I Love To Tell The Story

While you may not recognize Zach Farnum’s name, you have almost certainly been impacted by his influence in the music business. 

As Founder of 117 Entertainment, Zach has spent years shaping careers, building brands, and amplifying the voices of some of music’s most respected artists. A trusted leader in marketing and publicity, he works behind the scenes where strategy meets storytelling.

He serves as Chair of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Troubadour Society and is a member of the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music, and the Recording Academy...

In the age of social media, words like “legend” and “gamechanger” get thrown around a lot.

And then there are those rare moments when those are the only words that actually fit.

This is one of those moments.

On the newest episode of I Love To Tell the Story, we sit down with — yes — the legend and the gamechanger himself, Jim Murray. From 20 years as tenor with the iconic Imperials, to his time with the Gaither Vocal Band, and even the Elvis years, Jim brings a front-row, firsthand perspective to one of the most incredi...

Nick Bruno—man of a thousand stories and one of the newest inductees into the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame—joins us for a fascinating conversation as we peel back the pages of his legendary music career.

How did a preacher’s kid from Staten Island, New York, find himself at the center of some of the most pivotal moments in Southern Gospel history? You’ll hear it firsthand from the man who lived it.

And yes—there are incredible Elvis stories. He was there… on stage. We even dig into the full story of whether he w...

If you missed Part 1 of our conversation with Shaye Smith of the Chuck Wagon Gang, you missed more than just an episode — you missed something special. We hope you’ll take a moment to go back and listen, then join us again for Part 2. We think you’ll be glad you did.

As the Chuck Wagon Gang celebrates 90 years of music, Shaye Smith — the group’s manager and alto singer — carries on a remarkable legacy. She is the granddaughter of Anna Carter, one of the original members, and she brings with her firsthand stories passed down through generations...

It’s hard to imagine a fan of country or gospel music who hasn’t been touched in some way by the music of the Chuck Wagon Gang. But then again—that’s what happens when you’ve been doing what you do for 90 years.

On this new episode of I Love to Tell the Story, we’re thrilled to peel back the curtain on the Gang’s remarkable legacy with someone who offers a truly one-of-a-kind perspective: Shaye Smith.

Shaye isn’t just the group’s owner, manager, and alto singer in the legendary ensemble—she’s als...

We’ve got a brand-new episode of I Love To Tell The Story, and you are going to love this one.

Our guest is the legendary Johnny Minick—singer, songwriter, producer, piano player, and pastor. His journey alone is remarkable… but when you add in the unforgettable years he spent as a member of the Happy Goodman Family, you’ve got stories (and laughter!) that could fill several episodes.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:

* How to say Willie Nelson in Spanish.
* What Liberace may have learned from Howard Goodman.
* The one thing John...

Our guest on this episode of I Love To Tell the Story is singer, songwriter, speaker, author, and worship leader — John Chisum.

For more than 40 years, John has faithfully served the Church through his songs and leadership, while quietly mentoring countless young artists and songwriters along the way. Many of his songs will be familiar to you, and you’ll especially enjoy hearing the stories behind them — including his co‑write on one of the most beloved Southern Gospel songs of our generation.

John’s journey is both challenging and inspiring. But just as meaningful is the eas...

This week we welcome Craig Nelson — a legendary Nashville studio musician whose five-decade career shows no signs of slowing down. You may recognize his name from iconic Christian music records, or hear his double bass on countless Nashville Symphony sessions.

Believe it or not, his playing may even appear on some of your favorite video game soundtracks. Craig’s professionalism, versatility, and diligent work ethic have taken him on a fascinating journey — one packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else. 

This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

How does a kid barely out of his teens leave Oregon with no industry experience and become one of Nashville’s busiest recording engineers? Tune in to hear the inspiring story of Justin Kropf (pronounced KRUP).

For three decades Justin has served as the in-house engineer at Daywind Records in Hendersonville, TN, and his name shows up on an astonishing number of southern gospel credits. In this episode we’ll laugh, learn, and be surprised — from Christmas trees to cattle auctions and, of course, a whole lot of music stories.

More than a career retrospective, Justin...

Join us as we welcome Phil Johnson, one of the most influential voices in Christian music since the mid-70s, whose impact still resonates today.

Phil’s remarkable journey spans a dazzling array of roles: record producer for artists including Reba Rambo, Andrus Blackwood & Company, Dallas Holm, and Karen Peck; songwriter of classics like "Give Them All To Jesus," "The Day He Wore My Crown," and "When It’s My Time" (which was sung at Elvis’s funeral); and record executive at GreenTree Records and Spring Hill. His list of credits is simply staggering—it's hard to believe...

In this exciting new episode of I Love To Tell the Story, Dave and Dusty are thrilled to sit down with Dana Williams, the talented bass player and singer from one of country music’s most successful groups, Diamond Rio. 

Dana's journey is a remarkable blend of talent, perseverance, family, faith, and a healthy sense of humor that brings balance to it all. 

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Dana joined Diamond Rio in 1989 as the sixth and final member of this award-winning group, and as you can imagine, in all those years, he has enough stories to f...

On this episode of I Love To Tell the Story, Dave and Dusty peel back the curtain on their own journeys to mark a truly special occasion. 2026 is a milestone year, as they celebrate 50 years each in the music business.

It was 1976 when Dave Clark left his home and family in Jackson, Michigan, answering a call that would lead him into a lifelong career as a songwriter. That very same year, in Twin Falls, Idaho, God opened a door for Dusty Wells—igniting what would become a lifetime passion for working in and alongside Christian music.

We have a brand-new episode of I Love To Tell the Story—and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Joey Hemphill, the oldest son of one of Southern Gospel’s most beloved families, found his place in the story at an early age. He began playing drums for the group and eventually stepped into the role of baritone singer, even contributing as a songwriter along the way.

The group made their mark with tight family harmonies and some of the most iconic songs of the era—many of them written by Joey’s father, Jo...

Over the past few seasons, the topic of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs has surfaced again and again in our conversations. So we decided it was time to devote an entire episode to exploring it more deeply. We’re joined by two dear friends—Dr. Bruce Chesser and Mike Harland—who also happen to be two of the most thoughtful and insightful voices we know on this subject.

We didn’t come in with a rigid agenda, and honestly, we weren’t sure where the conversation would lead. What we didn’t expect was just how invigorated, encouraged...

Join us for a very special Christmas episode of I Love to Tell the Story. 

Because Christmas is best celebrated with family, we wanted to invite you into ours.

Dusty and his wife, LaVonne—along with their daughters and grandkids—join Dave and Cindi and their kids for a meaningful time together, filled with stories, laughter, music, and even a special announcement. 

We’re also joined by a recent guest on the podcast, Jimmy Fortune. After living next door to Dave for more than 20 years, Jimmy has truly become family, and we’re grateful t...

Get ready—this week’s episode of I Love To Tell the Story is one you won’t want to miss as Dave and Dusty sit down with their longtime friend, Travis Cottrell.

For more than 25 years, Travis has been one of the most influential voices in Christian music, leading worship for Beth Moore’s Living Proof Ministries and shaping the sound of worship for countless believers.

But that’s just the beginning. Travis has written and arranged music for the local church, authored multiple books, and performed and recorded in iconic venues like Carnegie H...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of I Love To Tell the Story, Dave and Dusty sit down with two of gospel music’s best, Russ Taff and Joseph Habedank to share their honest conversations about life, faith, and their journeys through the darkness of addiction.

Their stories are raw and real—but also filled with redemption, grace, and hope.

If you or someone you love is walking through a similar struggle, we pray this episode brings encouragement—to those fighting for freedom and to those walking beside them on the road toward healing.

“Where do you start when you build a museum?”

With those words, Steve Gilreath, Executive Director of the brand-new Christian and Gospel Music Museum in downtown Nashville, opened the ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 3, 2025.

On this new episode of I Love To Tell the Story, Dave and Dusty take the cameras to the museum for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes conversation with the one person who can truly answer that question. It’s an inspiring, can’t-miss look at passion, purpose, and the making of something extraordinary.

It’s almost as if Steve has spent his entire lif...

Get ready for an unforgettable conversation with the legendary Reba Rambo!

This week’s episode is extra special, and here’s why: if you’ve been with us since the beginning, you’ll remember Reba as our very first guest back in September 2023. Now, she’s back—and the story only gets better!

To celebrate her birthday this week, Reba took a tour of the brand-new Museum of Christian and Gospel Music, which opened just weeks ago. We had the privilege of being there to capture the magic as she explored the incredible tributes to her groundbr...

When it comes to the phrase "legendary songwriter," few embody it like Lanny Wolfe.

With multiple Dove Awards under his belt—including Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year—Lanny’s talent has left an indelible mark on music. His song “More Than Wonderful” earned Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris a Grammy, and he was named SESAC’s Gospel Composer of the Year in both 1975 and 1976. In 1977, The Lanny Wolfe Trio took home Billboard Magazine’s Award of the Year for Top Contemporary Trio.

And yet, beyond the accolades, Lanny is a master storyteller. T...

We’re sitting down with one of Christian music’s most prolific songwriters, Kenna Turner West—and trust us, her story is as unforgettable as her music.

You’ve heard her work on projects by The Martins, The Isaacs, Michael English, The Crabb Family, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Booth Brothers, Triumphant Quartet, Travis Cottrell, Jimmy Fortune, The Collingsworth Family, Brian Free & Assurance, Joseph Habedank, Karen Peck & New River, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Nelons, Selah, The Blackwood Brothers… need we go on?

But music is just the beginning. Kenna is the daughter of Ken Turner, legendary...

If you’re not a credit reader, you might not recognize the name Jason Webb. But if you’re a music lover, chances are you’ve been profoundly impacted by his work.

Jason is widely regarded as one of the most in-demand studio musicians in Nashville. He’s also a Dove Award-winning producer, composer, and arranger. His 
impressive credits span an eclectic range of artists—from The Backstreet Boys to the Down East Boys, Phillips, Craig & Dean to Jim and Melissa Brady, and even Steven Tyler to Lauren Talley.

With such a diverse career, it’s no sur...

This week marks a special milestone for us—two years since we aired the very first episode of #ILove2TellTheStory! What an incredible journey it has been. Over these past two years, we've shared moments of learning, laughter, and love, brought to life by the amazing stories our guests have shared around our table.

To celebrate, Dave and Dusty are joined by their good friend and perennial co-host, Josh Singletary, for a fun and insightful episode. Together, they'll take you behind the scenes with humorous anecdotes, heartfelt reflections, and a few surprises about what’s coming next for...

Get ready for an unforgettable conversation! Chris Blue, the Season 12 winner of NBC's The Voice, captured the hearts of millions with his infectious smile and unmatched vocal talent. Now, as a cherished member of the Gaither Homecoming Family, he's become a beloved figure among Southern Gospel fans as well.

Dave and Dusty are thrilled to bring you this episode of #ILove2TellTheStory, where we sit down with this extraordinary entertainer whose personality is as big as his incredible journey.

But that's not all! This episode features an epic response to an unscripted, unplanned question—something so...

On this episode of I Love To Tell the Story, Dave and Dusty welcome one of the most iconic duos in Southern Gospel Music—Jim and Melissa Brady!

Born into families of music and ministry, Jim and Melissa's journey has been guided by faith and talent from the very beginning. After years of traveling with Melissa’s family group, The Shulers, and Jim’s time with the renowned Booth Brothers, their story took an incredible turn—one only God could orchestrate.

Now, their best chapters are being written, and you’re invited to hear it all! 
...

When you invite one of Christian Music’s finest communicators to sit down for a conversation, you know it’s going to be special—and Allison Speer didn’t disappoint.

Born and raised in the bluegrass fields of Kentucky, Allison’s path to success is as unique as her voice is captivating. Whether you’ve heard her on The Gaither Homecoming videos, seen her perform at First Baptist Atlanta or The Brooklyn Tabernacle, caught her on The 700 Club, or experienced her live at a local church, you already know she’s one of the best in the business.
...

Join Dave Clark and Dusty Wells for an Inspiring Conversation with Scotty Inman!

Growing up in a singer's home, pursuing a music career was never part of Scotty Inman’s plan—but God had other ideas. Now, as a 4-time BMI award-winning singer/songwriter and the 2024 Singing News New Artist of the Year, Scotty’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

His music has taken him across the globe, giving him the opportunity to share Christ’s message on stages that many can only dream of. With heartfelt lyrics centered on faith, family, and life, Scotty i...

If you’ve ever wondered how, in just a few short months, one man could go from being a southern gospel tenor singer to one of the purest bass singers in gospel music, you won’t want to miss this interview with Gene McDonald. His story is nothing short of amazing.

Gospel music fans around the world know Gene as one of the featured vocalists on the Gaither Homecoming Family tour. But in this conversation with Dave and Dusty, you’ll meet the gentle giant whose heart is even bigger than his incredible voice.

Gene is a p...

Welcome to a special Father’s Day episode of I Love to Tell the Story! In this episode, we explore the profound influence of fatherhood through the opposite experiences of Dave Clark and Dusty Wells. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, both have shaped the fathers they’ve become.

Join us for an engaging discussion filled with heartfelt insights and a touch of humor about the power of being a dad. Plus, enjoy some special cameos from our kids! Don’t miss this unique perspective on fatherhood!

Video of this episode can be found on our YouTub...

Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys sits down with Dusty Wells and Dave Clark for this episode of I Love to Tell the Story. For sixty years, Duane has been the lead singer of one of the most beloved groups in both gospel and country music. His story, which began in the most unlikely of ways, continues to grow richer—a tale only he can tell.

As the newest inductee into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Duane shares his heart on topics ranging from business principles to the importance of faith, family, and forgiveness. Th...

For 21 unforgettable years, Jimmy Fortune sang and performed as a member of the legendary Statler Brothers. When the group retired in 2002, Jimmy faced the unknown—but one thing was certain: he knew he wasn’t done singing. And he hasn’t stopped since.

In this episode, we sit down at Jimmy’s kitchen table to hear a master storyteller share the incredible journey of his life and career, peeling back the pages of his remarkable story.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Video of this episo...

"I’ll Fly Away," written by Albert E. Brumley, is arguably one of the most well-known songs of all time. For nearly 100 years, it has been recorded in nearly every genre of music and featured in movies, television, and radio.
While "I’ll Fly Away" may be his most famous work, Brumley also wrote many other gospel and country music classics, including "Turn Your Radio On," "I’ll Meet You in the Morning," and "Rank Stranger."

Although Mr. Brumley passed away 48 years ago, his songs and stories continue to resonate. Join Dave and Du...

Join Dave and Dusty for an insightful conversation with Tim, Steve, and Janice of The Archers, one of the defining music groups of the early Contemporary Christian Music movement in the mid-70s.

Known for their exceptional songwriting instincts and tight vocal harmonies, The Archers set a high standard for audio excellence, collaborating with many top secular studio musicians of the time.

In their early years, they shared the stage with legends like Pat Boone and Andrae Crouch, and they were regulars at every major Christian music festival, including a memorable performance for and estimated 200,000...

We invite you to tune in to a very SPECIAL EPISODE of I Love To Tell the Story.

Life often throws unexpected circumstances our way, and sometimes the best response is to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on how these moments shape us. This episode is born from such an experience since our last podcast.

Join Dusty and Dave for an unplanned, unscripted, and unedited conversation about the importance of telling your story. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect and reflect!

Tune in now!

...

Join Dusty Wells and Dave Clark for a fascinating conversation with Gary Prim, one of Nashville’s most sought-after studio musicians.

For over 45 years, Gary has contributed his talents to records by some of the biggest names in Gospel Music, including the Hinsons, Hoppers, Mark Lowry, Russ Taff, Gold City, Legacy Five, The Martins, and the Gaither Vocal Band. And this is just the beginning.

But his impressive resume doesn’t stop there. Gary has also lent his skills to Country Music legends like Alan Jackson, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Rand...

Join Dave Clark and Dusty Wells for an insightful conversation with one of Southern Gospel’s most awarded songwriters. Rodney Griffin is not only a member of the Southern Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame but has also been awarded the SGMA’s Songwriter of the Year an unprecedented 20 consecutive years beginning in 1999. Beyond his songwriting, as a member of the group, Greater Vision for over thirty years, he has established himself as one of the most most-loved personalities in Gospel Music. 
 
 So how does how does a young Pastor’s kid from Somerset, KY reach this level...

It was a hot afternoon in June of 1921 in Double Springs, Alabama, when a broken plow and a determined heart led a young singer named G.T. Speer to begin a new journey that would lead to one of the greatest stories in Gospel Music history. 

Over a hundred years later, one of Dad Speer's grandsons, Brock and Faye's youngest son Brian sits down with Dave and Dusty for an unforgettable first-hand account of life in the Speer household. 

Although this episode is a little longer than most, if you're a fan of the music, we...

Join Dave and Dusty for a fascinating conversation with Ed Harper. Even if by chance you’re not familiar with this name, if you follow Southern Gospel Music, you have no doubt felt his impact. 

The Harper Agency serves as booking agent to some of the best of the best. That list includes The Booth Brothers, Brian Free & Assurance, Greater Vision, Jim & Melissa Brady, Joseph Habedank, Karen Peck & New River, The Kingsmen Quartet, Lauren Talley, Legacy Five, Mark Bishop, Mark Lowry, The Mark Trammell Quartet, The Inspirations, The Martins, The Sound, Tribute Quartet, Triumphant Quartet, The Whisnants, Hig...

Join Dusty and Dave for an unforgettable conversation with one of the most influential people in Christian Music. As a producer, his resume reads like a who’s who, including Jason Crabb, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Collingsworth Family, The Perrys, Gordon Mote, Legacy Five, Joseph Habedank, Karen Peck and New River, and he has forty-one Dove Awards to show for it.

But his reach doesn’t stop there. His arrangements and orchestrations have also been utilized by mainstream artists like Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson, and even Boyz II Men.

But it doesn’t stop there...

Our third season begins with an amazing conversation with Mary Anne Oglesby- Sutherly. So what's her story, and why are we so excited to share it? Mary Anne is the founder of an organization called VerandaMinistries.org.

If you or someone in your family has had to walk through the dark journey known as Dementia and you are searching for honest answers from someone who truly understands, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

Mary Anne strongly believes it’s our Christian duty to treat our senior adults with respect and dignity and she...