A husband's secret; a wife's reward

GAINESVILLE - A Gainesville woman, who says she has been singing all her life, was first runner-up in a new artist contest conducted by the gospel music publication "Singing News." And, she didn't even know she was in the running.

Unbeknownst to her, Jennifer Cagle's husband Scott had entered her in the magazine's 2013 Singing News Solid Gospel New Artist Search.

"I had to fill out some forms and make CDs of some of her songs," Scott Cagle said. "I sent in three for consideration and the song that was picked as first runner-up was 'The Lighthouse' (which) also happens to be one of my favorites. I talked the idea over with friend and producer Roger Talley (and) he agreed it would be a great idea to turn her in for the contest." (Click on the first link below to access a recording of Jennifer Cagle's award-winning song.)

Cagle, who is the fire marshal for Hall County, says he found out about the contest from a fellow county worker, Peggy Pierce. He says his wife's entry was one of more than 600 from all over the country.

"I thought it was a scam, something asking for money to promote a song or CD!" Jennifer Cagle said, recalling the email announcing that she was first runner-up in the contest. "I am on a few email lists that market to artists, so I just assumed Scott was as well. Imagine my surprise when I actually found out Scott had entered me into a contest!"

Cagle says her mother knew music was in her future when she heard her sing herself to sleep at a very young age. Her first public performance was at the age of 12, and by the age of 15 she says she knew the Lord had plans for her life that included the musical realm.

Cagle began her singing career travelling with the First Corinthians while in college, and later she and her sister formed the trio Shade and continued to sing in area churches.

In 2010, she joined the group CS&K (Christ, Savior & King) where she was able to travel and sing on a regional level with many nationally known award-winning [Grammy & Dove] artists. The group gained momentum by having several songs make the charts. By September of 2011, CS&K had won a national talent search that helped further their career. In 2013, she began singing as a solo artist.

Jennifer says she knows that the Lord is sovereign and His plans are perfect, and she is trusting in Him to direct her ministry. She says she has a heart for encouraging the church to a deeper relationship with Him and loves to see lives transformed by Christ and His love. Her first concert as a solo artist was this past April at the Word of Life campus in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

As for winning the "Singing News" award, Cagle says "I am very honored to even be considered. The Lord has always been in the center of my ministry, and it is very humbling just to sit back and watch Him work on things behind the scene, especially ones I'm not even aware of!"

Her first solo was at the Christian Women's Club of Gainesville at the age of 12, and then she continued doing solos in her home church, Concord Baptist Church, while growing up. Cagle was active in the chorus program at North Hall High School where her choral teachers, Lisa Stover and Lynn Lathem, were her mentors.

She comes from a family of singers and musicians. Her dad once played guitar in a gospel group called the Chapeleers and her mom was a singer with the Gainesville Chorale for several years.

Cagle sings in the choir at the church she now attends, Riverbend Baptist in Gainesville.

In the past she has also done vocal recordings for commercials/jingles for radio as well as recording background vocals for projects. She has also been a part of several other gospel groups that traveled and performed in various church and conference settings.

As first runner-up in the "Singing News" talent search, Cagle will have her award-winning son played on radio stations all across the country during a New Artist Showcase on Solid Gospel Radio Network and she will be featured in the "Singing News" as part of its coverage of the contest.

As for one day perhaps turning her singing into a professional career, Cagle said "Yes, whatever and wherever the Lord leads me. I would love to do something professionally but above all I just want to be in the center of the Lord's will for my life."