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
We had a great time last night in De Leon Texas. Carol got to sing her Jesus Jams at the Two or More Coffee House. This Coffee house has become my new favorite place. There is such a wonderful atmosphere there. I felt at home there. They have wonderful food and I had the best cup of coffee I have ever had. I had the Reeses…mmmmmm
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THEM ON FACEBOOK
Carol was backed up by Rendall Caviness. Rendall can be found on Facebook under Harping4U!
I am working on perfecting live recordings. Carol AKA Mommajo is letting me perfect these with her. PTL…So I have included mp3 files of her Jesus Jam session.
PART 1 JESUS JAMS WITH CAROL
PART 2 JESUS JAMS WITH CAROL
I hope you enjoyed the live recording of Kickn it Java Style with Cassie!
For more information about Carol’s music be sure to go to her website below.
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.
While doing some PR for Carol Hogner I started listening to and following HLE Radio. I heard a song called Jesus Was A Rebel. I fell in love with that song. Sometimes we can get so caught up in stuffy old religion and forget that Jesus didn’t go with the flow. Jesus hung out with the Rebels and outcast. He took His Light to them.
I friend requested Steve Roberson in October 2013. I realized then he has such a sweet heart and wants people to see the fun loving side of Jesus. Throug out this last year I have watched his Social Media post and peoples interaction with him. This Novemebr I traveled with Carol Hogner to the ICM Awards in Nashville and was blessed to meet Steve in person. Steve is just as personable and fun in person as he is on Social Media. I asked him if he would participate in my interview for my blogs. I’m so glad he said yes.
I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about Mr. Steve Roberson. Be sure to check out the links I’ve inserted into this blog to listen to his music and follow him on social media.
Bio: Diversity is the word that comes to mind when the name Steve Roberson comes up. Steve grew up in Montgomery, Alabama with the sounds of Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones, Hank Williams and Tom T Hall flowing through the speakers of his momma’s orange suitcase record player! He had a love for great music of all genres, and you can tell when you hear Steve’s music
Steve is on the road full time performing at venues such as fairs, festivals, rodeo’s, and churches all across the country, and is also a staff songwriter at Oden’s Row Publishing in Nashville, Tennessee. He has had numerous cuts in Southern Gospel, Christian Country and Mainstream Country Music.
2014 has proved to be a successful year for Steve, as he has been blessed with three number one songs on several Independent Country and Christian Country Charts, including the ever popular “Jesus Was A Rebel” and current chart topper “Letting Angels Down Easy”.
INTERVIEW: With STEVE ROBERSON
Q.How long have you been singing Country and Inspirational Country Music?
Steve: I’ve been singing Country Music all of my life it seems! After I got saved and in church in 2005, I thought that the country side of music was over for me. I knew very little about Gospel Music, but I was asked to audition for the lead singer position in a Southern Gospel Quartet based out of Clanton, Alabama. I sang with “The Samaritans” for about four years. Then for almost another year with “Broken Vessels”. Then in the summer of 2006, we were booked to sing at an outdoor festival near Montgomery, Alabama. And that is where I was introduced to Christian Country Music! Tommy Brandt and Danny Ray Harris were the headliners for this event and I was in heaven! I’m sure that I asked those two guys a thousand questions that day! I ended up with both of their CD’s and Danny even gave me some of his tracks to sing with. In 2012, Danny would also introduce me to playing in Cowboy Churches around the country while we toured together for a year as “The Southern Boys”. I’m forever grateful to Danny, Tommy and everyone else who has had a hand helping me on my musical journey!
Q. What artist would you say has influenced your music the most? Steve: WOW! That’s a loaded question!! Where do I start? There are so many that I could truthfully say, but I’ll narrow it down to a few. I always loved the smooth, powerful voice of Travis Tritt. He’s still one of my heroes in music. The great Marty Raybon is another! I still get chills hearing him and Shenandoah sing “The Moon Over Georgia”!. The other is Scott Roberts of Broken Vessels. There are so many artists on stage nowadays that in my opinion, are trying to put on a show for the sake of entertaining someone. Scott doesn’t have to do that because he is real. He truly wants God to use him to make a difference in the life’s of others, and it shows through on stage. And I’m thankful for the difference that he has made in my life!
Q. What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air? Steve:The first one would be with The Samaritans. We did a song called “Joy In The Morning” that got some local airplay at Gospel Station WKLF in Clanton, Alabama. The first one for me as a soloist was a song that I wrote with my brother Frankie called “Pretty, Pretty Angels”, also at WKLF.
Q. What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do? Steve: Defining moment?…. I don’t think that I can recall one. I’ve just always known that this was it for me!
Q. What motivates you to keep going when your tired? Steve: There are people out there in the world that are hurting, and I believe that God can use me, and the music that He gives me to reach them, ease their pain and lead them to Him.
Q. Do you have any new projects in the making? Steve: Yep, a new CD packed with Crank Down Christian Country, and Positive Country is due out in late January with a new radio release to go along with it!
Q. What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear? Steve: “Letting Angels Down Easy” written by Randy Finchum and Chuck Oden is still going strong at Independent Country Radio and almost a year after it’s radio release, “Jesus Was A Rebel” (Finchum-Gibson) is still one of the most requested song at a lot of stations! And let’s not forget about “God Gave His Gift To Me” (Finchum-Batts-Roberson) My Christmas single.
Q. Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?
Steve:WOW again! I have a lot to choose from! It has to be the time when I was singing at an old country church somewhere in Georgia. The church was in serious need of major repair and stage floor was very unstable to say the least! And to make things worse, I was weighing in at around the 400 lb mark! The service was almost over when the floor busted open and I fell through it into the baptismal tank, a tank that the church had no idea was there! Here’s the funny part. The Pastor said that they had been praying that The Lord would provide them with a way to baptize their church folks! I guess that The Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways!
Thank you Steve Robberson for this great interview!!!
To contact Steve for your next event….
205-924-9397
