About Me

My name is James Hales and I have been a fan of Southern Gospel Music for as long as I can remember. The first group I ever heard on record (remember those?) was the Happy Goodman Family, and I've been in love with their music ever since. Other than the Goodmans, I grew up listening to such groups as Kingsmen, Inspirations, Rambos, Hemphills, Florida Boys, Speers, Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters and others. I have a deep appreciation for the history of SGM and deeply respect those who paved the way. I also have a very wide appreciation for all styles that fall under the SG umbrella...traditional quartet music, mountain gospel, progressive, country...you name it, I probably like it to some degree. I love most everything from the McKameys to Avalon. (is that a wide appreciation or what?!?!?!)

I was born in 1972 and live in North Carolina. I have been married since 1997 and have one child, who was born in 2000. I have been a staff writer for SoGospelNews since 2000 and am proud to continue contributing to the site. My hope is to be able to express my thoughts, opinions and basically just ramble on as much as I want about my passion and love for Southern Gospel Music through this medium.