LAUREN TALLEY
Lauren Talley is one of Christian music's most dynamic talents and has inspired a generation of young people to serve the Lord.
Born into a rich musical heritage, Lauren sang her first solo at age 2 when she toddled onto the stage, interrupted her family's concert and announced she wanted to "thing." Lauren went on to make her own mark on the gospel music world as a member of her family group, The Talleys, with whom she received numerous awards, including a 2015 Dove Award for their song, "Hidden Heroes." Lauren's lead vocals shine on eleven number one hits for the group.
She has recorded seven solo albums, including 2019’s unprecedented release of two albums simultaneously, “Glorious God: Songs of Worship and Wonder,” and “Loudest Praise: Hymns Of Mercy, Love and Grace.” Her 2017 album, “The Gospel,” reaches the number one position on Billboard’s southern gospel chart. She is also the author of "Songs In The Night," a companion devotional book to her 2010 album of the same title. Lauren performs solo concerts and is a featured singer and speaker for many women's conferences and special events across the country. She is frequently recognized for her appearances on numerous Gaither Homecoming videos and concerts, RFD-TV's "The Music City Show" and "In Touch" with Dr. Charles Stanley. In 2014 she was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Worship Arts from John Wesley University.
When not traveling or recording her own music, Lauren often serves as studio background singer and producer for other recordings and works with emerging artists as a voice and performance coach. Lauren is a busy lady but always finds time to cheer on her beloved Tennessee Volunteers, drink sweet tea and spend time laughing with family and friends.
"My job as a communicator is to give people the truth of the Gospel," Lauren says. "I want people to know that Jesus is everything - He's the Answer the world is searching for, He's the solution to all problems and He's the only One in whom we have real hope. He called me to give people His message when I was 12 years old, and fulfilling that call is all I've ever really wanted."
For more information about Lauren, go to: www.laurentalley.com/
SUE C. SMITH
Sue C. Smith is a five-time Dove-Award winning songwriter and the writer of 20 #1 songs, including “Everything To Me,” “On The Banks of the Promised Land,” “He Loved Me With A Cross,” “Goliath,” and “Looks Like Jesus.” Her current singles include: “Front Porch Sittin’” written with Donna King and Val Dacus and recorded by Zane and Donna King, and “Heaven is Happening,” written with John Darin Rowsey, and recorded by The Guardians.
After working as a staff songwriter at Capitol CMG for 25 years, where she wrote 100 musicals, Sue found a new publishing home at Daywind Music in 2021. There she is happily working on her second 100 musicals.
Sue founded the Write About Jesus Workshop with her late husband John in 2000, and she has been its director ever since. She is the author three books: Every Hallelujah: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms, 365 Days of Songwriting Advice, and Adventures in Songwriting: A Guide for Kids—and Anyone Who Wants to Write Songs, which she co-authored with her friend and frequent co-writer Gina Boe.
For more information about Write About Jesus, go to: https://www.writeaboutjesus.com/
GERON DAVIS
Geron Davis has been leading and training choirs, praise teams, and church bands for many years. Geron, and
his wife, Becky, are both pastors’ kids who have a passion for worship in their DNA. Their forty plus years of creating
music together has yielded a long list of worship songs including: Holy Ground, In The Presence of Jehovah,
Mercy Saw Me, Peace Speaker, Evermore, Holy Of Holies, It Took A Lamb, When The Healing Comes, I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is, Send It On Down, I’m Gonna Make It, and many, many more.
The artists who have recorded and/or performed the songs of Geron Davis include: BarbraStreisand, Gaither Vocal Band, Michael W. Smith, Phillips, Craig, & Dean, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Sisters, Christ Church Choir, Jason Crabb, the Crabb Family, the Talleys, Brittney Spears, Israel Houghton, Billy Graham Crusade, TaRanda Greene, Mark Lowry, Cana’s Voice, Charity Gayle, Collingsworth Family, & Bishop T. D. Jakes, plus many, many more. Geron has also been afixtureon the Gaither videos, playing piano and leading the choir, and has worked on recordings with a wide range of artists including Michael W. Smith, The Crabb Family, and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
Shelton and Alyson Lovern, Geron’s sister and brother in-law, are also gifted, trained vocalists, and worship pastors, who have a passion for teaching, and leading people into God’s presence. They work with Geron & Becky, and, together, form Geron Davis & Kindred Souls. These multi Dove Award winning artists have traveled the globe, for twenty five years, and touch millions of lives every year with their songs of praise, & their hearts for worship. They are always excited to join with fellow worshipers, anywhere in the world, to lift their voices and hearts in song to the King! Geron & Becky’s greatest joys in life are their childred Gerica (Tyler Vestal), & Neiman (Rachel), & their 3 grands – Davis, Ruby, & Charlie!!
For more information, go to: https://www.gerondavismusic.com/
JOSH SINGLETARY
Born and raised in North Florida, Josh moved to Nashville in 2001 to fill the position as pianist with the family
group, The Wilburns. After the retirement of the group, in 2005, he and fellow member, Gary Casto, created the
multi-award winning, Tribute Quartet.
Though his work with Tribute has been primary, his personal work within the world of Gospel Music has been just as
influential. Josh's work as pianist, arranger, producer and vocalist has created an unmistakable name that listeners
and peers respect and trust.
Josh Singletary's 20+ year tenure in Gospel Music as recording solo artist and vocalist with world renowned, multi-award winning, Tribute Quartet, has garnered him world-wide recognition as a premier talent in the world of music and performance. For more information, go to: https://linktr.ee/joshsingletary.
JOSEPH AND LINDSAY
HABEDANK
Christian music artist Joseph Habedank is a two-time GRAMMY® nominated, three-time GMA Dove Award winning, and six-time fan-voted Soloist of the Year. Joseph has a powerful testimony of recovery from drug addiction that has been featured on FoxNews.com's Spirited Debate, TBN’s Praise the Lord, and in such publications as Billboard Magazine,
CCM Magazine, and Glenn Beck’s The Blaze.
He has shared his songs in some of America's greatest churches and venues, including the Brooklyn Tabernacle, Charles Stanley’s First Baptist Atlanta, The Grand Ole Opry, and the historic Ryman Auditorium. On the heels of his critically-acclaimed debut solo release, Welcome Home, he was awarded New Soloist of the Year in 2014. His sophomore release,
Resurrection, was the first album released by a solo artist to receive the GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album
of the year and garnered his first GRAMMY® nomination for Roots Gospel Album of the year. His 2019 release,
Deeper Oceans, was nominated for Southern Gospel Album of the Year at the 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards and
earned him a second GRAMMY® nomination for Roots Gospel Album of the year. Deeper Oceans also includes
two number one songs, "Shame On Me" and "Goliath". For more information, go to: www.Josephhabedank.com
MIKE HARLAND
After graduating from Delta State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary,
he served In Churches In Mississippi and Texas.
In 2005, he was named the Director of Worship at Lifeway Christian Resources. The capstone project of his Lifeway career was the release of a new Baptist Hymnal and the launch of lifewayworship.com in 2008. During those years, he served on the Board of Directors for GMA, the Advisory Board for CCLI, and on the Executive Board of the Church Music Publishers Association, including serving as its President in 2014.
Following his tenure at Lifeway, he received the Doctor of Divinity from Blue Mountain Christian University in 2022. and served as Associate Pastor of Worship at First Baptist Church, Jackson, Mississippi, from 2020 until August of 2023.
Mike is songwriter at heart with songs such as, “It’s Still the Cross”, “Bow the Knee”, “I’ve Put My Hope in God,” and “Christ, the Perfect Sacrifice”. His songs have been recorded by artists including Gold City, The Imperials, Luke Garrett, and Charles Billingsley, to name a few. Today, he is part of the roster of writers for Daywind where he continues to write songs for the Church.
Mike is also the author of three books; Seven Words of Worship, Worship Essentials- Growing a Healthy Worship Ministry Without Starting a War, and Worship Leading 101.
He and his wife, Teresa have three grown children that all live in middle Tennessee – Lee and wife Jenna, Elizabeth and husband Thomas Willis, and John and wife, Lauren. They also have granddaughters, Madeleine, Jane, Caroline, and Maisie. For more information, go to www.mikeharland.com
EMILY ANN ROBERTS
They say the way to the biggest stage is practice, practice, practice. And that’s exactly what Emily Ann Roberts has done, paying her dues from tiny stages in Knoxville to the biggest stage of all, the Grand Ole Opry. Since launching her career, Roberts has now played the coveted Opry stage 18 times.
Before that, she made a name for herself on Blake Shelton’s team on The Voice before she’d even graduated from high school. In a way, being named as a runner-up was the biggest win of all. Because now, with all of that performing, songwriting and recording experience, Roberts has already racked up more than 40 million streams and was recently named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s Best Acts of CMA Fest.
Growing up in East Tennessee, Roberts was raised on Smoky Mountain music, bluegrass players, and country artists from every era: from Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton to Miranda Lambert and Cody Johnson. And all of that has prepared her to bring the country back to country music and that’s exactly what she’s doing on her debut full-length record, Can’t Hide Country, which is out now. Recorded at Starstruck Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by GRAMMY-winning producer, Trent Willmon,
Emily Ann's honest and captivating lyrics, along with her exceptional vocal talents, have already received widespread acclaim from both the media and her dedicated fanbase. It's abundantly clear that country music is in capable hands with Roberts at the helm. For more information, go to https://www.emilyannroberts.com/
GREG NELSON
Nelson was one of the heads of Spirit Records, a division of Sparrow Records, and went on to co-found Refuge
Records in 1980. He served as the first publishing director for Billy Ray Hearn at Sparrow.
Nelson has produced recordings for artists such as Sandi Patty, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Twila Paris,
Michael Crawford, and Richard Smallwood, including 3 gold records and 3 platinum records. He has received
20 Dove Awards as well as over 30 nominations.
His productions have garnered 7 Grammy Awards and 13 Grammy nominations. He has awards from
Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), the Nashville Songwriters Association and the Gospel Music Association.
He was the third recipient of the Gospel Music Association “Impact Award”.
Nelson’s “People Need The Lord” is considered a Christian classic. His modern oratorio, “Saviour” continues to tour in the United States, Europe and Russia. Hallel (A Musical Suite for Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Choir and Soloists)
is his most recent major composition which is orchestrated by Ronn Huff. Greg also co-wrote
the #1 Larnelle Harris song “All Along the Way”. He also produced The New Young Messiah and
Emmanuel with many high profile Christian artists.
Nelson began serving in a dual role at LifeWay Worship in 2004 as an exclusive songwriter and as Creative Supervisor for song and writer development. His work at LifeWay has included recording over 1,000 hymns and worship songs for the creation of the 2008 Baptist Hymnal. The “SongMap” technology developed by LifeWay Christian Resources is based on his ideas of song manipulation.
KAREN PECK GOOCH
Karen Peck Gooch was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2018. She was inducted
into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2021. Karen served two terms (2009-2011) as the first
woman president of the Southern Gospel Music Association. In 2012, she landed a role in a major film (Joyful Noise) that featured Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. Later she had a role in the Pure Flix movie Redeemed. She has an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Toccoa Falls College. Karen is a co-host for the popular tv show Gospel Music USA.
She serves on the Board of Directors for Abraham Productions.
Karen is married to Rickey Gooch and has two children: Daughter Kari, son Matthew, daughter-in-law Preslee
and grandchildren Isla Grace and Jack. They make their home in Dahlonega, Ga. Karen enjoys writing songs,
playing the piano, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.
For more information, go to: https://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/
DAN DEAN
Few songwriters cultivate more fertile creative soil when crafting a new album than Phillips, Craig, and Dean. Juggling dual vocations as both pastors and recording artists for more than two decades, Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig, and Dan Dean have created an impressive body of work inspired by what God is doing in their lives and their respective churches.
Transparency, passion and integrity have long been the foundation for Phillips, Craig, and Dean’s music and ministry. For more than two decades, the trio has churned out some of Christian music’s most enduring hits, including “Revelation Song,” which recently earned RIAA Gold Single status, signifying downloads of more than 500,000.
This is only the seventh time in the history of Christian music that a single has reached gold status. The song spent 17 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian AC chart and also topped the National Christian Audience chart, AC Indicator chart and Soft AC charts. For more information about the group, go to https://www.phillipscraiganddean.com/
BOB CLARK
Bob Clark, recording engineer for forty years, makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife Joanie.
They have 3 married children and 6 grandchildren.
Prior to his arrival in Nashville, Bob studied film and television production at San Diego State University in his hometown of
San Diego, California. He traveled four years as the FOH sound technician for the musical group, Re'Generation,
who did concerts throughout the United States. Bob was the chief recording engineer at the Benson Company
for twelve years, working on various artist, choral and orchestral projects with producers such as Greg Nelson,
Phil Johnson, Don Marsh, Lari Goss, Billy Vaughn, and David Clydesdale.
During his career he has received eight gold and two platinum records, working with artists Sandi Patty,
Dallas Holm, Dino, and Twin Sisters Productions.
Bob continues to record with talented producers, arrangers, and musicians. Throughout Bob=s engineering career he has also enjoyed recording various Ajingles@ as well as a string session for Travis Tritt, and a CBS Christmas special with Ricky Skaggs and Shelby Lynne. He was also honored to record the Nashville Symphony and Faith Hill for the nationally televised Tennessee Titans= first home football game in Nashville. He also owns Regent Park Sound where he mixes and masters projects.
JOEL LINDSEY
Joel Lindsey in now his fourth decade as a professional songwriter. With a catalog of over 2000 recorded songs to his credit, including over 40 #1 songs, 21 Dove Awards, 9 BMI Awards, 2 ASCAP awards, 4 Platinum records, 7 Gold records and 11 platinum videos, Lindsey continues to create new music in a wide variety of genres.
His songs have been recorded by such Christian artists as Anthony Evans, Selah, The Isaacs, Joseph Habedank, Sandi Patty, TaRanda, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Avalon, Gaither Vocal Band, Point of Grace, Mark Lowry, Charles Billingsley and many more. Mainstream artists who have sung his songs include Kristin Chenoweth, Chris Mann, the Backstreet Boys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Ty Herndon, Kathy Lee Gifford, Dailey & Vincent and others.
In addition to writing songs, Joel is the co-founder and co-owner of Sunset Gallery Music and its subsidiaries.
Sunset Gallery Music is the publishing home for 22 Exclusive songwriters working in a multiple of genres.
He is also a founder and A&R Director of Club44 Records, a label which specializes in the best of the American Songbook, jazz and cabaret music. Artists such as jazz-greats Jane Monheit and Spencer Day, Broadway stars Stephanie J. Block, Nicolas King and Julie Benko, tv icons Linda Lavin and Christine Ebersole, as well as Cabaret legends such as Billy Stritch, Klea Blackhurst and Jim Caruso give this label its unique appeal.
Joel Lindsey lives in Santa Barbara, California and is an exclusive songwriter for Curb/Word Music Publishing.
DEBRA TALLEY
In gospel music circles, few names are as respected and admired as Debra Talley. With a career spanning four decades, numerous awards and hit songs as the co-founder and matriarch of her family group, The Talleys, Debra’s resumè is too long to detail. Her alto vocals and kind heart have endeared her to fans for many years, and she has appeared on the most recognizable events and platforms in Christian music. Although she has retired from touring, her ministry continues as she now focuses on mentoring up-and-coming artists, encouraging church worship leaders, and giving back to the community through her work with the Veranda, a respite care ministry for families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. While her voice and songs are her trademark, perhaps her greatest legacy is the wisdom and compassion she imparts to everyone she meets on a daily basis.
“Every song has a story, and this song has become part of me,” Debra shares. “The more life I live, the more I look back on where I’ve been and think about where I’m going. When I first started singing ‘Thinkin’ About Home,’ I sang it from the perspective of the person talking to the old man on the park bench. The older I get, the more I relate to the old man who’s thinking about his Home. Going home to Heaven means more to me now than ever.”
For more information, go to www.thetalleys.com
Terry Toler
From 2000-2020, Dr. Toler served in various leadership roles as a Vice President of Southern Nazarene University (SNU) in Bethany, Oklahoma. Prior to his career in Christian higher education, he spent twenty-five years in pastoral ministry, serving churches in Florida, Ohio, Tennessee and Oklahoma. During that time, he served as a Church Planter, Executive and Senior Pastor. Upon his retirement from SNU in July 2020 – the SNU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the Resource Center for Pastoral Leadership at SNU in honor of both Drs. Terry - and his brother, Stan Toler, for their contributions to the church, university and specifically pastors around the world.
As a songwriter and musician, Terry has been a contributing writer on three Grammy Award-winning recordings, a certified platinum album, and three multi-platinum videos, with his songs being recorded by some of the best-known names in Christian and popular music such as Sandi Patty, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Talleys, The Happy Goodman Family, Wendy Bagwell and the Sunlighters, Lordsong, Rusty Goodman, Ponder, Sykes and Wright, The Singing Americans, Barbara Fairchild, Kelly Nelon, The Guardians Quartet, The Heritage Singers and many others.
His best-known works include Thinkin' About Home, The Shadow of the Steeple, Only Child , You Can Depend On Jesus, The Prodigal, May All Your Dreams Come True, Lullaby For Teddy and He Still Speaks, his most recorded song, which was released by Word Music as a Choral/Orchestral arrangement by Russell Mauldin. In addition to his gospel compositions, Toler’s songs for children have been translated into many languages and are marketed internationally.
CHRIS GOLDEN
Chris Golden is a Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Producer, Traveler, and Father. His history in the music industry is epic, spans multiple genres, and is rich in heritage. He has deep roots from his tenure on tour with Alabama, Restless Heart, and the Oak Ridge Boys, but his heart for serving the Lord has led him to where he is today. Chris’s ability to captivate an audience with an inspirational message has afforded him opportunities to perform for every living United States President and share from prestigious stages such as The Ryman Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry House, Dollywood, The Huckabee Show, Larry’s Country Diner, and The Holy Land (Israel).
In addition to his own endeavors and touring schedule, Chris is an award winning music producer and is highly decorated throughout various organizations with his most recent honor being ICMA’s 2019 Entertainer of the Year, 2020
Instrumentalist of the Year, and Producer of The Year.
Chris enjoys photography and spending time with his beloved Marie, and his three children, Elizabeth, Rebekah, and Elijah, whom he deems his greatest treasures.For more information, go to www.ChrisGolden.net
BILLY BLACKWOOD
Billy Blackwood's life has been shaped by the sound of the Gospel being presented. Whether it's in song, spoken,
or written word, Billy has been immersed in the story of the Savior. His desire is to share that story in
whatever form the opportunity calls for.
From the largest concert crowd, a television audience, a soul-searching sermon, or a personal consultation at an altar
Billy's heart for true ministry shines through.Starting a ministry with a well-known name was not the end for Billy Blackwood.
He has spent years studying music, the art of songwriting, and, most importantly, Scripture and Theology. This includes his time as a pastor and worship pastor. For more information, go to www.BillyBlackwood.com
REBA RAMBO
In 1976, Reba Rambo was something of an anomaly in Christian music. Despite being one-third of the groundbreaking Southern Gospel trio, The Rambos, with her parents Buck and Dottie Rambo, she had a separate solo career as a left of center folk-rock singer-songwriter and released four solo albums as part of the then-burgeoning Jesus Movement to both controversy and critical acclaim. After performing at 1972’s Explo ‘72, often cited as the Woodstock of the Jesus Movement, she toured for a year and a half as a part of Andrae Crouch and The Disciples.
Her songs have been recorded by Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, Natalie Cole, Debby Boone, Donna Summer, Cynthia Clawson, the Gaither Vocal Band, Michael English, Mark Lowry and many more. She has earned a Grammy Award, three Dove Awards and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of The Rambos. After recording a series of collaborative efforts for the past thirty years,
Reba is beginning work on her first solo album since 1982.
For more information, go to www.RebaRambo.com