Stories From The Road
Stories From the Road-4
Paul Staggs
Branded Duo
12/9/08
Well folks, Christmas is upon us! Many of us are running around trying to get just the right gift to the right people to get the perfect response. Well, it’s not going to happen. It’s not the dollar amount that matters. It truly is the thought that counts!
If you were to think back a couple of years (for some of us a LOT of years!), try to remember the gifts that were given to you. It’s Hard! The things I remember are when the whole family would go to Shreveport to my grandparents. All the kids would sleep on the floor of the family room and we would stay up trying to make each other laugh and then get in trouble for being too loud. Then, there were times we would all get together with my grandfather and sing and listen to him tell stories like Brer Rabbit. I can’t recall a single gift! But, those memories are burned in my memory for eternity. So, this Christmas, give the gifts that no one can take away. Time, tenderness and love.
Robert and I(along with the band) will be on the road this Christmas season. And then on New Years’ we’ll be in Alabama and then off to California the first week of the new year. This next year is shaping up to be a busy one. Keep us in your prayers as we take the Gospel and spread it through good, positive country music.
And for those of you who aren’t aware, Branded Christmas soundtracks are now available along with our other CD’s! But, you need to order now so we can get them out!
May God Bless You and Keep You!
Branded Duo
PS If you’d like to give a donation to Branded Ministries, we are a legitimate 501(c)3 organization and your donations will go to spreading the Gospel through country music and the Word of God! We appreciate all of you who support us financially and through your prayers!
Stories From the Road-3
Paul Staggs
10/28/08
It’s finally come to an end. For the first time in three years, Branded Duo is not the Duo of the Year with the Inspirational Country Music Association. This year we lost out to The Bellamy Brothers. However, our song ‘Heroes’ was awarded Christian Country ‘Song of the Year’! We couldn’t be more pleased. The Bellamy Brothers are some great guys who put out a great song called ‘Drug Problem’ that’s really made quite an impact.
To be awarded ‘Song of the Year’ meant even more because it was a tribute to our Armed Forces and their loved ones. In fact, the ICM convention this year was a great thrill. We were given our award by Dan Tyminski (O, Brother Where Art Thou) who was just one of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet! And we got to present the award of ‘Living Legend’ to our good friend Dennis Agajanian along with one of his good friends and Grand Ole Opry member, Ricky Skaggs, who was also a great guy! We also performed alongside the best Christian Country musicians around on the award show with our great friend, Sandra Dee. Also, while we were there, we were invited to the Bluebird Café to hear some of the greatest songwriters in Nashville today: Terri Jo Box, Jimmy Yeary, Scott Sean White, Billy Ryan, and Dave Robbins.
I know that a lot of folks are struggling now. Things are tough for everyone. Just remember that our suffering moves God, but He is Our Refuge and Strength. Reach out to Him, because He’s reaching out to you!