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About Marshal McKellar

Usually known as a songwriter more than a Christian Country artist, Marshal McKellar has written songs for himself to sing around the house and at church all his life.  He says he did not do anything else with his songs for many years.  Then, he became friends with the Crabb Family, and they began to encourage him about his writing.  

 Marshal has been married to his wife, Karen, for thirty years.  They have two sons and three grandchildren.  Reminiscing about his early life, Marshal says he was quite the surprise to his older parents.  

“My dad was 57 and my mom 42 when they had me.  They had each been married and their spouses had died when they married each other.  They didn't know if they could have children.  I was quite a surprise."

Marshal played music with his mom and sang his first solo at age five in church.  At 7 years old, he learned to play guitar, so his parents bought him a nice guitar to play and later to write songs.  

As a teenager, Marshal worked a part-time job, but found out from musicians he knew, if he played country music in a band, he could make a lot more money.  His parents knew he was playing in a band, but they did not know he was playing country music.  They also did not know the places he was playing.  As elderly parents, they were a little removed from what their teenage boy was doing.

In the country band, Marshal got to open for major country artists like Keith Whitley, Eddie Rabbit, Tracy Byrd, Vince Gill, Conway Twitty, and Joe Diffy.  Joe actually gave him a guitar stand he still has and holds dear since Joe has passed.  He also received a capo from Keith Whitley, items he could never replace.  When he was playing in the places his parents did not know about, Marshal’s conscience bothered him.  However, he continued to live the country music lifestyle for a while.

One night, after his parents were both deceased, Marshal says he came home late after playing in a bar and turned on the television.  He could not sleep and found himself listening to David Ring, the evangelist with cerebral palsy who travels the world.  As David Ring spoke, Marshal heard him say, “If I can serve God with the limitations I have, you can serve Him, too.”

“Listening to David Ring, God really got ahold of my heart,” says Marshal.  “I called a preacher friend of mine right after that and told him I couldn’t live the way I was anymore,” Marshal relays.  “He prayed with me.  I was ready to change at age thirty-three.  My life really did change.  Not long after that is when I became friends with the Crabb Family, and they encouraged my songwriting.  I kept my songs for only myself for a long time.  I didn’t do anything with them until the early 2000s.”

Marshal continues, “I don’t listen to country music or play at country shows anymore unless they are willing to let me sing Gospel music.  Going into those places or singing that music would take me right back to when I wasn’t living for the Lord.  I don’t ever want to go back there!  Since I got saved, I have lived for the Lord continually and sung Gospel music,” says Marshal.

However, one day Marshal was impacted by a different kind of Christian music.   

“Recently, I heard some Nashville Christian Country music, he shares.  “I was friends with Micah Schweinsberg when he was the drummer for the Crabb Family.  He was playing on recording sessions for his dad Rick, a producer in Nashville.  Having a background in country music, I was really interested in what they were doing, combining country and Christian music.  I started writing some songs that leaned more toward Christian Country and sent them to Rick.  Gary Russ picked up one of my songs and recorded ‘God Don’t Waste the Hurt.’  As I continued to write more songs and send Rick demos, he asked if I had ever considered recording one myself. He didn’t know it, but that had been a bucket list item, a life long dream for me.  I had wanted to record one of my songs and release it to radio for a very long time.”

Marshal did just that.  He had co-written a great new song with Cynthia Reamy called “Talking to Your Chair” and brought it to Nashville to record. 

“When a childhood friend talked to me about taking care of her elderly father at home, I knew there was a song in there,” says Marshal.  “She told me after he passed, she found herself talking to his old chair and finding comfort in that.  I asked her permission to write a song about it.  I thought about many people who had lost family members, and how comforting it might be to talk to the chair they used to sit in.  I hope the song will be a blessing to those who hear it, especially those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.”

To contact Marshal for station liners, interviews, or bookings, call  903-277-6317, email marshalmckellar@yahoo.com or contact New South Artists Agency at 615-830-4351 or newsouthartistsagency@gmail.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 6, 2026) — Billy Blue Records is proud to announce the release of “Bend in the River,” the latest single from bluegrass mainstays The Grascals. Written by acclaimed songwriters Billy Droze and Michael Wright, the track is the newest preview of the group’s upcoming album, Not That Gone.

Set to an upbeat groove, “Bend in the River” tells a darker story than its melody might suggest. Through traditional bluegrass storytelling, the song unfolds with imagery of heartbreak, regret, and a sharp twist at the end. From a tear on a lover’s cheek to a rusty knife by the riverbank, it’s a tale that grows more intense with every verse.

Band member John Bryan shared the band’s first reaction to hearing the demo:
 

“Danny Roberts got the song demo from the writers, Billy Droze and Michael Wright, and shared it with all of us. We were hooked immediately—it’s such a happy melody for a song with such tragic lyrics, and by the time the plot twist hit, we knew we had to record it. ‘Bend In The River’ proves there’s nothing more dangerous than a scorned lover.”

“Bend in the River” follows the Grascals’ hit collaboration with country legend,  Dolly Parton, "Broken Angels," a song of hope and redemption, co-written by Dolly and original Grascal member, Jamie Johnson. 

Today’s new single release is steeped in The Grascals’ signature sound: tight harmonies, expert musicianship, and a knack for songs that balance tradition with a bold, modern edge.  “Bend In The River” sets the tone for an album that promises grit, heart, and a few surprises along the way.

The single is now available to all radio programmers. Fans can catch The Grascals performing this track and more during their upcoming tour dates in support of the new album.

"Bend in the River"
Billy Droze and Michael Wright.
© 2025 Different Kind of Crown Publishing (ASCAP) / Ivy Manor Songs (BMI).
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Produced by Grascals and Ben Isaacs
John Bryan - lead vocal
Jamie Johnson - harmony vocal
Danny Roberts - mandolin
Kristin Scott Benson - banjo
Jamie Harper - fiddle/guitar/harmony vocal
Kyle Perkins - bass 
Recording Engineer - Marcus Hyatt
Mix Engineer - Ben Isaacs

Just in time for Easter programming prep, Daywind Records is honored to release a new single from The Nelons, “Three Nails Instead,” from their project Loving You.

This song is powerful, reminding us that Christ's love was spoken most clearly by His actions on the cross. Available for airplay now.

The cross must have whispered

And the spear must have shouted

The crown of thorns revealed what must be said

Though I love you wasn’t spoken

From the lips of the Savior

He said I love you

With three nails instead

Songwriters: Jason Clark, Wayne Haun, and Joel Lindsey.

Publishing: ©2024 Christian Taylor Music (BMI/Daddy Sang Bass (BMI)/ Candleshoe Music International (BMI)/Mike Curb Music (BMI)/ Songs From The Inside (BMI). All rights reserved.

Official Press Release - 02.03.2026 

EMG is excited to announce the release of Tina Adair's new single "Don't Stay A Stranger".

"Don't Stay A Stranger" is the newest single from Tina Adair.

Written by Sarah Siskind, "Don't Stay A Stranger" is a beautiful song that features Tina's incredible tone and vocal presence, with a strong lyric, instrumentation, and harmonies. 

Featuring Cody Kilby & Pat McGrath (acoustic guitars), Ron Stewart (fiddle), Seth Taylor (mando), Scott Vestal (banjo), Byron House (bass), Rob Ickes (dobro), and Jeff White & Ron Block (harmonies).

Produced by Tina Adair & Adam Engelhardt.

Written by Sarah Siskind.

"Don't Stay A Stranger" is available everywhere Feb 4th.

EMG is excited to announce the signing of Frank Evans and the release of his debut solo single "TJ's Last Ride".

Featuring Frank Evans (Banjo & Lead Vocals), Shad Cobb (fiddle),

Casey Campbell (mandolin), Justin Moses (dobro & tenor vocals),

Mike Bub (bass), Jake Stargel (acoustic guitar).

Produced by Frank Evans & Casey Campbell.

Written by Dennis Linde. First recorded by Roger Miller.

"I’ve been listening to Roger Miller since I was a kid—from the Robin Hood soundtrack to always having a “best of” tape playing in the car—which is why I wanted to include one of his tunes. “T.J.’s Last Ride” felt like the perfect choice: it has the kind of river-gazing imagery John Hartford might write, paired with the mournful, heartfelt tone of a Stanley Brothers song about a dear friend who has passed on. When I brought it into the session, the whole band unanimously agreed not to overthink it and to let the song speak for itself—and it did. We played it three times, and the version you hear is almost entirely the complete third take. It was a real honor to have such an incredible band on this track: Casey Campbell on mandolin, Mike Bub on bass, Justin Moses on dobro and tenor, Shad Cobb on fiddle and Jake Stargel on guitar."

- Frank Evans

About Alex Ervin

Meet new Nashville Christian Country artist, Alex Ervin.  At 19 years old, Alex has a maturity not often seen in music or ministry.  With a pastor  who was also his dad, Alex says, “I never knew life outside the church.”  Alex says he grew up in a very stable household with Christian parents and was protected from a lot of outside temptations.  However, being a PK (Preacher’s Kid) has its own trials. 

“When your dad is a pastor, you are held to a higher standard than others.  It took maturity for me to realize I’m going to mess up sometimes.  I don’t have to be perfect,” says Alex. 

He grew up doing “normal” things outside of the church, like showing horses in 4-H and playing both football and basketball in high school.  He was All-State in Ohio in both sports.  He got a full scholarship to Wittenburg University in football, but de-committed and went to Ohio Dominican University instead.  When he got hurt, he did not know what to do with his life without football, so he dropped out of college and started working in logistics as a broker in training. 

Alex’s pastor is Troy Ervin, another Nashville Christian Country artist (“Preachers in Hell”), so Alex  grew up around music his whole life, too.  He even wrote his first song in third grade, which he noted as “a ridiculously stupid song with no rhyme.”  The Ervins have a baby grand piano in their home and with his father playing it, Alex, too, learned to play both piano and guitar. 

“Of course, with my dad playing country and southern gospel,” shares Alex, “I have that influence.  I also enjoy musical theater, pop, and Christian rap.  I like great musicians like Ray Charles and Jerry Lee Lewis.  My musical inspirations, besides my dad, are Ty Myers, Braxton Keith, and Morgan Wallen with newer country components, but I miss the uniqueness in today’s country.  I sing a lot of Jason Crabb songs in church, like ‘He Came Looking for Me’ and ‘Through the Fire.’ On Father’s Day, I sang ‘Seein’ My Father in Me’ by Paul Overstreet, a country song in church.  I am a mixture of a lot of musical styles.  I like a lot of new Christian music, but my dad playing old country hymns makes me still love them more than anything.”

Alex says, “The combination of Christian and country music is me.  ‘Never Too Far Gone’ is really the first song I’ve written.  I grew up in church and never missed a service, yet I could still feel like I was not perfect and far from God.”

Alex continued, “One of my favorite stories my dad tells when he preaches is about a man who was dirty and smelly but came to the Salvation Army wanting to be a part of it.  The pastor at the Salvation Army was worried about the man representing them well, being so dirty, but the man begged him to be a part.  Finally, the pastor gave in and gave him a uniform, telling him he must keep it clean or he would have to return it. 

“The first Sunday the man came to church, the uniform was clean.  The second Sunday, it was also clean.  The third Sunday, the man came in with his uniform as filthy as he had been before.  He was asked to give the uniform back.  What the pastor didn’t know was that the man had been out in the woods all night chopping wood for a widow and got it dirty.  The pastor realized the Salvation Army was built on helping people, not on legalism or keeping the uniform clean by being perfect.  He allowed him to keep it.”

Alex says, “I want anyone who hears this song to know, no matter what you’ve done and where you’ve been, the Lord is always there.  When you’ve lost your way, the Lord will still forgive you.  You might mess up, but He never stops coming after you and loving you.” 

If you like Morgan Wallen’s music, but not his lyrics and want a family friendly song in that style, you have found that in Alex Ervin.  This will not be the last you hear of him.  Keep up with Alex on social media @Alex Ervin or New South Artists Agency.  Contact NSAA at 615-830-4351 for more information.

Online at http://www.lindabolesmusic.com

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.  

Marty has some changes coming in 2026. He recently set his retirement date with his church for transitioning from pastor to evangelist, employing his music and preaching together, if requested or doing concerts only with a wider schedule.  Marty hopes the freedom of not being tied down on Sundays will increase his ministry and expand the reach of his music.  In 2026, Marty will be available full time to come to new places and increase his contact with churches, especially Cowboy churches.

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

For Booking, contact the above number or New South Artists Agency at: 615-830-4351 or email:
newsouthartistsagency@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nashville, TN — Award-winning songwriter Jason Cole has released a heartfelt new tribute song honoring the legendary Hank Williams, celebrating the enduring influence and timeless spirit of one of country music’s most iconic pioneers.

Known for his emotionally honest songwriting and classic Americana sensibilities, Cole’s latest release captures the raw authenticity and storytelling tradition that made Hank Williams a cornerstone of American music. The tribute blends vintage country warmth with Jason’s own modern voice — offering both longtime fans of Hank and new listeners a moving musical bridge between generations.

“Hank Williams wasn’t just a songwriter — he was a storyteller for the human condition,” says Cole. “This song is my way of saying thank you for the path he paved for all of us.”

About Jason Cole

Born and raised in Alabama, Jason Cole began writing lyrics in his early teens and picked up the guitar in his early twenties — soon discovering his passion for crafting original songs that blend heart, honesty, and melody. Over the years, Jason has written dozens of original songs and gained international airplay, including spins on Gateway 97.8 FM in South Essex, England.

In 2024, Cole earned two #1 hits on the HUGS Radio Top 200 Unsigned Artists Music Chart, including his award-winning song “Squared Up, Headlong, And Gettin' Gone,” which was named HUGS Radio’s Record of the Year.

His song “The Yellow Circle Of Light” received a Song of the Year nomination at the 2025 Josie Music Awards, while another release, “Heartfelt,” was submitted for Grammy consideration by members of the Recording Academy. Jason also served as a judge and presenter at the 2025 ISSA Awards, and he was honored with Male Songwriter of the Year at the 2024 ISSA Awards in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to multiple licensing and publishing deals, Jason is an active member of the International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) and continues to write and record new music that connects deeply with listeners around the world.

The Hank Williams Tribute

Jason’s new tribute release is not just a nostalgic nod — it’s a sincere artistic conversation with the past, honoring Hank Williams’ legacy while reminding audiences why great songwriting never goes out of style.

The song is now available to radio programmers, streaming platforms, and fans worldwide.

Singer-Songwriter and native of North Carolina, combines faith and heart with real world stories to create incredible, soulful music. Jenny's single "Why Me," is the start of her long awaited dream of sharing her voice with the world. With a new record deal at Grace + Records Nashville, Jenny's music crosses genres including country, gospel, pop, and rock genres and speaks to listeners from all walks of life.