Mickey‟s Memo: Mistake Ray Lewis: Crafty Creation Kyla Rowland

Your Gospel Songwriter Connection
August 2011
Mickey‟s Memo: Mistake
Issue 002
Ray Lewis: Crafty Creation
Kyla Rowland: Training Tips
Sylvia Green: Favorite Scripture
Dianne Wilkinson: A Little Personal
Pitch Sheet, Tidbits, Snapshot & More
“I want my writing to reflect scriptural truth”
Dianne Wilkinson
-~ It All Begins With A Songwriter ~-
Content
Dianne Wilkinson: A Little Personal … page 4
Russell Coates: G-team Spotlight … page 7
Phil Kelly: Monthology … page 8
Laura Lewis: Absolute Alliterations … page 9
Kyla Rowland: Training Tips … page 10
Ray Lewis: Crafty Creation … page 12
Fawn Jacobs: Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem … page 15
Pitch Sheet … page 16
Mark Hawkins: Hallelujah Moments … page 17
David Patillo: Song Story … page 19
Sylvia Green: Favorite Scripture … page 20
Steven Cheney: Mercy Falling … page 21
Gold Harbor: Snapshot … page 23
Adam Tigges: Song Ideas … page 24
Mickey Mixon: My Hero … page 25
Gospel Songwriter Magazine is a division of Gospel Songwriter Ministries, a subsidiary of Mickey Mixon Ministries.
Publisher & Editor: Mickey Mixon; Executive Secretary: Rainie Mixon; Board Of Advisors: Dee Gaskin, Tammie Herring & Phil Kelly
Gospel Songwriter Magazine, Gospel Songwriter Ministries, Mickey Mixon Ministries and our staff cannot and will not be responsible in any
form or fashion, legal or otherwise, for possible copyright infringements or royalties or any such like.
Gospel Songwriter Magazine only serves Black Gospel, Bluegrass Gospel, Country Gospel, Contemporary Gospel and Southern Gospel music.
It does not serve Hard, Rock, Rap, Hip Hop, or any other style of Gospel music, nor does it serve secular music.
© 2011 Mickey Mixon Ministries, all rights reserved. Gospel Songwriter Magazine is free and intended for the edification, entertainment and
enjoyment of the subscriber and may be printed via the subscriber’s personal computer printer but may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any other form or by any means electronic, mechanical, or recording, etc., without permission, in writing,
from the publisher. Radio DJ’s may read news and information Live on the air by noting Gospel Songwriter Magazine as the source of information and do not require prior written permission. All advertisements, advertisers, their agents and agencies must be approved by the publisher before appearing in this magazine. Gospel Songwriter Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. Acceptance
of advertising and articles by the publisher does not necessarily imply agreement or endorsement.
2
Mickey’s Memo
Have you ever made a decision, sincerely thinking you were making a correct
decision, only a short time later to discover that you actually made an incorrect
decision, a mistake? It can be quite embarrassing and unsettling, to say the least.
I recently realized I made a mistake by launching Gospel Songwriter Magazine. I
thought it was a correct decision but now I realize, after two issues and several
phone calls, e-mails and surveys, that I made an incorrect decision by publishing
this magazine. I was trying to expand my ministry but it was an honest mistake.
I will not go into a lot of detail, it would not do any good and I'm sure you really
don't want to be burdened by the details. I'll just say that trying to get content
from certain people has been more challenging than I thought it would be. And,
after a survey with the writers of my website and the replies I received informing me that too many are not
interested in and are too busy for the magazine, and several have not read the magazine; well, that really
caught me off guard, because one of the reasons for this magazine is to help promote them. And, maybe the
truth is I'm just not the person who needs to be publishing a magazine for Gospel songwriters. I have accomplished a lot for Gospel songwriters, but a magazine, well, maybe it‟s not such a good idea after all. Hmm.
It‟s not all bad, we had 462 downloads of our first (July) issue. We had 1,109 failed attempts due to slow
internet connections, so that‟s approximately 1,000 readers. But if my writers aren‟t going to participate with
their content and reading our “free” magazine then I need to spend my time and resources elsewhere.
There is some great content in this issue so please don‟t allow this announcement to sway you from reading
this, last issue, of Gospel Songwriter Magazine.
Thanks to all who took the time to read this magazine and thanks to those who took the time to send articles,
I really do appreciate it. I am embarrassed, I apologize and I hope you will forgive me.
No, this is not the end of Gospel Songwriter Ministries. GospelSongwriter.Com has been successful the past
12 years and I have other ideas I can implement that I believe will be a blessing.
I still look forward to seeing you at our Gospel Songwriters Convention next year.
Thanks and God bless you.
Love,
Mickey
3
A Little Personal with Dianne Wilkinson
Name: Dianne Wilkinson
Birth Date: December 7th
Birthplace: Blytheville , Arkansas
Spouse: Widow
Occupation: Health Industry
Approximate Songs Written: 300
Songs Recognized For: We Shall Jesus and Boundless Love
Awards: We Shall See Jesus, SGMA Song Of The Year
Favorites:
Writing Location: My Car
Song: I like the old convention style songs, like Brumley's “Put On A Crown And Walk Around”
Songwriter: Leroy Abernathy, Vep Ellis, Ronny Hinson, Rusty Goodman, Marcia Henry, to name a few
Artist: Cathedrals, Gold City, Gaither Vocal Band, Kingdom Heirs, Greater Vision, to name a few
Musician: Stan Whitmire, Roger Talley, Roger Bennett, Anthony Burger, again, just to name a few
Musical Instrument: Most any when they‟re played together, but especially the piano
Songwriting Tool: Bible, tablet and pencil
Bible Scripture: The whole book of Philippians
Continued on next page...
4
A Little Personal continued...
Charity: Salvation Army
Book: Bible
Animal: Dogs
Color: Red
Click Here to visit
Dianne’s website
Store: Goldsmith‟s
Restaurant: Any that serve Italian or home cooking
Food: Southern Cooking
Holiday: Christmas
Season: Autumn
Hobby: I like crossword puzzles and Scrabble, old TV movies and Gospel music concerts
TV Program: I Love Lucy, and Andy Griffith, Biography and most of what‟s on A&E
Pet Peeve: The stupid, dangerous and aggressive way some people drive
Comment: The main thing I would like to be known or remembered for, if anyone would say anything
about my writing that would please me, is they would say, “I believe Dianne‟s been in the Book”. I want my
writing to reflect scriptural truth. I don‟t believe there‟s ever an excuse to sacrifice what‟s really important
in exchange for a rhyme or a hook. The reason we write is to convict the lost, draw Christians closer to the
Lord and to aid in the worship experience, it‟s what sets us apart from secular songwriters.
www.salvationarmyusa.org
5
Do I Have A Song For You
Need Songs? These Gospel songwriters are waiting to serve you.
Click on their name to visit their webpage and hear their songs.
Please mention Gospel Songwriter Magazine when you contact them.
www.gospelsongwriter.com/TimBluhm Country Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/RussellCoates Country Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/KevinCobb Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/BobEdmondson Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/DeeGaskin Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/DebbyHarrah Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/MarkHawkins Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/FawnJacobs Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/WesLambert Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/MaryMaggard Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/RoyMcCarty Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/LukeMcDaniel Contemporary Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/BarryMoore Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/NinaNash Bluegrass Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/LindaPark Contemporary Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/DixiePhillips Southern Gospel
www.gospelsongwriter.com/RickSimpson Southern Gospel
Need A Song Demo? Contact Gloryland Recording Studio
Gloryland is also equipped to record “live” concerts, be it for soloists, groups or choirs.
Gloryland has reasonable prices, and is located in beautiful Pigeon Forge, TN.
Contact Gary McVay for more information, and please let him know Mickey sent you.
Thanks!
6
G-team Spotlight
Highlighting GospelSongwriter.Com Writers
This issue, we shine the spotlight on G-team member Russell Coates.
Some songwriters are convinced they are too old to write and pitch songs, but not
Russell. At age 86 he is still going strong.
He has written over 200 songs, some have been rerecorded by Gordie Fuller, and
The Marksmen. Russell has recorded four albums of his originals and published a
song book entitled “Sermons In Song”.
Russell lives in Quebec, Canada, with his wife (of 60 years) 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He retired from the concrete business, and used
to own and operate his own concrete company. He still visits the company a couple of times a week to say
hello and lend a helping hand.
If all that is not enough to keep him busy, he produces 2 radio shows each week, one for WCHP (New York)
and one for CJMQ (Quebec Canada). He shares his songs, scriptures and viewpoint of life with his listeners.
You can hear some of Russell's songs and e-mail him via his profile page. We invite you to contact him for
songs, and please let him know you saw him featured in Gospel Songwriter Magazine. Thanks!
www.gospelsongwriter.com/russellcoates
www.migdalohrusa.org
Support the Children of Abraham.
Please visit the Migdal Ohr website to learn more.
Migdal Ohr (Hebrew for Tower of Light) was established in 1972 for the express purpose of providing
education and social guidance to the children from underprivileged and troubled homes from across
Israel. Homes with drug problems, impoverished, crime-ridden families, one-parent families in distress,
new immigrant families -- these are the target populations from which Migdal Ohr draws its nearly 6,500
students at all levels of the educational spectrum. Its goal - to transform these youngsters into proud
and productive citizens of Israel.
7
Monthology
Phil Kelly
The month of August is named for the Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus, who was
born September 23, 63 BC and died August 19, AD 14. Upon his death, the Roman
Senate declared him a God.
August, in Latin, means Revered, which is ironic since The Revered One, our Lord,
Savior, and King, Jesus Christ was born during the rule of Augustus.
The Roman Empire and Caesar have long since passed but Jesus and His Kingdom
will never pass away.
Let‟s look at what else happened in August of yesteryears;
1005 BC: Solomon‟s Temple completed; 1 Kings 6:1 and 6:38.
1587: Virginia Dare was the first child born in America to English parent. (Roanoke Colony, Virginia)
1752: The Liberty Bell was cast (Leviticus 25:10 inscribed on it).
1779: Francis Scott Key was born. He was the writer of The Star Spangled Banner.
1850: Wagner‟s Lohengrin (a romantic opera) was first performed. The most recognizable part of the opera
was the Bridal Chorus, also known as "Here Comes The Bride", which is often played as a processional
during weddings.
1859: The first oil well was drilled in the United States, the Drake well, in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
1877: Thomas Edison invented the phonograph.
1877: Composer, Samuel Sebastian Wesley was born.
1906: Manufacturing of the Victrola (1st record player) began.
1909: Leo Fender was born. He was an innovator and founder of several musical instrument companies.
1914: Panama Canal opened.
2009: Les Paul Polsfuss passed away. He was the inventor of the electric guitar.
8
Absolute Alliterations
Laura Lewis
This month is Adventure August.
Think you can make the eighth month of the year live up to that? Definition of
adventure is “a remarkable experience.” First of all, Life itself is an adventure, but
there are times you‟ll have to make a conscious choice to make it a good adventure.
Too hot in August for adventure, you say? Use good ol‟ “Power of Positive
Thinking”, apply it and get on with having a good month! (What? You haven’t
read that famous book by Norman Vincent Peale? Shame on you!)
Can‟t afford a remarkable experience/adventure in our current economy? Get creative! Want to visit another country? Take a trip through a book instead. Want to go to a concert of your favorite artist? Just get on YouTube and you can watch them free, without fighting the crowds or paying the
price! Today there‟s a world of thrifty adventures right at your fingertips.
Cruises across the world‟s oceans and flights on big jets are great adventures. But it doesn‟t take those great
experiences to make Life an adventure. What makes Life an adventure are the situations we encounter in our
daily lives, how we approach them, then placing those “pictures” in your mind‟s photo album where you can
view them again as the years pass.
We‟ve all traipsed through some of the same ones; trips to the hospital to see that newborn, melting when
those tiny fingers wrap around your bigger one. Rearranging schedules to accommodate friends that need a
shoulder to lean on. Going to children‟s school functions. Helping the elderly. Compromising with a coworker. Traveling the extra mile when you don‟t have the energy to go one step. Yes, Life is an adventure, but
your attitude will make the difference. Live it with anticipation or live it with apprehension, it‟s your choice.
Have you heard about the greatest adventure of the ages? It‟s a journey that millions of people are making
together every day. The journey begins with Salvation (John 3:16). Tried it yet? It‟s the most exciting, awesome, thrilling adventure of them all.
Don‟t tell me August can‟t be an adventure!
Considerable Quotes
Music is what feelings sound like.
Author Unknown
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalms 9:2
9
Training Tips
Patience
Kyla Rowland
For aspiring songwriters, for seasoned writers and all in between, there is one state of
mind and heart that is vital. It concerns a little word no one wants to hear, no one
wants to practice: The word is “patience.”
The scriptures given for the exercise of patience are many, and each is an instruction
in successful endeavor. The promises attached to patience are breathtaking, but the
conditions are difficult, to say the least.
We live our lives at breakneck speed, so, even though waiting on God has spectacular
benefits, we recoil at the thought.
Here are some practical thoughts on the matter:
1) The Holy Spirit does not operate on our schedule. He knows when to inspire, how
to direct you in arranging lyric and melody, after all, God only gives us the songs that
glorify Him and lift up His Son. Only He knows what needs to be written.
2) Writing Christian music differs from all other genres: The gift comes from the same source, but the inspiration and writing of the song must be dictated by the Holy Ghost, and in His time.
3) You may write the song of a lifetime, and then no one seems to want to record it. This means Nothing! It
could take years before your God-given song can be united with the perfect artist. If you force it you may be
settling for second or third best. If the song has come from our omnipotent God of Glory, then He knows already what artist will be best suited to sing it.
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. And he hath put a new song in
my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1, 3).
Patience is synonymous with faith, and we know what faith can do. Not only can it move mountains, but it
pleases God.
Long Journey
Into the Depths of God
Fans of Kyla Rowland songs have long-awaited a volume of
"stories behind the songs." Here it is! From "He Will Roll
You Over The Tide" to "Safe Thus Far". Enjoy the inspiring
stories behind forty of Kyla's greatest songs!
Visit Kyla's website to order your copy today. $18.00 (s&h)
Thanks for the wonderful songs Kyla, they have truly been
a blessing. May you write many more.
10
Tidbits
G-team member, Gary Coolbeth‟s song "One Hundred Years From Now" was recorded on the Dunaway‟s
latest album “It‟s A God Thing”. It‟s the 2nd song via the player on their website.
Crossroads Music, Asheville Music Publishing and Chris White Music would like to congratulate one of our
up-and-coming writers Leigh Parsons Sexton on her song "When Faith Steps In" being the first single to radio off of the McKameys new CD "Joy In The Journey". This song is already being picked by many DJ and
industry personnel as another hit for the group. In case you are wondering, yes Leigh is the daughter of
award winning songwriter Squire Parsons. Leigh signed a publishing agreement with Crossroads a couple
years ago and this is the second song from her pen that the McKameys have recorded. They recorded "That's
What I'm Living For" on their recording titled "The Message". We are looking for Leigh to follow in her
father‟s footsteps in her writing and become one of Gospel music most sought after writers.
Royalty Reminder
Thank you for paying royalties.
Gospel songwriters appreciate your recording and performance of their songs, and your support
via paid royalties. Demo production, CD duplication and shipping, and internet costs can be quite
expensive. Royalties help defray the cost and keep these writers writing more great songs for you
to employ. So, again we say, thank you for paying royalties.
Owe no man anything but to love one another, for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8
11
Crafty Creation
Ray Lewis
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1
It is my belief that the highest plane humanity can achieve in this natural life is
to “create”. This is an attribute bequeathed to us by our Heavenly Father. Surely it gave Him great joy and satisfaction when He looked upon His marvelous
creation and said over and over, “It is good”! (I’ve always thought this is one
of the greatest understatements in the Bible.) If I had been God, after each phenomenal creation I think I would have said, “Wow, this is majestic, incredible,
bombastic” or some other superlative adjective. But of course God has no ego
problem (like you know who) so He was content to just say…”It is good”.
So what does this have to do with songwriting? Everything! Every song is a
“creation”. Our Heavenly Father gave us the unique ability to create. Somewhere back through the ages of time someone created a wheel. (I suppose his
name is lost to history, but he should have been crowned a king.) Henry Ford
created an automobile. Edison created an electric light; history states he tried a
thousand times before he got it right. (Remember that when your songwriting
effort turns out be a dud instead of a hit!) The Wright Brothers created an airplane. Bill Gates created computer software. Obama has created chaos. (Sorry about that…I’m a hard-core conservative so just had to
sneak that in…my apology to liberals… I just got on a roll.)
All songwriters are creators. We take twenty-six letters from the alphabet, arrange them into words, then arrange the words into lines, verses, bridges, and choruses, then wrap a melody around it all and call it music
and it becomes a living thing, a creation that can evoke an emotional response from a listener, touch heart
and soul, lift the spirit or bring a tear to an eye. From the deep recesses of the creative mind, thoughts are
woven into something as real as any tangible substance that can be held in the hand. It has the power to effect life, moods and attitudes. As Gospel songwriters, we can add to that list inspiration, encouragement and,
in many cases, bringing individuals to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And that‟s just the tip of the
“songwriting iceberg”.
There has been nothing in my life that has given me more joy, satisfaction, fulfillment or feeling of accomplishment than seeing a song I‟ve written touch a heart and minister to a need. (The filthy lucre of royalty
checks has also been a great blessing!!) Music has the unique ability to slide into the heart and produce a
response which spoken words often cannot accomplish. So, my question to all who will hear is simply this;
with a vehicle so powerful and so potentially life-changing, does it not make sense to make every effort to be
the very best songwriter possible?
To expound on that thought is the purpose of my little visit with you. So rather than teaching the precepts
and principles of songwriting, I‟d like to simply talk with you for a moment about honing your craft! In
songwriting circles, the word craft is equated with “skill”. It is imperative that we understand that craft, or
the lack thereof, is the major factor that determines success or failure in songwriting. The songwriting road is
littered with individuals who failed, not because of their lack of ability and talent but because of their ignorance or refusal to comprehend the importance of this all-powerful element called “craft”. Unless one is born
a songwriting prodigy, skill will be achieved either through trial and error and/or study. With every opportunity read, listen and heed the advice of those writers who have already been successful. Study the template
and duplicate it. The Bible gives us excellent advice in this area when it says, “Be a doer of the word, not
just a hearer,” (James 1:22). Anyone can hear but achievers put what they‟ve heard into practice! Remember this; knowledge is power only to those who use it!
Continued on page 13...
12
Crafty Creation continued…
No one has the perfect formula for writing a hit song. Talk with any successful songwriter and you‟ll probably find they all have their little formulas, ideas, tricks, and processes. Some can work on a music assembly
line, start at 9 and work till 5. Some can work on a dozen songs at the same time. (My wife can do this and it
wears me out.) Others wait for months for that lightning bolt of inspiration to strike before grabbing a pen
and paper. In between these extremes, there are as many varied approaches to writing as there are songwriters. But successful songwriters have one thing in common, they realize songwriting is more than just making up rhymes. It requires a learned skill to be successful and that skill is called craft! It‟s an irrefutable fact
that the sooner we accept this truth the sooner and better our chances for success. Songwriting is a craft!
(Please read that line again, out loud.)
There are accepted rules, structures, principles and perimeters as well as basic skills inherent to successful
songwriting. We are wordsmiths and tunesmiths, using phrases and melodies like a mechanic uses his tools.
We learn to see words in living color and choose them not just for their meaning but for their sound. Whether we‟re writing lyrics or melody, we must always remember we‟re dealing with sound. How it reads on
paper and how it sounds on the digital recorder may be miles apart. My rule of thumb is to always go with
sound! It‟s all part and parcel of craft. Simply put, craft allows us to write at our maximum potential. Not
only does it elevate our work, it keeps us on track and between the musical ditches. Regardless of how great
our ideas and inspirations, to be successful they must be executed within the framework of an ever changing
music industry. The secret weapon of every successful, prolific songwriter whether Gospel or secular is
craft. So immerse yourself in the honing of your craft.
Unfortunately, as “Gospel” songwriters we usually begin our musical pilgrimage with a handicap. We feel
that because God inspires our songs, craft is of little or no consequence. Wrong! In my years in the publishing business I can‟t begin to tell you how many times songwriters informed me, “God gave them the song”.
I tried diligently to find a tactful way to tell them that even if He did, I still didn‟t like it and neither would
the artists I represented. I was blasphemed and relegated to „you know where‟ on more than one occasion.
One writer was so upset he even wrote my boss, Eddie Crook, and demanded I be fired because I was an
atheist. I‟m not saying God cannot or does not give a song, He has, and will again, but that‟s not His normal
operating procedure! The norm is, God gives us the inspiration and leaves the job of molding the musical
message in our hands.
Our assignment is simple. Unfortunately the implementation of that assignment can be down-right difficult.
The only way we will consistently write songs that make the listener see and feel what we see and feel is
through that polished skill called “Craft”. As with any art form, talent is obviously an important factor, yet I
would not fear to make the bold statement that anyone who learns and embraces the craft of songwriting
will have unlimited opportunities for success. I would also not hesitate to offer the idea that those who ignore this skill will never realize their full potential.
Become immersed and skilled in the craft of songwriting. Practice it diligently so songs may flow from your
pen that will impact the masses, lifting them into heavenly places, giving encouragement to the discouraged
and strength to the weak and putting a smile on the face of the dejected. This is the great and noble purpose
of Gospel songwriting. May you never be content with your successes, and may your greatest song always
be the next one!
Ray will be ministering with other great songwriters and industry leaders at the Gospel Songwriters
Convention in Nashville, TN March 23rd-25th at the beautiful Millennium Maxwell House Hotel.
Ray invites you to join him, and encourages you to register now. We’ll See You there!!!
13
Gospel Songwriters Convention
Celebrating The Gift, The Gifted & The Giver
Join us for one of the greatest events for Gospel songwriters. Edification, education, fellowship, prizes,
gifts, awards, Jubilee and more; enjoy seminars, chapel services, Gospel music and a great time in the Lord.
Date: March 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2012
Place: Nashville, Tennessee
Facility: Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
Seminar Subjects Include:
Demo Secrets: How To Get Demos Produced Free, The Pros And Cons Of Production, The Translation
Factor, The Harmony Factor, The Blend Factor, The Amen Factor, How To Profit, Word Painting, Writing
Poetically, Simplicity & Profundity, Crafty Creation, Onward Christian SoulWriters, and more...
We‟ll have a live Song Review and interview with Daywind Record‟s Rick Shelton.
Our special guests Lewis & Lewis will teach and minister in song.
Saturday evening includes Communion and the Gospel Songwriter Awards ceremony.
Sunday evening we conclude with our Jubilee; registered, Gospel songwriters are invited to sing one of
their songs for us during Jubilee. This is one of the "favorites" of our convention.
Rick Shelton
Lewis & Lewis
Mickey Mixon
Space is limited so register soon. Visit our convention webpage for more details about our convention, how
to register and how to reserve your guestroom at Millennium Maxwell House Hotel. We‟ll see you there!!!
www.GospelSongwriter.Com/2012-Convention
14
Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem
Fawn Jacobs
They shall prosper that Love thee. Psalms 122:6
Israel is the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, rich in Bible
heritage, past, present and to come. And Jerusalem is the Eternal City of God. It
was here and in the surrounding areas that Jesus lived the perfect example and defeated satan thru the cross and empty tomb. It is here, that Salvation began and
where the Prince of Peace will one day reign. Salvation is of the Jews, for they are
the Bloodline from whom our Savior came.
Today, there is much in the news about nations turning against Israel, of turmoil
and hatred. It is written in God‟s word that these things will happen before the second coming of Christ. As I look around, it‟s not hard to see the signs. When eyes
turn toward Jerusalem, we must start looking up.
We, as Christians, owe a lot to the nation of Israel. And are called to “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem” for
God‟s hand of blessing and eternal promise is upon them and He will bless those who bless Israel.
With that in mind, I felt, there must be a song here. After much prayer and research the result is “Pray For
The Peace Of Jerusalem.” I believe God had His hand in this, for they are near and dear to His heart. From
there, I took it to a cowriter friend, Mark Hawkins who also helped with it.
God opened an amazing door when He took this song directly into Jerusalem, Israel, via, e-mail to Christian Friends Of Israel (CFI). I cannot praise Him enough and am still in awe of the blessing. This song is
being sung and used in Jerusalem, Israel, City of the Great King, to encourage the people there.
CFI was co-founded by Ray and Sharon Sanders and is staffed by volunteers from around the world. CFI's
headquarters are located in the heart of Jerusalem, Israel and they have 9 distinct outreaches to those in
need. If you‟re looking to be a blessing, check them out online for more information. We are called for a
purpose. God still uses common, ordinary people who are willing to be used, to do extraordinary things,
thru His power. Christian, hold fast the faith, and let‟s stand with Israel. Jesus is coming soon!
We invite you to visit Fawn’s profile page to hear the song.
Pioneers for 25 years in Jerusalem, teaching the Church of her Jewish roots and reaching out
to Israel to bring a blessing and to represent the Lord the way we always should have. CFI is
looking for partners-in-ministry if you would like to help bless God’s Chosen People.
Please let CFI know you saw their ministry shared in Gospel Songwriter Magazine, thanks!
15
Pitch Sheet
This list includes the name, contact information, style of Gospel music the artist
is requesting for review, and performance format (solo, trio, quartet). Feel free
to pitch your songs accordingly and let the artists know you saw them listed on
the Gospel Songwriter Magazine Pitch Sheet. Thanks!
Second Coming
4545 Windstar Way
Lexington KY 40515
Format: Quartet
Style: Southern Gospel
Tom Boror
343065 E 800 Road
Tryon OK 74875
Format: Soloist
Style: Southern & Country Gospel
Mercy's Vessel
10030 BLue Jay Cir
Orrstown PA 17244
Format: Trio
Style: Southern & Country Gospel
Joyful Noyz
1940 Indiana Dr
Galesburg IL 61401
Format: Quartet
Style: Southern & Country Gospel
Gray Family
2206 Adair Dr Apt 12
Knoxville TN 37918-1657
Format: Duet
Style: Southern & Contemporary Gospel
Of One Accord
4740 Ridgeland Drive
Frisco TX 75034
Format: Quartet
Style: Southern & Country Gospel
Gold Harbor
283 Bayhill Dr
Gallatin TN 37066
Format: Trio
Style: Southern & Country Gospel
Glory Road Trio
457 Riverwood Drive
Grayson KY 41143
Format: Trio
Style: Southern Gospel
Carolee Walker
300 S Trimble Rd
Mansfield OH 44906
Format: Soloist
Style: Southern & Contemporary Gospel
Harold Fouch
151 Shady Pine Lane
Hazard KY 41701
Format: Soloist
Style: Southern Gospel
Artist, do you need songs?
Our writers can help!
Visit our Artist Service page on GospelSongwriter.Com for details.
16
Hallelujah Moments
Mark Hawkins
In the life of every Christian songwriter there are, what I call, Hallelujah Moments. These are moments in
their lives that have been orchestrated by the heavenly architect our Lord, Jesus Christ. I would like to list
just a few of these moments. I'm sure you could add a few more of your own.
1) The moment you first felt the anointing or call on your life to write.
2) When you completed your first song.
3) When you first held a CD in your hand that contained one of your songs.
4) The first time you heard one of your songs sung in public.
5) The first time you sign a publishing contract.
6) That moment when someone shares how your song touched their life.
7) The first time you receive a royalty check.
I would like to share two Hallelujah Moments that recently happened in my life because of the Lord and the
ministry of GospelSongwriter.Com.
I didn't think a lot about the demo I sent to Allen Hester. It was one of many I submitted that week. It had a
U.S. PO Box number on it. Little did I know, Brother Hester lives in South Korea and ministers all over
South East Asia. What a blessing to get an artist from overseas to record my song. Also, later he sent me a
YouTube video of him singing my song Mountain Moving God in a church in the Philippines. My co-writer
Jason Ellsworth and I were so blessed to know our song is touching the nations.
Your next Hallelujah Moment is just about here for you, if you trust in the Lord and keep pitching.
Critiquing Your Gospel Song
by Ray Lewis
Mickey Mixon said, “This is a great training
tool for beginner, amateur and semipro songwriters. I added it to my Writer‟s Library, you
should too.
Get your copy today. Only $15.00 order here
Please let Ray know you saw his educational
CD in Gospel Songwriter Magazine.
Thanks & Enjoy!!!
17
Kudos
We appreciate your kind words, it helps us know we’re on the right track.
Hi Mickey,
I receive four different music magazines and Gospel Songwriter Magazine is as good as or better
than any of them. Thank you for all your work.
Gary Coolbeth
Great Magazine Bro. Mickey! Thanks for all your hard work.
Ina Gore
I enjoyed Gospel Songwriter Magazine very much; interesting, informative and inspiring.
Thank You,
Debby Harrah
Mickey Mixon, the creator of Gospel Songwriter Magazine, has been one helpful brother time after
time. He is passionate about supporting all the members of the Gospel Songwriter family in the ways
that God enables him. He is available and sincere in his communication whether voice to voice or
over the internet. I have been on the receiving end of his kindnesses and am richer (as in growth and
knowledge) for it. Mickey gives 100% all the time. He's "all in" so to speak. You won't be sorry
when you subscribe to Gospel Songwriter Magazine. Kudos for you, Mickey, keep up the good
work.
Thank You,
Stephanie Hanouw
GospelSongwriter.Com has been such a blessing for me. I have talked to many singers looking for
new music. Some said, “We want songs that refresh us as singers and gives hope to our audience”.
As a writer, that is my goal and GospelSongwriter.Com gives me that opportunity.
Linda Barton
Thanks for sharing your Kudos!!!
18
Song Story
Tammie Herring
David Patillo is the son of a minister, raised in church, taught from birth the value of prayer and the wisdom
of God. He comes from a musical family, a singing mother and songwriting father.
David wrote his first song when he was a child, and has written over 450 songs to
date. He is a vocalist and musician with 19 nationally charting singles, and has received several awards.
International Country Gospel Music Association (ICGMA) Male Crossover artist
ICGMA Mr Gold Cross award
ICGMA Arist of the Decade
David‟s song “Ten Thousand Angels Cried” was recorded by LeAnn Rimes and
debuted on her album “Inspirational Songs”. It was a #1 album in Country, Pop,
and Christian Contemporary Music charts simultaneously. This song was performed at the post 911 National
Memorial for Fallen Firefighters.
TH: David, How did you come to write the song “Ten Thousand Angels Cried”?
DP: I was at a Speers concert when they sang “Ten Thousand Angels”, written
by Ray Overholt. A dozen thoughts began to fire off. I started “Ten Thousand
Angels Cried” during their performance and finished it in a few days. It was
powerful to me personally, immediately; I couldn‟t even sing it to my family
for a week or two. It was the first song I personally released to radio.
TH: How did you get it pitched to LeAnn Rimes?
DP: LeAnn Rimes heard it on KPBC in Dallas. Her father called me and told
David Patillo
me his little daughter liked it and wondered what all I had that I could send to
them. They signed a major recording deal with Curb Records. She recorded “Ten Thousand Angels Cried” as
well as my second release to radio, “The Middle Man”.
If you are an artist or songwriter looking for great custom music tracks at a great
price, Rose of Sharen Productions is what you are looking for. With over 20
years of studio experience and thousands of music tracks to her credit, Sharen
Alexander is ready to serve your music track needs.
Rose Of Sharen
Productions
Bought tracks are limited on their keys and arrangements but with ROSP you will
have a custom track to suit your individual sound.
Visit Sharen's website for more information and to hear sample tracks, and please
let her know Mickey referred you to Rosen Of Sharen Productions. Thanks!
19
Favorite Scripture
Sylvia Green
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth. Psalms 121: 1-2
When I was a little girl my family took a trip to Cherokee, NC where we went
to see the much acclaimed Indian Drama, “Unto These Hills”. I immediately
became very engulfed in this drama as it was depicted and played out before
me. In my childish mind, although I‟m sure it was on a much smaller scale
compared to what they felt, I began to feel the emotions that were being presented. When they laughed I laughed but on the other hand, when they cried I
cried. In one particular emotionally sad scene, in the middle of all the tragedy
and heartache, the leader knelt on his knees, looked to the Heavens and began
to speak in the Cherokee language. As he did, the English interpretation began
to be recited over the sound system, it was the 121st Psalm and it was beautiful! From that day on, this verse became my favorite scripture and it still is today. I was very young when this
happened but even at that age I was able to feel the difference as the chaotic emotions were being presented,
when that verse was calmly spoken. I felt the peace of the scripture. Now, when I face those hard days as we
all do, I immediately begin to whisper, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help,
my help cometh from the Lord which made Heaven and Earth”.
WriteLab ~ Mentoring For Songwriters
Phil Cross is one of the most acclaimed Christian songwriters of the last 30 years. Named “Songwriter of
the Year” four times, received the “Song of the Year” award three times, and has multiple number one
songs to his credit. He will be sharing tips, shortcuts and inspiring insights as he brings his WriteLab to
you! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, you will benefit from this opportunity to learn
from an anointed, gifted mentor. Here‟s what you‟ll learn…
A foundation for building great songs
A foundation for writing for a lifetime
How to protect your songs
How to pitch your songs
How to avoid writer’s block
Plus one-on-one time with Phil
Visit Phil‟s website fore more information or call 423-285-8755.
Also, click here for a video about Phil and his ministry.
Mickey Mixon said, “I am bringing a WriteLab to Jacksonville, FL. You can bring one to your city, too.
Call Phil and schedule your WriteLab today!”
20
Mercy Falling
Steven Cheney
I was in my office recently and while starting my day at work my phone rang. I had my arms full with my
laptop, briefcase and a few other items I had brought from home. It was pouring down rain that morning and
by the time I got to my office I was all wet. I began to pray that the Lord would take away the rain. Honestly, I began to grumble and complain about how bad things were. Suffice it to say, I was not too happy with
the circumstances and especially how things were going on that particular morning.
Back to the phone call; the person on the other end of the phone was going through
some situations in their life and so although they needed encouragement and
someone to talk to, I was thinking about my issues and how bad things were going for me. Well, we ended our conversation and I sat down at my desk. As I
sat there I began to contemplate what I had just told my friend on the phone. I
told them “it will be alright”, “sometimes when we go through something God
is using it in our lives to draw us close to Him”, “When we need His mercy the
most that is when He extends His love and grace in a way we may never know if
we never went through any of the difficult situations in our lives.”
I was so under conviction as these thoughts, about what I had said, flooded my soul because I was not practicing what I was preaching. Much like the wilderness wanderers (Israel) I saw myself for what I really was,
ungrateful for actually how good the Lord had been to me. I began to weep and ask the Lord to forgive me
for my complaining. When I finished complaining the Holy Spirit began to touch me and I felt a tremendous
anointing in my office. God spoke to my heart and reminded me that even though I blow it with Him there is
grace, mercy and love.
For the first time in a long time I saw the rain falling outside my office window in a new light. You know
the old song “mercy drops „round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.” I saw mercy falling. That
was the initial title which would take a turn while writing it into “That‟s When Mercy Falls Again”. I include the lyrics (on page 22) in hopes it will encourage the body of Christ.
Now, I pray for rain. I want to experience God‟s mercy falling on me and every aspect of my life and ministry. I want to know Him more and learn of His mercy so that I can extend it to others. Not in a pharisaical
way but in a real way that loves others and brings them to Jesus.
Keep on writing and touching the world with “His songs”, after all, He is the one who we are writing for.
21
“That’s When Mercy Falls Again”
Words & Music by Steven Cheney
© 2011 Chaurel Music (ASCAP)
V1:
When I falter when I fail you’re there to lift me up
I can’t imagine where I’d be without your precious love
And when I face the darkness Jesus you are there with me
You hold me in your arms of grace you come and set me free
Chorus:
That’s when mercy falls again like a sweet refreshing rain
Pouring over me a shower of your love and grace
Taking me to a place where I have never been
In your presence that’s when mercy falls again
V2:
I can see your constant care I feel you ever near
I know that you are holding me so I’ve no need to fear
In your presence there is peace my mind can’t comprehend
You take me in your arms reminding me your mercies never end
Bridge:
So bless me now my Savior I hide myself in thee
Here in your holy presence let your mercy fall on me
The Truth About The West Bank
Israel's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Danny Ayalon explains the historical
facts relating to the Israeli Palestinian conflict. This video explains where the
terms "West Bank", "Occupied Territories" and "67 Borders" originated and
how they are incorrectly used and applied. Check out this video and consider
how close we are to the coming of the Lord. It can’t be much longer.
The Truth About The West Bank
22
M
Snapshot
Let’s take a quick look at Gold Harbor
Gold Harbor is a Gospel music trio based out of Gallatin, Tennessee.
The group consists Jimmy Richards (baritone/manager) Noel Walters (Lead/MC) and Darlene Chapman
(alto). Their primary style is Southern Gospel
but they mix in other styles in order to appeal to
all ages. However, their favorite style is what
they refer to as Southern Praise and Worship.
Gold Harbor takes the sound of Southern, mixes
it with what is referred to as “vertical worship
music” and creates what they call “Southern
Praise and Worship”.
Southern Praise and Worship is praise music
mixed with Southern Gospel, blended to help
bridge Southern and Contemporary Praise and
Worship. This aids in creating a genre that both types of Gospel music fans can worship with and enjoy.
Southern Gospel artists have performed Praise and Worship music for quite some time and find it effective
in introducing audiences to a Southern flavor while still keeping them in their worship comfort zone.
Jimmy Richards said, “I have been to many churches that don‟t care for Southern Gospel or Contemporary
Praise and Worship. I know this differs in some churches and parts of the country. However, God gave the
old and the new songs. And it‟s my calling and my passion to bridge the two together for all Christians to
worship, sing and pray with.
With prolific backgrounds in the music business, along with a passion to minister, this group will continue
on the road of success. We invite you to visit their website and attend their concerts. And, if you‟re a Gospel
songwriter, be sure to peruse the Gospel Songwriter Magazine Pitch Sheet, you‟ll find Gold Harbor listed,
they are always reviewing songs for possible employment.
www.GoldHarborMusic.com
23
Song Ideas
Adam Tigges
Have you ever gone through a dry spell? That‟s a silly question; the better question
would be: when‟s the last time you went through a dry spell? Maybe you‟re in one
now. Don‟t you hate it when you‟re stuck in the mud for ideas? Let‟s put the jumper cables on your creativity and give it some juice with a little exercise you can do
right now. All you need is a pen and paper. We‟ll start by considering the minute
we wake up in the morning and see how many song ideas surround us everyday.
Getting up in the Morning: What do we do when we get up in the morning? For
me, it goes something like this: roll out of bed, brush teeth, get washed up, eat
some breakfast, kiss the wife, and get to work. From this list, here are a few song ideas...
Heaven’s Wake Up Call
Waking Up Over There
The First Face I Want To See
Think about your own morning and jot your ideas down.
Going to Work: Consider what you do for living. There are as many song ideas with this one as there are
occupations – millions! For example, as a marketing consultant, I spend my time thinking about ways to
help my clients make sales and reach people. That makes me think of “Jesus Paid It All”. Here are a few
ideas of mine...
Free But Not Cheap
I’ll Take It
Make A Little Deal With Jesus
Just as before, think about your day at work and crank out some loaded hooks.
Going to Bed: If I mentally walked myself through the end of a typical day here‟s what I'd come up with:
eat a snack, wash up, lock the house, kiss the wife, and go to sleep. What are some ideas we can come up
with for this?
Morning’s On Its Way
I'm Glad That's Over With
Oh Sweet Day To Remember
Now write down some of your ideas.
That list took less than 20 minutes, and a couple of them have some real potential. From this list, you can
even fill in the blanks with other things throughout your day for even „more‟ powerful song ideas. If you‟re
like me you‟re looking for smarter not harder ways to do things. By filling in the blanks of a typical day in
your life your problem will go from being „held up creatively‟ to having more great song ideas than you
know what to do with.
p.s. if you want to co-write any of these with me, give me a holler.
24
My Hero
Mickey Mixon
It would take many pages to share the details and facts of why Kenny Hinson was, is and always will be my
hero but I'll give you a condensed version. By the way, I include a special question for you at the conclusion
of this true life story.
We have to briefly start with my early childhood; I was born and raised in a
ministering family. Many of my family members were and are Gospel preachers, teachers, singers and musicians. My earliest recollection of singing was
when, at the age of seven, I sung with my family on my maternal Grandfather's radio program. Ministry and Gospel music were our lifestyle it was who
we were and what we did. However, in the late 60s the devil decided to stop
our family from ministry, and he succeeded for several years. It was rough, the
kind of stuff movies are made of. Our home was broken and so was my life.
Kenny and Mickey
My parents divorced, and I had to live with my paternal Grandparents for several months, and my siblings stayed with other family and friends, until our Mother, Janet, could find a
place for us to live. I felt abandoned, lonely and fearful. I became a loner, withdrawn, distrusting and had
zero self-esteem. It felt like my world came crashing to an end.
In 1975 I was living with my Dad, Tom. God began dealing strongly with my Dad about rededicating his
life to the Lord, and so he did and he took us back to church where we belonged. We became members of
the Norwood Church of God; there we met the talented and wonderful Waddell family. Paul Waddell was
our pastor and his wife and children were (and still are) talented Gospel singers.
The Waddell sons, Gary and Keith, became two of the best friends a lost, lonely and aimless 15 year old
could ever have. They were and are like brothers to me. My worthless, empty life was going nowhere fast but God used them as a
beacon to help direct me to where He wanted me to be.
Shortly after meeting the Waddell boys we began singing as a trio,
known as the Happy Gentiles, and soon began reviewing songs for
our repertoire. I will never forget one particular day; we were
standing in their bedroom next to a small record player listening to
Willie Wynn and the Tennesseans singing “Our First Day In Heaven”. I must have had a peculiar look on my face, while listening to
Gary, Mickey & Keith
the song, because Gary grinned at me and said, “Do you like that?”
To which I replied, “Yes”. He said, “If you like that wait „till you hear this” and he played one side of the
Kingsmen Quartet album “Big And Live”. As I listened I began to literally feel something moving in my
chest around my heart and diaphragm area. And I still must have had that look on my face because Gary
asked me again, “Do you like that?” To which I replied, “Yes”. And he said, “Have you ever heard of the
Hinson‟s?” I said, “No” and he said, “Follow me; you're going to like this.”
Continued on page 26...
25
We went to the living room, and there was Mamma Waddell's big console stereo. Gary pulled out an album
by the Hinson's entitled “Touch of Hinson, Glimpse of Glory”. Thirty-seven years later and I still remember
what that album cover looks like, and what the music sounded like, it began with a guitar introduction, leading into Kenny singing “Since You Gave Me A Song”. Whatever moved and turned in my chest while we
were in the bedroom completed its turn while we were standing there, in the living room, listening to the Hinson's. I cannot explain exactly what happened to me that day, I cannot give you a medical explanation of
what it was I felt turn inside my chest, but I know that I was never the same after that day. It was as though
something resurrected and came alive in me; suddenly I had purpose and a reason for living. I became addicted to Gospel music, and ministry became my lifestyle once again.
I ate, drank and slept Gospel music, I thrived on it and always tried to sing like my Gospel music heroes the
Hinson's, the Goodman‟s, the Rambo's and all those other wonderful Gospel music artists. Kenny became my
all time favorite Gospel singer. As time went by, and I attended Hinson concerts, he became my friend. He
always had time, a smile and encouraging words for me and he always urged me to keep singing. Often he
would share one of his Hall‟s cough drops with me (once, throwing one to me from the stage during a concert) making me feel like I was special and part of his world. In 1985 Keith moved to Alabama, and Gary and
I started singing with their sister Lisa as the River City Trio. We recorded an album on Kenny's record label,
and, during that time of recording, I had the privilege of spending a week in Kenny's home taking vocal lessons from one of the greatest Gospel music singers that ever has or ever will grace a concert stage.
During my time in Kenny‟s home, I shared my life‟s story with him and how the Lord used him and the Hinson's to help restore me and give me purpose. And Kenny shared stories with me about his life and ministry; it was a special time of sharing I will never forget. While he taught me significant knowledge
concerning singing he also taught me about ministry and how to treat
people. I won't go into detail but, during one of our lesson breaks, he
was clever and led me into a verbal trap to show me where I was in
my thinking when it comes to observing and judging people. Kenny
was very wise.
He was a great singer, songwriter, musician and producer, and he
was a prolific teacher and minister of the Gospel. Before cancer became his vehicle to Heaven, in 1995, he and I were working on a solo album for me. It was great to work
with him again but that album was postponed due to Kenny‟s departure. His legacy and influence continue
through his family, friends and fans, and through me, a Hinsonite from the 70s. My music, my website, this
magazine, and my ministry are influenced by the Waddell‟s, the Hinson‟s, the Goodman‟s, the Rambo‟s and
all the Gospel singers and songwriters who blessed me through the years, but especially by my hero Kenny.
Kenny, Mickey, Lisa & Gary
God has used my ministry to touch many lives and it all goes back to that day in 1975 when the Waddell
boys introduced me to Kenny Hinson. Who would have known that my lousy life would have been so radically changed and would touch so many people, and is still touching people this many years later. And yet, I
sometimes wonder, am I similar to Kenny? Am I someone‟s hero? Have I been used of God to radically
change someone‟s life? I ask you, dear reader. Are you like Kenny? Are you someone‟s hero? Think about it,
God uses „whosoever will‟, people willing to minister, people like my hero Kenny Hinson.
26