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Since organizing in1990, Greater Vision has been inspiring audiences with their rich vocal blend and their effective ability to communicate the message of the gospel. Over the years, Greater Vision has established a firm place at the pinnacle of Christian music, and has become the most awarded trio in the history of Gospel music.
The vocals and rich harmony Greater Vision has become recognized for are a direct result of the blending of three unique and versatile vocalists. Gerald Wolfe, the group’s founder and emcee, sings the lead. Prolific songwriter, Rodney Griffin, handles the baritone part for the trio, while Chris Allman, also a prolific writer, sings the tenor.
The Singing News Magazine and the Southern Gospel Music Association have named Greater Vision Gospel Music’s Favorite Trio. They have also received numerous honors for Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Video of the Year, and Artist of the Year. Additionally, Rodney Griffin has been named Songwriter of the Year every year since 1998, as well as being named Favorite Baritone multiple times. Gerald Wolfe has been named Favorite Male Vocalist seven times.
Every day of the year, Greater Vision is heard by thousands of radio listeners, both on traditional Christian stations, and via Internet radio on the world-wide-web. They are also seen regularly on the In Touch television program, hosted by Dr. Charles Stanley, and have also been featured on the Gaither Gospel Series.
Refusing to rest on current and past success, Greater Vision pursues excellence with each new recording endeavor. They are most-often teamed with Dove and Grammy Award-winning Arranger, Lari Goss, on projects including their latest, “For All He’s Done” recording. Produced by Gerald Wolfe, this new recording features new songs written by both Rodney Griffin and Chris Allman, along with several other prolific writers. Once again, affirming their commitment to clearly and effectively communicate the message of the Gospel with powerful lyrics and inspiring musical arrangements.
Almost 200 times every year, the three gentlemen collectively known as Greater Vision, unite to present the gospel in a way that has endeared them to audiences across the United States and around the world. Their deepest desire is to encourage the Christian listener to share their faith with others and to cause the listener who isn't a believer to see their need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. With each new opportunity, Gerald, Rodney, and Chris continue to move forward as they share their “Greater Vision”.
Joseph Habedank is a multi award-winning and Dove Award nominated singer/songwriter. He was awarded Singing News Magazine's Young Artist of the Year in 2009 and Songwriter of the Year (Artist) at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards in 2011. His songs have been recorded by such artists as: Gold City, Brian Free & Assurance, Karen Peck & New River, Lauren Talley, The Hoppers, The Kingsmen, Ivan Parker, Jeff & Sheri Easter, and more. He has helped write two nationally charted number one songs and in 2010, "If You Knew Him" (written with Rodney Griffin) was nominated for Southern Gospel Song of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards and won the Singing News Fan Award for Song of the Year. Additionally, he has been nominated for Singing News Magazine's Male Vocalist of year, Lead Singer of the year and Songwriter of the year for three consecutive years. Joseph currently resides just outside Nashville, TN with his wife, Lindsay.
Karen Peck and New River is a 2-time GMA Dove Award winner and 3-time Grammy Award Nominated Southern Gospel Group. Karen’s flawless, delightful soprano voice has made its way into the hearts of Gospel Music lovers across the country and garnered an unprecedented 11 Favorite Soprano Fan Awards. Karen, Susan and Jeff have also received many awards from other magazine publications and Internet publications. Over the past two years, New River has had five consecutive #1 songs in Southern Gospel Music.
The youngest of three daughters, Karen was exposed to the traditional sounds of Gospel Music at a very early age. Her parents often took Karen and her sisters, Susan and Sandra, to the all-night sings in Atlanta, and these concerts left an indelible mark on the youngsters who made a pact that someday they would share a musical ministry of their own.
One of the groups often featured at the Atlanta concerts was The Lefevres, who later became known as The Nelons. It would be a mild understatement to say that Karen had aspirations of singing with this talented family. In fact, that aspiration became her greatest desire, and in 1981, this dream became a reality when Karen was invited to travel with her favorite group. She remained with The Nelons for 10 years, gaining the respect of industry peers and fans alike with her exceptional vocal ability and caring personality.
Finally in 1991, the realization of yet another dream came to pass when Karen and her sister, Susan, with Karen’s husband Rickey, organized the musical entourage of Karen Peck and New River. Today the New River team consists vocally of Karen, Susan, and Jeff Hawes. Additionally, Karen’s husband, Rickey, serves as the group’s road manager and sound technician. Susan’s husband, David, is the founder and owner of the Jackson Steel Guitar Company. Dawn Hughes has traveled with the group since year 2000 as Karen Peck and New River’s assistant making New River a complete family affair.
With appearances on such prestigious stages as The Grand Ole Opry, The Gaither Homecoming concerts, Opryland Theme Park, Dollywood and Six Flags Over Georgia, New River has firmly established their place at the forefront of Southern Gospel Music. Over the past decade, they have been featured on many television networks, with appearances on TBN’s Praise The Lord, the Grand Ole Opry Live and the popular Gaither Gospel video Series. The group has enjoyed many honors and accolades. They have received numerous industry and fan award nominations. Their album “Journey of Joy” received a Grammy nomination for 2008. “Journey of Joy” was also nominated for three Dove Awards. This album has three consecutive #1 songs including “Hey”, “Last Night”, and “Whispered Prayers”. They have consistently received radio airplay at stations nationwide. Hit releases have flowed their way in bunches, and they have enjoyed many Number One songs. A few of their other popular hits include: “Hold Me While I Cry”, “Just One Touch”, “I Wanna Know”, “God Likes To Work”, “Daddy’s Home”, “When Jesus Passes By”, “God Still Answers Prayer”, and “Christian In The House”. Additionally, the group’s Number One hit, “Four Days Late”, was also named Song of the Year in 2001 and continues to be a favorite among audiences. In fact, “Four Days Late” was chosen by the Singing News as Song of the Decade (2010) as well as “I Wanna Know How It Feels,” being selected as #10 Song of the Decade.
No doubt, that same message of hope and encouragement continues to flow through the lips and lives of Karen Peck & New River with their Daywind release, Ephesians One, released in September 2008. The album, featuring #1 song “I Want To Thank You”, was nominated for a Grammy in 2009. “Each time we go into the studio to record a new album,” Karen shares, “we’re at a different place in our walk with Christ than the last time we prepared for a recording. Therefore, obviously, each recording pulls at a different heartstring, yet the message of hope is always present. That’s what life in Christ is all about. As a result of various circumstances each of us have faced over the past years, we’re at a point in our lives where we realize that anything we achieve or accomplish is all because of Christ. It is an honor to serve Him.”
Their 2009 release, “No Worries,” featured the radio hits “Why Should I worry,” “Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along, and “Special Love,” all reaching the Top 5 on the charts. “Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” received at 2010 Dove Award nomination for Song of the Year, with Karen Peck Gooch receiving a Female Vocalist of the Year nomination.
The CD/DVD release “Live At Oak Tree Studio” brought the group their third Grammy nomination, receiving a 2011 nomination for Best Southern Gospel/Country Gospel/Bluegrass Album of the Year.
New River sets a new standard for musical perfection with rich vocal harmony that is shaded with the sophistication of Southern Gospel, country and progressive musical sounds. New River today stands not only as a talented and successful recording artist, but more importantly, effective messengers presenting the Gospel, through Jesus Christ.
When you think of Gospel Music, LeFevre is a name that has always been at the top of our field. In 1921, the original LeFevre Trio began traveling and singing across the country and quickly set the standard for quality and professionalism in what would become known as Southern Gospel Music.
For decades, the LeFevres blazed new trails in Gospel Music turning out songs and singers that would become legendary. Their award winning music allowed them to sing for Presidents and Dignitaries of the world. In the late 1970's, some thought the LeFevre name would be retired when the trio retired, but in the 1980's and 90's, Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart became one of the top acts in Contemporary Christian Music. Once again, the LeFevre name continued to break new ground in Christian Music.
Today as we enter a new millennium, the LeFevre name is stronger than ever. The LeFevre Quartet burst onto the scene and shows no sign of slowing down. Within just one year of formation, Gospel Music fans voted them their 2006 Horizon Group of The Year. In 2007, the group was voted "Breakout Artist of The Year" in the SGN Awards and in 2009, their song, "Big Mighty God" was nominated for a Dove Award.
But it takes more than just a legendary name to gain the recognition that this group has attracted, and when you see the pedigree of each member, you quickly see a winning combination.
Few family names in Christian music evoke immediate thoughts of music like the name Crabb. There have been the Winans that certainly blessed us with amazing talent, the Goodmans with their distinct sound, or maybe the Blackwoods as the "original" quartet that toured, hugged babies, and sold records from the back of a station wagon. However, you would have to look long and hard to find a family in modern history that impacted the Christian music world like the Crabb Family.
This family came on the scene back in the mid 90's with enough energy to plow through most obstacles. They blessed us with smiles, music, love, an amazing work ethic, and they were eager to share their lives with those of us that watched and loved them back. It was an overnight success story by most comparisons, with nearly 20 #1 songs, 11 Dove awards and multiple Grammy nods, in less than ten years. They toured from the Grand Ole Opry, to Africa, and many, many places in between! This large family extended to include many singers, writers, and musicians. By 2002, all of the siblings were married, and the need for more buses and strollers was paramount! The family grew so quickly that it became unreasonable to stay intact as one touring entity. So in 2007, the "Crabb siblings" decided to step into the destiny that God had prepared for them individually!
As with every beautiful story, there is always a last chapter, and an ending. But, this ending spawned multiple exciting beginnings! Stay tuned.....these kids are not finished. They are just getting started!!
Where are they now? Adam Crabb ~ Soloist, Musician Jason Crabb ~ Soloist, Musician Aaron Crabb ~ Worship Leader (Cornerstone Church) San Antonio, Texas Terah Penhollow ~ Vocalist (Bowling Family) Kelly Bowling ~ Vocalist (Bowling Family)
Adam has been referred to as the "face of youth" in the Southern Gospel world, often bridging the gap between grandparents, parents and children. Adam's three years as the leader of the fan favorite "Crabb Revival" gave him the front man experience that is now his comfort zone. His youthful approach to traditional lyrics, and his willingness to minister in word or song makes an evening with Adam truly a one man revival! This young man has traveled well over a million miles, sung on more than a million records (sold) and has seen much of the world as a very young man. When God handed out gifts and attractiveness, he sure didn't leave him out. However, if you met him on the street, his unassuming spirit and kind nature would surprise you as it does most. Adam is what we commonly refer to as a "gentle spirit" or "gentleman." He has never met a person he didn't love, and he has never seen a problem that was bigger than God.
Brian Free is undeniably the most recognizable southern gospel tenor of our generation. Since 1982, he has been at the forefront of southern gospel music since first joining Gold City Quartet, then moving on to form his own group.
While Brian and the group have enjoyed tremendous success in their musical careers, their first priority has and always will be their families. Brian, his wife Pam, and his youngest son Bryce currently reside in Winston, Georgia, while his oldest son Ricky and wife Kelly reside in Franklin, Tennessee. Ricky traveled with the group playing drums for nine years, but he is now a full-time studio musician, producer, and writer. Bill Shivers (Lead), along with his wife Michelle and daughters Brittany & Sara-Elizabeth, currently reside in Temple, Georgia. Derrick Selph (Baritone) currently resides in Villa Rica, Georgia with his wife Jennifer and their daughter Lydia. Jeremy Lile (Bass) currently resides in Maryville, Tennessee, along with his wife Nikki and their son Logan.
Southern Gospel music has always been Brian’s first love, and fans have responded to his music by honoring him and the group with awards such as Favorite Male Singer, Favorite Tenor (record of eight times), Favorite Young Artist (twice), Favorite Horizon Group, Favorite Album (4 God So Loved), and most recently, they received a Dove Awards for Southern Gospel Recorded Song, “Long As I Got King Jesus.” Those accolades show the great response to BFA’s music, how God has used them, and how he will continue to use them. While the guys all come from different backgrounds, they all agree on one thing, and that is to use their God-given abilities to take the message of Jesus Christ to everyone they can.
Brian Free and Assurance has achived many honors in southern gospel music, including appearances on Prime Time Country (TNN), Hee Haw (CBS), The "Today Show" (NBC), 27 of the "Gaither Video" series, as well as Brian hosting the hit show "FOUR" on GMC.
