other details are available at this time. Singing News will provide more information as it becomes available.

Other resources:

UPDATE FROM TORI TAFF and MARK LOWRY

Billboard Music

CNN

WTVC

The Chattanoogan

Contact Music

CBS News

Chicago Tribune

Steinway and Sons Featured Pianist

LA Times

Gaither.com News Article

Christian Examiner (post-funeral)

Anthony Burger Official Site

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 8:42 AM  4 comments links to this post

Thursday, February 09, 2006

New Photos from 2002 Gaither Homecoming in Atlanta

PHOTOS>> Click Here!

I found some concert pictures from 2002 at Philips Arena in Atlanta with Bill Gaither and the Homecoming Friends. Just three pictures (with Bill, Ben Speer, and Kevin Williams)... but they're over in photos.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 5:37 PM  1 comments links to this post

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Resources Mentioned>>

If you missed something said on the radio, or need to get the details of it again, check out the resource page. It contains all of the Money-Saving Monday tips as well as other issues and articles mentioned by Daniel either during the weekday afternoon broadcasts or the Saturday night broadcasts. The resources are even archived back to 2005 and 2004.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:17 AM  0 comments links to this post

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Enduring a Hailstorm in the New Year

Hailstorm! On January 2nd! Thankfully, we didn't get any direct hits from tornadic activity, but we did get some hail. Now that I am on this side of survival, I think it was kinda fun...actually.

(See pictures by clicking the above link.)

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 4:46 PM  1 comments links to this post

Thursday, December 29, 2005

More Christmas Pictures Uploaded!

Christmas 2005 Pictures added... with Daniel's Family (Johnsons and Greens).

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:29 PM  0 comments links to this post

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Cool Web Clock

This is insane! Check it out...if you ever need to know the date or time.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 2:22 PM  0 comments links to this post

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Buddy Greene-Christmas at the Douglass Theatre

We saw Buddy Greene in concert Thursday (12/22) at the Douglass Theatre in Macon. The concert was full of Christmas favorites and it was a packed house. Here are some pictures...

(and oh... Merry Christmas!)

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 3:44 PM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, December 19, 2005

New design and more pictures!

The whole danielbritt.com website has been updated and somewhat redesigned. It looks similar to the old format, but is now more uniform and (I think) easier to look at.

Let me know if you get any weird errors or missing links. Email those type of things to editor@danielbritt.com

AND - There a TON of new picture galleries... click here to see them!

Merry Christmas,
Daniel

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 7:16 PM  0 comments links to this post

Friday, December 16, 2005

New Pictures

I have finally (after more than a year) gotten around to grabbing a few extra pictures from the Christian Booksellers Association Convention in Atlanta last year (2004).

They include me holding Benji, the dog,

and with Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron...

More pictures to come soon...

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 2:35 PM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, December 12, 2005

Christmas... Again

May I remind you of this from last year:

Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas. And to those who teach us to say Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings, May I say Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!

So there.

Without Christmas, there'd be no Easter; there'd be no Hope.

Have a Merry one!

--Daniel

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Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Mark Lowry diagnosed with MS

The news that came out Sunday was that Mark Lowry has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. There's no need for me to reprint what has already been said about it... you can find the updates from Mark himself here.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 8:24 AM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, October 24, 2005

A Weekend with Mark Lowry & Steve Brown

Well! This past weekend was so cool. On Friday, I spent the evening at Mt Paran Church of God's brand new sanctuary in Atlanta. Mark Lowry, Stan Whitmire and LordSong were there and we had such a good time. If you missed it: shame!

Of course, Mark still thinks I am 10. (See his ramblings page for October 12, 2005...)

Then, on Saturday I was able to attend the Saturday service at Perimeter Church in Atlanta to see Dr. Steve Brown. Steve gave one of the best, atypical sermons on money. It was great! His sermon points were:

1) If you can, get rich.
2) If you do get rich, be very careful.
3) If you can't get rich, deal with it.

Afterwards, Steve told me not to disabuse Mark of thinking that I am only 10. He said he (Steve) would love to be mistaken for that age!

So, yes...Mark, I am quite young...thank you very much.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Salem Communications Acquires Singing News

Oh Boy! Let the fun begin :)

Salem has announced it is buying the Singing News magazine... "the printed voice of Southern Gospel music." Salem is the same company that publishes the Gaither Homecoming Magazine, too.

Maybe we'll see more beards, ladies wearing pants, and Guy Penrod's long locks on the cover? I can't wait! A new day is dawning... maybe.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:18 AM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, September 19, 2005

VIDEO>>Grandma's 75th Birthday!

Here's a clip of Grandmama Green's 75th Birthday party... as she is serenaded by the often imitated, seldom duplicated, Classic Green Groaners of Georgia.

Enjoy.

VIDEO>>Grandma's 75th Birthday!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 7:14 PM  1 comments links to this post

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Sample Video Clips: Hot Air Balloons and 4th of July Fireworks

These clips are quicktime movies...

VIDEO>> Hot Air Balloons flying above Griffin, GA (4/10/05)
VIDEO>> 4th of July Fireworks at Lake Spivey, GA (7/4/05)

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Wednesday, August 31, 2005

High Gas Prices

I was in downtown Griffin, GA at noontime today.

Here are some pictures of high gas prices I snapped:

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Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Cruise to the Caribbean & FDR's Little White House

So, Megan and I went on a cruise last month and had a blast! It was with Carnival and we sailed to the Cayman Islands and to Cozumel. I googled a satellite picture of the Port of Tampa and found the cruise ship Inspiration at the dock:



-----

Last night, we drove around West Central Georgia... and ended up in Warm Springs where FDR's Little White House is located. We didn't get to see the house (shown below), but at least now I know where 'tis. They close the gate at 4:45 in the afternoon... looks like a Saturday trip.



Here's a place to take a photo tour.

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Thursday, August 04, 2005

Homecoming Radio Website

Click here to see a brand new website for Bill Gaither's Homecoming Radio Show.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 3:05 PM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, July 11, 2005

I've Heard Your Cries!

You have spoken: you would like to see a different layout for the "Photos" section of the site. So, thanks to the design team at Picasa, one has been developed!

PLUS -- New pictures have been added. (Okay...truth be told, they're actually older photos, but new to the website). These are the pics I told you I found archived from WGKA recently. They include shots of me interviewing the Nelons and the Crabb Family as well as holding a guitar at a Legacy Five/Greater Vision concert. Head on over to see for yourself!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:11 PM  0 comments links to this post

Gaither Vocal Band Hires New Tenor


His name is Wes Hampton. Gaithernet announced over the weekend the official naming of David Phelps' replacement.

I have yet to hear Wes - so for now, along with the Gaithernetters, I'll say too: his baby is adorable.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 8:29 AM  0 comments links to this post

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Tony Greene

From SGLive365:

Tony Greene (THE GREENES) told a concert audience last week that he recently received a poor health report. Doctors says Tony's kidneys are failing.. and it seems that the future holds either dialysis or a transplant. Reports say Taranda (Tony's wife) has volunteered to be a living kidney donor. No further information is available at this time.. please keep Tony and Taranda in your prayers.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:16 AM  0 comments links to this post

Replacement for David Phelps?

I got an email asking "Who will replace David Phelps?" Here's the only rumor I've heard:

Birmingham, Alabama resident WES HAMPTON sang the tenor part for the Gaither Vocal Band recently, after the David Phelps resignation was announced. Bill Gaither apparently introduced Hampton as someone being "carefully considered" for the vacant spot with GVB. An Internet search reveals that Hampton is presently a worship leader with The Church At Brook Hills in Birmingham.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 8:41 AM  3 comments links to this post

Friday, June 17, 2005

David Phelps to Leave the Gaither Vocal Band

This News Release was issued on June 13, 2005... It signals the end of an era for the Gaither Vocal Band: the departure of the BEST vocalist I've ever heard!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 3:30 PM  3 comments links to this post

Friday, June 10, 2005

Gaither Video Taping in South Africa

I haven't confirmed this, but if you look at Russ Taff's Tour Schedule, you will notice that under "Gaither Dates" there is a video shoot scheduled for December 9 and 10, 2005 in South Africa.

Although Gaithernet does not include the same information on its events schedule, it also doesn't have anything posted for those dates.

CONFIRMING UPDATE (FROM GAITHERNET): There are two projects pending for which release dates have not yet been determined! We will keep you posted as details come together, but watch for details on these two upcoming releases!

On December 10, 2005, there will be a video taping in South Africa! We do not yet have a release date or a title, but one thing is for sure... this unique and powerful experience will be unlike anything we have done before!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 11:17 AM  0 comments links to this post

Analyzing "Gaither Homecoming" Funerals

Averyfineline has written a post after listening to the audio from George Younce's funeral service. (You can hear the service here (part one) and here (part two).

After reading his thoughts and observations, I emailed him mine:

You raise good questions about George's funeral. I was not there... but I did attend Vestal's. It was truly unique (and long!)... but I think it probably has to be the best funeral I've been to. The quality was superb and you need quality to maintain focus. No one wants to be in the middle of grieving and then have to feel sorry for some inept sound guy or some pitchy part time singer.

Maybe it's just me but I get nervous for people who aren't doing a good job singing or performing... to the point that I'm no longer focusing on the memorial anymore (or worship or prayer or even the song's message itself).

The Goodman funeral may have had some questionable moments to some...but when you get a bunch of performers and entertainers together to pay tribute to a fellow performer/entertainer... you're going to have some performance and entertaining qualities shine through.

A radio hero of mine passed away tragically last year. At his funeral was a radio montage of clips played at one point in the service.

At my great grandmother's service there were no audio clips. She wasn't in radio nor was she a recording artist.

I think the services need to fit the person (and in America at least... like it or not... your life-long profession seems to define a great deal of who you are).

If Vestal's funeral were available for purchase, I'd have it. What a wonderful collection of stories, honors, songs and reflections on a great life it would be! Morbid? Maybe... but only if you think of it as death. Looking at life and celebrating its joys are where the Homecoming Friends steer the ship instead.

Daniel Britt
danielbritt.com
Atlanta, GA

As I mentioned, I attended Vestal Goodman's funeral at Christ Church in Nashville. You can read some accounts of Vestal's funeral here.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:14 AM  0 comments links to this post

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

No More Clear Channel for Gaither

New Promotion Company to handle Bill Gaither's Homecoming Tour.

I guess this makes a total of 3 different tour companies that have been with the Homecoming Crew... (at least that I'm aware of). To my knowledge, the first was Premier Productions and Gary Gentry; the second being Clear Channel Entertainment; and the third, being announced today, Emery Entertainment.

Best wishes to the tour and happy tenth anniversary!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 2:43 PM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, June 06, 2005

New Information on The Martins

From Joyce Martin's website...: "But when The Martins decided to take a year off from touring"

I've heard (from several places) hints about the reformation of The Martins. It's Definitely Good News!!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 10:02 AM  0 comments links to this post

Friday, May 20, 2005

Update on GVB minus Homecoming...

AVERYFINELINE <<<<< Click the link to read a musing about the recent observations.

Also, click here for another discussion on it.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:35 AM  0 comments links to this post

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

NewLIfe FM Coffee Mug

The New NewLife FM 10th Anniversary Coffee Cups are available. You can get one with your call of a gift of any size to the ministry of NewLife FM. The number is 770-229-2020.

LISTEN to this clip to hear the claims of this cup! It reduces calories and makes your coffee taste better!!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 6:45 AM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Gaither Vocal Band sans Homecoming


Here's the latest from the Gaither camp:

The Gaither Vocal Band and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound are teaming up for at least two concert appearances. September 9th the groups will be in Wheeling, West Virginia, and September 10th in Roanoke, Virginia. No word on any future dates.

This combined concert offers the rare opportunity to enjoy the Gaither Vocal Band outside the Homecoming concert format... plus Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Quartet. The shows are expected to sell out. Sources say tickets are almost gone for the evening performances.. but plans for matinee shows may be in the works.

tickets are available on line at www.tickets.com or by calling 1-888-397-3100.

Now, my early observation is that maybe, just maybe, this could be an avenue for Gaither should the Homecoming Tour start to slow down. I mean, who wouldn't love an evening with just the Vocal Band? Or, as in this case, the Vocal Band and Signature Sound.

By doing these types of dates with maybe one other group, smaller venues and cities could have the chance to host Gaither - and each group on stage would have more time and opportunity to connect with the audience.

The combos are endless: "GVB & Easters," "GVB & Hoppers," "GVB & Booth Brothers," "GVB & Isaacs," "GVB & Crabbs." Whoa. It may just put the Gaither Vocal Band on the traditional SG touring market. But, with it comes more accessibility by the fans - and maybe even an opportunity for them to "get enough" and thus satisfy their "Gaither itch." That all along has been what I've thought the Homecoming does so well: Gives you just a taste of each artists so that you don't tire of them--in fact leaving you wanting more.

And more is what's available at the product table...two for $25!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 8:55 AM  1 comments links to this post

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Piano update

My piano tuning didn't go so well. It was condemned - what, with a split pin block and separating sound board and all.

Oh well. It holds too much sentiment to junk it - plus, I like the way it looks.

The lower register will not be able to hold a tune according to my tuner. It's not that badly out of tune. Maybe I can get the upper register tuned and "live with" the lower being a bit off for now.

Oh well...further excuse to keep watching ebay for a Kawai MP9500 Keyboard I've so longed for!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:02 AM  0 comments links to this post

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

My Laffargue Piano

Interesting Group Postings about the Laffargue Name... This is the piano I grew up playing...
Photo
The piano tuner is coming tonight... since it's been transported from Warner Robins to Atlanta. I think the sound is quite unique - but maybe it's just me.

Anyway, the history of this puppy is quite extensive. From being built in 1926, being sold to a public school in Thomasville, GA, being damaged by a fire in the school, being replaced by the piano company, being refurbished and sold to my Great Grandmother, being given to my Grandmother who gave it to my mother who gave it to me... whew!

I just hope it will "hold" a tuning. (It really hasn't been that long since it was last tuned, so maybe it will).

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Monday, May 02, 2005

Gaither Homecoming in Atlanta

The Gaither Homecoming Concert on Friday night was sold out (according to Clear Channel and several others). The Arena at Gwinnett Center seats up to 13,000 and every seat was taken! Not a surprise for Gaither, especially since it's been more than a year since the singing troupe has been to Georgia.

And if the crowd numbers weren't enough to convince you that Atlanta is a great Gaither venue, look at the extra talent that showed up for this concert: Eva Mae LeFevre debuted her new album with Mark Fuller; Jimmy Jones recited Suppertime; Naomi and the Segos performed in the second half of the program with the Homecoming Friends; Calvin Newton, Nicole Watts Jenkins and Eddie Wallace (Sunshine Boys) were on-hand as well.

In fact, there was so much "extra" talent that Gaither knew before the concert began he was going to go until at least 11:30 PM.

That he did.

Traffic was a nightmare, as was to be expected with Gwinnett County and I-85 rush hour; but parking was a ton better (and much cheaper... try FREE) than the Philips Arena/Downtown Atlanta venue.

I don't see future dates announced for Atlanta yet, but I'm sure that an evaluation will be conducted on this Arena versus Philips or other possibilities in metro Atlanta. We'll have to wait and see.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 11:55 AM  0 comments links to this post

Friday, April 29, 2005

Anthony Burger Concert

Last night, we were in Covington, GA with Anthony Burger in concert. Always a great presentation of the Gospel. Congratulations to Betty Barnes of Conyers who won the NewLife.FM prize pack full of Anthony Burger product and a CD Library by Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family.

Tonight, I'm in Atlanta at the Arena at Gwinnett Center with the Gaither Homecoming Friends.

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Tuesday, April 19, 2005

The Martins... No More?

Inside the mind of Mark Lowry - April 2005 ramblings: "We're going to be eating lunch with Jonathan Martin, formerly of The Martins (which, unfortunately no longer exists.) They were the best trio around and I think LordSong has taken their place as the premiere Gospel trio. Their harmonies are so tight and on pitch that it sickens me. Probably sickens them more when they have to sing with me (I consider pitch an option)."

I noticed this a few days ago when Mark Lowry wrote in his "Ramblings..." But, at least from him, The Martins no longer exist as a group. No word on a reformation of the group. Sounds like it's not likely.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:16 AM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, April 11, 2005

George Younce Passes Away

News just out that Legendary Bass Singer for the Cathedrals, George Younce passed away early this morning, April 11, 2005.

I had the opportunity to hang out with George on a few occasions. Mark Fuller and I even interivewed him from his home in Ohio not too long ago. Watch for that interview to be posted here as a "podcast" soon.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:57 AM  0 comments links to this post

FREE GIVEAWAY...FamilyLife Conferences: Weekend to Remember (R)

FamilyLife Conferences: Weekend to Remember (R) - NewLife FM is giving away FREE registration to this conference today and tomorrow. Listen to win!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:24 AM  0 comments links to this post

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Throne of Grace Prayer Time

Every day (in fact three times per day), NewLife FM hosts a gathering of believers before God's Throne of Grace.

Click Here to Listen to an example of "Throne of Grace Prayer Time" and then call the station at 770-229-2020 to submit your prayer requests or praise reports.

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Monday, March 21, 2005

The Interview Archives

In an effort to tidy up the main page of danielbritt.com, I have placed "the archives" on a separate page.

I'll still keep the heavy hitters and most current interviews on the main page, but will keep a running list of all the interviews on the archive page as well.

Click here to visit the Interview Archives.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 11:51 AM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, March 14, 2005

Book Interview

An author of a new book on getting started in the radio industry recently contacted me for some answers to commonly asked questions about entering the industry. When I find out more about the new book, I'll post it. Until then, here's my response to his questions:

Name:
Daniel Britt

What your postion is:
On-Air Personality, Production Director


Brief job history:
In radio since I was 14... have also worked in tv.

Contact info:
http://danielbritt.com


2. Can you explain a day in the life of yourself ? What you do etc...... Any specialty shows ???
Right now, because my position requires a combination of office/administration duties and on-air tasks, the work day is extremely normal (8AM-5PM). My daily program is an afternoon drive-time show, but it's all voice tracked. From 8 until around 10:30 or 11, I prepare for the day's program, check voicemails, answer emails and in general prepare for my day. Once 11 hits, I'm in the studio recording the day's program. All week, I'm also preparing and recording a Saturday night specialty music program. I try to wait and do the majority of its voice tracking on Thursday or Friday so it's as "current" as possible. Obviously, if something big happens and I need to include it on the Saturday program, I can also re-record a track.

Lunch is normally around noon; while I'm out I include off-site errands such as bank visits and meetings around the city. From one o'clock until the end of the day, various tasks are rationed out depending on what's due the soonest. Some regular tasks I undertake include website maintenance and continued development, organizing station promotions and contests, producing the audio imaging to self-promote the radio station on-air, and producing Underwriting Spot Announcements (which are acknowledgments of businesses who donate to our non profit radio station).

3. Can you give up and coming students in your field advice as to how the business is changing and what to prepare themselves for ?
Voice Tracking, Internet Listening and Satellite radio are the top three areas of big concern for radio people right now. Voice tracking is cool and efficient from management's standpoint, but it threatens the jock. No longer is it as easy to simply be a talented radio guy on one station and make the money necessary. Nowadays, if you embrace voicetracking, you will have to be on several stations to come close to a steady salary. If you are with a station (like I am) and you voice track, your multi-tasking duties increase since you have more "off-air" time to fill.

Internet Listening is expanding with streaming, podcasting, mp3 files, and music downloads. Thankfully, radio is embracing this as their own idea in a lot of cases. Even including podcasting, which is a way of providing on-demand audio. Why not provide popular shows as a download to your listeners? The internet breeds creativity. Hopefully as radio becomes more and more threatened, it will look to Internet as a no-brainer way to broaden it's way of thinking.

Satellite radio is the newest "supported" form of media, meaning that it comes with a piece of hardware, a wireless satellite signal and a monthly subscription fee. With customer and technical support behind it, it's listener-base may go further initially than, say, podcasting. But, because of a monthly fee and costly equipment, free radio and internet becomes more attractive to the dollar-conscience among us. Satellite radio is presented much in the same was as cable tv for your radio. The options are very broad, the creativity is more than radio has been lately, and for now at least, commercials are limited if not non-existent on many music channels. Not a bad pitch to those tired of cookie cutter radio stations.

Having a good current knowledge of these areas will help you think outside the "old radio days" box. If you work at a radio station, get creative and put some of the other succesful ideas to work for radio. If you are self-employed, explore all of the options to get work. Don't throw out the idea of working as a voice tracking talent or for satellite radio. Only remain loyal to radio if radio remains loyal to you. However, if radio is paying your bills...embrace it and enhance it in order to keep it!

4. As a talent, can you explaion the importance of promotion, self promotion, both on and off the air ?

The longer I'm involved with radio, the more I hear how important promotion is! I once heard that the top stations "tell you what's coming, tell you it's here, tell you about it, then tell you they were the ones who told you about it in the first place!" Good advice, that. If people really listen with a half-ear, then don't feel dumb to repeat your message over and over and over. The winning radio formula tells jocks that the first thing out your mouth should always be the station's name and the last thing you should say should be the station's name. The more you can burn your brand into your listener's mind, the more likely they are to remember you later.

Promotions and contests are great because they not only sound good, but they get listeners involved. "Call the station and win" is more than us being nice people and giving away money and cars. It's smart marketing. Even if your station doesn't give away money and cars, you can do something. CDs for music stations are readily available from record companies and promoters. Again, as with most things "radio," creativity is key here. The more creative you can get, the better you will be at finding something that works for you.

But, why limit "branding" to only your on-air sound. Obviously it's one thing to talk to somebody who is already listening, but you also need to constantly keep a fresh face in front of the general market. Find events and partnerships within your community and spread the word about your station. Then, once new listeners start tuning in, they'll hear the on-air promotions that keep 'em hooked.

Promote, promote, promote... should always be at the top of a radio station's list. Look at McDonald's or 60 MINUTES on CBS. They are staples of American life...but they still promote themselves. Every day, CBS runs promos for 60 MINUTES and it's been on for decades as their number one show. Why not flaunt it? Why not continue to remain number one. Don't quit once you're ahead. Keep the momentum. Surely eveyone has eaten at McDonald's; why do they need to continue self-promotion if so many already know about them? I think it all goes back to remaining fresh and current and in the forefront of our minds. If we remember them, we'll patronize. If we forget, we go somewhere else. Self-promotion: those who don't, generally speaking, dwindle and die.

UPDATE: The e-book is now online here.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:43 AM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, March 10, 2005

THE WORLD OF PODCASTING

Thanks to ChristianPodcasting.com, the interviews found here at danielbritt.com are now "podcasts" and they're also available for download by subscribing to the RSS/XML feed.

If you are familiar with podcasting, subscribe to the RSS feed either at danielbritt.com or at christianpodcasting.com.

If you're NOT familiar with podcasting, click here to learn more. And, if you'd like to listen to a discussion about what podcasting is and how it works, click here.

Welcome to the world of podcasting!

A new interview, or podcast, will be posted periodically and if you have subscribed, the download of the new interview will take place automatically. Enjoy...

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 8:35 AM  0 comments links to this post

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Correction

ChristianPodcasting.com
In the "ChristianPodcasting.com" article, I said I don't own an iPod so I can't use the RSS files... but I stand corrected! You can!! Using software such as iPodder, the TiVo effect can be used for your desktop PC. Something I'll have to try...

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 4:40 PM  0 comments links to this post

Friday, March 04, 2005

FamilyLife Conferences: Weekend to Remember (R)

FamilyLife Conferences: Weekend to RememberWIN Free Registration to the marriage conference in Atlanta (Peachtree City, GA)! Listen to Daniel the week of March 14, 2005 for the cue to call in and win!!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:17 AM  0 comments links to this post

Monday, February 28, 2005

Suggestions welcome!

Feel free to comment on and suggest new ideas for better organizing the Audio downloads. Send your suggestions to suggestions@danielbritt.com

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 2:48 PM  0 comments links to this post

Friday, February 25, 2005

RAY COMFORT...coming soon

this is an audio post - click to play

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:12 AM  0 comments links to this post

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Sandi Patty Interview today!

Well, the interview is on for this afternoon at 3:30... less than an hour from now. I've crammed and read the book and I feel ready to talk about some of the issues discussed in her new book "Broken on the Back Row." The interview will be taped and as soon as I can get it ready, I'll post it here at danielbritt.com

It will not air on the radio for another month or so. Hear it here first!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 2:40 PM  0 comments links to this post

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

ChristianPodcasting.com

ChristianPodcasting A brand new thing to me. A friend of mine started this site - which hopefully will catch on! A big observation I have made (at least with my generation) is that "ON DEMAND" is in style. At least it is with me. I rent tv series on DVD to watch when I want (and commercial free). I download MP3 broadcasts already and listen when I want. Now, with Podcasting... things could really get cool.

I don't own an Ipod or anything remotely similar - so I can't use the RSS data file that automatically downloads new shows when they're made available. That's such a cool feature, I may just have to get one! Right now, I have to constantly visit the broadcaster's website to download new shows. It's a never ending loop - but with Podcasting - it's all automatic. Much like TiVo.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 11:59 AM  1 comments links to this post

Sandi Patty - A Second Interview?

Sandi Patty I'm working on a possibility to get Sandy Patty back for another interview. She's got a new book that's out and will be in Atlanta soon for publicity. Keep watching the website for, of course, the full interview available for download!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 8:52 AM  0 comments links to this post

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Feature on averfineline.com

sg for the rest of us This is one of the most interesting websites on there on the subject of Southern Gospel! I think it's cool that the site features online Southern Gospel programming... and Southern Majesty is among those on the site!

Check out this link for the site--sure to be food for thought if you're a fan of Gospel music today!

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 4:43 PM  0 comments links to this post

Sunday, January 23, 2005

George Gaither...

Gaithernet - Homecoming - News
Bill Gaither's dad passed away Thursday. Funeral will be on Tuesday in Indiana... Click the link for more information.

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 9:59 AM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, January 20, 2005

My Thoughts on Mr. Dan Rather...

I grew up watching CBS. It's all we really knew for local or national news. Our CBS station in Macon, GA dominated the market's ratings. Therefore, I grew up watching and trusting Dan Rather.

Through the years, and leading up to the most recent mistake made by CBS and Rather, I've had to phrase and re-phrase my fondness of Dan. It went from "I like Dan Rather; he's my favorite." To "I like Dan Rather as a 'news man.'" Now, it's simply "I like Dan's delivery..."

The trust factor has dwindled because he's let his personal views skew his reporting. When I first started hearing of his differing views, I thought it was just personal and he wasn't transferring them onto the news desk. But now, all I have left to admire are his silly sayings and broadcast delivery style. I particularly like the way he always looks down to check his paper script before he quotes a numerical figure of some sort. That has always impressed me.

But, you can't deny the mistakes that were made.

Has CBS always had a liberal slant? Who is your pick for a replacement? Would you be interested in seeing a multi-anchor situation on the Evening News?

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 1:17 PM  0 comments links to this post

Thursday, January 13, 2005

The Interview Archives

Click here to go back to the homepage and find the archives on the front page.

I forgot to bring it up...but the Interviews have been reorganized so that you can view them easier. They're all available in mp3 files -- so you can download them or stream them from your computer. Either way, hope you enjoy 'em!

Click here to see some pictures! Many are from the corresponding interviews...

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posted by danielbritt.com @ 3:09 PM  0 comments links to this post