Yes! You all saw the press release we forwarded out. The new CD is here and I’m really excited about it. I’ve had a lot of very positive feedback on it…and I’m really excited for folks to take a listen. You can hear some samples on our music page and can even order your copy from there. Take a listen…let me know what you think!

We actually just got the 1st “official” review from the Gospel Music Times publication. The reviewer was very good and offered several thoughts on what he liked and didn’t. I actually really like to have folks give me their thoughts. I always want to learn and make the next project that much better…so that’s a great way for me to get ideas. When you get a chance…take a look at his review.

It’s almost time for NQC and we’re pumped and ready to go! We’ve got so many things lined up this year, it’s going to be a really busy time. You can check out my NQC schedule on the web site. I’ll be doing several performances while there, as well as Emcee duties for The Angelic Showcase running Tuesday through Friday. On the Friday showcase, I’ll be co-hosting the 1st EVER Solo Showcase at NQC. This event will be a spotlight on some great solo artists and will feature a Soloist panel to offer constructive feedback to the artists participating. The one and only Kenny Bishop will by my co-host, and the panel will be made of several artists and industry leaders. I’m very excited about this time..and hope that many of you will join us for the event. We’ll be in booth 813 and 815 for the week, and the showcase will be held at the Executive Inn just outside the entrance to the Fair and Expo center. Be sure to come out and join us for some great times.

This weekend we’ll be in Saint Marys Ohio at Living Hope Assembly. The Pastor of this church is a guy that I went to high school with and traveled around the country playing and singing music with. Randy McKinney was my best friend when we were teens…and he’s got a great church there in Saint Marys. Service starts at 10am. Please come be with us if you are close. If you’re not close…start driving now.

A reminder to be sure and call and request songs from the brand new CD! Please take a minute RIGHT NOW to send an e-mail By CLICKING HERE, and ask them to play ANYTHING by Rod Burton!

Remember to go by and visit my friends over at iPodJuice! They’ve been amazing to this ministry, they’ve allowed us a chance to do so many thing, so be sure to visit them and share their info with all your iPod friends. Remember too…just enter RODBURTON at checkout for a great discount!

The last thing I’d ask you to remember are some special prayer requests. I won’t go into all the detail, but we know several families and several friends who are facing some very difficult trials right now. Just remember to say a little prayer for them…for strength, courage and comfort.

Till next time…

Blessing!

Rod

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOMEWOOD, Ill. – Eddie Crook Company and Morning Star Records recording artist Rod Burton recently released his brand new recording – Walking In the Light.

Walking In the Light was produced by industry veteran Eddie Crook with Rod Burton and Dave Wilcox providing executive production duties.  Adrian Payne was the vocal producer for the recording.

Vocals for the new album were recorded at Hilltop Studios where Anthony Johnson and Adrian Payne engineered.  Walking In the Light was mastered at A2Z.

Rod Burton said, “The songs on this recording speak from a heart that has walked in darkness.  They speak from a soul that has found itself lost and away from God but by His grace has been restored and is now able to walk in His great light and love. I pray that the messages contained in these songs will challenge and encourage you to know that no matter how dark your path becomes, He is faithful to lead you through.”

Walking In the Light features songs written by some of the industry’s most sought-after songwriters such as Larry Petree, Tim & Lana Chandler, Sylvia Green, Rich Adkins, Michael Frost, and more. 

In addition, Eddie Crook, Gary Lunn, Kelly Back, Aaron Minick, and Mike Douchette played on the recording.

The Michael Frost-penned “That’s How a Miracle Feels” will be Rod’s first single from the album.  “That’s How a Miracle Feels” will be released to Southern Gospel radio through the Eddie Crook Company and promoted to radio with Phillip Emery and DJ Man Promotions.

Rod will have a busy week during the National Quartet Convention.  Rod will serve as host of the Angelic Talent Agency’s annual showcase – which will expand to four days this year.  Also, Rod will host the first ever Soloist Showcase on Friday, September 12, 2008.  In addition, he will appear on the Regional Artist Showcase on Tuesday of the Convention.

Rod will also perform on the Southern Spin Entertainment Showcase on Thursday, September 11, 2008 in the Executive Inn in Louisville, Kentucky during the week of the National Quartet Convention.

Rod recently unveiled his brand new, fully updated website in time for the release of his much anticipated new recording – Walking In the Light.  For more information on Rod Burton – visit http://www.rodburtonmusic.com.

Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc.  Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.

About Rod Burton
Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s fastest rising soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country.  Rod released his Morning Star Records album, Walking In the Light recently.  His current single is “That’s How a Miracle Feels.”

Rod Burton’s ministry is sponsored by iPod Juice. iPodJuice is a San Antonio-based company that offers kits allowing people to replace the battery in their iPod in a matter of minutes.  They can also replace the battery for customers that would rather outsource the entire job. More information on iPodJuice can be found at http://www.ipodjuice.com/ipod-mini-battery-replacement-products.htm.

And now…a note from me!

I have received several e-mails and notes over the last couple of weeks from people who just wanted to let me know how my songs have touched their lives. I can’t tell you how much it means for someone to say that a song they’re hearing is having an impact on their hearts. I so appreciate those notes and letters, please keep them coming!

The new CD is already being delivered to several radio stations and has already been sent to XM. Speaking of XM, we are getting a lot of airplay and hearing from several folks who have heard my songs there. So be sure and send an e-mail BY CLICKING HERE and ask Marlin and the gang to play the new CD as well. Also tell them what a great job they’re doing at XM Enlighten 34!

Remember my friends over at iPodJuice! They’ve been amazing to this ministry…so be sure to visit them and share their info with all your iPod friends. Remember too…just enter RODBURTON at checkout for a great discount!

Till next time….

Blessings,

–
Rod
 
www.rodburtonmusic.com
http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic
http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc
http://xianz.com/Rod_Burton

Hey there folks…hope everyone is doing well!

Actually…the new CD is not QUITE here…but I’m promised I will have some of them in hand this weekend. So…for those who have pre-ordered…they’ll be shipped when we get back in town on Monday. For those who have not pre-ordered yet…there’s still time to head over to the web site…put your order in and we’ll get them in the mail to you on Monday!

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. We had this past weekend off which was a real blessing. Miranda came down with a virus a couple of weeks ago and ended up in the hospital overnight for de-hydration. While she bounced back pretty well and we headed out for the weekend…the rest of us were on our way to various illnesses as well. I ended up with a sinus and ear infections…which tend to make it a little tough to sing. So I’m happy we had this past weekend to get better, and now we’re all ready to go!

Our last weekend out was to be a concert with Griffith and Company and a Sunday morning in Joy Illinois. The trip to Joy was fun…except for the small country roads and the sheets of rain at midnight making it hard to see the small country roads. We made it though…and even got a little sleep. We had a great time with the folks there at Grace Chapel and look forward to being back with them again. The Griffith and Company concert had a few problems in that G&C had a bus break down. Tony called me earlier in the day and they were stuck. But…we went on and had a great service at Fellowship Baptist. The next concert there is coming up on the 9th…more about that in a bit.

This weekend we’re headed to Marion Indiana for the Northern Singing Convention with The Northmen and a whole slew of other folks. Then Sunday morning we’ll be at the Calvary Assemblies there in Marion. If you’re close…be sure to come by and see us. That’ll be the first location that we’ll have the new CD project so come on by and pick one up!

The weekend of the 9th is a very special time for us. We’ll be holding the 2nd annual Homecoming service at The Fellowship Baptist Church in Chicago Heights, IL. This will be a great time and our special guests will be The Jay Stone Singers from Hope Mills, NC. In addition…this will also be Kaity’s dedication service, to give back to God the incredible miracle He’s given to us. If you’re close…please be sure and come join us. If you’re not close…start driving early!

My latest single “It’s Wonderful To Know” was up to # 13 this past week on one top 40 chart…so I’m very happy with how it’s being received. We’re still getting a lot of play over at XM as well. Recently released statistics show that at any give time, more than 40 thousand people across the nation are listening to Enlighten on XM34. That’s 40K people hearing my songs at one time…which is just amazing to me. Please be sure to take just a minute and shoot an e-mail to the folks at XM…let them know how much you appreciate what they’ve done for Christian music…and while you’re at it, ask them to play another song by Rod Burton. Just CLICK HERE and send a note to Marlin.

We’re in full prep mode for the National Quartet Convention. This year will be the 51st year for this event, and it’s expected to be bigger and better than ever. I’ll be sharing more about it as we get closer to the kickoff on September 8th. As of now, I’ll be the emcee for The Angelic Showcase Tuesday through Friday; I’ll be performing on a Regional Artist Showcase on Tuesday; The Southern Spin Showcase on Thursday and will be co-hosting the 1st ever Soloist Showcase on Friday morning with Mr. Kenny Bishop! It’s going to be a busy week….but I’m very excited about it.

Finally…let me leave you with this thought. Everyday we cross paths with people who are hurting, confused and lost. These people are facing trials, medical issues, loss…who knows, yet they continue to walk through life often with no hope of seeing a bright sunrise. Many times these people have few connections that can offer them a glimmer of hope…or even have people who are close that can offer support and feed them positive and uplifting encouragement. As Christians we are often the only light that ever shines in their world. How many times this past week have you missed an opportunity to just give a word of encouragement to someone? How many times have you missed the chance just to give a smile. Take time in your sphere of influence to impact those around you. Even if it’s just a nice comment or quick exchange…it might just make a difference to someone else in a way that you can’t imagine. That’s one of our jobs here in this life. Carry the love that Jesus has placed in your heart…and share it with those around you. They may not think like you do….may not all believe like you do…but you can still share a joy with them that may just change their lives.

So…do your job….love somebody!

Remember my friends over at iPodJuice! They’ve been amazing to this ministry…so be sure to visit them and share their info with all your iPod friends. Remember too…just enter RODBURTON at checkout for a great discount!

Till next time….

HOMEWOOD, Ill. – Eddie Crook Company and Morning Star Records recording artist Rod Burton is proud to announce his partnership with the Angelic Talent Agency to host the first ever Soloist Showcase at the upcoming National Quartet Convention.

The showcase will feature 12 of the industry’s best soloists. The showcase has already confirmed Rod Burton and Kenny Bishop as featured performers. Each artist will also receive a written response and feedback on his or her performance by an industry leader and/or professional.

“Being a soloist, I know the burden of trying to make a lasting impression in an industry that is so group focused,” said Rod Burton. “I wanted to be a part of something that would allow soloists a chance to really shine. I am excited about this showcase and the opportunities that it will present to many fantastic soloists in this industry.”

The inaugural Soloist Showcase will take place on Friday, September 12, 2008 during the week of the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The showcase will be held at the Executive Inn and run from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

For more information on the Soloist Showcase, visit http://www.angelicshowcase.com.

Rod Burton will once again partner with Angelic Talent Agency as the host of their annual showcase during the week of the National Quartet Convention this September in Louisville, Kentucky. This year, the showcase will expand from two days to four days and will be held in two locations – ultimately featuring over 70 Southern Gospel artists.

Fans are encouraged to call their local radio station and request Rod’s current Top 40 single, “It’s Wonderful to Know”.

Rod recently unveiled his brand new, fully updated website in time for the release of his much anticipated new recording – Walking In the Light. For more information on Rod Burton – visit http://www.rodburtonmusic.com.

Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc. Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.

About Rod Burton

Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s fastest rising soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country. Rod released his Morning Star Records debut, By His Grace, in the spring of 2007. His current single is “It’s Wonderful to Know.”

Hey there folks!

I hope that everyone is having a great summer! We’ve been very busy, but we are managing a little fun here and there. We were able to spend a few days with some great friends of ours down in North Carolina. The Jay Stone Singers have been very good friends to us and we sure do appreciate Bobby and Sharona having us down to visit.

This past week we were able to finish up the new CD! I’m so excited about this new project. There are so many songs about our daily walk and how sometimes, it’s not a great one. But we have an assurance that He is there and that His love will get us into the Light. The title is ‘Walking In The Light’ and I just know it’s going to be a blessing to you. I really think the song selection, arrangements and even the vocals are just a step up from the last project; and that is exactly what I was hoping for. We should have the new CDs here in just a few weeks…but you can pre-order yours NOW by clicking on our STORE. I’m looking forward to having folks listen and give me their feedback. I really think you’re going to like it. There will be several new singles of this project I think. The title track is such a positive and uplifting song of hope and victory. There’s a song called “The Other Side” that says no matter what your battle, God will lead you through. There are a couple of songs of restoration and that talks about how a miracle feels! And the final track is one that means so much to me. “I’ll See You In The Rapture” was the song Charles Feltner was known best for. It has an amazing promise of tomorrow, and it means a lot to me to be able to share this song with a whole new set of listeners. Keep checking the site…there will be music clips up as soon as we can get them there.

While you’re there…check out the NEW WEB SITE! Yep…that’s right, we’ve revamped the whole site. My webmaster is a genius and incredibly creative. She’s also beautiful and a great mom, oh…and she’s my wife! Kelly did a great job of redesigning the whole site, just click HERE to take a look.  There are lots of places to look around and we’ll be adding lots of pictures here soon.

The latest single “It’s Wonderful To Know” continues to do well on radio. I’ve been on the top 40 chart at SGN for close to 3 months and just last week I broke the top 20 over at the Gospel Music Times chart. This is such an honor for me and I’m so glad that people are being blessed by this song. As we were driving to Nashville this past weekend Kelly and I were talking about some random subject, when all of a sudden she heard a song coming out of the radio. As she looked at the XM dial…yep, it was me! She got so excited she took pictures with her phone and started sending them out. This was the first time she’d actually just been driving along and the song came on XM. That’s the beauty of this radio station…they can be heard all over the country and my songs get a chance to be heard by millions of people. So…take a quick second and click HERE to send XM an e-mail. Ask them to play more of my songs, and thank them for all their work.

As we celebrate this holiday…please be sure to keep our country in your prayers. I believe we’re entering into one of the most significant periods in our lives. Our leaders…no matter who they are, need prayer. Our nation…no matter how strong it is, needs the supreme guidance of a merciful God. Our focus needs to be now more than ever on where He would lead us in the days ahead. Pray for those who put their lives on the line daily to protect what we so easily have come to expect. Keep their families in your prayer, and keep America in your prayers. This is one nation, under God…and we need to keep it that way!

Hope to see you soon…check the schedule page for new dates! Also…be sure to go over and visit the folks at iPodJuice. Tell them how much you appreciate their support of my ministry, and give them a change to meet all your iPod needs!

Till next time….

Blessings,

Rod

Hey there folks!

Yes…I know. It’s been a while. But things have just been hopping so much…there’s just been little time to write! We’re really excited about some amazing things that God is doing…and continually humbled by the opportunities we’re given, and the learning experiences we get to be a part of!

We’re almost done with the new CD! “Walking In The Light” will get the final mix on the 30th of this month and all the art work will be complete this week. I SHOULD have it back in hand no later than mid July. I’m really excited about several songs on the new CD, and really looking forward to your feedback. Most of all, I’m anxious to have folks listen and be blessed.

The last few weeks have been very exciting. We’ve been to several states and had the opportunity to minister and share with folks all over. We’ve had the chance to meet a lot of new friends, and make a lot of new contacts in the ‘business’ side of this effort. The bus is running great and I’m forever thankful for what it allows us to do. Yes…fuel is an issue. At $4.40 or so a gallon, it can get expensive. But it seems that no matter what, God makes a way. The most amazing times recently have centered on being able to really share my heart with people. I love to sing…and will sing all day if you’d like. But I really enjoy those times between the music when I’m able just to open my heart and allow God to use me.

As for the learning times…they never end. There are many that are serious things…like dealing with people who are hurting or have needs. Then there are those that are important experiences…like learning how to replace fuses on the bus! Finally….there are those funny things as well. We were in Cave City Kentucky a few weeks back when Kelly got up on a Friday morning and wanted to get ready. We’d decided that it would be an easy day…just enjoy and have fun till the concert that night. Kelly opened her closet on the bus…looked in, closed the door and asked; “Where are my clothes”? She then looked in another closet and asked the same question. I obviously had the ‘uh-oh’ look on my face and sheepishly asked; “Well where were they last time you saw them?”. That my friends…was not the correct way to handle this situation. She was quick to tell me they were hanging on the closet door in our room at home, right next to where my clothes had been….which were now in my closet. Furthermore, they were exactly where she told me they’d be, when she reminded me to load them on the bus. Being a wise man who knows when I’m in a corner, I quickly apologized and asked exactly where she’d like to go shopping for the weekend wardrobe. I may have made the mistake, but I was not ignorant enough to try and justify it!

My single is still doing well on several charts. “It’s Wonderful To Know” wound up at number 27 this past week on one poll, I’m thrilled to see that it’s being so well received. We’re still getting a lot of play on XM Radio as well. The folks there do a great job of keeping Gospel Music running 24×7 all across the country. I’ve had folks from all over tell me they’ve heard my songs there, so make sure you keep requesting that they play them! As a matter of fact…why not take just a minute and send an e-mail HERE to Marlin…asking him to play songs by Rod Burton. Also let him know you appreciate XM radio and Enlighten 34 for keeping good music available!

All the family is doing well. Kelly has been working on several new websites for other groups in the industry. She’s also working on all the art work for the new CD project. The kids are all doing great as well. We’re even managing to squeeze in a little vacation time here over the next week or so. Please continue to keep us in prayer. More than anything else, I want to be where God wants me to be. I want to be open to His lead…and not my wants. Please pray that we’ll be faithful and wise in all that we do. Please continue to pray for support and finances. As I said…fuel prices are hurting everyone, but we’ve got work to do. If you’re still considering being a partner with us, go to the website and click on the support page (http://www.rodburtonmusic.com/thelatest/?page_id=73). Here you can pledge a one time or a monthly gift of support. All donations that are made to Almost Home Music are tax deductible, and will certainly help us keep going. And just to remind you…if you commit at least $25 per month for a year or a $300 one time gift, you’ll get a signed copy of the new CD sent to you as soon as we get them in hand.

Finally let me leave you with this thought. While we were traveling over the last few weeks, Kelly read a news break about the death of Steven Curtis Chapmans little 5 year old daughter. She was killed when her older brother accidently backed over her in the driveway of their home. It’s a horrible story that gets repeated all over the country, and something this family will never fully recover from. Since the accident though…there have been several reports of how they handle things and move through the stages of restoration. While nothing about it is easy, they’ve been an incredible example to the world about the sustaining grace and comfort that God will bring. Even though their hearts are crushed, there’s a work to do and a call to fulfill. I’ve seen this kind of strength and surrender to God a few times in my life, and it never ceases to humble and amaze me. I saw people who were not only friends of mine but also my pastors stand beside the casket of their 17 year old daughter several years ago. She had been tragically killed in an auto accident…and their world was destroyed. She was a very special person to me…and I couldn’t imagine how hard it was for them. But as we stood at those services, I was amazed that they were holding people up. They were comforting me…about my loss, about my hurt. They were totally yielding themselves to God…and allowing their tragedy to be used as a tool to reach out to others. I never forgot that…and I never will. Examples like these should serve as a reminder to us about who we serve. Do we really believe all that stuff about His grace being sufficient? Is He really “All I Need”? It’s easy to sing those songs in the high times…when everything is going just right. It’s much harder to sing songs of hope and inspiration, when the world around you is falling apart. But if we really believe that He is our strength, His love never fails, then our worries and our problems…real as they are, have to pale in the shadow of His great light. While it would have been easier for Steven or for my pastors to just give up and wallow in their misery, they new that the God they serve was still in control and still had a work for them to do. Our prayers are with the Chapman family…and with all those who suffer incredible loss and strife.

So…until next time…please be sure and pass along to everyone about upcoming concerts and events that we’ll be a part of. We just have a few more dates in 2008 that are not committed, and we’ll be starting on 2009 very soon. Also be sure to pass the story of iPod Juice to all your friends and family. They’re an incredible blessing to this ministry…and I want to tell everyone about them!

Blessings,

–
Rod

Hey local friends!
As you may have noticed, Rod spends way more time singing out of town than in town, but thanks to Pastor Ron Long and the good folks at Fellowship Baptist Church, southern gospel is coming to the (waaaaay) south side of Chicago this summer. FBC and Rod will be hosting four different SG groups this summer, and Rod will be singing at each event as well.

First one up is coming Saturday, June 28 at 6pm and features the Minister’s Quartet. These concerts are free (an offering will be taken to cover expenses, especially for the groups traveling from out of town), and there will be refreshments served after. This is a lovely way to spend a summer evening, but… We need YOUR HELP to promote these events and get people in the seats.

Please download and print this flyer (requires Adobe Reader) and hang up in your local library, cafes, grocery stores, and bookstores. Distribute to family and friends and ask your Pastor to announce in the church bulletin. Let’s bring in as many people as we can not only to support Christan ministry but to reach our neighborhoods for Christ!

Please email or call us with any questions!
- Kelly

The Cover Boy!
Rod Burton
May 16, 2008

Hey there folks!

Hope things are going well for you. It’s been a busy time around here, and we might actually be getting close to seeing spring like weather. We haven’t seen snow here in a while, so that’s a good sign!

This past weekend was Mother’s Day and we had the chance to spend the morning with some new friends at the Black Oak Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. These folks were so kind to us and treated us very well. We met some wonderful people and their Pastor was one of the most Pentecostal Baptist preachers I’ve ever seen! It was a real blessing for us to be there, and we can’t wait to be back with them again sometime.

This weekend we’ll be in the SW Ohio area for a series of 3 concerts through the weekend. It’ll be great to see old friends and make some new ones as well. If you’re in the Monroe area on Saturday afternoon, we’ll be at Turtle Creek Market from 1-4pm at their main stage area. Sunday morning we’ll be with the folks at Healing Heart Church in Huber Heights, and Sunday at 2pm we’ll be at the Miamisburg Spring Fling festival at Library Park. Come on over and say hey!

Next week we’ll be heading for Nashville to finish the vocals on the new CD. The title will be “Walking In The Light” and features several new songs I think you’re going to like. As soon as we can get some samples up on the web-site, we’ll let you know. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we travel and as we do the work on the CD. I want to be sure that it’s something that will be used by God to touch people’s lives. We’ll also get to spend some time with some close friends from the Jay Stone Singers who will be helping with background vocals on the project. And as a special surprise…Kelly and Paige will also be doing some background vocals on one of the songs!

I was very excited and honored to be the cover story for the month of May on Gospel Music News. This publication is one of the largest in print media outlets for Gospel Music, and I’ve got the cover story as well as a full page ad about the new CD. Be sure to check it out at www.gospelmusicnews.org . We’ve got copies of the magazine available if you’re interested.

There are lots of great things going on in our ministry right now. Be sure to keep a check on the website for updates and new appearance dates. Be sure and forward this newsletter on to as many folks as you can, and tell them to sign up for themselves. If you’d like us to come and be with you at your church, just contact us and we’ll work it out. We do have a few dates still open this year…but not a lot (which is a great thing!). Also check out the new page at the website that allows you to give a tax deductible donation. Any help you can provide will be such a blessing to us. Lastly…be sure and contact your local radio stations and ask them to play “It’s Wonderful To Know” by Rod Burton. And…please take a minute RIGHT NOW to send an e-mail to XM Radio BY CLICKING HERE and ask them to play ANYTHING by Rod Burton. I really love Enlighten 34…be sure to tell Marlin and Dan how much you appreciate all the work they do.

Wanted to give you an update as well on the little baby we asked prayer for a few weeks back. Little Adam was born on March 31st and had to be transported to a children’s hospital with a host of issues. There was a period that things didn’t look good and his parents were told he was in a life critical place. This past week we were able to go to their house and hold little Adam, who is now incredibly healed by the power of God. He’s a cute little guy…with lots of hair and a very serious look! Thank you so much for your prayers, and thanks be to God for His healing power.

Last thing to leave you with…a story. This past weekend over at Black Oak Baptist we had the chance to meet a lot of great people as I mentioned. The Pastor was a real hoot…but the best story happened as he was greeting folks from the pulpit. There was an older lady who came in a little after service started and used a walker to take her seat in the row just ahead of me. She was obviously having a hard time getting around, but took her time and got settled in. The Pastor looked over and addressed her as “hey you”…then said “it’s good to see you here”. He then went on to add “the funeral home called, they’re looking for you”. Now this brought a laugh from most folks and kind of shocked me a bit. This little lady just smiled and responded that she still had some items in her bucket to complete before she kicked it. The Pastor teared up and struggled to continue to talk with her, emphasizing all along that he was not going to cry. After the service, he explained that this little lady he was picking on was his mother. She had been in the hospital for several weeks and was not expected to make it. This was her first day, Mother’s Day, back in church. He didn’t think she would be able to attend, and was surprised and a bit overwhelmed to see her come strolling in. God is good…and it was a good day.

Keep us in prayer…remember to pass the word along about our friends at iPodJuice! Click on the banner below for all your iPod needs!

Till next time,

Blessings!
–
Rod
 
www.rodburtonmusic.com
http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic
http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusic
http://xianz.com/Rod_Burton

Hey there folks! I hope that everyone is doing well and that you’ve been blessed beyond belief! It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve sent an update and I have several things to share with you!

We just got back from a great trip to Alabama. We stopped on the way down in Nashville and had dinner with Scotty Godsey of The Northmen and The Eddie Crook Company. Scott is a great friend and it’s always nice to spend time with him. We drove on down to Alabama and spent 3 action-packed days there:

Our first day we stopped by to visit Kayla at WVOB in Dothan, Alabama. We had an enjoyable conversation while she played several of our songs and told listeners about the concerts we had lined up. That night we were with some great folks over at The Klondyke Music Center in Ozark where Ron took really good care of us. The Klondyke Center is a wonderful and historic venue and we look forward to going back someday.

The second day we were over at the Lighthouse in Grimes. We had the chance to hear several wonderful singers and share in a sweet time in the Lord.

That Sunday we were with Pastor Tony Rosetta and the folks at the Eufaula UMC for their annual picnic. The resort area where the event was held was really nice. My only concern was when we pulled up in the bus to see the sign that said “Danger - Alligators Present!”. Now I of course asked if that was a real sign or just for show…it was quickly pointed out where some ‘gators had been seen just earlier that morning! But…we had a great time and some amazing food with these folks. Have any of y’all ever had a pineapple sandwich? Well, neither had I…but it’s made with pineapple, mayo, and bread, and it was incredible!

As this was the first trip with “Gracie” (the bus), it was certainly a time of learning. For instance…did y’all know that a gallon of milk in the refrigerator just might slide out onto the floor if you take a curve too fast? We didn’t either! We just naturally assumed that the door must not have been closed very well. So when the 2 gallon jug of water did the same thing a couple of hours later, we knew there was an issue! But a quick stop at the Walmart (our favorite on the road quick stop) provided some child proof cabinet locks that took care of the problem! Yes, there were several things learned about what you do and don’t do on a bus…I’ll share more later, especially the lesson about NOT backing up into areas that you can’t see at 11pm! Let’s just say it was a sticky situation!

On our way back we stopped again in Nashville to start working on the new CD. The title is going to be “Walking In The Light” and I’m really excited about the songs and the message. Each one of these songs is a testament to the victory we have in Jesus. The title song as well as another on the project were written by my good friend Bobby Carter of The Jay Stone Singers. I’m anxious for you to this project. It also contains a very special song by Charles Feltner. “I’ll See You In The Rapture” was certainly his most well known song, and certainly has a message of hope and of victory for us as believers. Mr. Eddie Crook was the session leader and did all the keyboard work, and as always did a great job! We’ll finish the vocals in May and the project should be available by late June/early July. Be looking for your chance to pre-order from the web site.

Speaking of the web site, there are several new updates there, including a page where you can support our ministry with a tax deductible gift. Many have asked for access to make a one time or monthly donation through the web, and now it’s available. You can select a one time gift and enter the amount, or select a subscription for a monthly donation, and there are several options available for payment. Remember that all gifts are tax deductible and help us tremendously to keep things going in this ministry. Just go to the web site (www.rodburtonmusic.com ) and click on the link that says “support”. Also remember that anyone who pledges $25 or more per month or a one time gift of $300 will receive a signed copy of the new CD as soon as it’s available. Thank you so much for your support and prayers… it really means everything to us!

We have lots of new dates being added to the calendar…be sure to stop by and take a look. Also be sure to let us know if you’d like us to come to your church. We have sample CDs and references from many pastors that you can take to your pastor, and we’d love to come be with you. Don’t forget to send an e-mail to XM Radio by clicking HERE. Just ask them to play “It’s Wonderful to Know” by Rod Burton…or ask them to play ANYTHING by Rod Burton! They’ve been great about playing several songs from our current CD, and I know they enjoy hearing from folks.

That’s about it for this session. Welcome to all the new folks on the list…and if you know someone who’d like to get this newsletter, forward it on to them. They can subscribe themselves by following the links here or on the web site. Also be sure and check out the iPod Juice links at the bottom. Pass this along to ALL your friends who have iPods. Let these folks know how much we appreciate their support of this ministry!

Till next time,

Blessings!
–
Rod
 
www.rodburtonmusic.com
http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic
http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusic
http://xianz.com/Rod_Burton

Up and Coming Soloist Makes Key Media Appearances this Month

HOMEWOOD, Ill. – Eddie Crook Company and Morning Star Records recording artist Rod Burton’s latest single, “It’s Wonderful to Know”, has become the singer’s first Top 40 single.

The song, which has become a fan favorite, debuted at #40 last week on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart. The song bulleted five positions this week and is currently charting at #35 on the chart.

Rod Burton said, “I am so excited to see how well this song is being received by radio and fans alike. I love performing this song, and it’s exciting to see how it is affecting those who hear it!”

In addition, Rod is making notable appearances in the media this week. Rod is the featured artist this month on SGMRadio.com’s Fast Five. The Fast Five features artists who are making notable advances in their ministry and career in Gospel music in a candid Q&A setting. Rod’s Fast Five feature is currently on display on the SGMRadio.com homepage.

Also, The up and coming soloist is featured this week on Tunes4Him.com’s weekly radio program “John’s Gospel Music Show” which is hosted by popular internet DJ John Mills. The show is broadcast daily on the Tunes4Him.com radio network.

Rod recently reached a sponsorship agreement with iPodJuice (http://www.ipodjuice.com), the leading iPod battery replacement company. Under the terms of agreement, iPod Juice will partner with Rod Burton Music in ministry efforts across the country. Rod will make available and display promotional materials about the services that iPodJuice provides at his ministry and concert events.

iPodJuice is a San Antonio-based company that offers kits allowing people to replace the battery in their iPod in a matter of minutes. They can also replace the battery for customers that would rather outsource the entire job.

More information on iPodJuice can be found at http://www.ipodjuice.com/ipod-mini-battery-replacement-products.htm.

Fans are encouraged to call their local radio station and request Rod’s current single, “It’s Wonderful to Know”.

For more information on Rod Burton – visit http://www.rodburtonmusic.com.

Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusic.com. Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.

About Rod Burton
Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s fastest rising soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country. Rod released his Morning Star Records debut, By His Grace, in the spring of 2007. His current single is “It’s Wonderful to Know.”