With the wide range of exciting genres that Christian music has to offer listeners today, sometimes the age-old talent and soul-stirring power of Southern Gospel doesn't get the spotlight it deserves. For dedicated fans of the genre, it's a well-known fact that the vocal abilities of SoGo's leading artists are some of the very best, and regardless of what style of music you prefer, there's simply no denying the God-given gift of these voices.
Whether these artists are on your daily playlist or you need a quick catch-up on the genre, here's a list of seven of our favorite Southern Gospel voices from Daywind Records that deserve a moment of recognition.
Amber Nelon Thompson Both the daughter and the granddaughter of Gospel music legends, Amber Nelon Thompson is continuing in the footsteps of her family as she leaves her own mark on the Southern Gospel world. Already a highly-awarded artist, Amber holds the title for the Dove Awards' youngest nominee. Her debut album, Just Sing, released in 2015.
Joseph Habedank Joseph Habedank is yet another young artist that has recently added his name to the Southern Gospel greats. With a soulful voice that brings a true Southern Gospel feel to every song, his latest record Resurrection made waves in 2017. In addition to his credits as a vocalist, Joseph is a multi-awarded songwriter who has been recorded by a wide range of Southern Gospel groups.
Kelly Nelon Clark As her name might give away, Kelly Nelon Clark is a founding member and lead vocalist of Southern Gospel legendary group The Nelons. Boasting the remarkable harmonies that Southern Gospel is known for, Kelly and the Nelons bring a unique life and energy to every recording they take on. With a number of successful releases behind them, their most recent, The Americana Sessions, features the group's covers of classic southern songs.
Riley Harrison Clark As a member of the Tribute Quartet, Riley Harrison Clark got his start in the world of Southern Gospel at a young age. Now he's stepping out on his own as a solo artist with his debut album Welcome To Me. Featuring Riley's strong vocal abilities with songs that reflect his personal testimony, Welcome To Me is a bold first move for the now-solo artist and promises good things to come.
Karen Peck Easily the most-awarded soprano in the genre, Karen Peck is the frontwoman for Grammy-nominated Karen Peck and New River. With countless chart-toppers to their name, the group has appeared on some of the biggest stages in music and continues to make a legendary impact on sharing Southern Gospel with the world.
Connie Hopper Part of "America's Favorite Family of Gospel Music" The Hoppers, Connie Hopper is a leading voice who has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in addition to many other awards and honors within the industry. Regarded as the cornerstone of the legendary group, Connie is also an author and a cancer survivor.
Brian Free A standout tenor in the Southern Gospel community since 1982, Brian Free is the frontman for notable group Brian Free and Assurance. Getting his start in Gold City Quartet before forming his own group, Brian has been a recognizable voice in music for several decades now. The artist behind such Dove Award-winning songs such as "Say Amen" and "Long As I Got King Jesus," his impact on Southern Gospel is undeniable.
Caitlin Lassiter is a worship leader, songwriter and journalist with a deep passion for Christian music. She currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where she attends Trevecca Nazarene University and can frequently be found loving life at a concert. // Cover Photo by Simon Matzinger on Unsplash.
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