As a people watcher, it was interesting to note as a sat in the Bridge Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, TN, the varying shapes and sizes of people as they worked the room during the 2007 GMA Convention April 23-35!

Men came dressed in suits, while others came in well worn, torn at the knees blue jeans and tee shirts. Some had neatly coiffure hair while others had bed heads, dread-locks, and baldheads. Some had scruffy beards and some wore neatly trimmed mustaches and beards.

The women came dressed in varying styles as well: blue jeans, the common bond. Some wore tees and some wore dress shirts. Others wore tunics and others even wore dresses over their jeans coupled with high-heeled pointed toe shoes.

The Barlow Girls came to their press interview wearing the typical jeans along with ribbed sweaters, pullover shirts and tees. They had apparently taken a little more time in preparation as their hair and makeup were deftly done.

Big Daddy Weave worked the breakfast crowd, as did many “hopefuls’! Some were obviously weary, probably having attended the previous night’s showcases which ran way past midnight.

Interviews for some began as early as 8a.m. and went sporadically throughout the day, often ending after 6 p.m. Showcases began again at 7 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m., so GMA week can be very tiring. A person or band has to be extremely dedicated to their ministry to place themselves on the line like this each year, hoping to expand the field of opportunity to serve God in the days ahead.




When one listens to Dennis Humphries of HisSong, one hears a message of overcoming depression. It’s abundantly clear the amount of suffering he has endured, but the journey ends with much success with an uplifting message to others.

Years ago, Dennis was accosted by two thugs who bound him and drove him to his ATM where they robbed him. They pistol-whipped him before leaving him, seriously wounded. A few years later, Dennis’ wife was robbed and shot in the head.

It was during his wife’s seven-month hospitalization, Dennis penned the song “Through Every Storm”. This became especially meaningful following her recovery when he discovered she’d been having an affair. Later, it was revealed she’d had two more affairs and they parted ways. Thus ending one of the most difficult times of his life.

Dennis attributes a strong support group who prayed for him and, also, the late Vestal Goodman of the Happy Goodmans gets a lot of credit for helping him overcome depression and despair.

While watching a Gaither video, Vestal was featured singing “God Walks the Dark Hills”. He states that the Spirit of God began to do a healing in him. He rewound the tape again and again and each time, he received additional healing.

Currently finishing a book dealing with this difficult time in his life, Dennis hopes it helps others who suffer from depression.

Dennis is joined in his singing ministry by Adam Cannon of Illinois who sings baritone and Adam Elrod from Georgia who sings tenor.

Adam C., who joined HisSong a year ago, loves to tell folks about Jesus and loves Southern Gospel music because he believes it gets the Christian message across very clearly.

Adam E. has been singing with HisSong for eleven years and believes ‘music is something you are called to do’. He sang with his family for years and says, “It’s something I love.” He loves gospel music like no other.

The trio will be leaving April 26 for a solid two-week tour to Texas. They minister 240-250 days a year and travel on a 45-foot touring bus driven by the only other person in their entourage, the bus driver!

They faithfully offer altar calls following each concert and their goal is to minister to the lost and hurting.
BY: Linda Brown




Four dedicated young men with hearts toward God is one of the best ways to describe the members of the Christian rock group, the Turning. Their story started six years ago when they were in Chattanooga, TN, playing secular music. After three years, their hearts were in strange places and each knew he needed a change.

God spoke to them telling them he wanted them to minister to the body of Christ. He told them to move to Nashville but said He didn’t promise them anything. All four quit their jobs, packed up their wives, and moved to Music City. All attend Crosspointe Church.

The men write their own music and though it’s very arduous, hope to have the debut single, “Out of My Hands”, out in 140 days.

Jeremy Little, 23, plays bass, Jeff Goff, 27, plays drums, Matt Warren, 26, plays guitar, and Jacob McGinnis is lead singer. They believe rock and roll music has a broad market and their desire is to lead at praise and worship camps designed especially for kids, but feel their music can touch all ages.

They were at Rocketown and passing out demos when someone heard them and brought staff out to hear them play. Within 18 months of hitting town, the Turning was signed to Rocketown label.

Although they don’t hold altar calls, they encourage pastors of the churches where they perform to offer altar calls. Their music is designed to open doors for attendees to question and evaluate their lives.

They specifically like two to three day events for a specific group where they hold a live show and two praise and worship sets. They play their music, play, and eat with the kids. Their desire is to cultivate community.

By: Linda Brown and Kris Brown Gabbitas




Four dedicated young men with hearts toward God is one of the best ways to describe the members of the Christian rock group, the Turning. Their story started six years ago when they were in Chattanooga, TN, playing secular music. After three years, their hearts were in strange places and each knew he needed a change.

God spoke to them telling them he wanted them to minister to the body of Christ. He told them to move to Nashville but said He didn’t promise them anything. All four quit their jobs, packed up their wives, and moved to Music City. All attend Crosspointe Church.

The men write their own music and though it’s very arduous, hope to have the debut single, “Out of My Hands”, out in 140 days.

Jeremy Little, 23, plays bass, Jeff Goff, 27, plays drums, Matt Warren, 26, plays guitar, and Jacob McGinnis is lead singer. They believe rock and roll music has a broad market and their desire is to lead at praise and worship camps designed especially for kids, but feel their music can touch all ages.

They were at Rocketown and passing out demos when someone heard them and brought staff out to hear them play. Within 18 months of hitting town, the Turning was signed to Rocketown label.

Although they don’t hold altar calls, they encourage pastors of the churches where they perform to offer altar calls. Their music is designed to open doors for attendees to question and evaluate their lives.

They specifically like two to three day events for a specific group where they hold a live show and two praise and worship sets. They play their music, play, and eat with the kids. Their desire is to cultivate community.
By: Linda Brown and Kris Brown Gabbitas




Wanting to be remembered for ‘her love for Jesus’, Kim Dexter strives to mix motherhood and ministry in such a way as to reach young and old alike.

Kim accepted Christ at age six and around the same time, began taking piano lessons. Soon thereafter she began writing her own songs. She has since written for such artists as Bryan Duncan, Kim Boyce, and many others.

She has written children’s music and wrote, produced, and starred in a children’s video, “Kiss the Son”.

Kim is married to Paul Dexter of TK Records who also produces for Bryan Duncan, Patty Cabiera, and Nicole C. Mullen.

They latest project is “So This Is It” which is a self-proclaimed artsy-pop album filled with songs composed from Kim’s personal experiences.

As a gifted pianist, Kim mostly accompanies herself when she performs. She also utilizes partial tracks and is currently learning guitar.

During 2007 GMA week, Kim was in the midst of a 2 1/2 –week tour throughout the south and southeastern USA, mainly Georgia and Alabama.

She ministers mostly in church-sponsored venues and women’s retreats with varying dates throughout the year which allows her to be a full-time wife and mother. While on the road, it is very convenient for her and her producer-husband Paul to take along 11-month-old daughter, Maggie.

When asked what artist greatly impacted her life, Kim responded quickly with the names of Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Keith Green. She inferred Keith’s works inspire her to reach out with her music to touch those who are hurting.
BY: Linda Brown