Artists Appearing at Battle of Songs 2024
Classically Modern- Thursday, May 30
The Blackwood Brothers
Appearing Thursday, May 30
The Blackwood Brothers Quartet was formed in 1934 with brothers Roy, Doyle, James and Roy's son, R.W. In the late 50s Roy and Doyle retired from traveling and in 1954 R.W. was killed in a tragic airplane crash. However the quartet with James, as the quartet's leader and spokesman, established a new group of singers who would go on to take Gospel music to new heights as they traveled and sang in all fifty of the United States, every Canadian province as well as cities in Great Britain, Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa, South Africa, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
In 2002, James Blackwood went to be with the Lord, but his sons, Jimmy (James Jr.) and Billy have continued the 80-year tradition. Recently Jimmy retired after singing for 49 years and his younger brother, Billy now carries on the quartet which has the distinction of being the best-known name in Gospel Music history!
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Appearing Thursday, May 30
Jeff and Sheri have been nominated for numerous Dove Awards and won nine. They've also received multiple Grammy nominations, and Sheri has been named Singing News Favorite Alto eleven times and the Singing News Female Vocalist four times, in addition she has claimed 22 multi-genre industry voted female vocalist awards. Jeff and Sheri's wall of awards also includes three Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Awards, two International Country Gospel Music Association Awards, nine Voice Awards for Christian Country Group, four Hearts Aflame Awards, and three Cash Box awards. They also have participated in the Gaither Homecoming video series.
After thirty-six years of music and marriage, Jeff and Sheri continue to encourage hearts while setting a standard of excellence in the field of southern and country/bluegrass gospel music. Jeff and Sheri have a dynamic sound/stage presence with unbelievable family harmonies and an authentic ability to communicate a message of hope.
For Jeff and Sheri, gospel music is genetically programmed into their DNA. As members of acclaimed musical families—Jeff's father is one of the Easter Brothers, and Sheri's mother is a member of the Lewis Family—they grew up surrounded by the sound of people praising God through their musical gifts.
The Martins
Appearing Thursday, May 30 - Multi-Grammy Award Nominated & Dove Award Winning Gospel Music Family
Siblings, Joyce, Jonathan and Judy, collectively known as The Martins, have enjoyed count- less radio hits and performances at concert halls, arenas, auditoriums and churches worldwide. During the 1990s, The Martins rose to national and international success, showcasing their stunning and distinctive harmonies before a vast array of audiences, from legendary singer/ songwriter Bill Gaither’s multi-award winning Homecoming Video and Concert Series to the White House to Carnegie Hall. Over the years the Trio garnered eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, as well as a prestigious Grammy nomination.
Goodman Revival
Appearing Thursday, May 30
In the world of southern gospel music few names carry a more substantial legacy than Goodman. Creativity, authenticity and a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ have long been the cornerstones of the family’s sound and messages. They remain the foundation for the next chapter in the group’s illustrious history with the launch of Goodman Revival.
Tanya Goodman Sykes, her husband, acclaimed producer Michael Sykes, and friend Johnny Minick, a gospel music veteran who performed for years with the Goodmans, once again propel the family name into the spotlight with the release of their debut album and DVD Songs in the Key of Happy (Gaither Music Group). The trio revives such Goodman classics as “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now,” “Until You’ve Known the Love of God” and “Who Am I,” breathing fresh life into songs that have defined the genre for decades.
Quartet Night! - Friday, May 31
The Inspirations
Appearing Friday, May 31
One of Americas most celebrated and recognizable Quartets...from humble beginnings...often imitated, but never duplicated...this new generation continues a time tested tradition of excellence with a renewed energy that is exciting audiences across the country.
The Inspirationals Quartet of Texas
Appearing Friday, May 31 & Saturday, June 1
Building on our storied heritage, The Inspirationals Quartet of Texas continues the legacy established in 1958 as "Bob Wills & The Inspirationals", now led by a new generation of exceptional artists. Currently, the group features the talents of Bob Wills' sons: Ron Wills, who brings his rich baritone voice and serves as the group's emcee, and Don Wills, whose deep bass tones resonate in every performance. Joining them are Ralph Green, our lead singer (since 1972) known for his powerful vocal prowess, John Rulapaugh, a tenor known for his full tones and ability to tell a story in song, and Bryan Elliott, whose skills as a pianist are unparalleled. Together, these talented individuals uphold the esteemed tradition of "Bob Wills & The Inspirationals", continuing to make a significant impact in the world of gospel music.
Triumphant Quartet
Appearing Friday, May 31 - “Voted 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 Favorite Southern Gospel Artist!” — SINGING NEWS FAN AWARDS
Consistently voted a fan favorite, the group has garnered multiple chart-topping hits, as well as Dove, Singing News and BMI Awards, including numerous Quartet of the Year honors. Perhaps most remarkably of all, the StowTown Records group has become a household name without experiencing any lineup changes over the past two decades.
Now, as Sean Barber replaces original member Scotty Inman, Triumphant Quartet opens a new chapter of music, faith and friendship as — together with Barber (Lead) — founding members David Sutton (tenor), Eric Bennett (bass) and Clayton Inman (Baritone) enter the next decade of ministry.
Mark Trammel Quartet
Appearing Friday, May 31
For over forty years Mark Trammell has been blessed to sing Gospel Music. Something he says, “evolved from a dream to a life’s call; from just singing to ministry.” Many long time observers and followers of Gospel Music consider him to be one the greatest baritone singers of all time. He has won multiple awards as a singer and producer, and has been a member of four of Gospel Music’s most acclaimed groups – The Kingsmen, The Cathedrals, Greater Vision and Gold City. For most people, just being with one of these legendary groups would be the pinnacle of a career and justification for resting on your laurels. But for Mark now is not the time to kick back and relax. Instead, it is time to step into a fresh mission
Up Close & Personal - Saturday, June 1
Joseph Habedank
Appearing Saturday, June 1
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".
Dr Dennis Swanberg
Appearing Saturday, June 1
Dennis Swanberg, an encouraging speaker, comedian, and humorist, served the local church in pastoral ministry for 23 years. Then, in 1995 Dennis took a leap of faith when he stepped down as church pastor and stepped up to the microphone on stages and platforms all across America and the World.
“The Swan” soon became “AMERICA’S MINISTER OF ENCOURAGEMENT”, a job he takes seriously as he continues to speak to about 150 organizations, faith-based groups and corporations every year. He has hosted two successful TV series, authored 9 books, and created over two dozen DVD/CD productions.
Dennis is a graduate of Baylor University where he majored in both Greek and Religion (1976). He earned both a Master of Divinity (1980) and a Doctor of Ministry (1986) at Southwestern Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX.
Dennis is married to the former Lauree Wilkes of Ft. Worth, TX. Dennis and Lauree have two grown sons: Chad and Dustin. Dustin and his wife, Britny, have two children of their own: Andrew James Floyd Swanberg and Maxine Harlow Swanberg. The Swans’ make their home in Granbury, Texas.
The Inspirationals Quartet of Texas
Appearing Friday, May 31 & Saturday, June 1
Building on our storied heritage, The Inspirationals Quartet of Texas continues the legacy established in 1958 as "Bob Wills & The Inspirationals", now led by a new generation of exceptional artists. Currently, the group features the talents of Bob Wills' sons: Ron Wills, who brings his rich baritone voice and serves as the group's emcee, and Don Wills, whose deep bass tones resonate in every performance. Joining them are Ralph Green, our lead singer (since 1972) known for his powerful vocal prowess, John Rulapaugh, a tenor known for his full tones and ability to tell a story in song, and Bryan Elliott, whose skills as a pianist are unparalleled. Together, these talented individuals uphold the esteemed tradition of "Bob Wills & The Inspirationals", continuing to make a significant impact in the world of gospel music.