December 2001 ~ Featuring Misty Freeman
I think that the future of Southern Gospel Music is in great hands. A lot of the youth in this industry now have followed in the footsteps of their parents, and are carrying on the heritage. In my case, none of my family was involved in any kind of music, but this month I want you to get to know my good friend Misty Freeman, who was born into one of Southern Gospel's Favorite families. The Freemans joined the Dixie Echoes at the October Suwannee River Jubilee, and I had the chance to gather a little information that the fans might be interested in about this young lady.

Misty was born on February 6, 1982, to Darrell and Chris Hawkins Freeman. She has one brother, Caylon, who is thirteen years old. Her parents have been involved in Gospel music for many years. Her mom was a member of the legendary Hinsons, and was named the Queen Of Gospel Music by the Singing News Fan Awards for several years consecutively. Misty was saved in 1988, and her home church is Hendersonville Church Of God.

Misty lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and enjoys working out and collecting cd's. Her biggest musical influences are Allison Krauss and her parents. On the road, she is the "product girl". It is her job to set up and take down the product tables. She started playing the guitar for the Freemans at the young age of fourteen years old, and began her singing career with the group at the age of sixteen. She is currently working on doing two concept videos which should air soon on Gospel Music Television. She has been featured on several Freemans recordings singing on some of their hits including the song "Something Out Of Nothing" which climbed high in the charts. Her first release to radio featuring her was a song entitled "Let Me Fall".

According to her mom, Misty is not very patient. She was born seven weeks early, was born in Florida, not Ohio where they lived at the time. She did not like her parents traveling at first. She wanted to be at school like other kids, and didn't have a desire to sing when she was a kid. When she was fourteen years old, she attended a youth camp, and the Lord called her and gave her the desire to sing and use her talents for him. She decided then to pick up playing the guitar. When she joined the group, she started playing the guitar, along with her dad playing bass guitar, and her uncle Joe Freeman playing keyboard.

The song "Standing Out" was the first song that she recorded. Actually, when she recorded it in the studio, was her mom's first time to hear her sing. They called Chris and told her to come to the studio and hear how good of a singer Misty was. Since that time, she has just gotten better. Misty is one of Southern Gospel's favorite young ladies, and has such an easy going personality, that everyone who meets her feels as if they have known her forever. She now loves singing and spreading the Gospel for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Three years ago, Misty was diagnosed with an under active thyroid. This is a condition that usually doesn't go away, but Misty had faith that she would be healed. Several months ago, all of her friends prayed for her healing at a weekly bible study that she attends. Also, I should mention that Misty drives one and a half hours every week to attend a group bible study. That alone speaks a lot of her character in my opinion. When Misty was diagnosed with this problem three years ago, they put her medicine that she was to take on a regular basis. Misty truly believed that the Lord would heal her condition, that she stopped taking the medicine for over a year and she didn't tell anyone about it.

Recently, she went to the doctor to be treated for a sinus infection, and while there they did a blood test. The doctor was amazed at the news that Misty's thyroid was corrected and normal. He had no explanation, but Misty knew that it was God who healed her body. Misty has a strong faith and I truly believe that her prayers reach heaven. Her family and friends know that she is a great example to our generation, and she is a big influence to many of today's youth.

At the National Quartet Convention, this past September, in Louisville, Kentucky, Misty released her first solo recording. This self titled project was produced by her dad Darrell and Woody Wright. This recording has some of Nashville's best musicians backing Misty, and showcases her talents in several different styles. It is obvious by listening to this recording, that Misty is a big fan of Allison Krauss. I really enjoy her singing and this project features her talents at their best!

She picked ten of the best songs to be used on a solo album. If I had to pick my favorite, I would have to say cut three entitled, "I Can't Make It Lord Without You". This song was written by Larry Petree and is yet another one of his many great creations. It really is hard to pick only one favorite. My personal preference is usually a fast song, but the one I named above is a slow song, so that just goes to show you how good it has to be! This recording is a must have for all Southern Gospel lovers. For more information on this recording, visit Misty online at: www.mistyfreeman.com or write Misty Freeman at P.O. Box 2514, Hendersonville, TN 37077. Telephone orders can be made by calling: 615-824-6161. Cassettes are available for $10.00 each and Cd's are $15.00 each. Please add $3.00 per order for shipping.

Misty Freeman has established herself as one of Southern Gospel's best female vocalists and I foresee her having a great future ahead in Gospel music. There is no doubt why Darrell and Chris Freeman are proud of Misty, when they can look over at their daughter each night on stage and know that God has blessed them with a daughter that is setting a great example by living a Christian life. If you have never heard Misty sing, or attended a Freemans concert, check their schedule in the back, and make plans to see them soon. I can assure you that they have one of the most anointed ministries and are fine folks to get to know. Now that you know all about Misty Freeman, order her solo recording today, I am sure that you will enjoy it as much as I do.