Crossroads Records recording artists The Akins, have just received word that they have been nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, and Christian Country Song of the Year (“I Want My Stage To Be An Altar”) for the 2010 Inspirational Country Music Awards. Congratulations Nick, Eli, Dave and David!
Archive for the ‘Press’ Category
The Akins Receive 3 ICMA Nominations
Crist Family completes mix for Oasis
The Crist Family has completed tracks, vocals, and mix for their next project, Oasis. From tender ballads to majestic anthems to a track with an African Men’s chorus, Oasis has something for everyone.
This is the first Crist Family release with live orchestration. “It makes a huge difference,” lead singer Rich Crist said. “We’re thrilled with what Jason Webb has done on this project. His arrangements are fantastic!”
Two members of the seven-person family ensemble, altos Breana and Lisa Crist, have their first feature songs on a Crist Family project. The title track, “My Oasis,” features Breana, while Lisa takes the lead on “Until He Comes.”
The project’s most unique track is “Rhythm of Grace.” “I had a concept,” Rich Crist shares, “to take an African Men’s chorus and interpret ‘Move to the Rhythm of Grace’ in Swahili, in and around our group in different segments of the song—and singing the actual English lyric as well. It was a real risk, it’s a real step out of what is comfortable, but sometimes you never know until you take a risk.
“I would not say that it would be a traditional Southern Gospel song—but the Crist family has always had a very wide style. That’s kind of who we are. Of course, we would never in a million years want to abandon some of the traditional stuff. We love it just as well! But we have members that are forty years apart in age. This song is one that I believe everybody’s gonna love, even though it is so different.”
Oasis is set to release on September 21.
Michael Jason Frost and wife Jennifer welcome baby girl
Michael Jason Frost and wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of their daughter, Jael Esther Frost, born July 7, 2010, weighing 7 lbs. 5 oz. Jael was born at the new Dolly Parton Birthing Center in the LeConte medical facility in Sevierville, TN. Jael is the couple’s first child.
Michael is a singer / songwriter signed with Crossroads’ Pinnacle label. His single, “Sing Like It’s the Last Time,” is currently in The Singing News chart. A follow-up single, “The Preacher’s Son,” has just been sent to radio via the Crossroads Airplay Sampler.
Michael and Jennifer are both featured performers at The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Crossroads Signs Soloist Gary Skelton to Their Pinnacle Label
Crossroads has added Gary Skelton to their ever growing Pinnacle label and has recently finished a new project from the soloist to be released this October. The Church Hill, TN native is very excited about his new venture with Crossroads.
“After being gone from a music ministry for some time, God has called me back. I am so glad He has given me the opportunity to work with the Pinnacle label and the folks at Crossroads to bring my ministry to a lost world.”
Jeff Collins, who oversees the Pinnacle label, comments, “I’ve enjoyed getting to know Gary over the past year or so. He is very down to earth and tells it like it is and I like that! He has a fierce desire to take the Good News of Christ to people where ever he can through his music ministry. He and his wife Barbie are dedicated to growing his music ministry and Crossroads/Pinnacle is honored to be a partner in that process.” Gary’s new project, Whosoever, will be available this fall on the Crossroads website, www.crossroadsmusic.com.
Randy Crawford rejoins Kingsmen
Last weekend, Kingsmen owner / bass singer Ray Dean Reese announced that Randy Crawford is returning to the baritone/lead position vacated by Phillip Hughes’ April departure. Crawford previously sang with the Kingsmen from 2001-2003; he returns comes to the Kingsmen after a stint with Brian Free & Assurance.
The announcement states: “Randy is an extremely gifted vocalist as well as a fine Christian gentleman. He has an earnest heart for ministry and a passionate desire to see souls won for Christ. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky; he will be relocating to the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina immediately.”
“I am beyond excited to be back with the Kingsmen,” Crawford said. “The Kingsmen organization has always been one of class and professionalism. Simply put; they represent the best in gospel music. Ray and the guys have welcomed me back to the family and we are ready to be about the Father’s business.”
Revelation opens for David Phelps
Revelation, the trio from Northern Ireland who signed with Crossroads last month, recently opened for David Phelps’ European tour. Their performances were well received, and earned this review from Irish blogger Phil Boles:
They received a very warm and enthusiastic response from the home crowd. Their set included songs such as “At Calvary,” “Days of Elijah,” “Oh What A Saviour” and my personal favourite from their set, “I Could Sing About Heaven.” Thomas McCalmont really nailed “Oh What a Saviour,” coming the closest to Ernie Haase on this song than anyone I have heard. I am looking forward to their next project with Crossroads. They blended together very well, sounded extremely polished and also interacted with the audience nicely. A great opening act!
Crossroads Artists in Singing News Top 5
Singing News posted the final round of nominees in their Fan Awards yesterday. Here are the Crossroads artists in the top 5:
Favorite Artist
- Kingdom Heirs
Traditional Quartet
- Inspirations
- Kingdom Heirs
Mixed Group
- Collingsworth Family
- McKameys
Soloist
- Mark Bishop
- Ivan Parker
Favorite Male Singer
- Ivan Parker (Soloist)
- Arthur Rice (Kingdom Heirs) (more…)
The Jay Stone Singers Join The Pinnacle Family of Artists
Arden, NC – The heartwarming family group The Jay Stone Singers from Hope Mills, NC has joined the Pinnacle artist roster at Crossroads. They just completed recording the tracks this month for their upcoming project titled Fully Committed, set to release this summer. Bobby and Sharona Carter commented, “As we enter our 34th year, we are excited and so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Crossroads family and the Pinnacle label. We will continue to be FULLY COMMITTED to what God has called our family to do and that is to share the wonderful story of His love through song.”
Jeff Collins, producer for the recording, states, “This is a wonderful family who is truly dedicated to growing their ministry. People will be drawn to them and will especially enjoy Emma and Stone, the very talented children of the family. You won’t meet nicer folks.”
Carolina Boys Sign with Crossroads’ Pinnacle label

Pictured: L to R standing: Phillip Masters, Joe Trusty, Stephen Jewell L to R seated: Crossroads co-owner Jeff Collins, Chuck Lowe
Arden, NC – April, 19, 2010 Crossroads is proud to announce their new association with The Carolina Boys Quartet, based out of Six Mile, SC. The Carolina Boys Quartet was “reborn” in December 2009, securing the name from Ray Reese of The Kingsmen. Chuck Lowe, Joe Trusty, Phillip Masters and Stephen Jewell make up this male quartet, a band of Christian brothers who hold high their mission of sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Jeff Collins, who oversees the Pinnacle artist roster states, “We are so pleased to have The Carolina Boys Quartet back in the fold here at Crossroads. This fine group of gentlemen has a first class quartet that Southern Gospel lovers will thoroughly enjoy.” Produced by Danny Crawford, their new recording “Free” is available online now at crossroadsmusic.com. Listen for their first single release “God Said” from this recording playing on radio and internet outlets worldwide now.
Sarah Green Receives Crossroads Challenge For April
Sarah Green, from Columbia, Louisiana, has been selected to receive this month’s Crossroads Challenge award. Sarah is 63 years old and has lived with cerebral palsy since birth. Eighteen years ago, Sarah and her mother reached a point where they could no longer care for each other, and moved into a nursing home at the same time. She has been confined to a wheelchair for the past thirteen years, and can do little on her own without assistance. But she has met life head on. For example, it took her twenty one years to receive her high school diploma—but she finished the task.




