Rick Hendrix Foundation in Need of Flood Relief Items

Rick Hendrix of the Rick Hendrix Company has opened a flood relief shelter in his home in Nashville for victims who have been misplaced." We are in the middle of a clothes drive to provide these families with an additional change of clothes. Most of the flood victims only have the clothes on their backs. We are alternating shower hours for families in need of baths, food and clean water. I have never seen an area hit so hard with very little national news. We really need help down here." The Rick Hendrix Foundation has stated a volunteer drive to remove carpets, drywall, furnishings and flood debris from the elderly homes in several communities. "We have helped gut 26 houses in the past 24 hours. Its such a sad sight, we have found elderly drowned in their homes, washed behind the Kroger's in Belle Meade area of Nashville." Lowes and Home Depot are donating stoves and refrigerators to some of the elderly and flood victim survivors through the foundation. Many are still missing, and houses are still under water, where no one has been able to reach them as of yet. If you know of anyone still misplaced due to the storm, if you can volunteer to tear down and remove waste or donate clothes or food...please call Rick Hendrix Company 615-662-4848 or email rick@rickhendrix.com - All items can be sent to Rick Hendrix Foundation 7051 Hwy 70 South Box 117 Nashville,TN 37221- any cash donations need to be made to the Red Cross. For more information visit www.rickhendrix.com

Rick Hendrix Company to Release "We Are the World"

Rick Hendrix Company and "We Are the World" have partnered to release the song to radio. Following the earthquake in Haiti, which devastated the area and killed hundreds of thousands of people, it was agreed that the song would be re-recorded by new artists, in the hope that it would reach a new generation and help benefit the people of Haiti. The song was recorded in fourteen hours by over eighty artists on February 1, and was released and debuted on February 12, 2010, during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics. "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" was released as a CD single and a digital download. Lengths of the song vary from around three minutes to nearly seven minutes. Rick Hendrix and his Rick Hendrix Foundation have been active in Haiti since the devastation. "We opened several short term medical facilities in the area and treated over 5000 people within 9 days," stated Lavon Coleman chairman of the Rick Hendrix Foundation. "We are working to secure long term power to the region through my company Henergy Global, and feel Gods hand is on our ground efforts. Our North American team is exhausted with the harsh winter the states have been battling. We have power outages daily, and my company is feeling the pains. But, we are blessed compared to the devastation we see on the ground in Haiti, said Hendrix. The Hendrix companies heart is on Haiti and feel the partnership with "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" is a perfect fit. For more information visit www.rickhendrix.com call 615–662–4848.

Rick Hendrix Company Reaches Agreement with Restoration

The Rick Hendrix Company and Restoration of Gordonsville,Va have reached a promotional agreement. The Rick Hendrix Company begins immediately mapping and strategically aligning the groups radio success with their current single "Claim Your Victory".

"This new single single really reveals where this group is going and how they are approaching their ministry," stated Rick Hendrix. They recently completed their new project "Claim Your Victory" , and the self titled track will be hitting radio this week. "We want to be an encouragement to the broken hearted, to help show them God can "restore" what time or heartache has stolen," stated Rachel of Restoration

For more information on Restoration Music visit http://www.restorationmusicministries.com or www.rickhendrix.com

Mike & Kelly Bowling Announce New Name And New Member

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- (8-27-09) -- Mike & Kelly Bowling announced today that Terah Crabb Penhollow will permanently join them on stage to complete the Bowling Family. Terah has filled in for the popular trio numerous times, but Mike, Kelly and Terah have made the line-up official. They appeared together this past weekend to an overwhelming response in Arkansas and Texas. Chris Whitaker, who formally completed the trio, left the road last week to be close to a sick family member. The popular trio recently made history by having the first Southern Gospel recording with four consecutive number one songs (“We Have A Saviour,” “Your Cries Have Awoken The Master,” “A Miracle Today” and “Notified”). The Bowling Family is currently making plans for a brand new recording to release in the upcoming months.

“Mike and I couldn’t be happier to have Terah on the road with us. When Chris told us he was leaving, we couldn’t think of anyone we wanted more to complete our sound. There is nothing like having someone on stage that you have performed with for years. When we took the stage together this past weekend, it just felt right. It felt like old times for all of us. We are thrilled about the future and the thought of having a true ‘family’ group again. That's what we are comfortable with. Understandably, it is sometimes a luxury and not always possible, but thank God we have it again! With my sister joining Mike and I and my girls starting to sing, it really feels great," commented Kelly.

Terah added, “When I recently came off the road, I had every intention of being a stay at home mom. We moved the family closer to town, and Jon and I enrolled our son in kindergarten. Through this time, I prayed for God’s will to be done in my life and to lead me in the right direction. When Mike and Kelly told me about Chris leaving, I knew where God wanted me to use the talent He had given me and the songs He wanted me to sing. As events unfolded and everything fell into place for my family, I knew it was all in God’s timing. I am excited to be singing with Kelly and Mike, and I am so comfortable with this alto part. It is like old times.”

Adam agreed saying, "I enjoyed my time with Terah on board singing with me, but I know that lower alto part is where her voice really shines. It makes me proud to see her make the decision to continue singing and ministering. That is what God has called her to do."

“Terah's addition to The Bowling Family makes this such an exciting thing for Southern Gospel Music. Mike and Kelly have already broken records with four number ones from their first album, so this new venture is definitely icing on the cake! Promoters and fans alike are already buzzing about the Bowling Family and their amazing sound! When you mix family harmony with Southern Gospel songs, the result is sure to be one fans will love forever. BSA is extremely excited about booking future dates for this new and exciting trio,” continued Beckie Simmons-Bates.

For up-to-date information on the trio and their upcoming release, log on to www.mikeandkellybowling.com or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Caption: Bowling Family

Press Contact: Crystal Burchette-Johnson
crystalpr@comcast.net

Radio Contact: Rick Hendrix Agency
rick@rickhendrix.com

Booking Contact: Beckie Simmons Agency
beckie@bsaworld.com

Mike & Kelly Bowling Make History With Current #1 Song

Mike & Kelly Bowling made history in June with their current #1 song, “Notified.” The single is the fourth number one single from their Faith To Believe album, which is the first recording to contain four consecutive number one songs in Southern Gospel music according to the Singing News Magazine’s National Radio Chart. “Notified” was written by Ronnie Hinson and features the unmistakable harmony of Mike & Kelly Bowling. Their previous single, “A Miracle Today” hit number one in March 2009. “A Miracle Today” was written by Becky Isaacs Bowman and Sonya Isaacs and is the second number one for Mike & Kelly Bowling from the writing duo. “Your Cries Have Awoken The Master” was the Singing News 2008 Song of the Year and topped the charts in August 2008. The Singing News Song of the Year is selected according to a point system assigned to radio singles for their duration on the National Radio Chart throughout the year. The Song of the Year announcement came at the one year anniversary of Mike & Kelly Bowling’s first number one song written by Carroll McGruder, “We Have A Saviour.” The trio’s next single, “God’s Not Through With You” was written by Marcia Henry and recently shipped to radio stations worldwide.

“We are blessed beyond measure,” Kelly shared. “Radio has been so good to us and they continue to bless us past our wildest dreams. We could never say thank you enough for their support of our music. We are honored to have the Rick Hendrix Company as a part of our team. They are simply the best! We are also grateful that such talented Southern Gospel songwriters would choose to send us lyrics that have not only touched our lives, but others. This milestone in our ministry marks an exciting time for Mike, Chris and myself. We are all enthusiastic about the future and sincerely thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

Mike & Kelly Bowling is comprised of Mike & Kelly Bowling, alongside tenor Chris Whitaker.

For booking information on Mike & Kelly Bowling, contact The Beckie Simmons Agency (615-595-7500, http://www.bsaworld.com or e-mail: beckie@bsaworld.com .) For more information on Mike & Kelly Bowling or to order Faith To Believe, visit http://www.mikeandkellybowling.com . For radio information, contact The Rick Hendrix Company ( rick@rickhendrix.com ) or call 615-662-4848.

President Bush to Recognize Rick Hendrix with a Lifetime Achievement Award

Apr 15, 2009 – Nashville, TN – President George W. Bush created the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2003 for the President to recognize Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. The DCS Agency has teamed up with the White House and announced today their 2008 recipients.The Presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, is measured by the number of service hours performed over 12-months or a lifetime.

“We are extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award,” said the DCS Agency spokesperson. These volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a Nation. The award is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives.” This year several will receive the Lifetime award status along with several Gold awards being presented to younger volunteers who have outstanding volunteerism but less hours of service. Lifetime status recipients will include Rick Hendrix of the Rick Hendrix Company. For many years, Hendrix has divided his time between his radio promotions firm and volunteer service with Vanderbilt Hospital, a homeless outreach ministry, and a program that provides positive music to prisoners. Other local music industry personnel receiving the award are Judy Nelon, of The Judy Nelon Group who has been instrumental in supporting the rich heritage of Southern Gospel Music. She is the President of the Southern Gospel Music Guild. Lisa Abraham, has been a lifelong advocate for the Christian music industry and is recognized in the community as a mover and shaker in volunteerism. Bo Bice is the 2005 American Idol runner-up and since his Idol tour has volunteered his time doing benefit concerts for charities including Habitat, Katrina assistance, and two concert tours for the military troops in Iraq. Jacob Coleman, a 2008 Belmont University graduate will receive a Gold award for his many volunteer hours with under-privileged youth in the community. A ceremony and reception will take place in early summer to honor these outstanding volunteers who have made a tremendous impact that reaches far beyond the borders of the Nashville community.

The award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group convened by President George W. Bush to help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among Americans. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council is composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering.

Hannah Montana Hits Southern Gospel Radio

Miley Cyrus star of the Disney Channel hit series Hannah Montana's current single "The Climb" is striking a tune with Christian programmers. " I am very excited but not shocked, I know Miley has a strong faith statement and this song reaches into your heart, said Rick Hendrix the man charged with promoting Miley Cyrus to Christian radio.

The single is from the soundtrack of Hannah Montana: The Movie, hitting theatres April 10th. Christian Hits Radio station KHCA GM Jerry Q Hutchinson said "I will definitely add Miley to our Christian programs at Angel 95 FM. Early indicators and trends are showing "The Climb" could be this years biggest crossover hit on Christian radio. For more information visit www.rickhendrix.com

Oscar and Grammy Winner Jennifer Hudson Partners With Rick Hendrix Co

Nashville, TN –Jennifer Hudson's Grammy winning performance has landed her single "You Pulled Me Through" on Christian radio. The singer and actress first gained notice as one of the finalists on American Idol and later went on to star in the 2006 motion picture Dreamgirls for which she has won numerous awards, including an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award.

The singers much anticipated performance on the Grammy telecast was moving due to the untimely murder's of her mother, brother, and nephew in Chicago. Hudson went into seclusion mourning the loss of her family. In 2009, Hudson re-entered the spotlight and the performance can be heard on Christian radio via Rick Hendrix www.rickhendrix.com and his positive music company in Nashville, TN. 'We have never seen a song grab the listener like this one, it leaves you speechless," stated Hendrix.

Ronnie Milsap Reaches Deal With Rick Hendrix Company

Nashville, TN – Rick Hendrix Company and Ronnie Milsap have reached a marketing and promotions agreement for his first gospel music collection. The two album set entitled 'Then Sings My Soul: 24 Favorite Hymns & Gospel Songs is scheduled to street on March 10 from EMI/CMG Distribution.

Rick Hendrix Company will be promoting to Southern Gospel radio the new single "Up to Zion".

Ronnie said, “It’s amazing, the deeper I got into the project, the more I felt about it. When we first started just choosing the songs, working through the arrangements, we knew we were on the right track. But when I finally got into the studio, it turned out to be such an incredibly, spiritual experience. I became very moved by what we were doing. I know that’s going to translate to the listener. I know that’s going to translate to my fans.”

Ronnie Milsap's single, “Up to Zion,” will be impacting radio February 10.

"I am so excited to represent his music and partner with the folks at EMI/CMG, they are amazing. I feel this song grabs onto the roots of Southern Gospel and Ronnie's Christian raising like only Milsap can do, " said Rick Hendrix.

More information on Ronnie Milsap and "Up to Zion" visit www.rickhendrix.com or www.emicmg.com

Mike & Kelly Bowling’s ‘A Miracle Today’ Is Number One For March

NASHVILLE, Tenn. ---(2-3-09)--- Mike & Kelly Bowling’s hit single “A Miracle Today” is number one for March 2009 on the National Radio Chart according to the Singing News Magazine. It is the third consecutive number one from the popular trio. “A Miracle Today” was written by Becky Isaacs Bowman and Sonya Isaacs and is the second number one for Mike & Kelly Bowling from the writing duo. “Your Cries Have Awoken The Master” was the Singing News 2008 Song of the Year and topped the charts in August 2008. The Singing News Song of the Year is selected according to a point system assigned to radio singles for their duration on the National Radio Chart throughout the year. The Song of the Year announcement came at the one year anniversary of Mike & Kelly Bowling’s first number one song written by Carroll McGruder, “We Have A Saviour.” Their current single, “Notified” was written by Ronny Hinson and is currently playing on radio stations worldwide. All four singles are included on Mike & Kelly Bowling’s debut Canaan Records release Faith To Believe. Word Entertainment distributes the newest project to stores worldwide and was released on August 12th.

Kelly Bowling added, “Mike & I are truly humbled by the overwhelming support of radio. Their willingness to play ‘A Miracle Today’ and our other singles is very encouraging to our ministry. Radio takes our songs to people in corners of the world we could never reach in concert and brings them the uplifting message of hope found in knowing our Saviour. We are forever grateful to all of them.”

For booking information on Mike & Kelly Bowling, contact The Beckie Simmons Agency (615-595-7500, www.bsaworld.com or e-mail: beckie@bsaworld.com.) For more information on Mike & Kelly Bowling or to order Faith To Believe, visit www.mikeandkellybowling.com or Canaan Records, www.canaanrecords.com. For radio information, contact The Rick Hendrix Company
(rick@rickhendrix.com) or call 615-662-4848.

Rick Hendrix Company signs the Browns

The Rick Hendrix Company and The Browns have reached a promotional agreement. The Rick Hendrix Company begins immediately mapping and strategically aligning the groups radio success with their current single and future releases.

"This single and project really reveals where this family is going and how they are approaching their ministry and fan base," stated Rick Hendrix.

The Browns are enjoying great success with their new single release "Its a God thing" and getting rave reviews with a number 42 move this month on the national airplay charts, as well their new project "A New Day" has found a life of its own and continues to win listeners and buyers at radio and retail all over North America.

For more information on The Browns visit http://www.thebrownsmusic.com or visit http://www.rickhendrix.com

Mike and Kelly Bowling Renew Booking Agreement with BSA

NASHVILLE, TN (1-26-09) - Mike & Kelly Bowling are pleased to announce they have renewed an exclusive booking agreement with the Beckie Simmons Agency of Nashville, Tennessee. The trio continues to perform their signature radio favorites at venues and churches around the country full-time. Mike & Kelly recently garnered the 2008 Song of the Year for "Your Cries Have Awoken The Master" and additionally two number one singles from their debut Canaan Records' project, Faith To Believe. Their current release, "A Miracle Today" continues to climb the National Radio Chart and currently sits in the top 5 for February 2009. Their unmistakable harmony and uplifting performances have made them Southern Gospel fan favorites.

"We are so happy to continue to represent Mike & Kelly Bowling. All of us at BSA are huge fans of their music and consider them lifelong friends. We look forward to a long relationship booking the trio in churches and auditoriums for everyone to hear. Their success over the past year has proven their place in Southern Gospel music and we are excited about what the future holds working together," stated Beckie Simmons-Bates.

Mike & Kelly Bowling are no strangers to the Christian music world having a long list of accomplishments during their vocal careers. While Mike began singing and playing piano at a very young age, he had a very impressive beginning to his professional career at only 16 years old when he embarked on a two year span singing with the legendary LeFevres. Mike then went on to earn a degree in Respiratory Therapy before returning to the music world. In 1995, he joined the New Hinsons, a perfect blend considering Mike's vocals are very distinctively similar to those of the late Kenny Hinson. After lending his vocal abilities to several of their high-charting songs, Mike went on to join another successful family group, the Perrys. While with the Perrys, Mike was featured on songs such as "God Sent Angels," "By Faith I Can Touch Him Now" and "Not Even A Stone."

After Mike's marriage to Kelly, he spent the next six years traveling as a solosit garnering a tremendous amount of success. In fact, he has been noted as the first Southern Gospel soloist to achieve three consecutive number one songs on the Singing News Top 80 charts ("Thank God For The Preacher," "The Call" and "I Take Him Back"). Kelly spent more than 15 years with her family, The Crabb Family. During that time they were the recipients of three GRAMMY nominations, 11 Dove Awards, 16 number one songs and numerous other accomplishments. Kelly's unmistakable voice can be heard on the family's hits "Don't You Wanna Go," "Good Day," "Jesus Will Do What You Can't" and "Trail Of Tears." After the birth of the Bowling's third child, Kelly realized it was time to join her husband on stage as Mike & Kelly Bowling.

Together, Mike and Kelly have created a sound that is as refreshing as the trio sounds of the early 70's. History will note that they have been true to the excellence of their ability without diminishing or distancing the listener. they have appeared on the Gaither Homecoming series concerts and videos. TBN, during Gospel Music Week, at GMA's Seminar in the Rockies, presented during Gospel Music's Dove Awards and performed at numerous other major events.

For booking information on Mike & Kelly Bowling, contact The Beckie Simmons Agency (615-595-7500, www.bsaworld.com or e-mail: beckie@bsaworld.com.) For more information on Mike & Kelly Bowling, visit www.mikeandkellybowling.com. For radio inquiries, contact The Rick Hendrix Company (rick@rickhendrix.com) or call 615-662-4848

Caption: Pictured (L-R) Rick Hendrix, Crystal Burchette-Johnson, Beckie Simmons-Bates, Kelly and Mike Bowling.

Crossway Announces Newly Recorded Single

Triumphant Quartet Inks Deal with Rick Hendrix Company

Nashville,TN – Rick Hendrix Company and Daywind recording artist Triumphant Quartet are proud to announce their recent radio promotions agreement.

Rick Hendrix Company will be promoting to Southern Gospel radio the groups new single "Everyday".

“Rick is a great radio promoter and we are excited to have him join our team,we anticipate great things," stated David Sutton.

Triumphant Quartet's current single, “Everyday,” will be impacting radio January 27. The single is from the groups Daywind album entitled – Everyday.

"I am so excited to represent these guys, they are amazing. I feel this song grabs onto the roots of Southern Gospel like only these guys can do it, " said Rick Hendrix.

More information on Triumphant Qt and "Everyday" visit www.rickhendrix.com

Taj Rohr Reaches Agreement with Rick Hendrix Company

NASHVILLE, TN(Press Release) – Taj Rohr recently reached a promotional agreement with the Rick Hendrix Company."Taj Rohr hit the scene within the past few years with a big voice and heart for the ministry," stated Rick Hendrix. With this agreement, Taj Rohr will receive radio servicing and promotions from the company.

The Rick Hendrix Company recently released "The Great Medley" to radio. "The song is getting great reviews, we are very excited about Taj and his ministry, stated Shane Jordan of the Rick Hendrix Company.
The new single can be found on Rick Hendrix Compilation 62
For more information on Rick Hendrix Company and Taj Rohr, log onto www.rickhendrix.com or www.tajrohrministries.com.

Tunes: US election special

George Luke looks at what Christian music groups have been doing during the race for President of the United States.

For years, musicians have done all manner of unspeakable things to 'The Vote'.

It’s been ‘rocked’ by the likes of Radiohead and ‘rapped’ by P Diddy.

As America goes to the polls once again – in an election in which the candidates’ religious leanings have been under scrutiny more than ever – Christian music artists have been having a go at ‘redeeming’ it.

“Music and entertainment are powerful forces in our culture,” explains Randy Brinson, Chair of Redeem the Vote.

“This is not a new phenomenon, but it has influenced political movements since the beginning of time, particularly in the US. So connecting people with music that has a message of faith with a message to be politically active is very effective.”

Non-partisan

Redeem the Vote is officially non-partisan, but also describes itself as conservative – and by Brinson’s own admission, many of the artists affiliated to it are Republicans (the former presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee was a member of their advisory board).

Christian music – like so much of American Evangelical culture – has always had a warm relationship with the Republican Party. This election, however, things have changed. According to author Frank Schaeffer, the cracks have showing for some time.

“A lot of Evangelicals now realise that they were sold a bill of goods by the Republican leadership,” he says.

“The one stick in the mud that won’t go away is abortion. But that said, most Evangelicals – with that as a caveat – are becoming more comfortable with voting for a Democrat, because they see the absolute failure of not only the Bush administration, but also this idea that you have to pass a sort of theological test in order to be President.

“Young Evangelicals – again with the caveat of abortion – are much more in tune with where the Democrats are going than with the Republicans on a whole range of issues. So I would be very surprised if a lot of contemporary Christian music artists would feel comfortable singing at Republican Party conventions anymore.”

Efforts

Meanwhile, the Democrats – stereotypically the party that doesn’t ‘do God’ – have stepped up their efforts to win those Evangelical voters, again using music as a touch point. Gospel artists such as Mary Mary and Donnie McClurkin have sung at rallies for Barack Obama.

The key player on the Democrats’ side is Rick Hendrix – a country songwriter, Christian music promoter, and the man whose marketing skills helped turn Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ into a major blockbuster.

Teaming up with Burns Strider (a Democrat activist who led faith outreaches for Hillary Clinton), Rick has launched a consulting group to connect Christian music fans with Democratic candidates.

With this much campaigning going on, you’d think most Americans would have made up their minds on who to vote for by now. But when I spoke to the band Jars of Clay earlier this year, some of them were still undecided, even though the election was only four months away.

“A lot of people are disillusioned – especially by the last four years,” said keyboardist Charlie Lowell. “People like Jim Wallis have taken a lead in getting people involved in a larger conversation than just abortion and homosexuality as the touchstones; looking at issues such as taking care of the poor and ultimately what we’re building as a future, rather than what we’re against.”

Greyer

“Things are a little greyer now, whereas in the past they used to be more black and white,” added Charlie’s bandmate, guitarist Stephen Mason.

“Because of that, there’s a little more freedom for Christians to vote either way now than there was four years ago. Some of that’s down to the candidates as well.”

There’s also a growing number of Evangelicals who classify themselves as independents. One of the loudest voices in this camp is the singer Derek Webb.

When he was in the band Caedmon’s Call, Derek was loved by many conservative Christians.

Then he went solo and ruined all that with songs such as “A King and a Kingdom” on which he declared: “There are two great lies that I’ve heard/The day you eat of the fruit of that tree you will not surely die/And that Jesus Christ was a white, middle class Republican/And if you wanna be saved you have to learn to be like him.”

With songs such as “Saviour on Capitol Hill” on his latest album, The Ringing Bell (reviewed in October’s Tunes), Derek clearly isn’t looking to win that audience back.

Business

“I would hope that over time, Christians would begin to realise that politicians are primarily in the election and re-election business,” says Derek.

“They’ll go to any group of people whose language they can decipher, and say to them whatever they need to say in order to get their votes.

So whoever Christians discern to be the ‘Christian’ candidate has more than likely deciphered the Christian language and is able to get in front of Christians and make himself seem appealing and electable.

That’s not to say that some of these men aren’t what they say they are, but Christians have to be a little savvier about the game that’s being played.”

Like Jars of Clay, Derek cites Jim Wallis as a catalyst in changing American Evangelicals’ political views.

“Jim Wallis and a handful of others are doing good work to make the conversation more complex, as it needs to be,’ he says, ‘calling out the candidates in terms of talking about all manner of issues – not just gay marriage and abortion.

Values

Healthcare is a values issue. War is a values issue. It puts a burden back on the candidates to show us who they really are, as opposed to speaking our particular language about our particular issues.

“There does seem to be a heightened interest now in having a more nuanced political conversation. I’ve been surprised by people I know, who four or eight years ago would simply have looked for the conservative candidate and blindly pledged their allegiance to him.

Now those people are more interested in a whole discussion. The whole ‘Christian’ or ‘family values’ conversation – whatever that’s been over the years – is becoming more nuanced, and McCain and Obama are the first candidates to come under its new scrutiny.”

Mike & Kelly Bowling Claim 2008 Song of the Year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. ---(12-22-08)--- Mike & Kelly Bowling have claimed the 2008 Song of the Year according to the January issue of the Singing News Magazine with “Your Cries Have Awoken The Master.” The single topped the charts in August of this year and was written by Sonya Isaacs and Becky Isaacs Bowman. The Singing News Song of the Year is selected according to a point system assigned to radio singles for their duration on the National Radio Chart throughout the year. The Song of the Year announcement came at the one year anniversary of Mike & Kelly Bowling’s first number one song written by Carroll McGruder, “We Have A Saviour.” Their current single, “A Miracle Today” is currently on the charts in the Top 10. All three singles are included on Mike & Kelly Bowling’s debut Canaan Records release Faith To Believe. Word Entertainment distributes the new project to stores worldwide and was released on August 12th.

“Kelly, Jeff and I are grateful for this wonderful honor. From Becky and Sonya writing the song, to Canaan Records including it on our debut record, to the Rick Hendrix Company promoting the single, to radio DJs playing it for the world to hear, to the Harper Agency booking us at concerts to sing, we are thankful to everyone who played a part in this achievement. We sing “Your Cries Have Awoken The Master” every night on the road and every night we hear a new testimony. It is touching lives and that is what it is all about. We pray it continues to for many, many years,” commented Mike Bowling.

For booking information on Mike & Kelly Bowling, contact The Harper Agency (615) 851-4500, www.harperagency.com or e-mail: info@harperagency.com.) For more information on Mike & Kelly Bowling or to order Faith To Believe, visit www.mikeandkellybowling.com or Canaan Records, www.canaanrecords.com.

Rick Hendrix Hospitalized

Nashville,TN | Rick Hendrix of the Rick Hendrix Company was hospitalized over the weekend due to lead poisoning. Hendrix has been battling a swollen liver, heart arrhythmia and bleeding problems for several weeks. Doctors diagnosed him with lead poising after 6 weeks of declining health. "Lot's of prayers have been going up for Rick, and we are glad they have finally found the problem, stated Shane Jordan of the Rick Hendrix Company. www.rickhendrix.com

Rick Hendrix Featured in The Singing News Magazine

Click here to read the article.

Rob Helton Signs with Rick Hendrix Company

Nashville, TN (Rick Hendrix Company) Christian soloist Rob Helton has signed a promotions and marketing agreement with the Rick Hendrix Company. Most recently, Rob sang lead for "Ed Crawford and The Mystery Men". He also competed in the 2007 National Quartet Convention Solo Talent Contest where he finished 3rd overall and was the highest placing male in the competition.

The first single "I've Been To The Well" has already begun to make waves within the inner circles of Southern Gospel Music. The single hits national radio the first week of Sept and can be found on the Rick Hendrix Company secure DJ download area. 'We are very excited to have signed Rob with the Rick Hendrix Company. For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/robheltonministries

Soloist and Author Sandy Carter Scores Back to Back Hits

Nashville, TN Soloist and author Sandy Carter is currently enjoying great success with her latest project."I am so thankful my songs are receiving airplay - that way they can minister to others as much as they minister to me," stated Sandy. Her last two singles , "Lord it Hurts" and "Long Winding Road" have both scored Top 100 success nationally. "Lord it Hurts" peaked in the Top 40 in Gospel Music News earlier this year at # 46 and "Long Winding Road" is currently at # 76 and climbing the national airplay charts. "I really appreciate where Sandy and her ministry are going,"said Rick Hendrix.

Sandy Carter and her husband Jerry have been singing Gospel Music for over thirty years when in August 2005, Sandy was stricken with a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis that affected her trunk and throat muscles, leaving her nearly paralyzed and unable to walk, speak or sing. After months of therapy, God brought her back to where she is today - able to walk, talk and sing with a voice and testimony stronger than ever. In addition to singing, Sandy has written a devotional entitled, "Keep Singing When the Music Stops" and she and Jerry have penned over a dozen songs, and recorded two dozen albums.

"I feel she has just begun to let God use her voice and testimony," said Carmen Beatriz of KORI radio in Louisiana. For more information on Sandy Carter visit www.singingcarters.com

Sonicflood to release A Heart Like Yours on September 9, 2008

Nashville, TN Grammy-nominated worship band SONICFLOOd returns with their latest studio release, A Heart Like Yours, on September 9, 2008 (Word Distribution). The first release on their independent label Resonate Records, the new disc features 11 uplifting praise anthems, centered on changing our hearts to be more like Christ’s, and living courageously for Him.

“If we all live for somethin’/
Then we won’t die for nothin’/
Lift your hands and Look to Love”

The album’s first single, “Look to Love,” along with “How It’s Supposed to Be” are pulsating, hook-filled invitations for every believer to live boldly in their faith, while “In Your Presence” and “Psalm 91” (with its almost tribal beat and Hebrew chant-infused background), praise God for His limitless power and love.

SONICFLOOd front man Rick Heil says of writing A Heart Like Yours, “I love all kinds of sounds from reflective to high energy. For this record, we wanted to get past our human fears of insecurity to really open up and be transparent in writing these songs of adoration. These are some of the most vulnerable songs we have written yet.”

SONICFLOOd will appear on TBN’s Praise the Lord and GOD TV’s The Florida Outpouring, and will embark on “The Worship Tour” in September. The tour will be sponsored by Voice of the Martyrs, a non-profit organization that supports Christians who are persecuted for their faith around the world.

Since its 1999 debut, SONICFLOOd has sold almost 2 million records, and produced the top hits “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” “I Want to Know You,” “Your Love Goes on Forever”, “Resonate” and “Cry Holy.” The band has also earned Dove Awards and a Grammy nomination. In addition they have scored multiple ASCAP awards for their songwriting talents.

Chris Hester Finishing Up New Project

Nashville,TN (Press Release-Rick Hendrix) Soloist Chris Hester has been seen in Nashville lately cutting tracks for his new project. The project will be the follow up to his 2005 release "Its a Good Life" and is scheduled to drop July 2008."I was blessed to have worked once again with my producer and good friends Kevin Ward and Jason Webb". The project is yet untitled and comprised of 10 brand new songs from a few new writers and songs from the pen of Chris Binion, Dottie Rambo and Jason Street.The first single will be a Dottie Rambo classic "Tears Will Never Stain" and features Misty Freeman."I remember the morning I heard of Dotties passing," said manager Rick Hendrix."I called Chris with the news.We had already cut and arranged the song with Dottie's wishes the week before her death, and felt it had to be the first single."

For more information on the release of the new project, go online to www.chrishester.com for the latest information.

Rick Hendrix Co to Release American Idol David Cook to Christian Radio

Nashville,TN (Press Release) Rick Hendrix Company will release at midnight May 27th to Christian radio, the latest American Idol season winner, David Cook. The singers positive faith based song "The Time of My Life" will be reaching Christian radio stations via Rick Hendrix Company secure DJ download.

Cook a native from the state of Missouri took judges and fans by storm on the Fox reality show this season. "What I find amazing is Cook, went to support his brother and ended up auditioning for the show, and here he is our winner," stated Rick Hendrix. David Cook won a recording contract with RCA Records and will travel with the American Idol tour kicking off this summer. Radio stations can email shane@rickhendrix.com for a secure download of the single.