ARLINGTON—The owners of the Texas Rangers are scouting for some new talent—not in baseball’s minor leagues but in worship venues.
To provide opportunities to aspiring musicians, Bob and Janice Simpson created RayLynn Records, designed to serve as a launch pad for breakthrough artists who desire to share the gospel through songs.
The Horn Family, a gospel music group with the newly formed RayLynn Records.Local worship leader and Dallas Baptist University graduate Kyle Sherman became the flagship artist on their brand-new label. The Simpsons also added the Horn Family, a Southern Gospel group, to their roster.
“We are looking for recording artists who put God first in their lives, because these projects have to be centered on Christ alone and not desiring their own personal glory,” Janice Simpson said.
“Their voices, hearts and stories—that’s what we want to get out so others can hear the message and lives can be changed.”
Greater plan and purpose
When Bob Simpson first mentioned the idea of a record label, his wife thought they already had a full plate and busy season. However, she quickly realized the greater plan and purpose.
“It’s incredible how God works, how his plan is greater than we ever could imagine and how music impacts people,” she said.
“My hope is that we stick with God’s path and what he wants us to do. It’s beautiful how songs can speak right to a person’s heart and connect them to God’s redeeming love. Our goal is to reach people and to bring in musicians who are focused on changing lives.”
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Winning combination
In addition to establishing the record label, the Simpsons have collaborated with recording artists during the songwriting process, and they have found a winning combination with country singer/songwriter Mark Collie producing the albums.
“As Bob Simpson and I talked about our earliest memories of music, he shared memories of his mother playing the piano and singing hymns,” Collie said. “Next thing you know, we’re writing songs together.
“It’s amazing how God will put you in places you never expected to be. I never expected to be writing songs with the owner of the Texas Rangers. These songs tell the story of God at work in our lives.”
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