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Sixteen-year-old Kelbi Watkins is excited to release her very first single “Christian Country Girl” written by her producer Rick Schweinsberg. Though Kelbi may be a new name to Christian Country fans, she is certainly not new to singing.
Kelbi has been singing in church for as long as she can remember. Her grandfather is her pastor, and her daddy, Ryan Watkins, Christian Country artist, is her worship leader. Kelbi wanted to be on that stage, too. At the age of 8, Kelbi gave her heart to the Lord at VBS. God has given her a gift.
To look at Kelbi, such a beautiful teen who holds the title of “Miss Northeast Alabama” in the thirteen- to fifteen-year-old division and won many other pageants, one might think her young life has been an easy one. That is far from the truth.
Kelbi’s parents, Tanza and Ryan shared her story.
“At age two,” Ryan shares, “Kelbi was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. We were going back and forth to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville from our home in Ider, Alabama, for about eight months.”
Tanza continues, “Kelbi began walking like an old woman. Her ankles were really swollen. She could no longer run but walked very slowly. In the first appointment, the doctor began telling us what life would look like for Kelbi.”
The young parents were devastated while looking at their beautiful first born little girl, not knowing what the future held, having nothing but the doctor’s description of what all their lives would be. They only knew to pray.
“On the way back home from Nashville, I felt God tell me ‘Everything is going to be all right,’ says Ryan. “I shared that with Tanza. When the Lord speaks to you, you know it’s Him, and you can trust Him. I heard Him say, ‘There’s an end to this!”
Tanza shares, “The doctor had told us Kelbi would have to have a test where they put her under. We didn’t feel comfortable with that. We chose to trust God and not have the test.”
“Our family members were scared and wanted us to get the test done,” says Ryan. “They pressured us to get it. It was hard to stay strong and trust God, but we knew what He had told us. After eight months, we went back to the doctor and Kelbi was running all over the place. We knew we had witnessed a miracle. The doctor was amazed.”
“From that time on, Kelbi has had a special anointing on her life!” continues Tanza. “When I see her singing, all I can do is cry, knowing she is a miracle.”
In 5th grade, Kelbi and her best friend, Alexa, won the Nationals at BETA Club held at Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. They sang "The Truth I'm Standing On."
“To sing a Jesus song in front of thousands of parents and students, competing with the best from every state in forty or fifty schools against all types of talent, and then to win at such a young age was such a blessing,” says Kelbi.
Kelbi has sung for three years at The Ark Encounter with her daddy for the Forty Days and Forty Nights events. She is also looking forward to singing for the Founders Day events and parade in Ider on Labor Day. She will get her drivers license soon and is looking forward to traveling and singing more and playing on her girls' varsity basketball team for her coach who has won a state championship. Kelbi is looking forward to what God has for her through this single release.
When asked why she chose her new release “Christian Country Girl” as the song she wanted to record for the first time, Kelbi shared, “I have always wanted to sing professionally and see what it was like in the studio. It was great doing that for the first time with my dad also recording a song that day.
Kelbi continues, “I picked this song, because I related to the sassiness in it. I seem outgoing, but I can also be reserved. I was able to express my strength through the song. When someone cusses at school, I tell them I don’t speak that way and don’t want them to speak that way around me. Sometimes, you have to stand your ground for the Lord in hard situations. This song talks about that.”
There is no doubt Kelbi Watkins is here to stay and stand her ground for the Lord. She is definitely a Christian Country Girl!
The RadioMusicDJ Weekly Hot Top 100 for the week ending August 14, 2026 is now available.
Darin & Brooke Aldridge featuring Jason Crabb hold the No. 1 position for the fifth consecutive week with “It’ll Be Worth It After All” on Billy Blue Records.
See the complete RadioMusicDJ Official Weekly Chart, including this week’s Top 100 artists and songs.
Download the Official Weekly Chart
The chart confirms the song is at No. 1 for its fifth consecutive week.
The RadioMusicDJ Weekly Hot Top 100 for the week ending August 7, 2026 is now available.
Darin & Brooke Aldridge featuring Jason Crabb hold the No. 1 position with “It’ll Be Worth It After All” on Billy Blue Records.
See the complete RadioMusicDJ Official Weekly Chart, including this week’s Top 100 artists and songs.
Grace Records Nashville is excited to share Lena Aldridge and her heartfelt song, “Living the Prayer Momma Use to Pray,” recorded LIVE at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee as part of the "Sound of Small Town America " Season 2
There’s something especially meaningful about a song centered around a mother’s prayers being performed on one of country music’s most legendary stages.
Written and performed by Lena Aldridge, “Living the Prayer Momma Use to Pray” carries a message many of us understand—the prayers spoken over us by our mothers can continue to follow us, shape us, and bear fruit long after those prayers were first prayed.
Vocals & Writer: Lena Aldridge
Publishing: BMI
Drums: Curt Lee
Keys: Spencer Lyman
Bass: Randy Coleman
Guitar: Zach Olendorf
Acoustic: Josh Key
Steel: Jeremy Drawbaugh
Band appears courtesy of Cody McCarver.
Released by Grace Records Nashville LLC, the song crosses the worlds of Christian Country, Southern Gospel, Inspirational, and Contemporary Christian music with a message rooted in faith, family, and the power of prayer.
"Save Everybody" is a Roots Country/Christian Country track, wrapped in authentic Bluegrass instrumentation, and it delivers a message that resonates far beyond genre lines. "Save Everybody" tells a story of grace over judgment...reminding listeners that faith isn't about good people preaching to bad people, but about grateful people sharing hope with everyone they meet.
Tammy Renee is a nationally touring Southern Gospel and Christian Country artist whose engaging concerts blend powerful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, humor, and an authentic testimony that audiences remember long after the final song. Performing more than 80 dates annually across the United States, Tammy connects with listeners of all ages through a mix of original music, beloved Gospel favorites, and encouraging messages of faith and hope. Whether appearing at festivals, theaters, churches, fairs, senior events, or community celebrations, her goal is simple: to create an experience that leaves audiences encouraged, uplifted, and wanting more.
Song Brings Heartfelt Narratives of Compassion and Devotion to the Airwaves
SOURCE: INOV8 PR
Nashville, TN (April 23, 2024) - Linda Boles is excited to announce the release of her inspiring single, "The Missionary," to Christian Soft AC and Inspirational radio stations. This heartfelt composition, produced by Andy Baker of Homegrown Worship, reflects Linda's deep-rooted faith and commitment to musical ministry.
"The Missionary" vividly narrates the tale of a devoted servant of faith, who begins his day with prayer and an open heart to guide lost souls. The lyrics explore themes of service and compassion as the protagonist sets aside his own needs to care for others, a true embodiment of Christian teachings. Through poignant storytelling, Linda sings, "He laid his head upon it as once again he prayed," capturing the essence of sacrificial love and dedication.
The song builds a bridge between daily struggles and spiritual fulfillment, urging listeners to find their own ways to serve and connect with a higher purpose. Produced with the refined touch of Andy Baker, known for his work with Homegrown Worship, the single combines compelling lyrics with soul-stirring melodies that aim to resonate with audiences seeking solace and inspiration.
Linda Boles, with her unique blend of musical influences from bluegrass to folk, continues to engage and uplift her listeners with songs that are not only heard but deeply felt. "The Missionary" invites its audience into a narrative that celebrates the transformative power of faith and the impact of following a divine calling.
Join Linda in embracing the powerful message of "The Missionary," a song that promises to uplift, inspire, and remind us of the profound impact of living a life in service to others and to God.
The Grass Ain't Always Greener
Words & Music by Donna Hughes
Flying Hound Publishing, BMI
Running Dog Records
Engineered by Clay Hess
Guitar-Clay Hess
Fiddle-Ron Stewart
Mandolin-Nick Keen
Banjo-Chris Wade
Dobro-Jacob Metz
Bass-Zak McLamb
Harmony Vocals-Amanda Smith
Inspired by actual events, the song tells a haunting story of temptation, consequences, and the lasting impact of choices. Hughes says the song was born from a deeply personal experience involving the suspicious death of a family member, a loss that has lingered in the hearts and minds of her family for years.
"This song is a story inspired by actual events," Hughes explains. "I had a family member who is no longer with us, and I always felt his death was very suspicious. It has eaten away at my family and me for years. This song is a testament to the fact that he will never be forgotten. Sometimes temptation presents itself as innocent and harmless but can lead to the end of someone's life or all they hold dear. Mistakes happen. The grass is truly never greener on the other side. It's a cautionary tale for all."
Written in Hughes' signature storytelling style, "The Grass Ain't Greener" delivers a powerful message wrapped in heartfelt Bluegrass instrumentation and emotional authenticity. The song serves as a reminder that the allure of something seemingly better can often come at a devastating cost.
