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Glendil Griffin bought a little guitar at a thrift store as a young boy and taught himself to play.  It all came together for him when a cousin took him into a Sunday School room at church and taught him how to hear and play the chord progressions in a song. He taught Glendil how to play a song by ear, knowing when to transition from one chord to another.  In high school, Glendil started learning to play piano at around the age of seventeen.  He took  any opportunity between classes to hone his craft in the band room. 

Playing instruments was something Glendil loved to do, but had not really thought much about singing.  He sang automatically while learning chords on the guitar.  One day, his pastor heard him singing while playing the guitar.  He  noticed how good Glendil's voice was and asked him to do a special song in church.  

“The very first song I ever sang publicly was ‘Come Morning’ by the Nelons.  I was scared to death!  I had never sung for anyone in my life.  I had to overcome a lot of anxiety.  At the end of the song, I put my head down.  My cousin tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘Look up!’  When I raised my head, there were many people at the altar and others praising the Lord all over the church.  I knew at that moment without a doubt God was going to use my singing in my music ministry,”

Not only does Glendil sing at other venues and churches, he is the Worship Leader on staff at Community Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas.  He took the permanent position instead of traveling during 2020 and COVID, when all traveling was cancelled.  Glendil says evangelism and traveling with his message in song is still his heart.  That is why he has been so excited to get his new song out to the public and start booking new places again.

Glendil shared, “My vision for this song ‘When You Can’t Find Your Way Back Home’ written by Cynthia Reamy, is to reach people who may think they have gone too far.  I want to help to draw them back to the Lord.  My whole heart is to reach the person who is on the edge of disaster and let the Holy Spirit draw them back in.”  

Glendil was at an event in Tennessee, singing at an outdoor venue.  He didn’t know anyone personally who was there.  He was singing a song about his personal struggles and insecurities.  He said, “The enemy wants us to feel so defeated, like we can get so far from God, He can’t accept us.  A person came to the altar, and as we prayed with them, the person told us they were planning to take their life that night.  They even had the drugs to do it in their pocket.  During my transparency about my own struggles, the person got saved and took the drugs from their pocket they planned to take their own life with, laid them on the altar, and left them there.  It showed me that being vulnerable about my own problems could help someone else who was feeling the same way. 

“Unborn” is a poignant and thought-provoking song that narrates life from the perspective of a child not yet born. The lyrics poetically explore the unborn child’s hopes and dreams, their excitement about life, and their deep connection to their parents and God. Drawing inspiration from Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139:15-16, the song eloquently expresses the sacredness of life, acknowledging that God knows and cherishes each individual even before their formation in the womb.

This song is not just a musical piece but a profound message and a prayer, calling for a renewed appreciation of the value of human life. It’s a gentle yet compelling plea to recognize the preciousness of children as God’s greatest gift and legacy.

Linda Boles’ journey in music spans decades, from her roots in her family’s bluegrass band, The Darden Family, to her significant contributions in various genres, including folk, and rock. Her life experiences, including personal tragedies and triumphs, have deeply influenced her songwriting, making her music resonate with authenticity and passion.

With “Unborn,” she hopes to touch hearts and minds worldwide, promoting a message of love, life and hope.

"Bucket List," Daniel's first original recording is his follow up to "That Don't Pass for Christian on the Farm."

His music and his story will continue to bless your heart and those of your listeners.

Daniel Wheeler's family has played music his whole life.  The Wheeler family jam sessions were a common event anywhere they were all together.  Daniel says everyone wanted to be included, so they all learned how to play country style and joined right in at family gatherings and church.  They played their favorite country songs and their favorite Gospel songs.  Daniel learned to play piano, harmonica, bass, lead and acoustic guitars, because his desire to be a part of those family jam sessions was so strong.  

Daniel found out about God's grace and mercy, he says, at age 30, and really got serious about his relationship with Jesus. He wrote his first song in 2016 just after that.  People at church liked his songs, so Daniel thought someone might like them on Facebook and started posting them about a year ago.  His followers have now grown to 25K and continuing to grow!  He plays and sings his originals and other songs he grew up playing.  People are loving his raw, heartfelt music, evident in his rapidly growing following!

Daniel's pastor was preaching recently when Daniel felt led to go to the altar to pray for some direction in his life.  His pastor said, "Daniel, God is going to open a door for you that you never thought would be possible."  Daniel says three weeks later, without any prior contact, Nashville Christian Country producer, Rick Schweinsberg called him after seeing some of his videos on social media.  

Charlottesville, VA (September 26, 2025)—Rebel Records is thrilled to announce bluegrass legend Larry Sparks’ second single, “Since I Met You Baby,” from his forthcoming album and 20th release for Rebel Records, Way Back When. Following the success of the first single and album's title track, which reached #1 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart, this new release is available today on all major streaming platforms and digital retailers.

Bluegrass Hall of Famer Larry Sparks shares a happy marriage with his wife Pam, and the single’s cover art features a photo from their wedding day. The lyrics of “Since I Met You Baby” resonate deeply with him and when selecting songs for his new album, this song was an obvious choice. Written and first recorded by Ivory Joe Hunter in 1956, the song became an R&B and pop hit. Sparks gives the classic a fresh spin, infusing it with a lively tempo and warm, expressive picking.

“I first heard 'Since I Met You Baby' when I was a kid and it came to mind when I started looking for new material for this album,” Sparks shares. "Having enjoyed a good marriage to a good woman for many years, the words ring true to me personally."

"Since I Met You Baby" features the talents of longtime band member Evan Wilson on mandolin and harmony vocals as well as Sparks’ son, Larry D. ‘Dee’ Sparks, anchoring the sound on bass. Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and fellow Hoosier Ron Stewart guests on banjo and fiddle. 

Way Back When, the full album, is set for release on October 24 and is now available for pre-order and pre-save. Folks who pre-order the album will receive an "instant grat" track of Sparks' take on the Flatt & Scruggs classic "Come Back Darling."

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ABOUT LARRY SPARKS

Larry Sparks is a bluegrass icon and one of the most soulful and respected singers in the genre’s history. A former guitarist and vocalist for the legendary Stanley Brothers, Sparks launched his own group, The Lonesome Ramblers, in 1969 and has since become a pillar of traditional bluegrass. Known for his emotive vocals and distinctive guitar style, he has released dozens of influential albums over five decades, earning multiple IBMA and SPBGMA awards along the way. In recognition of his lasting impact on the genre, Sparks was inducted into the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2015. From classics like "John Deere Tractor" to "A Face in the Crowd," his music continues to inspire new generations with its heartfelt authenticity and timeless sound.

ABOUT REBEL RECORDS

Rebel Records is the leading independent record label dedicated to promoting and preserving Traditional Bluegrass Music. Rebel’s current roster includes Larry Sparks, Peter Rowan, Big Country Bluegrass, High Fidelity, The Kody Norris Show, Starlett & Big John, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run and Rrinaco. Known for innovation and excellence since 1960, Rebel has introduced many of the most important artists of the genre, from the Country Gentlemen and Seldom Scene to Blue Highway, Lonesome River Band and IIIrd Tyme Out. In addition to its cutting edge presence in contemporary Bluegrass, the label has also been a home for legendary traditional artists like Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent and Dave Evans. 

Linda Boles has released her new single, “Lord I Want To Be A Blessing To You,” to Christian radio. This song is now impacting Inspirational, Christian Soft AC, and Praise & Worship formats. “Lord I Want To Be A Blessing To You,” stands as Linda’s heartfelt offering of worship carrying the same message that has defined her lifelong journey: that in every season, the greatest calling is to bring joy to the Lord by living in obedience and love. This song is also available on all streaming platforms.

Nashville Christian Country and Grammy nominated artist, Marty DeRoche, releases brand new song "Blood Bought Cowboy"

Written by Denise Bain, one of the writers of Marty's signature song, "A Bullet and a Bible," this new single "Blood Bought Cowboy" is sure to be an upbeat, classic country favorite of everyone.  Marty/s voice is original and identifiable on each song. 

Christian Country or Cowboy music fits Marty's voice perfectly.  On slower songs, you might hear a bit of Kenny Rogers grit and vibrato.  On upbeat songs, Marty puts in his special "yodel" in moving from phrase to phrase.  His voice is always smooth and appealing, but his personality as a kind and extremely encouraging person has audiences and congregations having Marty back again and again.  His bookings have grown this year all over the U.S. as more and more people hear him and hear about him.  He is very likable and endears himself to all who meet him. 

*Marty is available for interviews or to do station liners.  His phone number is:  (618) 698-7276.

NASHVILLE, TN (September 12, 2025) – Billy Blue Records is proud to announce the release of the latest radio single from award-winning bluegrass artist Kristy Cox, titled “Broke Down in Georgia.” The new track showcases Kristy’s unmistakable voice and ability to fuse traditional roots with a modern emotional edge, continuing the momentum of her celebrated Let It Burn album.

Written by Mickey Cates and Tony Ramey, “Broke Down in Georgia” tells the story of a road trip gone wrong—and a heart unraveling right along with it. With vivid imagery of passing headlights, breakdown lanes, and emotional detours, the song captures the weight of lost love and the quiet ache of not being as far down the road as you thought you’d be.

“With 'Broke Down in Georgia,' I got to do what I love most—take the bones of a country lyric and breathe bluegrass into it,” Kristy shares. “What excites me about this track is the double meaning tucked in the lyrics. On the surface it’s about breaking down on the road, but underneath it’s about life and love wearing you down. That mix of grit and heart is why this song feels so personal to me.”

Billy Blue Records A&R/Creative Director Jerry Salley agrees, noting, “Kristy’s new single, 'Broke Down in Georgia,' is a wonderful example of the right song for the right artist at the right time. Her delivery of this lyric and melody is one of her very best performances.”

“Broke Down in Georgia” follows the release of “Front Porch of Paradise,” "The Wrong Girl," and the fiery title track “Let It Burn,” all of which have resonated strongly with radio programmers and listeners alike. With each single, Kristy Cox continues to deliver the honest, emotionally driven bluegrass she’s known for—and this latest offering may be her most powerful yet.

Broke Down in Georgia
Mickey Cates and Tony Ramey. © Anthem Willdown Music/ASCAP/Reservoir 416/O TexMusic/BMI. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Producer - Jerry Salley
Acoustic Guitar and Fiddle - Jason Roller
Mandolin and Resophonic Guitar - Justin Moses
Banjo - Aaron McDaris
Upright Bass - Jeff Partin
Harmony Vocals - Magnolia Williams and Jerry Salley
Engineers - Jason Roller and Chris Latham
Mixed and Mastered - Chris Latham

We are thrilled to share with you the brand-new single from Nashville, TN based Grasstime, “Cotton, Corn & Hay”—a heartfelt tribute to the roots of rural life and the enduring spirit of family farming. This track is the first release from Grasstime's upcoming album, produced by the award winning Kristy Cox, and marks an exciting new chapter for the band since signing for distribution with New Day Distribution's Artist Resource Services division in December 2024.

Grasstime was co-founded in 2015 by lead vocalist and guitarist Robbie Morris, who's origins trace back to the fertile musical soil of rural America, from tobacco fields and farmhouses to the rolling hills in coal country. Grasstime was formed by a shared love for bluegrass and storytelling. Since then, the band has performed over 700 shows, delighting audiences across the U.S. and beyond. Kristy Cox & Grasstime 's recent European tour was a resounding success, further growing a loyal and steadily expanding fanbase.

This song is especially personal to Robbie:
“I grew up in small farming towns. From the first time I heard ‘Cotton, Corn and Hay,’ this song took me right back to growing up in my small-town farming communities in SW Virginia, and SE Missouri. I have many incredible memories, family and friends that come from multi-generational family farmers. Farming is not an easy job, so I could only imagine being a parent and wondering if my own children would want to continue down that path. We also have a music video for this song that captured these feelings perfectly that debuts Sept 5th!”
— Robbie Morris

Place of Perfect Love

I just want to praise you now

For all you've given to me

I just want to thank you now

For your life that you gave up so free

You died so I could live

You gave so I could give

You loved so I could share

Your grace and mercy now forgives

Every wrong I've done

Every time I've shunned

The truth and what is right

Now you are the  light

That guides me to that place of perfect love

So I praise you now

For all you've given to me

So I thank you now

For the life that you gave up for me...

Charles Anthony Brady (c)2025 Rawfire /ASCAP

ISRC QZZ7W2505183 / UPC: 199737182070

About Gary Russ

The youngest of 11 children born in Central City, Kentucky near the area where Chet Atkins and Merle Travis perfected the famous guitar sound of country music, Gary Russ and his family could not help but learn to play music.  They sang and played multiple instruments in church and in a rental property of their father's they affectionately called "The Pickin' House."  They loved clean country music, but did not want to play in honky tonks or bars.  "The Pickin' House" was a place where they could play both Gospel and positive country music with friends.  It was a place where they could have fun, but not the kind of "fun" in honky tonks.

The choice of this song, written by Marshall McKellar, was not a difficult choice for Gary.  When he heard the song, his daughter had just given birth to her son after a miscarriage, the only boy to be born to the family. The entire family was in the depths of grief.  Gary says, "When I heard just the first six words of the song, there was no doubt the song was written for me."

Then, the second verse comes in and brings the understanding of why "God Don't Waste a Hurt."   It is a song that will comfort anyone going through the loss of a loved one.  
Gary's rich, smooth country voice was the perfect fit for the song's presentation, but having the emotion and personal experience behind it took it to a whole new level.  

You will appreciate Gary Russ' first release on Nashville Christian Country.  

You may reach Gary Russ for interviews or liners   
at:  270-543-3734