Ryan Watkins Releases Debut Album "Southern Son"

On August 29, singer and songwriter Ryan Watkins will release his debut album "Southern Son" via Red Hen Records. The recording was produced by music veterans Rick Schwiensberg and Micah Schweinsberg (Red Roots, Zach & Rodney). The album includes a bevy of songwriting talent, including the likes of Watkins, Sam Mizell, Ray Scarbrough, Wayne Kirkpatrick, and others.

"There was a time in my life when I was running from the call of God on my life," mentioned Watkins. "However, I found forgiveness and mercy in the arms of Jesus, and I am honored to be able to get on the stage each night and share the story of a loving God and Savior. This record is a part of that story, and I'm excited to be able to get to partner with Red Hen Records to share it with the world."

Rick Schweinsberg of Red Hen Records said, "I was invited by songwriter Gerald Crabb to be a judge at a talent contest in Fort Payne, Alabama. I was representing Daywind Studios and providing a recording session for the winner. I heard a lot of great talent that night. A young man holding a guitar stepped up to the microphone. When he started singing the alarm rang in my head. I could hear John Fogarty, Russ Taff, Mac Powell, Tony Joe White and Jason Crabb all rolled into one. I invited him to come to Daywind and audition at our Friday morning staff meeting. Everyone was blown away. Ed Leonard (of Daywind Records) gave the nod and now Ryan Watkins is a Red Hen Recording artist with Daywind Music Group. We are so proud of him."

"Ryan has an incredible gift, but his heart for the sinner is even bigger," mentioned producer Micah Schweinsberg. "He is driven. I am privileged to get to work with him, not just because of his musical abilities, but because he is the real deal. He loves people to Jesus. We need a lot more people like Ryan doing this. You feel his heart when he sings, and it aches for the anointing. It aches for all Prodigals to come home."

Ryan will be celebrating the release of Southern Son at a special release concert and celebration set for Saturday, August 22, 2015. The event will take place at Chris Roberts School of Music (aka "The Pickin' Post") in Fort Payne, Alabama at 6:00 p.m. The evening will be hosted by AbsolutelyGospel.com's Deon Unthank and feature special guests Michael Lee and Back Home.

"This is an exciting time for my ministry," mentioned Ryan. "We hope everyone can come out and celebrate the release of this recording with us. We are going to have a blast!"

For more information on the recording and CD release concert, visit Ryan online athttp://www.ryanwatkinsmusic.com or call (256) 605-2769. 

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