Hello again everyone! My name is Justin Gilmore. I live in Southern California (born and raised)and I am approaching my thirty-second birthday in May. I graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelor’s degree in History in 2014.
Southern Gospel Music has always been a part of my life. I remember as a young kid going to my grandma’s house and watching the Gaither kids videos featuring Vestal Goodman and George Younce. She also played all of the other Gaither videos as well. However, it wasn’t until later (around 2006ish) that I became a true fan of this music. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s Get Away Jordan album hooked me on this music. I immediately was captivated by the incredible four part harmony, powerful message, and the low bass singing. My grandma passed in 2008 and this music helped me through the grieving process. Southern Gospel was her favorite style and it has now become mine as well. Fast forward to 2015. I felt led to start this blog not thinking it would become much of anything. It was simply an outlet for sharing my love of this music and a way to honor my grandmother’s legacy. However, God had other plans. Through this “hobby,” I have been able to become friends with many of my favorite Southern Gospel artists, producers, and radio personalities. It opened the door to becoming a feature writer for SGN Scoops Digital Magazine. I have also had the opportunity to interview artists such as Ronnie Hinson, Guy Penrod, Billy Blackwood, Terry Carter, Mike LeFevere, and more.
The past few years have been rather difficult due to a number of reasons. As a result, I have not been a consistent in posting. I also began to only post CD reviews (abandoning my original weekly posting plan). However, this year will mark the beginning of a new era for this blog. In revamping the site, I am moving to a new website maker thus many of my old posts will be lost. I will repost as many of them as I can. It will take some time, but it is doable. I also plan to bring back some of my original post ideas such as: Group Histories, Artist Spotlight, and Song Corner. So stay tuned for more exciting content this year and moving forward. One such opportunity is covering the upcoming Great Western Fan Festival Event in Visalia, California in May. As a California native, I have always wanted to go this concert event, but could never afford it.
As the tenth anniversary of this site approaches, Southern Gospel Spotlight will continue to improve and provide readers with great coverage celebrating this incredible style of music. God has truly blessed me. I give Him all the glory.
Stay tuned for more great Southern Gospel coverage!
Thanks for reading,
-Justin Gilmore
Southern Gospel Spotlight 
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