New audience for old gospel genre.

DESPITE the recent deaths of such legends as Glen Payne, Jake Ness, Vestal Goodman and JD Sumner, trade magazine Billboard reports that Southern gospel music is going from strength to strength due to a new breed of young Southern gospel artists. These youth-orientated artists include the Crabb Family, CrossWay, Mercy's Mark, the Dove Brothers and the McRaes who are honouring the traditions of the genre while attracting a younger audience. Paul Heil, host of US radio show The Gospel Greats, said, "Today's groups are tending to evolve stylistically into something new and different, but with a sensitivity that Southern gospel fans will like." CR

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