Rhonda Vincent, ‘Sunday Mornin’ Singin’ LIVE!’ Finds Bluegrass Icon Returning to Gospel Roots

The Queen of Bluegrass pays tribute to the King of Kings with the new album, Sunday Mornin' Singin' LIVE!, due in stores July 10. It's Rhonda Vincent's first full Gospel project, but she's always been influenced by the genre, having grown up singing in church. In fact, the new album was recorded inside that church, the 100-year-old Greentop United Methodist Church in Greentop, Mo. (Listen to the full album here.)

"This is the music I grew up on -- the music that shaped who I am today," says the seven-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year. "My family sang this music all our lives and I've always included Gospel music in every performance. Going back to my childhood church to record this very special project made this moment in time unforgettable."

Along with her band, the Rage, Rhonda recorded the project over the course of three days, also capturing their performances on film for an upcoming DVD. The band and crew arrived in Greentop the morning after a huge storm had knocked out power for much of the city. Rhonda admits contemplating driving to a different church to record, but it was a thought that quickly left her mind.

"Everyone agreed the special feeling at the church and the incredible acoustics made it the perfect place," she tells Bluegrass Today. "Our bass player, Mickey Harris, and an electrician from Iowa (Jim Goodman) decided they could connect power with multiple cables to our tour bus. A few hours later it was lights, camera, action. It was a steady 100 degrees inside the church for the entire filming. We would stop after each song to quickly wipe the sweat ... We would film until we just couldn't take it anymore.

"I am so proud of everyone who joined together to create this project," continues the lauded musician. "It was some of the most unbearable circumstances, yet one of the most special moments of my lifetime."

You can order an autographed copy of Sunday Mornin' Singin' LIVE! here. You can also listen to the full album, track by track, for free here.

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