Finally, The Josh Turner Gospel Record is On The Way
Josh Turner has experienced a rocky road over the last few years, having to wrestle with his label MCA Nashville to release his music, and to release the music he wants to. But a project long in coming, often promised to fans, and highly-anticipated by the public is finally on its way. I Serve a Savior will be Josh Turner’s first dedicated Gospel album, bringing his bona fide country voice to religious music, to the fans who’ve heard him sing such songs in concert for years, and have been salivating for a project like this for over a decade.
“My faith is the most important thing to me,” says Turner. “I want people to hear the sentiment and heart behind this record. I want them to feel the same inspiration that I felt. I want them to feel that and hopefully they’ll make these songs a part of their life. Working on this project has definitely been a God-ordained blessing. I never would have thought I’d be doing this record this year, but God opened a door and I walked through it. I’ve seen many seemingly impossible things take place during the making of this record and I’ve felt God’s anointing over it.”
There was a half decade lapse between Turner’s 2017 record Deep South—which in moments felt like a Bro-Country compromise with his label, and his previous record Punching Bag from 2012. Like many MCA Nashville artists, it felt like Josh Turner was being held in limbo. The fact that Turner was able to score a release for this Gospel record and while still on a major label is an achievement in itself.
I Serve A Savior includes a special song written by his wife, Jennifer, and eldest son, Hampton called “The River (of Happiness).” They also sing on the track with Turner’s three other boys. “It’s an uplifting song,” said Turner. “And having Jennifer and the boys singing on it drives that home.” Sonya Isaacs and Bobby Osborne also appear on the record.
A 90-minute live performance DVD filmed at Gaither Studios will also be released as part of the project. The DVD will include a special interview of Turner with gospel legend Bill Gaither. “Josh Turner is a gifted artist. We talked about his faith, his music, his wife and children, and about his gospel heritage he holds so dear,” says Gaither. “It is a joy to see a young man with so much talent using his gifts with purpose and excellence.”
The DVD will also feature a performance by the Turner family, and will also be edited to air as a one-hour television special hosted by Bill Gaither. The special will air this fall on several networks across the U.S. and Canada.
I Serve a Savior is out October 26th, and is now available for pre-order.
I Serve A Savior Track Listing:
1. I Saw The Light (Featuring Sonya Isaacs)
2. I Pray My Way Out Of Trouble (Featuring Bobby Osborne)
3. Great Is Your Faithfulness
4. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
5. Without Him
6. I Serve A Savior
7. How Great Thou Art (Featuring Sonya Isaacs)
8. The River (of Happiness) Featuring the Turner family (Live From Gaither Studios)
9. Amazing Grace
10. Long Black Train (Live From Gaither Studios)
11. Doxology
12. Me And God (Live From Gaither Studios)
September 29, 2018 @ 9:44 am
It is amazing that Josh could release his last album right as he hit #1 with Hometown Girl, yet get absolutely zero traction on a follow up single. Freaking radio
September 30, 2018 @ 10:11 pm
“All About You” was a lousy single choice. I was shocked when i saw they released that to radio instead of “Beach Bums” which i was for sure would be the 3rd single…looks like itll never see radio now..
September 29, 2018 @ 10:17 am
You can count me among those who have been waiting anxiously for Josh to release a gospel album. He really is the closest thing we have to a Randy Travis right now in the mainstream, albeit a mainstream that is increasingly lukewarm about him and the likes of him. Randy gave us some of the best country gospel — on his album, Rise and Shine, for example — in the history of country music, and I expect the same from Josh. As someone who was also born in Florence County, South Carolina, he does us proud.
September 29, 2018 @ 10:40 am
Just like steel guitar, Gospel is an essential element to country music that has been excommunicated from the mainstream in recent history. Hank Williams and Johnny Cash recorded a Gospel song for every three or four country songs they cut. The only mainstream artist I know that has cut a Gospel album recently is Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum. Wade Bowen also deserves props for doing a Gospel record for his mother. And one thing about Gospel albums is they tend to sell well because the fans really support them. Wouldn’t be surprised if this new album sells as many as “Deep South.”
September 29, 2018 @ 12:20 pm
Well Trig, let’s hope your reaction to steel isn’t the same as with gospel, cuz that just wouldn’t be appropriate, bro.
September 29, 2018 @ 10:54 am
I need another version of these gospel songs like I need more versions of Christmas music. When there’s nothing left to do, sing about Jesus.
September 29, 2018 @ 10:58 am
This just looks like a rejects Cracker Barrel exclusive.
September 29, 2018 @ 11:33 am
Well, he is still “workin’ for MCA”.
They only see risk averse dollar signs.
I hear you, though. There’s so much artistic gold floating around these days that just needs a voice to bring it to life, but we’re stuck with the same old horses that they beat to death.
September 29, 2018 @ 12:05 pm
I can appreciate if some folks aren’t into Gospel music, but this seems like an especially callous take about a record Turner has said he’s wanted to cut for years and is very personal to him. Even if you don’t like Turner or Gospel music, the fact that a record like this can get made and released I think is a positive sign that things are beginning to open up again at MCA Nashville. I personally am not super excited for the record, though I look forward to hearing it. But I am super excited for Josh.
September 29, 2018 @ 12:33 pm
I thought country artists who couldn’t get played on country radio putting out Gospel albums was the latest trend (see Reba). Although I find Reba’s Gospel album obvious pandering, I think she put in a stronger effort that Turner.
Turner’s album has two live tracks (he didn’t even have to step in the studio) and two recycled hits.
September 29, 2018 @ 12:50 pm
Let’s wait until the album is released before we make such pronouncements. At least that’s my plan. I read track lists. I listen to albums.
September 30, 2018 @ 6:35 am
It was probably part of the price he had to pay to have MCA finally green light the project.
September 30, 2018 @ 2:49 pm
@Hoptowntiger
If you can’t say anything nice about people don’t say anything at all. Didn’t your mother teach you manners?
October 1, 2018 @ 8:21 am
No. But my grandma taught me how to make jello salad!
October 2, 2018 @ 5:10 am
What? No recipe? You’re slipping…
September 29, 2018 @ 11:55 am
Trig, I would like to nominate Evergreen by Michigan Rattlers for your consideration for a.o.y.
September 29, 2018 @ 12:31 pm
I have no doubt this will be a superb record . How could it not be with THAT voice ?
As an aside , I have often wondered what keeps an artist like this afloat financially when their career is in limbo for 6 years or more . I never hear of or see Josh touring …never hear of him guesting on a record or writing for anyone else . Where does revenue come from ? Did his 2012 album do THAT well that he could coast on its revenue all that time ? I know the label fronts recording and advertising costs for a project . But for six years Josh hand no ‘project’ it seemed . I mean ……did he grab a part time job pumping gas…….or ..?
September 30, 2018 @ 5:24 am
He’s actually been touring pretty consistently the last few years. He’s doing what a lot of other artists do now where instead of mapping out a month long tour, they do Thursday-Friday-Saturday shows in various places with no real tour routing schedule. He doesn’t draw a particularly young crowd, and probably knows he would have trouble filling a club or theatre on a Tuesday night, so doing the weekend circuit works best.
I just wish I could catch him doing a headline show in a club or a theatre! Every time he comes to the Tampa area, he’s playing an outdoor festival, no intimacy.
September 30, 2018 @ 6:32 am
The lifestyle of the artist makes a big difference. Josh Turner undoubtedly lives comfortably, but he doesnt drive brand new cars, spend BIG money, and live in a mansion. He probably had made a couple million dollars up to and around the time of Punching Bag. Are you telling me you couldn’t live 6 years with a couple million in the bank?
September 30, 2018 @ 7:12 pm
I guess I’m surprised at the ‘ couple of million dollars ‘ estimate you refer to above . But you may be absolutely right about that, Benjamin. And the answer to your question is YES ….I’d have to pace my visits to the Dairy Queen…. but yes …I could eke by on a couple of million dollars for 5 or 6 years , I guess .
September 30, 2018 @ 7:44 pm
I’m not saying he made a couple million dollars due solely to Punching Bag, but he was quite deep into his career at that point, already having heads like long black train and would you go with me. Plus many successful albums prior to punching bag. So I definitely believe that he had a couple million dollars to survive on
September 30, 2018 @ 8:13 pm
Go back and listen to Natalie maines interview with Barbara Walters. At that point she didn’t even have a million in the bank. First two albums went diamond before they renegotiated their contract and sued the label.
You don’t know the realities of an artist if you think he has a couple million in the bank. The A class artists would but not where he’s at.
How many records do you have to sell to even break even as an artist? A whole bunch.
Maybe $300,00-500,000 per album. Almost a million per song on radio. Tour bus, band, diesel fuel, driver etc
October 1, 2018 @ 12:51 pm
I would think that some artist are smart enough to invest their money in other businesses. Most of them have interests and friends/business acquaintances outside of their singing career. This is probably not his only source of income.
October 2, 2018 @ 11:07 am
Josh has been on tour constantly! I saw him last November promoting Deep South, every song is fantastic! But I am a huge Josh Turner fan! He still is touring , check online it has his tour schedule
September 29, 2018 @ 12:54 pm
Besdies Country,I also like Southern gospel (Which is Country gospel).Southern gospel has a country sound,so IMO,it fits the Country Music format.Espically Traditional Country music.
Lots of country stars have recorded gospel projects over the years.Loretta,Dolly,Gene Watson,Merle Haggard,George Jones,Tammy Wynette,Alan Jackson,etc.just to name a few.Not to mention,various Country stars have had gospel songs featured on their TV shows over the years,like Johnny Cash,Barbra Mandrell,Porter Wagoner,Marty Stuart,etc.And many of the former Nashville Network TV shows have featured gospel on their Country shows.And,even though it’s been awhile,I can remember the Grand ole Opry having gospel acts on their shows too.
Lynn Anderson’s last CD project was a gospel CD,before she passed.
I have no doubt Josh’s gospel CD will be great.His Country CD’s are.I met Josh @ one of his concerts once,and the first thing I said was thanks for real Country music.He was real nice.
Thanks Kyle for this feature on Josh’s gospel project.Please do more on Country stars gospel CD’s in the future.
September 29, 2018 @ 1:03 pm
I was going to ask what were the greatest gospel albums done by country artists. In my time, the biggest commercial succes was Alan Jackson (the first one). Did Martina McBride do one? I feel this would be right up her alley.
September 29, 2018 @ 9:51 pm
I’m not sure I’m ready to argue for the greatest gospel albums done by country artists, as my experience is only with recent (last 20 years or so) releases.
However, Alan Jackson’s Precious Memories is great. I’d also recommend Joey+Rory’s Hymns That Important to Us, especially when considered in what they were going through at that time. And, not really a country artist, but CCM stalwart Steven Curtis Chapman released a bluegrass rooted hymns project on the Cracker Barrel label called Deep Roots that is well done.
October 1, 2018 @ 5:36 am
Marty’s gospel album is outstanding. If you haven’t already seen them, the videos of his appearances on the Gaither circuit are so good.
September 29, 2018 @ 1:14 pm
I will agree Martina would do great on a gospel CD.So would Sara Evans.
Loretta’s gospel CD’s were : Hyms,Who Says god Is Dead,God Bless America Again,All Time gospel favorites,etc.Dolly’s gospel project’s were: golden Streets of glory,plus another one that I can’t remeber the title to.Gene Watson released his second gospel project with hymns,which you can find out more about on his website http://www.genewatsonmusic.com
Anyway,those are a few titles I can remember off the top of my head.I know there are more out there.
Even Elvis,while he was the king of rock and roll,recorded some real country and gospel projects over the years.
I agree with what someone told me,that Gospel and Country are like second cousins.
I mentioned Porter Wagoner’s TV show earlier,tune in to watch the repeats of his old shows on RFD-TV.9 times out of 10 you will see someone do a gospel son on the show.
September 29, 2018 @ 1:15 pm
Sorry for the typing errors.
September 29, 2018 @ 1:17 pm
Something else: Even Hee-Haw featured a gospel song on thier TV shows when it was on.
September 30, 2018 @ 6:34 am
Just using your comments as a segue into mine-
When I was a kid- a loooong time ago, most radio programs I heard were “Country and Western” in a 30 minute format and always ended with a “gospel” tune. Most older southern performers grew up participating at church and were influenced by gospel music. Elvis was one of the best at music interpretation of any genre, especially gospel, and anyone with a soul who is not moved by gospel music is a cold fish. This from a man who despises religion, but enjoys gospel music and its ability to stir emotion, which is what makes “music” in general worth having.
As for this release- the song presented is pretty good and the voice excellent.
September 29, 2018 @ 1:46 pm
Really like his voice but it’s just not a genre I’m in too. Hope he does well though.
September 29, 2018 @ 3:09 pm
Such an underrated artist. Love his tunes.
Glad he has an original song on it too.
Hope to get a Christmas album next
September 29, 2018 @ 3:11 pm
Josh Turner, Billy Currington, Rodney Atkins , Easton Corbin.. All severely underrated artists who miraculously have continuously#1 hits on radio but seem to never draw a large crowd or label support
September 29, 2018 @ 3:58 pm
I believe guitarist Kenny Greenberg produced this album. Greenberg’s wife, artist Ashley Cleveland , has won Grammy’s in the Gospel/Rock category that he also produced.
October 1, 2018 @ 1:26 pm
I’ve driven great distances to see Ashley Cleveland, because, unlike just about everyone else in country or gospel music, etc., she doesn’t ever seem to play venues convenient to me, and am going to do so again, when she plays two states away in a couple of weeks. she’s one of the most underrated singers alive.
September 29, 2018 @ 6:24 pm
Josh has one of the best pure country voices that has ever been heard and he deserves to be heard on the radio and on CMT, unlike Sam Hunt and the rest of the sound alikes.
September 29, 2018 @ 7:17 pm
this is MOST excellent! I love Turner. Seen him live several times. Amazing artist with a great voice. i also LOOOOOOOVE good gospel music. I listen to a lot of old a capella spirituals from the deep south, as well. I’m not a religious man but i love the music when it is done right. very excited for this! and right in time for the holidays! 🙂
October 1, 2018 @ 4:06 pm
I totally agree I wish we could share more about Josh .there are lots of people that has never heard of him ‘ I didn’t until the summer of 2017 ‘I checked to see who sang Why Don’t We Just Dance ,Then I got hooked and have been playing his music EVERYDAY ever sense. I am impatiently waiting for my I Serve A Savior DVD /CD to arrive I have all his cd and love them all .JOSH IS A REAL COUNTRY SUPERSTAR the best there is and ever will be
September 30, 2018 @ 6:38 am
Well, as the resident big Josh Turner fan, I have been waiting years for this record. Next up, is the duet album with Randy Travis.
They did a TV special together. You can found the clips on YouTube. Great stuff from two incredible singers.
September 30, 2018 @ 6:41 am
I still can’t believe I went off to college and graduated between Josh Turner albums. MCA really derailed his career along with Bro-Country. Turner is a superstar if he started in the 90s.
September 30, 2018 @ 11:35 am
I might add,Marty Raybon of Shenandoah record a solo gospel project a few years back.As did Ricky Skaggs and the Whites.
A few more examples of country singers doing gospel projects.
September 30, 2018 @ 7:19 pm
The White’ gospel record is among my favourite albums no matter the genre . I’m not what most folks would consider a religious man . But I’m a music fan and that record is riddled with GREAT writes and delivered with superb , understated conviction musically and vocally . In fact at work last week I played it through several times and reacquainted myself with it . A beautiful effort .
September 30, 2018 @ 7:31 pm
Ricky Van Shelton made a couple Gospel albums.
September 30, 2018 @ 8:05 pm
And this is what the fans want, regardless of mindless radio.
October 1, 2018 @ 7:40 am
Thank you, Kanye. Very cool!
BUT for real: Josh Turner was my first concert as a tiny little TwoShirts when Mama TwoShirts took me to see Turner open for Sara Evans. As a little feller I sure enjoyed the model trains, still have them set up in three rooms of the house! used to be four but the lady of the TwoShirts house had a movie night for the Church youth and I didn’t want the little tykes messing with the trains. Anyway I sure loved “Long Black Train” as a kid, one of my favorite songs, so I don’t really remember Sara Evans… For that matter I don’t really remember much of Josh Turner at all,
As a grouchy adult TwoShirts the memory has not aged well BUT
I still have the autographed shirt, although the autograph itself has faded a bit! It joins the soft rabbit furs that line the bottom of my socks and personal items drawer and yes I mean personal items like collectible rubix cubes and keychains and my flashdrives which all go in one drawer in my chest of drawers. As of a year or so ago I could still fit into it!
When I was probably… ten or so, or maybe nine soon to turn ten, I had a very specific routine. I watched the last few episodes of Mattimeo every night, and played the Your Man album every night when I was trying to sleep. Which reminds me! I forgot about this until I was typing this comment, once upon a time my bed was in a different spot in my room (I’ve been in the same room a long time)
In high school I did a project for a class about the song “Everything is Fine”
As an adult i find there’s so many better things to listen to, like Narvel Felts, Don Walser and Kenny Price, but while Blessid Union of Souls and Crush 40 have gone pretty well out of style when I turned into a full-grown TwoShirts I always find time to enjoy some Josh Turner.
Punching Bag makes me very happy BECAUSE of how much personal effort he put into making sure that traditional Country was well represented. Skaggs and Marty Stuart never go out of style. ALSO I always did enjoy his song with Dr. Ralph Stanley, and this was before I knew about the Stanley Brothers.
For anyone who hasn’t bought his Live! at the Opry album: do it.
October 2, 2018 @ 7:51 am
I’m not religious, but I’m very interested to hear his take on these songs. That big, deep voice seems made to deliver on tracks like these. Good for him on finally releasing a project he’s so proud of and passionate about.
October 2, 2018 @ 4:17 pm
I’m anxious to hear the 2 songs with Sonya Isaacs. That lady can sing.