Ivan Parker and Peg McKamey Bean

Crossroads would like to congratulate Ivan Parker and Peg McKamey Bean (The McKameys) for their Singing News Fan Awards wins last night. Ivan Parker was named Favorite Soloist, winning for the ninth time. Peg McKamey Bean was given the Templeton-Norcross Award, a lifetime achievement award honoring her decades of faithful service in ministry.

Other highlights include the classic ballads, “When Faith Steps In” and “God Doesn’t Think like Me.” Both of these songs feature Sheryl Farris predominantly with Peg and Connie taking the feature or lead at certain parts. The former was written by Leigh Parsons Sexton (the daughter of Squire Parsons) and tells the Christian journey as it occurs from when “faith steps in” to the time when “faith will end.” This unique look at faith is fantastic and will do well as the project’s first single. “God Doesn’t Think like Me” is a unique ballad discussing man’s epic failure trying to make material possessions work for him, however, realizing the need for ultimate interference from God. Sheryl Farris wrote the song and portrays the song’s hook and idea, next by expounding upon man’s thoughts and inferiority, and eventually bringing the thought full circle. I can see this one electrifying audiences similar to “I Keep Praying” and “I’ve Won.”

The gems on this album pick up at the title cut, “Joy In The Journey.” I enjoy the rich alto tones of Sheryl Farris. She was featured on the group’s #1 hit from last year “The Shepherd’s Point Of View.” Her vocal delivery on “Joy In The Journey” could find the McKameys with another #1 song.  This should definitely be considered for a radio single.

Two other songs that are #1 potentials for the McKameys are “When Faith Steps In” and “God Doesn’t Think Like Me.” “When Faith Steps In” has one of the best lyrics on the entire recording. Driving home the point of trusting God now when we just don’t understand but then closing the song with finally getting to the place (in Heaven) where faith will end. This song was an immediate repeat when listening to the recording.

The full review is here.

Along with a musical legacy spanning several decades, numerous awards, and a record-holding 17 # 1 songs, the close-knit Tennessee family seeks first and foremost to live what they sing. Faithfulness to God is a crowning family virtue, and the members earnestly endeavor to bring their best to the Master with each recording.

The McKameys believe this album contains their greatest song collection ever, and we believe you’ll agree! So come along, settle in your seat, and savor in the sweet assurance of “Joy In the Journey!”  

It’s a major milestone on a highway already lined with impressive accomplishment!

No matter what we’re going through, there is Joy in the Journey.

Joy in the Journey releases on March 15. Be listening for the project’s first single, “When Faith Steps In,” releasing to radio soon!

1. I Have a Great Savior (Rebecca J. Peck) – It has the timeless feel and the authority of a hymn, even though it’s a brand new song by Rebecca Peck. The McKameys’ confident delivery conveys the hope we have in Christ.
2. Glorify the Lord in the Fire (Sandy Blythe) – Beloved matriarch Peg McKamey Bean sings of our joy in the roughest parts of the journey with the passion that comes from having walked with God in the valley before.
3. All is Well (Sheryl Farris) – Connie Fortner leads this triumphant song about the Resurrection.
4. Joy in the Journey (Sheryl Farris) – The joy shines through in this convention-style toe-tapper!
5. When Faith Steps In (Leigh Parsons Sexton) – Peg and Sheryl share the joy we find in faith through our journey. This story song, written by Squire Parsons’ daughter Leigh Parsons Sexton, takes the listener through the believer’s journey—accepting Christ, everyday life, death, and then, the triumphant end of the journey—Heaven!
6. Remember When (Sheryl Farris) – Bass singer Ruben Bean sings a wonderful song of salvation.
7. He Gave (Barbara Huffman) – Peg reminds us of the many things God gave—headed by the greatest gift, His Son.
8. All That Matters (Dallas Holm) – Eli Fortner offers a McKameys spin on this Dallas Holm classic, with his parents Connie and Roger, Aunt Sheryl, and grandparents Ruben and Peg singing the harmony parts. (Yes, they let Roger sing!)
9. God Doesn’t Think Like Me (Sheryl Farris) – Sheryl wrote and leads this soaring musical challenge to set our affections on things above.
10. I Made it By Grace (Kyla Rowland) – The McKameys excel at singing the convention style; Connie and Sheryl trade leads here to bring the album to a powerful finish.

Horizon Records President Mickey Gamble offered a few words about the value of a group like the McKameys to radio listeners and music programmers. Jim Stover, Director of Radio Promotions, thanked the group for the way they carried themselves and conducted their ministry, and presented them a plaque in honor of the #1. Ruben Bean and Peg McKamey Bean thanked Mickey, Jim, producer Jeff Collins and the staff of Crossroads Music, calling the success a team effort.

Crossroads congratulates the McKameys on their continued success and thanks DJs and radio programmers for their support in placing the song at the #1 position.

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)

Horizon Individual

• David Ragan (Inspirations)

Horizon Group

• Akins

Young Artist

• Brooklyn Collingsworth (Collingsworth Family)
• Andy Stringfield (Kingdom Heirs)
• Amber Thompson (Nelons)

Lead

• Arthur Rice (Kingdom Heirs)

Baritone

• Melton Campbell (Inspirations)

Bass

• Mike Holcomb (Inspirations)

Alto

• Peg McKamey Bean (McKameys)
• Debra Talley (Talley Trio)

Musician

• Kim Collingsworth (Collingsworth Family)
• Roger Fortner (McKameys)

Album

• The Son Came Down (Inspirations)

Song

• He Locked The Gates (Kingdom Heirs, When You Look At Me)
• The Son Came Down (Inspirations, The Son Came Down)

The Message is the latest album from the McKameys. After 26 #1 singles, this family is still going strong. Features the hit single “I Keep Praying.”