Michael Tait is a product of Washington, DC and today, one of the most celebrated musicians in Christian music. His father was a pastor for 50 years in our Nation’s Capital and his sister, Lynda Tait Randle is a featured artist/singer with Bill & Gloria on the GAITHER HOMECOMING TOUR.
They say lightening doesn’t strike twice but for Michael Tait does it does. Michael was one of three singers that became a household name with the legendary group dcTALK. The three amigo’s met while students at Liberty University (home of Jesus & Jerry Falwell). Their hits soared to NUMBER ONE and they helped changed Christian music forever.
After the popular group disbanded and chased their solo careers, Michael formed a group that bears his last name TAIT. I first met Michael briefly at a dcTalk concert in the early 1990’s but reconnected with him in 2006, when he was a featured artist aboard the first PRAISEFEST “Cruise with a Cause” to the Bahamas where I was blessed to minister as a speaker. He is humble, gracious and lives life to the fullest. Plus, he loves the Lord with a passion.
This show was taped on my radio program “FRANKLY SPEAKING” and aired on American Family Radio earlier this year weeks after his latest assignment. God opened the door for Michael to be the lead singer to one of the best selling Christian bands of ALL time - NEWSBOYS. This interview talks about music, ministry and matters close to his heart. It also includes a funny story about my Pastor Marvin Harris’ daughter, Melissa who is a childhood friend of Michael. They went to Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, MD for high school and graduated together from Liberty University in Virginia.
Michael Tait and his band the “NEWSBOYS” will be touring this Winter with my buddy, TONY NOLAN at WINTER JAM all across America. Other amazing artists include: THIRD DAY, Tenth Avenue North and Grammy Winners NEWSONG! For more info visit http://www.hearitfirst.com/winterjam/default.aspx
Clay Crosse is an amazing man. Not just because he has TEN Number One hits over the years but because he is authentic, transparent and best of all forgiven. His hit songs include: “I Surrender All” and a host of others dominated the radio airwaves during the 1990’s and early 2000.
It was my pleasure to invite Clay to come to Dunkirk Baptist Church in Maryland when I was Minister of Evangelism from 1999-2001. Clay was at the top of the charts professionally but like many struggling personally. As humans, we not only all fall short but each struggle with something. Some deal with it while others pretend it doesn’t exist. Some wrestle with alcohol, drugs, gambling, extortion and the list is endless.
Clay dealt with pornography and this is something that most men have wrestled with at some time or another. For some it is a constant battle and to his credit - Clay confronted it, confessed it and now delivered by God’s great grace. I have learned that we all have a weakness. For Superman it was kyrptonite - what is your weakness. It is so true that unless we deal with it privately it will deal with us publicly.
The church is notorious for sweeping sin under the carpet and the things we need to talk about the most many in ministry want to discuss the least. For those that do discuss it often handle it incorrectly as leaders and often ostracize the offender and if not careful can cripple them opposed to craddle them back to victorious living in Christ.
Earlier this year, Clay graciously accepted my invite to be a guest on my radio program “FRANKLY SPEAKING” that aired on American Family Radio. Future guests will include: Michael Tait from NEWSBOYS, Will Graham (Billy Graham’s grandson), Matthew West among others but this interview with Clay will both bless you and help you or your friend’s find freedom with this important issue.
Clay discusses his days as a former FED EX driver and stepping out in faith to become a household name in Christian music. He shares about his love for the Lord, his intense admiration for his wife and their mutual ministry now both singing and speaking around the world about the importance of holy hearts and homes. He mentions his respect for U2, Michael English and scores of others that inspired him to sing.
This is a no judge zone and what I love about Clay is that he is not only forgiven but a friend to a goof ball like me. Friends, there is VICTORY in God’s grace and freedom in forgiveness. Don’t delay confess today. Visit www.HolyHomes.org
One of my favorite friends & singers in the world is AYIESHA WOODS. She is amazing and her smash hits “HAPPY,” “BIG ENOUGH” and “LOVE LIKE THIS” have blessed me untold times. Ayiesha sang at my Celebrate Jesus! Texas Crusade in July 2007. We rented out the Arlington Convention Center (near Dallas) and I invited Ayiesha, Michael English and former 1992 Miss USA to minister in music.
Ironically, it was Ayiesha’s birthday that night and following the crusade we all went out for a steak dinner and that is a night I will not soon forget. Her parents came with us and it was an honor to watch her do her thing for God’s glory both on and off the stage. The following year, I was blessed to re-connect with her and minister in the Bahamas with her on PRAISEFEST “Cruise with a Cause” and for the week we witnessed over 10,260 come to Christ.
A GRAMMY® nomination, a Dove Award nod for New Artist of the Year, appearances in a number of high-profile tours, and universal acclaim were some of the highlights of Woods’ initial time in the limelight. It’s a winning streak that is bound to continue with Love Like This, her second Gotee Records release.
Ayiesha took the time to be a call in guest on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” earlier this year airing on AMERICAN FAMILY RADIO and she is the real deal. Listen how she chased the call of God on her life, discovered by Toby Mac and now singing at WOMEN OF FAITH and REVOLVE tours. She talks about her favorite Bible verse, the story behind her songs and her favorite shopping stops. Ultimately, Ayiesha is filled with life, laughter, love but most important our Lord and Savior, JESUS - the biggest “STAR” of all.
For more info visit www.AyieshaWoods.com
Tony Nolan is one of the most gifted preachers of the Gospel that I know. He is former Student Minister at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA and he stepped out “by faith” to speak to hundreds of thousands of people annually. The beauty about that transition is that Tony didn’t see all those open doors when he jumped. He just heard the voice of God and when the Lord told him to “go” - Tony was gone!
Today, Tony loves the Lord and lives faith as much as anyone I know. He is a dear friend, brother in Christ, captivating communicator and has taken the time to invest in me and countless others lives and ministries. When I first left my Capitol Hill job after 17 years “by faith” to enter evangelism full-time the first person I called to ask for counsel, prayer and guidance was Tony Nolan. By God’s grace, Tony answered his cell phone and encouraged me to trust the Lord and take comfort - “When God guides - He provides!”
What I love about Tony is that he is accessible, approachable and available to share the Gospel of Jesus with anyone willing to listen. In love, he also shares with folks who could care less. Ministry is not easy but it has been easier for God putting folks like Tony Nolan in my life. He is real, relevant and rolls on all cylinders for Jesus! He is humorous, humble and Heaven-bound.
Tony is the tour pastor for countless Christian Contemporary Music Artists and he speaks annually at WINTER JAM and other concerts. He was tour pastor for a couple years with Grammy Winners - CASTING CROWNS and his testimony is AMAZING. Tony is on fire for the Lord because he doesn’t take for granted God’s great grace.
This interview aired earlier in the year on my radio program ‘FRANKLY SPEAKING’ on American Family Radio on 89.7 FM in Richmond, VA and it talks about evangelism, serving the Lord and living a life bigger than self. Tony is quick to build people UP and slow to negativity and I have been blessed to meet a few folks in life but Brother Tony is a special brother and one of those I admire most. Recently, he and his wife, Tammy adopted a precious girl from China and to learn more about Tony’s AWESOME ministry visit - www.TonyNolan.org
Tony Nolan & Frank - Indianapolis, IN
Elvis Presley & Rick Stanley (in car)
Ironically, I just saw him perform ten concerts before his passing. My father phoned my mother and he heard at work that Elvis had passed. Like Paul Revere on horseback screaming “The British are Coming, the British are coming” - ironically, I got word and ran up and down my street on the sidewalk yelling: “Elvis is dead - Elvis is dead.” When asked how he died, I said: “I don’t know - maybe he fell off the stage.” The irony looking back was I didn’t even stay in the house long enough to hear how he died but I just knew I had to share with the world that “The King” was gone.
In my house, Elvis was huge. Graceland was BIG and Elvis was larger than life. My father’s friend was personal friends with Presley and Elvis even gave him a Cadillac. To me, Elvis had charisma, charm and countless talent. He was patriotic and personality personified and when he walked it was poetry in motion. He had incredible stage presence, even better voice and a God given gift that made one think he was singing directly to you (even if seated at top row of a ten thousand seat arena). Gospel Great J.D. Sumner was correct when he said: “After singing Gospel music for over four decades - I heard them all and in my opinion, NO ONE sang a Gospel song like Elvis Presley.” Ironically, the “King of Rock N Roll” never won a Grammy for his rock music but he won three for his Gospel albums. I have always said: “Promote the Lord and the Lord will promote you!” Elvis despite his problems was one in a million and he constantly gave to others. He also knew his gift was from God. Recently, I had the high honor to grow as friends with Elvis Presley’s stepbrother, Evangelist Rick Stanley.
Rick came at my request and did a three service revival in my hometown in March 2009, at First Baptist Church of Accokeek, MD. He was incredible, humble and powerful. Three amazing attributes. I know his brother would be proud but even greater, Jesus is proud of Rick. He was also gracious to be a “call in” guest on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” the month before the revival and it was a blessing to hear him share about his experiences with Elvis but also his passion for preaching the Gospel of Jesus.
Rick was one of the last people to ever have a full conversation with Elvis the night he died and you can listen firsthand what that conversation was about. Elvis said to young Ricky Stanley (who was not a believer at the time) noted: “Ricky, it is the people who tell you about Jesus are the one’s that really care for you. Man, you have to listen to what they have to say.” A couple hours later - ELVIS was dead.
Thirty years later, similar to that childhood boy after hearing the news that “The King was dead” I still storm out of my house, run up and down the streets of my hometown and across America with even greater passion. Today, it is not that the king died (Elvis) but that the King lives (Jesus). Today, in my house and parent’s home for us - Jesus is HUGE, Heaven is BIG and my Lord is larger than life.
In honor of Elvis passing today below is my interview with Elvis’ brother. God bless Elvis Presley, God bless America and God bless you.
One of my favorite Christian singers of all-time is multiple Dove Award Winner - NICOLE C MULLEN. Her smash hits: “Redeemer,” “I AM,” and “When I Call on Jesus” have ministered to millions and her tracks exalt Christ while breaking down barriers.
It was my pleasure to meet her on the PRAISEFEST “Cruise with a Cause” in 2007, to the Bahamas and she was a featured singer and it was my pleasure to preach on the ship. This interview aired in May 2009, on my radio program “FRANKLY SPEAKING” on American Family Radio and Nicole was so gracious to be a guest to share about life, love and the Lord.
A special thanks to her husband, David who made the connection for Nicole to call in. Nicole is not only an amazing singer and song writer but quite the preacher too! She gets rolling during our interview. LOOK OUT Bishop TD Jakes! Visit www.NicoleCMullen.com for more info. The video below is Nicole singing at a WOMEN OF FAITH event and you better put on your seatbelt because this sister can flat out sing. God bless you & Enjoy!
It was my pleasure to preach at a “CASTING CROWNS” concert in 2005, in Manassas, Virginia at a large church. It was a Youth Evangelism Rally and Duffy Robbins and I, were the two invited guests and I had the pleasure to preach both Friday night at the CC Concert and Saturday morning on the main stage for discipleship. One of the joys before and after the Casting Crowns show was to hang out with Andy Williams - former drummer to Grammy/Dove & recently named “Group of the Year” - Casting Crowns.
He is POWERFUL on stage but super personable off stage. We had a blast talking in the tunnel prior to the show and it was wild eating in the “Green Room” with lead singer, Mark Hall, Andy Williams and the band prior to the concert. We had two hours to kill before the doors opened and ironically an indoor basketball court was adjacent to the auditorium. Someone suggested we play a pick up game of basketball. Since I was the speaker they graciously invited me to play hoops with them. It will remain one of the wildest memories that I will hold dear for life being able to play 3 on 3 with Casting Crowns.
The good news is it was a ton of fun. The bad news was I was wearing jeans and dress shoes while playing. Its hard to do a finger roll or hit a three pointer without tennis shoes but it was a blast none the less. About two months ago on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” I had the pleasure to re-connect with Andy and he was a “call in” guest and talked about his recent transition from CC to start a new group with his wife and a few friends called SOUL SISTER SALLY.
Friends, you talk about faith - he left the security, stability and stage of Casting Crowns to start a new group “by faith.” What is super cool is that Andy heard God say “go” so he was gone. You have to check out their website www.SoulSisterSally.com and you can hear their NEW single “Destined to Survive” below - IT IS AMAZING and you can hear it here first.
That radio interview will be released on a future blog post here soon. In the interim, enjoy the recent video that we taped in June 2009, while I was in town preaching in Georgia at two churches. Andy and his lovely bride and son were gracious to hang out with me and grab lunch. They are INCREDIBLE and please share some love and give them a SHOUT OUT and let them know you wish them well as they follow God’s call. If you are a pastor or youth leader - PRAY about bringing them to your church in near future. You will not be dissapointed.
“Destined To Survive” - http://www.soulsistersally.com/destined/player/player1.htm
This month marks the 30th anniversary of my accepting Jesus as my Lord & Savior. Outside of prayer and reading God’s Word daily and applying it to my life (outside of God’s great grace) I believe “PERSEVERANCE” has aided me more in my walk with Christ than any other element.
Christianity is not a spectator’s sport and you will encounter various trials, temptations and tough times. The first recorded interview I had the privilege to host on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” on American Family Radio was my friend, TAMMY TRENT. When I think of Christianity, class and composure I think of TT. Her story is simply AMAZING and she has endured more in her life than most would in five life times.
She is a Christian recording artist, author, dancer, tours with WOMEN OF FAITH and on 9-11, she and her husband, Trent were vacationing overseas on a missions trip. The very day America was crumbling back home, Tammy’s life began to crumble abroad when she got word that her husband had died scuba-diving. All flights were cancelled to USA and phone lines were down. Her husband was dead, she couldn’t reach her family and she felt like a “woman without a Country.”
Listen to Tammy share her tragic yet triumphant story through tears, laughter and despite the pain she still sings and dances for her Savior. In a world of cubic zirconia’s - she is the genuine article. Listen to the audio clip of our interview and may it bless you like she has me and many others. Tammy is a testament that God uses not only the “blessed” but the broken. Those that have been hurt the deepest are the very folks that God uses the greatest to bring hope, healing and Heaven to those hurting and far from Jesus.
God bless you and God bless Tammy Trent.
My mom always said: “God looks after good people and dummies.” She said: “Frankie, I don’t know what camp you fall under but God is sure looking after you!” The truth is God loves and looks after all people and those that know me would attest that I am a “glorified goof ball.”
Long ago, I learned that preachers are great at promoting the Lord but often fail at promoting others without feeling threatened. I vowed to the Lord that I would do my best to highlight others along the way and we all shine when our friends do well. Without question, it is a joy to travel the Country and meet some wonderful friends. DAVID EDWARDS is one of those friends that I have been blessed to cross paths with and I hold him in high regard.
Early on in ministry and even today, I always heard: “Do you know Dave Edwards, have you ever booked Dave Edwards, have you done events with Dave Edwards - if not you need to get to know Dave Edwards!” For years, Dave learned from Jay Strack and served on his staff and God used that relationship to open some amazing doors for David. He is hillarious, witty, engaging, relevant and most impressive - REAL. He loves God, lives for the Lord and longs to help folks far from God get connected to the Living Lord.
David and I, ministered two years in a row on “PRAISEFEST CRUISE with a CAUSE” in the Bahamas and he has been a dear friend. He is booked across America and speaks at large outdoor Christian festivals to massive mega-churches but would be the first to tell you that all ministry is “BIG” with a pure heart. This video was taped at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA where David every week travels from Oklahoma to Atlanta, GA to minister to their singles. Southern Baptist President, Dr Johnny Hunt is senior pastor of FBC Woodstock.
Tonight, on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” @ 6:30 PM EST on American Family Radio - 89.7 FM in Richmond, VA you can listen LIVE to my most recent interview with David Edwards. You can listen online world-wide on www.wauq.afr.net and we talk about David dealing with discouragement, humble beginnings and God honoring his desire to travel the Country and see souls impacted for God’s Kingdom. David is first-class and a giant in Gospel preaching circles. Visit www.DaveTown.com and prayerfully consider bringing him in to speak to your group. They will certainly be blessed.
God bless and go with God.
Aaron & Amanda Crabb w/ Frank
They are considered one of the most respected and requested Christian artists in the Country. The Crabb Family are both appointed and anointed “for a time such as this.” They are humble, gracious and the “real deal.” Jason Crabb is Aaron’s brother and very few sing like this AMAZING family!
ATTN: Pastors, Youth Leaders & Church leaders: Aaron, Amanda and I, would love to come to your church to share the vision for Praisfest Ministries this summer for a concert. For more info visit www.AaronandAmandaCrabb.com or www.PraisefestMinistries.com or www.FrankShelton.com