New Music Video From Danny Gokey & Jordin Sparks - "Chasing"

New Music Video From Danny Gokey - "Only For A Moment"

New Music Video From Danny Gokey - "Stay Strong"

New Music Video From Danny Gokey - "Masterpiece"

New Music Video From Danny Gokey - "Better Than I Found It" (feat. Kierra Sheard)

New Music Video From Danny Gokey - "This Christmas"

New Music Video From Danny Gokey - "La Esperanza Frente A Mi"

New Music Video From Danny Gokey- "Hope In Front of Me"

Danny Gokey To Release New Book and Album

American Idol alumnus Danny Gokey will have both a new book and a new album released in the coming months.

In October, he will release a brand new book titled Hope In Front of Me: Find Purpose in Your Darkest Moments. From the press release: "Stepping onto the American Idol™ stage just weeks after his first wife’s unexpected death, Danny Gokey experienced both the pinnacle of hope and the depth of despair. But his story began long before that. Danny’s dreams began to form when he was a child, only to take a turn he never could have predicted. As life unfolded, he learned that true purpose is found in relationships, and destiny is sometimes born out of our darkest moments."

You can watch a video about the new book here or read a chapter of the book here.

Gokey is also back in the recording studio recording his yet-to-be-titled sophomore album. He went to Facebook and announced, "This is happening now! In the studio cutting the first song for the sophomore album!! 1 song down & 10 more songs to go!" Gokey has been recently signed to BMG Records and the new recordings will follow the charted country hits "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me," "I Will Not Say Goodbye" and "Second Hand Heart."

Concert Review- Danny Gokey & Celebrate America- Rocklin, CA

Danny Gokey's life of drastic twists and turns suddenly became known to millions of people as he climbed the ranks on Season Eight of America’s most popular television show, American Idol a couple years back. One day, after hearing about upcoming American Idol auditions, his wife Sophia encouraged Danny to give American Idol a shot. Just a month before the audition, she died unexpectedly after what should have been a routine heart surgery. Danny was devastated. Reeling from this dramatic turn in life, Danny contemplated auditioning for Idol at a later time; however, the cut-off age to make the show was 28 years old. Remembering his promise to Sophia, he pushed through his grief in honor of her memory, and tried out. Gokey not only made the cut, he rose to the top 3 that season. It wasn’t just his powerful and emotional vocals that caught America’s attention; it was the story of Sophia’s recent death that gripped their hearts as well.

Fast forward three years later, Gokey was brought to the community of Rocklin for a two day church-sponsored event that is a small part religion and a large-part patriotic celebration so close to America's birthday. In its fourth year, the community festival has grown to attract tens of thousands of people who enjoy a wide selection of booths, music and family activities during the day. This year’s extravaganza, which paid specific tributes to both military personnel and emergency responders, was the first to feature a recording star.

From the moment Gokey finished his run on American Idol, there was discussion across the internet to where he would land genre-wise. Country might have seemed like a fit from a sales-goal perspective, but from the very beginning, it always seemed like Gokey was a square peg in a round hole. His production tended to lean more pop and his message leaned more Christian/inspirational. What resulted was one fairly underwhelming release... and and a resulting label release that has left Gokey as an independent artist until his next deal.

What I found interesting about this event and Gokey's short intermittent set was that he seemed to have found a home that made more sense in this church-sponsored event. Since Sophia's death, he has jumped head-first into the charity called Sophia's Heart "that exists to help mend and heal the hearts of children and families who have been touched by poverty, sickness, disease, broken hearts and broken dreams." Like Jimmy Wayne, he seems to have been called to a different purpose that supersedes his music career a bit. The ability to combine song, scripture and community goodwill isn't a Christian music exclusive exercise, but it does fit better than in the country genre. Gokey, singing songs of praise and promise, seemed more comfortable in this setting than in the country beer crowd.

His songs were surrounded in red, white and blue at every turn. In between songs- and even in the middle of songs- an Army Blackhawk helicopter took off and circled the crowd, Navy Seals dropped in from parachutes into the crowd and historic military and social scenes were created on stage such as raising the flag on Iwo Jima. It was a bit over the top at times, but around Independence Day, each act resulted in huge cheers from the patriotic crowd.

Danny Gokey's voice on American Idol was unique and memorable- and it certainly was on this night as well. It was strong, clear, on-key and tested his range well. His singing was over a recorded track, which took some of the personal touch out of the performance. Each song was woven into the overall performance and the Pasteur had an opportunity to lead into each song with a lesson or story. And for this country fan, Gokey's role in music became clearer on this July night.  Music with a message. It probably won't be on the country radio dial, but it will have a mission with a higher purpose. And on this Sunday night, it was actually pretty fun to be part of that purpose.

Event Song Listing:
God Bless The USA
Hero for a Day
I Will Not Say Goodbye
Faith, Hope and Love
My Best Days Are Ahead of Me

Danny Gokey Splits With RCA Nashville

American Idol season 8 top three finalist Danny Gokey is the latest show alum to find himself without a major label deal. A spokesperson for the country singer’s label confirmed that, "Danny Gokey and RCA Nashville have mutually agreed to part ways."

Gokey was signed to the Sony Music subsidiary in September 2009, months after coming in third behind Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. He released his debut album, My Best Days, in March 2010. It entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 4 and the country chart at No. 3. According to Nielsen SoundScan, more than 192,000 copies of the album have been sold. The disc saw two singles released, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me" and “I Will Not Say Goodbye," the latter which failed to chart.

More recently, Gokey released the standalone track “Second Hand Heart” to iTunes in July. He also opened for Taylor Swift on more than a dozen dates this summer and fall. His last performance with the country superstar was on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena.

Prior to his stint on American Idol, the Milwaukee native, then 29, was the worship director at a local church for several years. He arrived at auditions with one of the more tragic story lines the series had ever come across: Gokey’s wife Sophia died from complications related to heart surgery four weeks earlier. She was the one who encouraged Gokey to try out and he’s since set up a foundation in her name called Sophia's Heart.

Like most Idol graduates, Gokey remains on the 19 Recordings roster free to sign with another label or self-release his music. His website currently lists several upcoming live dates, including a cruise to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico which will benefit Sophia’s Heart and feature performances with Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts.

Three country Idols remain in the Sony fold, season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, season 5's Kellie Pickler and Season 9 third place finisher Casey James, the latter two are signed to the BNA Records label, Underwood is on Arista Nashville. Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery and country singer runner-up Lauren Alaina are on the Mercury Nashville roster as a result of the show's new deal with Universal Music Group. 

Danny Gokey Releases New Holiday Single "Tennessee Christmas"

Danny Gokey is releasing a new single to radio just in time for the holidays- here's him performing "Tennessee Christmas" to a live audience this past week.

Inspirational Country Music Award Nominees Announced

The annual Inspirational Country Music Awards are dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent among artists who perform Christian and Inspirational Country music. Inspirational Country music is inspired by Faith, Family, and Country. The Top 10 category nominees have been announced for the 16th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Show. The ICM Awards are set for Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. CST at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium located in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

The following 2010 Top 10 nominees are listed in alphabetical order within each category:

Entertainer of the Year
Austins Bridge; Andrew Heller; Barry McGee; Del Way; Dennis Agajanian; Jason Crabb; Point of Grace; Steve Richard; The Akins; Tommy Brandt

Male Vocalist
Greg McDougal; Guy Penrod; James Payne; Jason Crabb; Mike Rimmey; Philip Dain Powell; Russ Murphy; Russ Watson; Steve Richard; Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist
Amanda Fessant; Chelley Odle; Cindy Hughlett; Denean Workman; Emma Jacob; Kali Rose; Kathy Joy Bell; Mary James; Nicole Hope; Sandra Dee

Vocal Duo
Austins Bridge; Branded; Bruce & Betsy Mullen; Den & Bobbie West; Jack & Deb Stone; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Jen & Jes; Joey + Rory; The Roys; Wayne & Gina Stewart

Vocal Group
Corey Brooks Band; CrossCountry The Band ; Katalyst ; Last Light Band; Point of Grace ; Southern Brothers; Sunday Drive; The Akins ; The Isaacs; The Springs

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
My Best Days – Danny Gokey
Muddy Water – Trace Adkins
Love Like Crazy – Lee Brice
That’s A Man – Jack Ingram
That’s God – Jo Dee Messina
The House That Built Me - Miranda Lambert
The Man I Want To Be – Chris Young
There Is A God – Lee Ann Womack
This Ain’t Nothing – Craig Morgan
Temporary Home – Carrie Underwood

Mainstream Country Artist
Carrie Underwood; Chris Young; Craig Morgan; Danny Gokey; Jeff Bates; Josh Turner; Martina McBride; Oak Ridge Boys; Ricky Skaggs; Rodney Atkins

Christian Country Song
Beautiful – The Roys
Come To The Well-Mary James
Cowboys Love Jesus Too – Russ Murphy
Eighty Acre Church – Steve Richard
Faith In God-Tommy Brandt
God Don’t Make Mistakes – Denean Workman
I Want My Stage To Be An Altar - The Akins
I’m Just A Nobody – Allen Frizzell
Jesus Saves –James Payne
Said One Mother – Nicole Hope

Songwriter
Del Way; Dianna Paul; Glen Shelton; Greg McDougal; James Payne; Jamie Coulter; Kris Miller; Mike Rimmey; Philip Dain Powell; Russ Murphy

Legend/Pioneer Award
Barry McGee; Bruce Haynes; Chuck Day; Dan Cowart with Last Light Band; David Patillo, Leo Johnston with CrossCountry The Band; Lisa Daggs; LuLu Roman; Melanie Walker;Ricky Skaggs

Video
All I Ask For Anymore –Trace Adkins Label: Capitol Nashville Director: Deaton-Flanigen
American Honey – Lady Antebellum Label: Capitol Nashville Director: Trey Fanjoy
Dancing In Circles-Love and Theft Label: Carolwood Director: Kristin Barlowe
Love Like Crazy – Lee Brice – Curb –Director Eric Welch
Outside My Window – Sarah Buxton Label: Lyric Street Records Director: Mark Hudson
Temporary Home – Carrie Underwood Label: Arista Nashville Director: Deaton-Flanigen
The House That Build Me – Miranda Lambert Label: Columbia Nashville Director: Trey Fanjoy
The Man I Want To Be – Chris Young Label: RCA Nashville Director: David McClister
This Ain’t Nothing – Craig Morgan Label: BNA Nashville Director: Steven L. Weaver
Unstoppable – Rascal Flatts Label: Lyric Street Records Director: Shawn Robbins

New Artist
Chip Willmore; Cindy Hughlett; Dianna Paul; Emma Jacob; Judahseed; Laura Dodd; Russell Dean; Sharon Parks; Tanner Laughlin; Will Peppers

Musician
Brent Mason; Casey Morton; Dennis Agajanian; Dick McVey; Doug Hudson; Gordon Mote; Greg McDougal; Lawrence Bishop; Ricky Skaggs; Tim Atwood

Comedy Act
Barry McGee; Chonda Pierce; Cuzin Gus; David Ferrell; Jeff Treece; Johnny Lee Cook; LuLu Roman; Roy Fox; Steve McGranahan; Tim Steed

Inspirational Bluegrass Artist
Cathy-Anne McClintock; Cherryholmes; Gibson Brothers; Lawrence Bishop; New Gospel; Travelers; New Jerusalem ; Rhonda Vincent; Ricky Skaggs ; The Grascals; The Isaacs

New Music Videos From Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Danny Gokey & Trace Adkins

Free Country Music Downloads From People Magazine

PEOPLE Magazine has teamed up with iTunes to offer a free download from a number of the young and up & coming acts in country music. Artists giving fans free music this week include Danny Gokey, Katie Armiger, Colt Ford & Jamey Johnson, Mindy McCready, Josh Abbot Band, Sammy Kershaw, Matt Kennon, Blaine Larson and Christian Kane. The playlist is below:

•Crazy Not To – Danny Gokey
•Kiss Me Now – Katie Armiger
•Cold Beer – Colt Ford (feat. Jamey Johnson)
•I Want A Man – Mindy McCready
•She’s Like Texas – Josh Abbott Band
•Bring On The Love – Coldwater Jane
•Better Than I Used To Be – Sammy Kershaw
•The Call – Matt Kennon
•Baby You Get Me – Blaine Larsen
•The House Rules – Christian Kane

Click HERE to get your FREE playlist from the magazine.

Danny Gokey Album Artwork & Track List Released

The debut country album from the 8th season finalist of American Idol, Danny Gokey, has had its artwork and track listing released. Gokey’s buoyant personality and perseverance in the face of adversity earned Gokey a special place in the hearts of Idol devotees.

1. My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me
2. Like That's A Bad Thing
3. I Still Believe
4. Tiny Life
5. Get Away
6. It's Only
7. Life On Ya
8. Crazy Not To
9. Be Somebody
10. I Will Not Say Goodbye

New Music Video From Danny Gokey- "My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me"

TNS First Blush- Danny Gokey's First Single

Earlier this year, "American Idol" third-place finisher Danny Gokey signed with RCA's Nashville label- below is his first radio single release. That Nashville Sound wants to know what you think of the new song "Best Days Are Ahead Of Me"…

Listen To Danny Gokey's First Country Single Release

Earlier this year, "American Idol" third-place finisher Danny Gokey made waves when he said he was thinking of releasing a country album. Turns out, he wasn't joking, eventually signing a deal with RCA's Nashville label.

And today, fans finally got to hear his first foray into the genre, when he debuted "It's Only," a soaring ballad about God and homelessness.

Written by Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley and produced by Mark Bright (who's worked with Carrie Underwood), "It's Only" is the first single from Gokey's RCA debut, which will reportedly hit stores in March of next year. You can stream the single below…