NASHVILLE, TENN (OCTOBER 21ST, 2023) – Karen Peck & New River won Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for their single “The Keepers” at the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Now a nine-time GMA Dove Award winning group, KPNR’s Karen Peck accepted the accolade as Christian artists and fans gathered on October 17th to celebrate Christian/Gospel music and the genre’s impact around the world. “The Keepers,” pays homage to those who represent the hands and feet of Jesus without expectation of recognition. The song inspires all generations to be ‘keepers.’
Karen Peck celebrated the win by stating, ““The Keepers” is a testament to the power of faith, inspiration, and collaboration. We are humbled by this honor and grateful for the journey that brought us here. Special thanks to Pastor Calvin Ray Evans for preaching a powerful message about the ‘keepers’ in our lives. He was the inspiration behind the song. I want to thank my amazing co-writers Tony Wood and Mitch Wong for getting the song to where it needed to be; producer Wayne Haun for his incredible job conveying the message of “The Keepers”; and our incredible record company, Daywind Records, for believing in us. KPNR was formed 32 years ago. We are very thankful to the Lord for making the way and for keeping our music relevant and purposeful. We will keep persevering.”
Dusty Wells, director of artists and repertoire for Daywind Music Group, commented, “We here at Daywind are thrilled that Karen Peck & New River’s amazing song, “The Keepers,” from their GRAMMY and Dove nominated best-selling project 2:22, was named Southern Gospel Song of the Year at the 2023 GMA Dove Awards. This song has touched countless lives, and we have all heard so many stories about the ‘keepers’ that we all have around us in our lives. We knew how special the song was the minute we heard it in our song selection meeting for the project. I love it when a song like this comes along and you see the impact of it night after night at the concerts. We are so excited and thankful for KPNR to receive this honor.”
ABOUT KAREN PECK AND NEW RIVER
Six-time Grammy-nominated and nine-time GMA Dove Award-winning Karen Peck and New River has impacted the Gospel music industry for over 30 years after being formed in 1991. In 2018, Karen Peck Gooch was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. Karen was also inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2021. In 2022, she was voted Favorite Soprano from The Singing News Fan Awards. Much success has followed the popular vocalist since the formation of Karen Peck & New River. Over the years, the musical team has shared the Gospel through song around the world, traveling throughout the US and Canada, as well as Israel, Central America, and Europe. The group is regularly featured on the popular Gaither Homecoming Video Series, which airs worldwide. In 2022, Karen Peck and New River released their latest album titled “2:22.” The album garnered the group’s sixth Grammy nomination. Hits from this album are currently “The Answer Is Jesus,” “The Keepers,” and “Dance.” Over the years Karen Peck & New River has become a family affair, as Karen and Ricky’s daughter, Kari, as well as their son, Matthew, are full-time group members. In addition to Karen’s sister, Susan, Grant Gibson completes the talented vocal group. Karen Peck & New River has evolved throughout the past three decades, and has firmly established a place at the forefront of Southern Gospel music. However, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame member refuses to rest on past laurels. They have been faithfully striving for excellence to make KPNR relevant in today’s society. Collectively, they are more committed than ever to continue to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.