Rural Rhythm Records release - “God’s Masterpiece” from The Marksmen is among the top five nominees for Bluegrass Album of the Year.
The Gospel Music Association announced the nominees for the 39th Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards Feb. 14 in Nashville.
The Marksmen Quartet just celebrated their 40th Anniversary in the industry and this project marks the group’s first Dove nomination.
“It is such an honor to be included with these great artists,” said Earle Wheeler, quartet leader. “While awards and nominations help to cheer our spirits and encourage us, the focus and purpose of what we do each week is to share God’s message in song and word wherever He allows us to go.
“With that in mind it sure won’t hurt my feelings a bit if the GMA members remember us when it comes time to vote,” he said jokingly.
Also included in the category are “Lifetimes” by Little Roy Lewis, Earl Scruggs, Lizzy Long; produced by Wayne Haun and Kevin Ward for Vine Records; “Salt Of The Earth” by Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, produced by Ricky Skaggs & The Whites for Skaggs Family Records; “Tell Someone” by Kenny & Amanda Smith Band, produced by Kenny and Amanda Smith Band for Rebel Records; “Where No One Stands Alone” by Paul Williams and The Victory Trio, produced by Paul Williams for Rebel Records.
Earle’s son Mark Wheeler, lead singer and guitarist for The Marksmen, produced “God’s Masterpiece.
“This is a project I have always wanted to do,” Mark said. “When it came together and I finally heard the completed version, I knew this is the project that all the years and miles that The Marksmen have traveled is for — to share His word and His music through this soul-stirring CD and DVD.
“I am deeply touched that the members of the GMA have nominated our efforts along side musical heroes such as Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, Little Roy Lewis, Earl Scruggs and all these other talented performers,” he said. “No matter the final outcome it means so much to have our group stand side by side with these monumental talents. It is a blessing that I never could have imagined. I thank God for opening these doors to us.”
The Marksmen also include Darrin Chambers Davey Waller, and Mark Autry.
“God’s Masterpiece” is available at Wal-Mart, Borders, Hastings Books and Music, Amazon.com, iTunes and other retailers.
For more information about The Marksmen Quartet visit, marksmenquartet.com. or Rural Rhythm Records, RuralRhythm.com.
The GMA Dove Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House on the Gospel Music Channel from 8 – 10 p.m. (ET/PT) on Wednesday, April 23, 2008.