Continuing its 2014 concert series, Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E. Morris Street, Morrison, IL, is thrilled to welcome “Karen Peck and New River” in concert on Sunday, October 19, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church. All are welcome to attend this concert of inspirational music and stirring testimony. There is no admission charged, although a free-will offering will be taken. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Invite your friends and neighbors. For more information, please check out the Emmanuel website at www.emmanuelreformedchurch.org and click on the “concert series” button.
Karen Peck, center at right, and New River are a three-time Grammy Award Nominated and two-time GMA Dove Award Winning Southern Gospel Group. Karen’s flawless, delightful soprano voice has made its way into the hearts of Gospel Music lovers across the Country, and garnered an unprecedented 11 Favorite Soprano Fan Awards from the readers of The Singing News Magazine, Southern Gospel Music’s leading fan and trade publication. Karen, Susan, and Jeff have also received many awards from other magazine publications and internet publications. Over the past four years, New River has had five consecutive #1 songs in Southern Gospel Music. In addition, their current album, “Reach Out,” has had two consecutive #1 songs for “On the Banks of the Promised Land” and “Mighty Big God.”
The youngest of three daughters, Karen was exposed to the traditional sounds of Gospel Music at a very early age. Her parents often took Karen and her sisters, Susan and Sandra, to the all-night sings in Atlanta, GA. These concerts left an indelible mark on the youngsters, who made a pact that someday they would share a musical ministry of their own. One of the groups often featured at the Atlanta concerts was The Lefevres, who later became known as The Nelons. It would be a mild understatement to say that Karen had aspirations of singing with this talented family. In fact, that aspiration became her greatest desire. In 1981 this dream became a reality when Karen was invited to travel with her favorite group. She remained with The Nelons for ten years, gaining the respect of industry peers and fans with her exceptional vocal ability and caring personality.
In 1991, the realization of yet another dream came to pass. Karen and her sister, Susan, with Karen’s husband Rickey, organized the musical entourage of Karen Peck and New River. Today the New River team consists vocally of Karen, Susan, and Jeff Hawes. Additionally, Karen’s husband, Rickey, serves as the group’s road manager and sound technician. Susan’s husband, David, is the founder and owner of the Jackson Steel Guitar Company. Dawn Hughes has traveled with the group since 2000 as the group’s assistant, making New River a complete family affair.
You may recognize Karen as the opening soloist in the competition scene on the motion picture “Joyful Noise” with Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah.