Press Release - 12/13/11
Dear Friends,
Many things have been changing in our lives as of late. Chris is engaged to be married in May; Leslie, Suzanne, & Chris will each graduate with bachelor degrees next spring; Jonathan will begin work on a masters degree in the fall. Things are getting more hectic every day, and a lot of people have been asking if our ministry will soon come to an end.
We’ve been singing for over five years now, and God has blessed us along the way. Over 3,500 decisions for Christ have been made during that time! Our desire has always been to reach people with the message of the gospel, and we don’t won’t to stop sharing anytime soon.
Our prayer for 2012 is that God will use our ministry in a way that we’ve never dreamed! We’ve named next year’s tour “Dedicated” to let folks know that we are dedicated to sharing hope through gospel music for years to come.
We would appreciate your prayers for our ministry over the next year - We're expecting God to do great things!
Taylors To Appear On Main Stage NQC 2012
The 2012 National Quartet Convention will feature The Taylors on main stage! The lineup for this year’s convention has not yet been released, but keep an eye on The Taylors' website to find out which evening they will perform. For more information about NQC, visit www.natqc.com.
Taylors To Be Featured In Singing News
Be sure to look for The Taylors in the March edition of Singing News Magazine. This issue will feature an article on how God delivered The Taylors from the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan one year ago in March.
Taylors Launch "Taylor Tours"
The Taylors are excited to announce that beginning this fall they will begin hosting annual site-seeing tours to different vacation destinations in the United States. Taylor Tours has been designed to provide quality vacations with a Christian emphasis. An exciting schedule is already being planned for a trip to Pigeon Forge, TN this November. Tours for 2012 will include trips to Myrtle Beach, SC; Branson, MO; & Lancaster, PA. Each trip will be hosted by The Taylors and their parents, and will include a personal concert and daily devotions throughout the week. It is the goal of The Taylors to provide memorable, exciting trips to folks who want to surround themselves with other Christian friends. Make plans today to join The Taylors on their first tour and get ready to have the time of your life!
We Are Safe In Japan
3/13/11 - We are safe in our hotel in Tokyo...Earliest flight out will be on Monday evening if all goes wells...We appreciate the outpouring of prayers from our friends! THANK YOU SO MUCH - Jonathan
Update 3/14/11: Taylors are home from Japan. Click here to hear their story.
Jonathan Taylor Ordained as Minister - 2/10/11
Jonathan Wesley Taylor, of The Taylors, was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister on Sunday, February 6, 2011. His home church, Fellowship Baptist of Lillington, NC, was filled with family and friends as his father, Rev. James Taylor, led the ceremony. The Taylors have been delivering the message of the Gospel through song and invitation since 2006, and Jonathan feels that his ordination is the next step in a lifelong commitment to the ministry. Jonathan says that he has felt called to ministry for many years, but that he has not been certain of exactly where the Lord was leading. “I know that God has me at this place in my life, and only He knows what the future will hold. I just want to make myself fully available to Him.” Jonathan would like to thank his family and his friends whose prayers and support have been very helpful in making this decision.
Christmas Newsletter - 12/7/10
Hello Friends,
Wow, has this year passed by in a hurry! It seems like just yesterday that we were making resolutions for 2010, and now 2010 is almost over! We pray that this past year has brought you many days of joy and that God has blessed you abundantly.
It’s been a busy year for The Taylors and for our ministry. We were able to sing in 14 states and in over 150 churches in 2010. It was exciting to see many of our old friends on the road and we were blessed to make some new friends along the way! We are very grateful for all of the hospitality that has been shown to us and without the support of our friends, it would be very hard for us to stay on the road!
Staying busy this year has proven to be very exciting, but it has also been demanding at times. With a career in real estate, Jonathan has sold several houses in 2010 after graduating fromCampbell University with a degree in Business Administration. Chris, Suzanne, and Leslie are all juniors in college - Chris and Suzanne at Liberty University, and Leslie at East Carolina University. Chris is majoring in Religion, Suzanne in Psychology, and Leslie in Communication. Chris came up with a joke that he enjoys telling in concerts regarding our education. He says, “Suzanne candiagnose what’s wrong with you, Leslie can tell you what’s wrong with you, Chris can share Jesuswith you, and Jonathan can take your money!”
Even with hectic schedules, we love sharing our ministry across the country, and we were excited when we reflected on all of the known professions for Christ that were made in concerts over this last year - over 360 decisions for Christ, praise God!
We were blessed during the summer to be able to take a two-week vacation to relax for a while. We went to beautiful Alaska and were simply in awe of the majesty of God’s creation! We had the opportunity to fish for salmon, walk on glaciers, and see every sort of creature on the Alaskan tundra that you can think of - including grizzly bears, caribou, and moose! This family vacation gave us just the rest we needed, and we returned to the world of Gospel music exhilarated by the beauty that we had witnessed. You can click on this link to see a short video from our trip!
A few other exciting moments for The Taylors during the year included having three charting singles, being chosen as a Top Ten Horizon Group by Singing News, being chosen to sing on main stage at National Quartet convention, releasing our best project yet, “Sing The Story,” (produced by Musician of The Year, Jeff Stice), and working with one of our biggest role models, Mark Lowry, inShipshewana, IN!
The Taylors have three more concerts in December before we take off two weeks for Christmasbreak to spend with family. We will enjoy the rest before diving into a busy January tour which will take us to Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Alabama, Florida, and of course, North Carolina. Please pray for us to have successful trips and that more people would come to know Jesus Christ!
2011 marks the beginning of our 5th year of full-time ministry in Gospel Music. We can’t believe that five years have come and gone so quickly! To celebrate this occasion, we’re planning an anniversary sing on June 3rd, near our hometown in North Carolina. Our “CELEBRATION AT THE CREEK” will be held at Jonathan’s alma mater, Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC. Special guests will include Quartet of The Year, Triumphant Quartet, and award winning singer/songwriter/comedian, Aaron Wilburn. You don’t want to miss this celebration! You can find out more information on this event and purchase tickets online by clicking here.
It can’t go unsaid that if it weren’t for the support of our friends and family, and the help of God, we couldn’t possibly continue doing what we do. It would take us 20 pages of single-spaced typing to thank everyone for all that has been done for us, so we’ll just say that many of you have touched our hearts in a way that we will never forget.
Many of you have asked how you can help support our ministry throughout the year and until now, there hasn’t been a great way to do that. Recently, we started a Premier Partner program where you can play an active role in our ministry. To find out more about this program and what you can do to help, click here.
It has been an amazing year and we hate to see it end; however, we are filled with anticipation as a new year approaches. We can’t wait to see what God has in store, and we pray that God will move in your life in an amazing way in 2011.
As Christmas nears, it is our sincere prayer that we all will remember the true reason for the season - the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. During this special time of year, we pray that you and your family will be blessed and that God’s love will fill your hearts.
Merry Christmas,
The Taylors
Taylors Take Center Stage at NQC
The Taylors were honored at the 2010 National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky by being selected to open up the evening concerts on main stage Monday night. The Taylors performed a new song written by their mother called “Power In The Blood,” which has already proven to be a crowd favorite!
Taylors Featured In "Singing News"
The Taylors were honored to be included in the Singing News Issue for September 2010 - a special edition with National Quartet Convention coverage. Click here to read full artical.
Taylors' New Project to be Released at NQC - 2010
The Taylors are excited to announce the release of “Sing The Story,” a project over a
year in the making and produced by Triumphant Quartet’s very own, Jeff Stice! This
new project is guaranteed to bless the hearts of those who love Taylor music and will
be unveiled at the National Quartet Convention, where The Taylors will kick off their
new tour, “Sing the Story.”
Here’s what others are saying about The Taylors and their new project:
Jeff Stice
Triumphant Quartet
“I first met The Taylors when I had the opportunity to be on the same program with them a couple of years prior to this project. Plain and simple, they touched my heart. I fell in love with these kids and began to think about how much I'd love to get into the studio with them. I was thrilled when Jonathan contacted me, and we began talking about my producing their next project. I see in these kids a lot of "me" at their age. They genuinely love this music that we call Southern Gospel, and their vocal blend is the perfect example of the phrase "family blend.”
As we began to work on this project, I noticed how serious they were about giving their best effort on every song. They willingly tried everything that I asked them to do. I'll never forget telling them to "make me believe what you’re singing about." Each one of them stepped up and did so. Attitude, work ethic, and a love for their music - along with an anointing from the Heavenly Father that they sing about - give The Taylors a valuable ministry. A ministry that I, and any group associated with Southern Gospel, can be proud and appreciative of. Just knowing that they represent this music that I have grown to love, makes me know that the future of Southern Gospel is in very capable hands. So, ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you The Taylors as they SING THE STORY!”
Susan Whisnant
The Whisnants
“LOVE the new project!!! Sooooo proud of y’all!!!!”
Scott Inman
Triumphant Quartet
“The future of the family group is in great hands with The Taylors!! ‘Sing The Story’ is a first-class recording that will be listened to for many years to come.”
Michael Davis
Dominion Agency
"As a booking agent, you are always on the lookout for new outstanding talent. The first time I heard The Taylors I was very impressed. Impressed with their talent, their appearance, their sincerity and most of all, their genuine walk with the Lord. "Sing the Story" is undoubtedly one of the finest gospel recordings I have ever heard. Produced by my good friend Jeff Stice and wow did he ever do a tremendous job with arrangements, vocal coaching and orchestrations. The Taylors are a hit and a "must see and hear" for any fan of good music."
Rev. Charles Nelson
First Baptist Church of Central Florida: Orlando, FL
“I have just had the privilege to hear a pre-release of the new project by The Taylors. What an incredible combination of inspiration from God and talent from The Taylors - along with the production and playing giftedness of Jeff Stice! Then to top it off, the great new song from Aaron Wilburn, “Triumphantly, He Shall Return” is simply over the top. They have strived for excellence and have achieved it. Every song is a blessing! The full, live orchestration and attention to every detail is evident and makes this project absolutely exceptional. I can’t wait to see it rise to the top as a wonderful honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Way to go Taylors!!!”
Aaron Wilburn
Singer/Songwriter/Comedian
“One of the BEST recordings of one of my songs I’ve ever heard!”
David Sutton
Triumphant Quartet
“This new CD is GREAT!!”
Lottie Squires
Southern Gospel DJ - WCKB
"I've heard preliminary tracks from The Taylors' upcoming project, and I can already promise that this will be their best CD yet! I'm just glad I don't have the extremely difficult task of choosing the radio singles, because all the songs are great!"
Be sure to preview The Taylors’ new music on their new and improved website, www.TheTaylorsMusic.com, and be one of the first to own your copy of “Sing the Story!”
The Taylors Attend National Quartet Convention
September 13, 2008 - Louisville, KY.
The Taylors attended the National Quartet Convention September 8-13 in Louisville Kentucky. It was their first time to attend, but they are already making plans to go back next year. They arrived in Louisvil
le around midnight on Sunday. Monday was hectic as they rushed to set up their booth in the Exhibit Hall before it opened at 4:00 P.M. The most well-known gospel groups from around the country performed on the Main Stage each evening until 11:30 P.M. Their mornings and afternoons were spent singing in Regional, Promoters, and Talent Showcases. They took turns manning the booth so everyone had the opportunity to meet other groups and attendees. They were most excited to meet the Gaither Vocal Band. When they told Bill Gaither that Wesley Pritchard had produced their new project, he asked them to sing to him. When they explained that Christopher was at the booth so he couldn’t sing bass, Mr. Gaither said, “That’s alright. . . sing anyway.” So they sang an a cappella rendition of “New Day Dawning.” Mr. Gaither motioned for Wes, Marshall, and Guy to come over and listen and asked, “Isn’t that great harmony?” Gaither then smiled and said, “That’s really good. . . Keep in touch!”
The Taylors Win At NQC, Appear On Mainstage
September 16, 2008 - Louisville, KY.
The Taylors won the title of First Place at the Talent Showcase of the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, last weekend. Though the Talent Showcase began at 8:00 AM on Saturday morning, The Taylors were excited and anxious to sing for the panel of judges. The Showcase lasted about four hours and winners were announced at noon. As third and second places were announced, The Taylors grew more and more anxious. When first place
was called and The Taylors were named the winners, a sigh of relief and amazement swept over the group. As a result of winning first place in the NQC Talent Showcase, they were asked to perform “Without the Cross” from their new project on the main stage in front of 20,000 Southern Gospel lovers. “It was the chance of a lifetime,” Suzanne said, “and I felt so blessed to be a part of it all.”
After they sang, Jonathan stated, “We are so grateful for the opportunity to sing about Jesus to so many people. We are thrilled that new doors are opening around the country to share God’s love. It’s just unbelievable what God has done for us in our first year at NQC!” “Singing in the competition was tough because there were so many excellent groups. It was worth it though because it gave us experience and helped us grow as gospel singers,” Leslie added. When asked how it felt to appear before so many people, Christopher replied: “I was nervous at first, but as soon as I got on stage, it just felt good to be there. It was an awesome experience!”
As winners of the NQC Talent Showcase, The Taylors received a recording contract with Eddie Crook Company in Nashville.
If you have pictures of The Taylors at NQC, please email them to bookings@thetaylorsmusic.com.
Grand Champions
J
une 22, 2008 - Benson NC.
The Taylors took the stage at "The Singing Grove" in Benson, NC on Friday, June 20, with one thing in mind - to sing for Jesus and to minister to anyone listening. The Taylors had been selected last year to be showcased during the Friday night opener for the 88th State Annual Singing Convention. Despite the stormy weather, die-hard Southern Gospel fans still came out to hear the opening concert.
The actual competition didn't start until Saturday morning and was followed by an amazing concert by Brian Free and Assurance. The Taylors chose "Mountain, Get Out of My Way" as their performance song; beginning a-cappella and ending with energetic orchestration. The winners were announced mid-way through Brian Free's concert, and The Taylors were announced as the 2008 Grand Champions.
Congratulations to The Taylors and to all the other winners in their respective categories.
Read more about the Benson Sing and The Taylors from The News and Observer or The Daily Record.