CA Music Notes January 2025 with TobyMac, Michael Tait, MercyMe, Forrest Frank, Sam Moore, Lee Greenwood, More

~ CA Music Notes: What’s going on inside the Christian Music and Entertainment Industry in January 2025 featuring TobyMac, MercyMe, Michael Tait, Forrest Frank, Lee Greenwood, Chuck Wagon Gang, Sam Moore, Donald Trump and more! ~

January 2025

Forrest Frank Drops 1st Single of 2025 ‘Drop,’ Plans March Tour

Following the his first GRAMMY nomination, FORREST FRANK is kicking off 2025 with a powerful new single, “DROP!” Available now, FRANK says the song is “about humility” and “how you start is how you finish” and sonically features his signature blend of hip-hop beats, strong melodies…

New Voices, Timeless Truths: Rising Stars in Contemporary Christian Music in 2025

~ Rising Stars in Contemporary Christian Music in 2025 featuring Lydia Laird, Coby James, Hope Darst, Zauntee & Chris Renzema ~ Today, we’re diving into the world of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), a genre that’s been my sanctuary and jam session rolled into one.

Lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait, has announced his plans to leave the group after a 15 year career with them. Tait says the decision was a surprise, even to himself.

Concert Promotion in Today’s Market—a Humorous Look

~ Concert Promotion in Today’s Market: How to Sell Out Without Selling Out—a humorous look at promoting concerts ~ In 1990, I wrote a small booklet called How to Promote a Benefit Concert on a Shoestring Budget, giving tips and a checklist on how to get the word out about a concert without breaking the bank…

The Voice Winner Jordan Smith New Single, “The Blood”

Jordan Smith, the celebrated singer-songwriter who rose to fame as the highest-selling artist in the history of the smash television talent show “The Voice,” continues to spotlight his gospel roots with the release of his new single, “The Blood.”

Grammy Winner Sam Moore Member of Rock Hall of Fame, Dead at 89

~ Grammy Winner, Soul Man & Gospel Artist Sam Moore, Member of Rock Hall of Fame, Dead at 89 ~ Legendary Soul Man Sam Moore passed away this morning, Jan. 11, in Coral Gables, Florida. He was 89. The cause of death was listed complications following surgery. Moore was the tenor half of the Grammy-winning duo Sam & Dave…

Thoroughbred Records Signs Gospel Greats Chuck Wagon Gang

Thoroughbred Records, a division of Daywind Music Group, proudly announces they start the new year with the signing of The Chuck Wagon Gang, who for nearly 90 years has influenced Gospel music with an instantly identifiable sound that seamlessly blends Southern, Country, and Bluegrass Gospel and has captivated generations throughout their incredible history…

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President Trump on President Carter: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly

President Donald Trump has been heavily criticized by the Democrats and the leftist-owned media for making critical statements about deceased President Jimmy Carter, and particularly for his anecdotal statements that Carter sold the Panama Canal for $1.

Lee Greenwood 2025 American Spirit Tour

~ LEE GREENWOOD ANNOUNCES 2025 AMERICAN SPIRIT TOUR ~ Country music icon and Grammy Award-winning artist Lee Greenwood is set to bring his patriotism and chart-topping hits to fans across the country with the announcement of his 2025 American Spirit Tour. With initial performances spanning 17 cities from Florida to Michigan, and Arkansas to Pennsylvania, the tour starts January 22, 2025.

President Donald J. Trump to Be Inaugurated January 20: Nashvillians React

President Donald J. Trump Elected for 2nd Historic Term: Nashvillians React

~ Donald J. Trump was elected for a 2nd term and will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. Here is how people in Nashville reacted. ~ Author’s note: I have underwritten the operation of Christian Activities for 30 years by working retail part-time to pay the bills. Today was no exception. This is what I saw. They each entered the retail store quietly throughout the day…

Nashville’s Christian Roots: Early History

As we celebrate the New Year, we take a look at Nashville’s Christian roots, dating back to its early history and the founding of the city. Nashville’s Christian Roots Nashville, Tennessee, often called the “Buckle of the Bible Belt,” has a deep and enduring legacy of Christian faith…

How Spotify Shapes Your Music Listening Habits with Playlists

It’s a common assumption that music streaming has changed how we listen to music in a physical sense, but a new study has revealed just how streaming has impacted consumers’ listening tastes.

2025’s Best & Worst Cities for New Year’s Resolutions

~ 2025’s Best & Worst Cities for Keeping Those New Year’s Resolutions ~ Americans’ top financial resolutions for 2025 are “to save more money” and “to focus on health.” How well are Americans, particularly Tennesseans, keeping their resolutions?

Happy New Year from your friends at Christian Activities!

February

TobyMac, Crowder, CAIN and more will perform at Bridgestone Arena on Feb. 16 on the Hits Deep 2025 Tour. More TobyMac below!

Motif on Music Row to Host Round for Tennessee Songwriters Week

Motif on Music Row has been selected to host one of the qualifying rounds for the seventh annual Tennessee Songwriters Week, Sat., Feb. 1, 2025. Songwriters of all genres are encouraged to apply for a performance opportunity. The application to be considered closes Thurs., Jan. 2 and is available HERE. Selected applicants will be announced Mon., Jan. 6, 2025. Winners progress to showcase events across Tennessee and ultimately perform at the renowned Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Out of nearly 50 participating venues across Tennessee, Motif is hosting the only qualifying round in Metro Nashville.

March

7 Times Grammy Winner TobyMac Drops Heaven on My Mind on March 7

7x GRAMMY-winner TOBYMAC will release his 9th studio project, HEAVEN ON MY MIND March 7th. Following the success of his No. 1 BILLBOARD album LIFE AFTER DEATH (2022) encompassing five No. 1 radio hits, the new collection, HEAVEN ON MY MIND feature 12 songs…

MercyMe Live 2025 Spring Tour with Zach Williams

~ MERCYME ANNOUNCES MERCYME LIVE 2025 WITH ZACH WILLIAMS AND SPECIAL GUEST SAM WESLEY ~ GRAMMY®-nominated band MercyMe has announced their spring 2025 MERCYME LIVE TOUR with Zach Williams and special guest Sam Wesley. Hitting 32 cities March through May. The tour kicks off March 13th in Dayton, OH.