I am really excited about this interview with Bart Fortenbery. I have been reading Bart’s website information, listening to him minister and listening to his jams…Loving what I am reading and hearing.
Check out this Video of Bart Ministering on Living to Please God
BART FORTENBERY
In 1993 Bart gave his life to Christ. Since then, he knew that God had a special plan for him. Bart has always had a love for music. Once he discovered Christian music, he knew that was where God wanted him to be. Bart’s mission, is to help the lost get saved but also help the saved stay encouraged in their walk. With the message in his songs and his testimony of money struggles, going through a divorce, losing a home, yet never giving up; most people can relate to his life. Bart says, We often try so hard to do what is right and yet, Satan keeps trying to wear us down. Personally I have wanted to give up many times. Through the love and encouragement of others I have continued to follow Gods will. That is the same thing I want to send to others.
In Roman’s 13:10 ;Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements;, and Ephesians 5:1-2 ;Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children, And walk in Love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God;. Bart says that we need to show more love and understanding towards each other and to be that reflection of Jesus Christ, so that others will want what we have , as Christians.
Bart is from the small town in Cherryville, North Carolina. He has 2 kids who is grown, daughter graduated from Sacramento State in California currently going for her masters at Appalachian University in NC and son who graduated from UNC Asheville and married living in Gastonia NC.
TO READ MORE OF BART’S BIO PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
Steven Curtis Chapman and I was introduced to Christian country by listening to Del Way
What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air?
My first song released to radio was “The Power of Prayer” which went to #1 on the Inspirational Country Music Charts in May of 2003, which was written about a little boy who was dignosed with Spinal Bifada. And how The Lord has healed him through prayer. And station I am not sure.
What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?
It has not been one thing but a list of things that the Lord has placed me in and the learning experience has been overwhelming. Like, started leading praise and worship in a few churches, then started a youth band that went to different places and played, and then was offered the position as Youth Pastor at a church and I am still doing that and loving it, and was asked to fill in as a pastor and turning out to be a 4 month long event bringing the message every Sunday and leading praise and worship, and then being asked to speak in this church and that. I feel that The Lord was working in my life to do this, even without having an education to be a pastor. The pastor of the church where I am the Youth Pastor, has guided me and gave me advice along the way. And it helps when he is also a teacher at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Charlotte NC, a school that Billy Graham had a part in starting. And through the response from all the places that I have sung and spoke has reassured me to follow this calling.
What motivates you to keep going when your tired?
Just knowing what God has done in my life and used me in the life of others keeps me going even when the thought of giving up occurs.
Do you have any projects in the making?
I just finished a project, but am working on a Bluegrass project and Contemparary Project, and will be next year before those are complete.
What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
“He’s working on Making it Better”
Do you write any of your own songs?
I write all my songs,
What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sung?
I would have to say The Power of Prayer since it was my first release and #1
Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?
I was not on a stage but I was singing in a Nursing home and the nurse had rolled a sweet ole man close to me as I was singing and he started coughing and he could not stop. As I was singing he coughed and his teeth come bouncing across the floor and I motioned for the nurse and never missed a beat singing. But afterwards it was a good laugh.
Can you tell us about Apple Lane Music Group?
I started this a few years ago, trying to learn about the song promotion part of the industry so I could help those starting out. I know how hard it was for me to come up with the money that some ask for, which is fine and they have done a great job for me in the past but it is hard to come up with alot of money. So I am learning as I promote myself. And my son had gone to College at UNC Asheville for Music production and he is helping me getting the studio up and running. I also give music lessons to students and used to have a music store.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT APPLE LANE MUSIC CLICK LINK BELOW
What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you?
That one is easy, and it is Galations 5, 22-23. If everyone had love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control, this would be such a better place to live!
Thank you Bart for this interview
This has been one of my favorite songs so far. Recently I have been helping another artist on a project that has made my heart so tender towards our soldiers.
This last year I was blessed to attend the 2014 ICM Awards. As I was walking around all of the booths I saw a beautiful young lady standing behind one of the booths. I realized she was Miss Taylon Hope.
I had listened to Taylon on HLE Radio and fell in love with her voice. I had no clue she was only nine years old. As I stood and listened to Taylon speaking with others around her, I was drawn to her. Taylon spoke with others with such maturity, both intellectually and spiritually. My heart was drawn to her for more than one reason. I saw God in her and I also was reminded of two very special girls I have been blessed to get to know in my life. Taylon reminded me so much of the younger of these two girls all the way down to her beautiful red hair.
When you listen to someone on the radio you only imagine what they are really like. As I watched Miss Taylon singing her heart out on the stage, my heart melted even more. I knew right then I needed her cd. I also knew two young ladies I couldn’t wait to bless with Taylon’s music. I was so disappointed that I got so distracted and forgot to stop back by the booth and purchase one. Well God knew my heart because a few weeks later I was blessed by Taylon and her parents. They sent not only a cd for me but two autographed photos for the two special girls I mentioned above. They put smiles on lots of faces with that blessing.
I am so very grateful to present to you my Interview with Miss Taylon Hope.
TAYLON HOPE
Taylon Hope is a nine-year old singer and musician from West Jefferson, NC. Taylon began singing when she was four years old in her church. She currently maintains a busy schedule throughout the year of performing at churches, festivals, fairs, and other venues. She released her debut CD, recorded in Nashville, TN, “What This World Needs”, produced by Tommy Brandt, in September of 2014 . She is part of Beyond The Music Promotions, owned by Tommy and his wife, Michelle. Taylon plays guitar and is also learning to play piano and mandolin. She was nominated last year for Youth In Music Award for the 2014 ICM Awards and nominations for Youth Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the 2014 AMG Awards.
Taylon loves to travel, playing tennis, spending time with her friends, and spending time on her grandparent’s farm. Her favorite place to visit is Nashville, TN and one of her many goals for herself is to one day sing at the Opry. She loves animals and has a pony, a dog, and a cat. Taylon feels blessed to be able to share her love for music and she has a strong desire to continue traveling and sharing God’s word through her music.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Question #1. At what age did you start singing Country and Inspirational Country Music?
Since I was small my parents have always told me they could tell I had a strong love for music. I began singing in my church at the age of 4 years old. In 2013, at the age of 8, I began singing Christian/Country music after listening and talking with my friend and mentor Tommy Brandt.
Question #2.What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
The artist that influenced me the most would be Carrie Underwood. Her voice is amazing. I have had the opportunity to see her perform twice at the Opry. I love her latest song “Something In The Water” and how she is a Christian.
I also appreciate many other artists and musicians and their talents such as Hunter Hayes, Rhonda Vincent, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline. Christian Country/Gospel artists: Tommy Brandt, Mary James, Adam Crabb, and Kari Jobe.
Question #3. What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on the radio?
My first song to hit radio was my current new single “What This World Needs” and the first radio to play my new single was HLE Radio out of Jennings, Louisiana.
Question #4. Do you have any new projects in the making?
I just released my current CD recorded in Nashville, TN in September of 2014. Currently, I have lots of goals for myself and my music. I am currently booking new dates and events for 2015 and I am working on writing a new song.
Question #5. What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
My current single is “What This World Needs” I plan to release another single from my new CD this year.
Question #6. Does anyone else in your family sing or write music?
My Mom grew up singing with my Grandmother. My Mom and I do sing together and practice together a lot at my church. My Dad plays some guitar with me as well.
Question #7. What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sing?
I would say my favorite song from my new CD is the song “She Prayed Anyway” I wrote this song and Tommy Brandt helped me with it. I wrote the song about a young girl my age in third grade. The songs tells about how others questioned the young girl for praying during the moment of silence at school. She decided that no matter what she would always put God first in her life and she prayed anyway.
Question #8. What do your friends think about you singing and traveling?
My friends think that my singing and traveling is cool and they ask me to sing for them. They like to hear me play guitar. My friends like to hear a lot about Nashville. I have had the opportunity to sing at many local events in my hometown and I got to sing the National Anthem at my school this year and for the high school football and basketball games.
Questions #9. Are you part of a record label or independent?
I am currently independent. I am a part of Beyond The Music Promotions owned by Tommy and Michelle Brandt. I love them and all of the artists that work with BTM promotions. It is so much fun to travel and sing with all of them.
Question #10. Who do you travel with on the road?
I travel with Dad and Mom.
Question #11. Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?
One time my Dad was starting my music and he started the wrong song and I told the crowd he was a “work in progress” and everyone laughed. Also, while recording I have a really country voice and I laughed because I didn’t realize how country I was until I started recording. However, I love being country and that is who I am.
Question #12. What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you?
My favorite scripture is John 3:16 and it means that God loved us so much that he gave up his only son for all of us. We serve an amazing God.
THANK YOU SO MUCH TAYLON FOR SHARING YOUR HEART AND MUSIC WITH US.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MISS TAYLON HOPE BE SURE TO CLICK ON HER WEBSITE BELOW
CLICK HERE TO GO TO http://taylonhopemusic.com/
Taylon can be reached for bookings or information at:
*[email protected]
*Phone contact 336-846-9589
For those of you that know me at all, you know I spend a lot of time on Facebook. I have been introduced to a lot of wonderful friends, ministries and businesses. I was scrolling through my page one day and found STS Ranchwear on my Facebook The first thing that caught my eye was the cross. I believe in supporting Christian Businesses with all my heart so when you mix the Cowboy Lifestyle and that together you have won my heart over for sure!!
I started following STS Ranchwear and I realized they are way more than a clothing line. STS is about sharing Stran and Jennifer Smith’s Faith with others through their own lives. You will find Ranchwear, Fashion tips, Recipes, Fitness tips and Testimonies of God’s love on their website and Social Media. We all need encouragement from one another and I sure know I need help with fitness and fashion. LOL…..
I am all about Dreams and encouraging others in theirs. This is one of my favorite things about STS and the heart of Stran and Jennifer Smith.
THE HEART BEHIND STS RANCHWEAR
Jennifer and Stran Smith are best known for their long standing careers in professional rodeo. Stran has 11 Wrangler National Finals Qualifications and was the 2008 World Champion Tie-Down Roper. He is best known for overcoming hardships in and out of the arena.
Jennifer was Miss Rodeo America and worked as a television correspondent in the western & equine industry for 15 years for networks such as ESPN, CBS Sports, and Outdoor Channel. Jennifer also spends time as a designer and consultant in the Western fashion industry.
What is not highly publicized is their background in ranching. Stran and Jennifer strive to carry on Stran’s 4th generation ranch in Tell, Texas. When not on the road, Stran, Jennifer, and 3 children, Stone, Scout, and Selah raise Black Angus cattle on the family ranch.
I am very honored to share with you a few questions and answers with Stran and Jennifer. A look into their heart and Dreams.
What inspired you to begin STS Ranchwear?
The combination of growing up on a 4th Generation ranch and spending the last 20 years in the rodeo and western fashion industry, we have an idea about what we want in Ranchwear. When we went looking for it, there was nothing on the market quite like what STS Ranchwear is today. Our partner, Chad Fairchild with Carroll Original Wear has spent years perfecting the quality of outwear and sourcing quality leathers that fit the true western buyer’s standards.
The handbags were a vision of passion as well. I wanted to create a line of bags that not only utilized luxurious leathers and western design, but also had all the organizational needs of today’s western woman.
What is your vision and targeted audience for each of your blogs?
We love EVERYTHING about the western life that we are so blessed to have been raised in. We feel it’s important to honor a legacy of the true working cowboy and family life, educating on skills, equipment, livestock, and wildlife. We, more importantly, strive to emphasize the principals that this country was built on: HONOR and INTEGRITY while being TRUE to your faith, your family and yourself. Anyone that is or just wants to be cowboy can find great stuff on STSRanch.com.
How has faith played a role in your family, being on the road rodeoing and running a business?
In every way, Faith is the center of our life. In every venture in our life, whether it’s rodeo, ranch, and especially our family we want to be in God’s will. We wouldn’t attempt to do anything with out His confirmation… not just in our business, but in every part of our life.
What three tips could you offer to tell us how to stay focused Spiritually, Mentally and Physically?
A goal without a plan is just a wish. It is very important to have a plan so you know what direction to go. Write down your goals and look at them often. Be consistent and stay the /coarse. It is a marathon, not a sprint. It is so important for us to have a Purpose in our goals beyond “us.” Like we’ve said, if God is at the center of everything you do, you have a bigger purpose and responsibility in obtaining your goals. You never know who is looking up to you or who you will inspire in the meantime. Stran said it best in his interview when he won the World Championship. If your heart is still beating than God’s has a plan for your life.
Thank you STS Ranchwear (Stran and Jennifer) for this great interview.
To learn more about STS Ranchwear and Stran and Jennifer Smith please check out their website below and be sure to follow them on Facebook.
I have been doing interviews for a few months now. I have to say it is one of my favorite things I have ever been blessed to do.
My sweet friend Richard Frazier introduced me to a great Southern Gospel singer named Dave Powers. I feel very blessed to introduce Dave and his ministry and music to you.
DavePowers, Southern/Country Gospel Singer Dave is spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through songs and personal
testimony. Dave was born and raised in West Chester, PA, and now resides in
Lemasters, Pennsylvania. Dave has been singing for over 25+ years. He grew
up singing in his home town church and fell in love with the “old time”
hymns that the church sang. In his teen years, he heard many southern
gospel singers and began to love the sound of the quartet style music. He
attended a Gold City Quartet concert that was made up of Brian, Ivan, Mike,
and Tim, and knew during that concert he wanted to sing for the Lord. At
that concert, he prayed that the Lord would use him to spread the gospel in
song. When he moved to Chambersburg, PA, in 1988, he started singing bass
with The Towne Singers, a local vocal group. With the Towne Singers, he
had the opportunity to travel over seas and do many concerts. Then in 2003,
he began singing background with David (King) Grove doing numerous “Elvis”
concerts and had the honor to share the stage with the legendary
Jordanairres. In 2005, he continued with David, but they were led by the
Lord to do outreaches to win souls for the Lord. When David accepted a
pastor’s position in 2009, Dave continued on his own because he loves
singing about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 2013, Dave was asked and
honored to open up for the respected southern gospel quartet, The Kingsmen,
at the 38th PA State Singing Convention. In December of 2014 he had the
opportunity to travel to Nashville Tenn. To record Amazing Grace with Doc
Holiday and his A-team production company. 2015 is shaping up to be a great
year of sharing the Gospel in song.
INTERVIEW WITH DAVE POWERS
How long have you been singing Southern Gospel Music? A: Pretty much my whole life, I fell in love with it when I was around 12
years old but started to really sing it on my own around 4 yrs ago.
What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
A: The Kingsmen Quarter was the first group I ever listened to, but Gold
City and Mr. Tim Riley has been a big influence on my life. Mr. David
Grove (King) my pastor has also been a big influence in my Ministry. What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air? A: The first station to ever play my music was WURL 760 AM out of Alabama.
I befriend DJ Richard Frazier from the Richard Frazier Show via Facebook.
He included a song of mine on his hour program and for the first time ever I
heard myself singing “Thanks To Calvary”. Needless to say, I did tear up
and thanked God for that moment in time. What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do? A: I have been singing pretty much all my life, in Church choirs, groups
from around our area and then on my own, but felt God’s calling to sing
around 14 yrs ago at a Southern Gospel Concert in Lancaster Pa. sitting in
the back row I really felt God’s calling on my life to go and share the
Gospel in song. This wouldn’t happen for a few more years, but believe me
it has been worth the wait. What motivates you to keep going when your tired? A: My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s because of Him why I sing.
Do you have any new projects in the making?
A: Looking at doing a new CD sometime this year. What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear? Right now I have the Song Amazing Grace which I recorded in Nashville in
December. It is on Amazon music.com and Google play. Digital download,
with in around 2 weeks going out to different radio stations.
I have been listening to Tommy Brandt for awhile now. I have always loved his music. Tommy is one of the top Christian Country artist out there. His music has a true sound of Country Music with Lyrics of Christ Love.
I had been following Tommy on social media for awhile when I got to meet him this last November at the ICM Awards Week. You know sometimes we anticipate what someone will be like in person when all we know is the media side of them. I can tell you that Tommy’s heart is big and full of God’s Love. I attended a Session at the ICM week where Tommy and a few other artist talked to us about how to remain a Christian with what we face in this world of Ministry today. I watched Tommy share from his heart of situations where he faced hurts in his ministry. I watched as he spoke and all I saw was a real man with a heart after God. More than ever in today’s world these are the kind of role models we need out there in the music industry
Interview with Tommy Brandt!!
Tommy Brandt is a gifted singer/songwriter who has spent the last twelve years touring the country spreading his down home message of faith, hope, and love through music, testimony and stories about his own life. In that time he has become a leader in his field winning multiple Inspirational Country Music Awards including “New Artist of the Year” in 2004 and “Male Vocalist of the Year” five times. He also was honored by the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2010 with a “Visionary Award” for his contributions to Christian Music using Inspirational Country Music with lyrics that encourage Faith, Family and Country. This Florida boy has the unique distinction in his genre to have had his first 16 singles top the Christian Music Charts. Tommy’s newest album was just released and is receiving great reviews nationally. His latest project titled “Praise Hymn” speaks for itself.
How long have you been singing Country and Inspirational Country Music?
Tommy:I started out singing Country music back in the 90s with a band called “New South”. In 1997 I rededicated my life to Christ and began singing Christian Country Music and in 2003 made a full time career in the ministry.
What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
Tommy:There have been many great influences along the way, but if I had to narrow it down to one it would have to be Garth Brooks. The way that he not only entertains, but communicates with his audience is phenomenal! I want to sit in front of a crowd of 2 people, or 20,000 people and make them feel like it’s a one on one concert. “Making a Difference one song at a time”. Other influences include Kenny Hinson, Del Way, Hank Williams Jr, and Eric Church.
What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air?
Tommy: I released “No Turning Back” in 2003 and had my first #1 single with it. The first time that I heard it live on the air was on Powersource Top 20 Radio Show. It’s still one of my favorite songs to sing in concert.
What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?
Tommy:My first Christian concert was at a small Methodist Church in Okeechobee Florida where I led an elderly man to Christ. I didn’t really know how to give and invitation, or really how to lead someone to the Lord, but I poured out my heart and asked if anyone wanted what I had experienced with Christ and it happened. With calloused hands and tears rolling down his wrinkled face we held hands and prayed together. I knew this is what I was supposed to do with the rest of my life.
What motivates you to keep going when your tired?
Tommy: It’s always that one lost soul that gives their heart to Christ that makes it all worth it and motivates me to keep on going.
Do you have any new projects in the making?
Tommy: I just completed a new project called Praise Hymn. It’s a double CD box set with Praise and Worship songs on one CD and Hymnal songs on the other. We’re excited about the reviews that it is receiving.
What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
Tommy:I have a version of “Unclouded Day” out to radio now and am getting ready to release one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever recorded and written called “Broken”.
Do you write any of your own songs?
Tommy:I write the majority of the songs that I sing. Although, when I hear a song that really moves me I am happy to record it.
What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sing?
Tommy: Definitely the song I mentioned earlier “Broken”. I recently wrote this song as a testimony about my life.
Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?
Tommy: I had broken 3 ribs the day before a 3 day revival where I was preaching and singing. The pain was excruciating! Just before service I took a pain pill that I had never tried before that the Doctor had prescribed and literally had an outer body experience on stage. I was singing for the offering and wrote my own offering song as I was singing it. It was hilarious! It was like I was standing in front of myself watching in amusement as I played guitar and came up with comical lyrics on the fly. I wished that it would have been on video.
What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you?
Tommy: Jeremiah 29:11. It gives me the promise of hope and a future no matter what I’m going through.
Can you tell me a little about Beyond Music Productions?
Tommy:My wife Michelle and I felt led to begin mentoring young artists getting started in the music ministry about 5 years ago. There are so many talented youth out there ready to serve the Lord but have no idea what to do or how to follow their calling. We want to be there to lead them through the steps to achieve their goals and calling without all of the pitfalls that the music industry presents. We currently have 12 artists that we’re working with and really enjoy watching them grow.
What is your vision to work with today’s youth in the music industry?
Tommy: Our vision is to have workshops across the country to train and mentor artists as we travel.
