SouthernGospelBlog.com

Here my picks in the final round of the Singing News Fan Awards:

• Group - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. They are at the top right now. The other day (while in Washington, D.C.), I told a co-worker that I enjoyed Southern Gospel. He said: “Oh–like the Cathedrals, Gaither, and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound?” That was about all he knew of Southern Gospel groups–but at least one of the groups he’d heard of was a current top male quartet.
  
• Male Singer - Ernie Haase. I admit this is partly a reaction to the Ernie-bashing I see around Southern Gospel blogs and message boards. I’ve had just enough of it to sway what would otherwise be a close decision between Haase and Gerald Wolfe.
• Female Singer - Libbi Perry Stuffle. I didn’t need to read the rest of the list; I knew I wanted to go with Libbi.
• Horizon Group - Ball Brothers. I’m hoping this is their year.
• Horizon Individual - Dustin Sweatman. I went with Dustin here partially because I went with Joseph Habedank in the other category in which Sweatman was eligible, Young Artist.
• Young Artist - Joseph Habedank. I admit that this vote, like my vote in the Male Singer category, is partially a reaction to the Habedank-bashers of the world. Joseph has a great voice and improved the Perrys’ sound, so he has my vote.
• Musician - Roger Bennett. I don’t think this one needs any explanation.
  
• Songwriter - Dianne Wilkinson. She deserves this award at least once–as does Kyla Rowland, who didn’t make the top 5, making my decision easier.
• Album of the Year: I Know (Inspirations). I like four of the top five albums, but went with this one because it has the fewest weak cuts counterbalancing the strong ones. “I Have Not Forgotten” and “Led by the Master’s Hand” are both great cuts–and great renditions to boot. The Inspirations have earned their legendary status, and I’m happy to be able to support them in at least one category.
• Tenor of the Year: Ernie Haase.
• Lead Singer of the Year: Arthur Rice. Adam Edwards’ enthusiasm for the Kingdom Heirs is contagious; I believe this is the first time I have ever voted for the Kingdom Heirs for any major award in the final round.
• Baritone of the Year: Mark Trammell. It was also tempting to go with Doug Anderson, who deserves the honor one of these days, but I ended up going with Mr. Baritone himself.
• Bass of the Year: Tim Duncan.
• Alto of the Year: Libbi Perry Stuffle. Easy call!
• Soprano of the Year: Kim Hopper. Mezzos are nice, but will a first soprano ever make the top 5?
• Song: “Once Upon a Cross” (Mark Trammell Trio). I can point to two songs that came out this year as almost definite future classics–and the other, “I Have Been Changed,” did not make the list. That made this a very easy call!