Riverside Country

Tom Lanza: Eternally Grateful
By Diamond Dawson

Life began for Tom Lanza in humble surroundings. His parents and grandparents were both immigrant coal miners. Hard work and survival is entwined in the roots of Tom’s family tree. As with most families in that day, music was the means of lifting your voice and your heart and forgetting hardships through song. Tom states, “some of my most memorable times were when Dad and Mom along with Aunts, Uncles and friends would gather around the piano and begin to sing those good ole’ Gospel songs. It was a time of joy and laughter as the entire family used their individual talents, to join together in corporate family harmony. Those memories are forever etched in my mind. The first song I sang as a child was sitting on that old piano bench. My sister began to play… ‘Come Home, Come Home It’s Supper Time.’ Several of my Uncles who used to play for Perry Como when he sang on the `Wheeling West Virginia Radio Show` would join in with her as I sang. It was at that moment I knew way down inside, even though I was a child; singing would be one thing I wanted to do with my life. One day I’ll hear that song echo from the other side of heaven, and we’ll all go home because it will be Supper Time. I’ll join in and sing it with the first one I ever hears sing the song, ole’ Red Foley. Read the rest of this entry »

Sonya Isaacs: Aiming For The Big Sky

Sonya Isaacs, 2007 Inspirational Country Music Award’s Female Vocalist of the Year, has enjoyed success in her life and her music. Her outstanding vocals have landed her on numerous charts including Billboard’s Country chart. She has recorded with legends in Country music such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Steve Warner, Jason Sellers, Chely Wright, Joe Diffie and has enjoyed working with Vince Gill in the studio. Sonya knows the feeling of being signed to a major label, Lyric Street, and recording in the studio with the best producers in the industry.

Sonya made an appearance in the IMAX film titled “Our Country”, a film about the history of Country music. She has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and was also a guest on the show “A December To Remember” that aired on GAC with Aaron Tippin & Family.

Having been born into the talented and award winning singing family “The Isaacs,” it is no surprise that Sonya has also conquered the art of playing the mandolin. In 2005, she was presented Read the rest of this entry »

James Payne: 2007 ICM Living Legend; The Prodigy - The Miracle
By: Vickie Gardner

James Payne likes to be referred to as “A preacher who sings … not a singer who preaches.” Yet he certainly lives up to his title of a Living Legend in Christian Country music. He has been a true pioneer of this genre and will continue to be an advocate of its advancement and growth. James does not write songs he has read about, he writes songs he has lived. When the industry tried to persuade him to change his style, James became even more determined to stick to his roots. He knew his music could change people’s lives and reach them in a way other styles could not. This had become his heart’s desire, and he wasn’t about to give in.

A Grammy nominated songwriter, James has written over 2000 songs. He has released his 24th project and is currently working on his 25th. His signature song, “The Night Jack Daniels Met John 3:16″ reflects his dedication to this genre of music and many other hits have followed. The industry and fans began to refer to James as the “Whiskey Man.” They arrived at this name because of the last two lines Read the rest of this entry »

Greg McDougal: Faith, Gratitude & Determination
By: Greg McDougal

When I was asked to write this story, I was not sure where to start. Our seven-year-old son, Sean, had just gone into the hospital with a blockage in his right lung… and to say the least, writing out a testimony became a bit of a distraction. As I struggled to get something written down on paper in the midst of this trial, I became intensely aware that I have not given true thanks to the Lord in a very long time. My wife and I are so busy with all of the demands of daily life; first and foremost all the responsibilities of having four small children, three of which are diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

Quite often, we find ourselves in the deficit column of coming to our God with true praise and worship. It seems as if the enemy is working overtime to keep us off balance. The truth is we have so much to praise Him for. We began our marriage paying no attention to God whatsoever. We came and went Read the rest of this entry »

The Bellamy Brothers: Jesus Is Coming
By: Brenda Higgins 

Bellamy Brothers are receiving strong support for their brand new CD, Jesus Is Coming. The dynamic brother duo, The Legendary Bellamy Brothers, got a tremendous response at the duo’s Grand Ole Opry appearance. The Gospel Music Channel was backstage to capture The Bellamy Brother’s performance and get an interview with Howard and David on their tour bus.

While in Nashville for the Opry, The Bellamy Brothers made good use of their time with several other media interviews. They stopped by the studio of WKDF, The Wolf, and spent an hour with morning show host, Shannon McCombs. They also did radio interviews for XM Radio, Associated Press Radio, Huntsman Entertainment, and stopped by the office of Country Aircheck for a visit with editor, Lon Helton and staff.  Then there were Christian interviews with Homecoming Magazine, Christian Music Planet, and Power Source Music Magazine.

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