Abraham Productions, Inc. was founded in January of 1998 with the mission of presenting first-quality Christian music events with a ministry focus. Our goal is to provide Christian events that will be an encouragement to the body of Christ through uplifting music and soul-stirring messages. As often as possible, Abraham Productions, Inc. strives to provide multi-day events where the attendee can combine physical relaxation and spiritual rejuvenation in one package. The purpose of Abraham Production, Inc. is to take exciting Christian music, place it in a concert/entertainment atmosphere without denominational barriers, offer attendees an opportunity to hear the simple Gospel message through music and for those who may not know Christ, an opportunity to develop a relationship.

President

In 1989, my employer at that time went through a significant downsizing and I was laid off from my job. My wife and I had just had our first baby and, needless to say, the future seemed a little uncertain. I was unaware, but God was preparing my heart for a ministry of Gospel concert promotions. During that time in my life, I really never knew that there was another type of Christian music other than the hymns we sang at church. After discovering a great Southern Gospel radio station, I was very excited to find out that one of the groups that I really enjoyed had been scheduled to do a concert at our church on an upcoming Sunday evening. This was my first experience seeing a Southern Gospel group "live."

During the concert at our church, the awesome presence of God was there and each song touched me and many others in the crowd. Not only the songs, but the great testimonies that the members of that group gave between the songs made seeing Southern Gospel "live" even that much more powerful. As the evening began to come to a close, the group gave an invitation and many people came to Christ and I left overwhelmed by the whole event. At that very moment, I felt that God was calling me to a ministry that could take this powerful music, place it in a public concert atmosphere without denominational tags and give the people an opportunity to hear the basic Gospel and invite them to receive Jesus Christ as Savior. Really let them experience just what I witnessed the first time I saw a Southern Gospel concert at church.

I knew nothing about promoting, but on August 28, 1992, I stepped out in faith to promote my first gospel concert at Reynolds Auditorium in Winston-Salem, NC, trusting the Lord that He would just supply my needs and that we would see people come to Christ. That night as the concert started, my eyes filled with tears as I watched God fill the 2000 seat auditorium to near capacity. The concert was great and God was moving so mightily, and then came the real test - a brief message and invitation was presented - and several people came to Christ. I knew at that instant I was on track with what God had called me to do. Now, more than 20 years later, I have been blessed to see God provide us with opportunities to minister to the masses and see growth to our concert events that have literally exploded in attendance.

I am the President, founder, and the Chairman of the Board Directors for Abraham Productions, Inc. which was formed in 1997 with the goal of providing Christian music events that encourage the body of Christ through uplifting music and soul-stirring messages and offering attendees the opportunity to hear the simple gospel; and, ultimately, for those who may not know Christ - an opportunity to develop a life-changing relationship! Currently, Abraham Productions does multi-day concert events like "Singing In The Sun" at Myrtle Beach, SC; the "Gatlinburg Gathering" in Gatlinburg, TN; the "Crystal Caribbean Cruise" Gospel Music Cruise and other single night events. Abraham Productions is also looking to the Lord for a potential expansion opportunity for another multi-day event coming in the near future!

Vice President

Dean was born into a Southern Gospel Music family, the Hoppers, and began his road life at the very early age of 6; he joined the group full time as lead vocalist in 1982 after having been the drummer for several years prior. He has since been recognized as one of the Outstanding Young Men Of America and graduated from Oakland City University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2003. Dean's love for the genre and heart for the business is becoming more evident with his increasing involvement in every facet of the industry. He is one of the original founding members of Abraham Productions and has been proud to dedicate his time to the ministry and growth of this organization.

Vice President

Jeff Whisnant is the owner and manger of the Whisnants. He has been involved with his family ministry since its inception, in 1970. He has been traveling full-time since 1990, along with his wife Susan and two sons Austin and Ethan. "It's an honor and privilege to serve the Lord in this capacity." Jeff's desire has and always will be, to lift up the name of Jesus on and off stage, wherever the Lord provides an outlet. "I am blessed to be a part of such a group of honorable men and women that make up Abraham Productions. I look forward to the future and what the Lord is going to do."

An East Tennessee native, Roger Talley began singing with and playing piano for his family at a young age. After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in agricultural business, he began his career playing piano for the Hoppers and has continued for over 30 years. Roger is an accomplished pianist, producer and arranger and has been awarded for his achievements in the recording studio from the Southern Gospel Music Guild Harmony Honors in 2004 and the SGN Music Awards in 2007 for Producer of the Year. He co-owns The Summit recording studio in Morristown, Tennessee. Roger has produced projects for such artists as Jake Hess, Ivan Parker, the John Hagee Family, the Collingsworth Family, the Kingsmen, and of course, Lauren Talley's solo recordings, as well as all projects by the Talley Trio. Roger is an avid sports fan and enjoys following all University of Tennessee sports teams, especially the Tennessee Lady Vols, and the Tennessee Titans.

Poplar recording artist, Ivan Parker burst onto the Southern Gospel Music scene in 1982, and has spent more than two and an half decades ministering in churches and arenas, sharing his testimony and rich vocal talents. Traveling with popular Southern Gospel quartet, Gold City, for more than 10 years, Ivan helped lead the group to national notoriety, achieving 19 Top Ten hits, including the 1993 Southern Gospel Song of the Year Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association. Since embarking on a solo career in 1994, Parker has continued to enjoy prominence and much success. Hit songs have flowed his way in bunches, as he has more than dozen solo recordings to his credits. For the past decade he has been regularly featured on the highly successful Bill Gaither Homecoming Video and Concert Series, and in May of 2008 the Gaither Gospel Series released The Best Of Ivan Parker Collection in DVD and CD format. Inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1993, he has received more than 20 Soloist and Male Vocalist of the Year Awards from a variety of leading fan and trade publications, including the 2007 Fan Award for Male Vocalist of the Year by subscribers of The Singing News Magazine, Southern Gospel Music's leading fan and trade publication, as well as the 2008 Favorite Soloist Fan Award.

Karen Peck Gooch is the lead singer for the three-time Grammy-nominated group, Karen Peck & New River, formed in 1991. They have several number one hits such as "Four Days Late," "Hold Me While I Cry," "I Want To Thank You," and "On The Banks Of The Promised Land," just to name a few. Karen has received many honors and accolades. She served as the first woman President for the SGMA (Southern Gospel Music Association) for two terms, 2009-2011. In 2012, she landed a small part in the movie, "Joyful Noise," which also had her performing the song, "Mighty High," on the film's soundtrack. Karen is very honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Abraham Productions, Inc.