CRACKER BARREL CELEBRATES MICHAEL W. SMITH’S HYMNS ALBUM WHICH DEBUTS AT NO. 2 ON NIELSEN SOUNDSCAN’S TOP CURRENT CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ALBUM CHART

Album is the Newest Release from the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® Exclusive Music Program and Can Be Purchased Exclusively at All Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Locations and CrackerBarrel.com

Contemporary Christian music artist Michael W. Smith has debuted at No. 2 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Top Current Contemporary Christian Album Chart (week ending 3/30/2014) with his latest album Hymns. The album also debuted at No. 25 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Top Current Albums Chart (week ending 3/30/2014). This is the latest project from the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program, and can be purchased exclusively at all 626 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com.

“Michael made a wonderful and inspiring album that is quickly becoming a favorite with our guests,” said Julie Craig, Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager. “Everyone at Cracker Barrel congratulates him on debuting at No. 2 on the album charts with Hymnsand we look forward to continued success together!”

Hymns contains 15 classic Christian songs, many of which Smith grew up singing in church with his family. Songs include such timeless Hymns as “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “How Great Thou Art,” “It Is Well,” “Old Rugged Cross,” and more. The album retails for $11.99.

Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian artist has had the opportunity to sing for Presidents and national leaders, and counts among his friends the Reverend Billy Graham and his son, Franklin Graham. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

About the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® Exclusive Music Program 
Michael W. Smith’s Hymns is the latest CD release in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program. Since 2005, Cracker Barrel has released CDs with a wide variety of artists, some of which have debuted in the top three spots on a range of Billboard’s charts including Top DVD Music Videos, Top Country Albums, Top Contemporary Christian Albums and Top Bluegrass Albums. The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program includes CDs with Alabama, Rodney Atkins, Mandy Barnett, Clint Black, Jason Michael Carroll, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dailey & Vincent, The Charlie Daniels Band, Ronnie Dunn, Edens Edge, Sara Evans, Bill Gaither, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin, Amy Grant, The Grascals, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Montgomery Gentry, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Craig Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Randy Travis, Josh Turner, Wynonna, and the Zac Brown Band. For details, visit crackerbarrel.com.

About Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its made-from-scratch biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 626 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® location is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.

 

Montell Jordan Guest Speaks at Nashville’s Belmont University Christian Faith Development Convocation

 

 

Worship pastor, CCM artist and R&B legend, Montell Jordan, was invited to be the guest speaker this week at Belmont University’s Christian Faith Development Convocation in Nashville, TN. The event was co-sponsored by the Black Student Association and the Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. Jordan spoke on “The Power of Music” to the standing room only audience of students. Jordan is currently the worship pastor at Victory World Church in Atlanta, GA and has become a frequent guest speaker about the spiritual impact of faith and worship music. Jordan’s upcoming keynote speaking engagements include the University of St. Francis Performing Arts Center, Fort Wayne, IN on May 3rd, Birmingham, AL on June 7th at the Riverfront Amphitheatre for a youth rally and forum, and June 8th at Birmingham’s Draper Correctional Facility, where Jordan will speak to young male inmates.

Left to Right: Keayana Robinson, Cameron Bryant, Belmont Black Student Association; Montell Jordan; RiTara Williams, Belmont Black Student Association; Ashlyn Whiteside, event coordinator

 

The Belmont speaking engagement came on the heels of a Nicaragua missions trip last week through Life Link International, where Jordan re-connected with two young boys that are sponsored by his family and friends. At the same time, Jordan has started songwriting for the next album from Victory World Music that is scheduled for a fall 2014 release.

For more information about Montell Jordan and Victory World Music please visit online; www.victoryworldmusic.com,www.facebook.com/montelljordan or on twitter at @montelljordan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Music Trailblazer Carman Launches New CD And US Tour

‘No Plan B’ CD Presale Set For May 13, Releases May 27

North American ‘Live Across America Presents: No Plan B Tour’ Dates Announced

After a 10 year hiatus, Christian Music Trailblazer and Platinum-Selling Recording ArtistCarman is set to release a new studio album, ‘No Plan B,’ on May 27 through his independent label Norway Avenue Records and Capital Christian Distribution. On May 13, the ‘No Plan B’ presale launches with an instant download track. In support of the new release, Carman hits the road May 29 on his ‘Live Across America Presents: No Plan B Tour’ making stops at venues across the country bringing new music to friends and fans nationwide.

“The main message of the whole album can be found in the title track, ‘No Plan B,’ which is how I’ve lived all these years,” said Carman. “Even if I only have a few more on this earth, I’ll still be preaching, giving altar calls, winning souls for the kingdom and singing the songs that have the power to bring deliverance into people’s lives, whether it be in front of 20 people or 20,000 people. God doesn’t call us to be popular. He calls us to be effective and that’s always been my goal, effective right up to the end. Jesus is ‘Plan A.’ There is ‘No Plan B.'”

‘No Plan B’ includes 12 tracks penned and performed by Carman, and produced by Carman and his production partners Ted T and Tre’ Corely. The CD and tour were made possible through the unprecedented fan response to the crowd-funding platform Kickstarter campaign he launched after opening up on social media about a cancer diagnosis in 2013. The campaign was wildly successful – the second most funded Kickstarter music campaign ever – and set the tone for the momentum behind the release of ‘No Plan B’ and major national tour, ‘Live Across America Presents: No Plan B Tour.’ Carman found a renewed vision and purpose for his ministry when the fans spoke, and a Carman buzz was rekindled that inspired the artist to record a new CD and tour again.

“I was diagnosed in 2013 and was planning on having 2-3 good years left, but I didn’t want to keep it a secret,” confirmed Carman. “I posted the news on Facebook and wanted to be honest and upright about it with anyone who asked. So many people started sharing stories of what they went through and posted photos of their heads wrapped up because their hair was gone. When I hear a story like that, my instinct is to reach out and cheer them up.” Carman’s collection of songs features the title track “No Plan B,” and “God Made Man,” the latest of Carman’s many cheeky character songs featuring a “Sopranos”-styled mob cast, but with an Italian accented narrator who’s wholeheartedly committed to Christ, the gripping patriotic ballad “The Flag,” which sends a very well-timed reminder that we will always be “one nation under God” and our faith can never be silenced, and an updated version of “Jesus Heal Me” with new production, a true touchstone of the album that’s bound to continue its role as a concert standard. “I’ve always sought to minister to the best of my ability. I wanted to help win as many souls for the kingdom as I possibly could,” sums up Carman. “Now I meet people who say ‘my life was so messed up 20 years ago, but I went to your concert, got saved and now I’m a worship pastor.’ Stories like that just go to show you how somebody’s life can completely turn around. I’m like a soldier who serves their country. I just want to serve people, and if just one guy gets it, then it’s all been worth it.”

The first set of dates for Carman’s ‘Live Across America Presents: No Plan B Tour’ are on sale at iTickets.com. For the latest on ‘No Plan B’ and the tour, visit www.carman.org.

‘No Plan B’ track listing:
1. No Plan B | Words and Music by Carman
2. Time 2 P.T.L. | Words and Music by Carman
3. I’m Coming Home | Words and Music by Carman
4. God Made Man | Words and Music by Carman
5. Peace Of The Lord – feat. Hope Loftis | Words and Music by Carman
6. Jesus Heal Me | Words and Music by Carman
7. It’s All In His Hands| Words and Music by Carman
8. Another Day | Words and Music by Carman
9. Yes Yes | Words and Music by Carman
10. I Did My Best | Words and Music by Carman
11. That’s My King / Radically Saved | Words and Music by Carman
12. The Flag | Words and Music by Carman

Connect with Carman:
WEBSITE: www.carmantv.com | www.carman.org
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/CarmanLicciardello
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/carmantv

ABOUT CARMAN: He was the only Christian artist able to fill stadiums all the world over, from record holdings like 72,132 people at Texas Stadium, over 50,000 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and another 80,000 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A grand total of 4.5 million cumulative fans attended three national tours, including his extensive “Heart Of A Champion” tour. He’s collected the most names of any American citizen, one million signatures, on a petition supporting prayer in public schools and had more than one million people accept Christ salvation at his events. Add in seven Dove Awards, a quartet of Grammy nominations, plus 16 RIAA Certified Platinum and Gold albums and videos amassing to well over 10 million cumulative career record sales, and Carman isn’t just one of the most decorated artists within faith-based circles, but quite literally one of the most flourishing, innovative and influential artists of all time. More than a singer, songwriter, video pioneer, speaker and all around evangelist, Carman branched out into many TV and movie roles, such as “Carman: The Champion” or guesting on “The Bobby Jones Gospel Hour” (which was the most watched gospel show on the BET network in 20 years!) He also broke ground as the first ever Christian music artist to write and release an action adventure novel (“Undefeated: In Love and War”) and even joined the likes of President and Mrs. Reagan and Dr. Billy Graham as a House of Hope Humanitarian Award recipient. Carman’s discography includes acclaimed albums such as ‘The Champion,’ ‘Revival In The Land,’ ‘Addicted To Jesus,’ ‘The Standard,’ ‘R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion of Truth)’ and ‘Mission 3:16.’ ‘No Plan B’ is available in May 2014.

 

 

Integrity Music Announces Global Release For New Songs 4 Worship™ Worship Classics

The 2-Disc Set, Featuring Paul Baloche, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Darlene Zschech, Delirious? and Lincoln Brewster, 

Is Latest Addition to the Multi-Platinum Selling Series

 

 

 

 

Songs 4 Worship™, the multi-platinum series created by Integrity Music and Time Life Music, has become one of Christian music’s most trusted brands, selling over 25 million products and consistently delivering the most popular worship songs by leading artists and worship leaders. On April 15, Integrity releases the 41^stinstallment in this landmark series, Songs 4 Worship™ Worship Classics, a two-disc, 25-song collection filled with treasured songs such as “Blessed Be Your Name,” “Revelation Song,” “10,000 Reasons,” “Mighty To Save,” “In Christ Alone” and “Hosanna.” 

Originally launched in 2001, the Songs 4 Worship™ series has featured CDs and DVDs representing a variety of genres and styles including Gospel, country, hymns, children’s and Spanish titles. The series has also been an international hit, selling millions of units in the UK/Europe and earning multi Platinum, Platinum and Gold RIAA certification in the U.S. and Gold certification in Australia, Canada and the UK. It is one of the best-selling music series in Christian music and has remained Time Life’s biggest music series launch to date. 

“Songs 4 Worship™ Worship Classics represents songs that have traveled the globe, finding their way into houses of worship and hearts of believers from all walks of life,” says Steve Nicolle, Integrity’s Vice President of Sales/Marketing.  “It is a must-have collection for worship music lovers and it makes an ideal gift for those who are looking to introduce friends and family to great worship music.”

The Worship Classics collection features original recordings from Paul Baloche, Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Brenton Brown, Darlene Zschech, Delirious?, Gateway Worship/Kari Jobe, Soul Survivor, Don Moen and Brian Doerksen among others. (A complete tracklist including featured artists follows.)

Songs 4 Worship™ Worship Classics will be featured in Christian and mainstream stores around the globe, including major North American Christian retail chains such as Lifeway, Family and Mardel, and mainstream retailers including Walmart and Amazon. Worship Classics will also be available through major digital service providers including iTunes.

The complete tracklist for Songs 4 Worship™ Worship Classics is as follows:

Disc 1

1.     Blessed Be Your Name (Matt Redman)

2.     Come Now Is The Time To Worship (Brian Doerksen)

3.     Open The Eyes Of My Heart (Paul Baloche)

4.     10,000 Reasons (Soul Survivor & Momentum featuring Tom Field)

5.     Above All (Lenny LeBlanc)

6.     Mighty To Save (Don Moen)

7.     Your Name (Paul Baloche)

8.     Trading My Sorrows (Darrell Evans)

9.     How Great Is Our God (Promise Keepers featuring Dave Lubben)

10.  You Are My King (Ross Parsley)

11.  Give Thanks (Don Moen)

12.  The Heart Of Worship (Matt Redman)

13.   O The Blood (Gateway Worship featuring Kari Jobe)

 

Disc 2

1.     Hosanna [Praise Is Rising] (Paul Baloche)

2.     Here I Am To Worship (Tim Hughes)

3.     I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever (Delirious?)

4.     I Worship You Almighty God (Lisa Glasgow)

5.     More Precious Than Silver (Alleluia Music featuring Lisa Bevill)

6.     I Exalt Thee (Kelly Willard)

7.     Our God (Lincoln Brewster)

8.     In Christ Alone/The Solid Rock (Travis Cottrell)

9.     Everlasting God (Brenton Brown)

10.  Shout To The Lord (Hillsong featuring Darlene Zschech)

11.  Before The Throne Of God Above (Promise Keepers featuring Drew Cline)

12.  Revelation Song (Gateway Worship featuring Kari Jobe) 

 

 

WORD ENTERTAINMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH MARK BURNETT AND ROMA DOWNEY, LAUNCHES THE BIBLE: SON OF GOD TOUR 2014 AT RICK WARREN’S SADDLEBACK CHURCH IN SOUTHERN, CA

Thursday night was a momentous occasion as Word Entertainment, in partnership with producer Mark Burnett and producer/actress Roma Downey and their company  LightWorkers Media, launched “The Bible: SON OF GOD Tour 2014” at Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in Southern California. GRAMMY®-nominated artist Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets, GRAMMY®-nominated artist Natalie Grant, Chris August, Meredith Andrews and Jason Gray played before a packed crowd with over 2,000 in attendance including Burnett, Downey, Warren and Word Entertainment President and CEO Rod Riley. The epic two-hour live event runs an additional 16 dates nationwide through April 13 including a sold out show in Pittsburgh on April 10.

 

“The Bible: SON OF GOD Tour 2014” brings the epic miniseries “The Bible” and 20^th Century Fox feature film “Son of God” to life in sight and sound with immersive video and stunning visual effects paired with live, in-person performances by GRAMMY®-nominated artist Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets, GRAMMY®-nominated artist Natalie Grant, Chris August, Meredith Andrews and Jason Gray. These award-winning artists perform their biggest radio hits alongside the chronological telling of the story of Christ in a one-of-a-kind concert event. Tickets for all dates are on sale now at www.SonofGodTour.com.  

 

Upcoming “The Bible: Son of God Tour 2014” Dates:

 

March 21       Phoenix, AZ – Vineyard Church

March 22       Albuquerque, NM – Legacy Church

March 23       Denver, CO – Denver First Church of the Nazarene

March 27       Austin, TX – Riverbend Church

March 28       Dallas, TX – Sunnyvale First Baptist Church

March 29       Tulsa, OK – Mabee Center

March 30       Kansas City, MO – Lenexa Christian Center

April 3             Columbus, OH – Grace Polaris Church

April 4             Grand Rapids, MI – Grand Rapids First

April 5             Chicago, IL – Olivet Nazarene University

April 6             Nashville, TN – Allen Arena

April 9             Pittsburgh, PA – Amplify Church (Note New Location) JUST ADDED

April 10          Pittsburgh, PA – Victory Family Church  SOLD OUT

April 11          Louisville, KY – Northside Christian Church

April 12          Lynchburg, VA – Thomas Road Baptist Church

April 13          Baltimore, MD – Hartford Community College

Downey and Burnett brought the epic 10-hour mini-series “The Bible” to television audiences on the History channel with their company LightWorkers Media. It became the top entertainment telecast of the year, received three Emmy® Award nominations and has been viewed by over 100 million people to date. On February 28, the 20^th Century Fox feature film “Son of God” premiered to millions of people worldwide on the big screen. Word Entertainment collaborated with Burnett and Downey to release the musical companion to both “The Bible” and “Son of God.” In realizing the incredible impact of the stunning images together with the emotional powerful music, Burnett, Downey and Word Entertainment are joining forces once again to bring the epic scenes and music from “The Bible” and “Son of God” to life in sight and sound through “The Bible: Son of God Tour 2014” to audiences across the nation in the month leading up to Easter.

 

For further information please visit: www.SonofGodTour.com.  

 

About LightWorkers Media

Celebrated Emmy-nominated actress and producer Roma Downey and her award winning husband producer Mark Burnett launched LightWorkers Media in 2011 with the children’s DVD and book series LITTLE ANGELS and its companion LITTLE ANGELS STORYBOOK BIBLE. LightWorkers Media produced the ten-hour hit miniseries THE BIBLE which was seen in the USA by 100 million people, was one of the fastest selling TV-to-Disc titles ever and was nominated for three Emmy awards.  Additionally they are producing the series A.D., a sequel to THE BIBLE series for NBC and they acquired Alice Hoffman’s award winning novel THE DOVEKEEPERS which they are producing as a 4 hour mini-series for CBS. In addition Roma and Mark have coauthored several books published by Faithwords. They are ambassadors for two children’s organizations Operation Smile and Compassion. LightWorkers Media is dedicated to bringing uplifting content to people of all ages.

 

About Word Entertainment

A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including About A Mile, Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print/Church Resources, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.