The name of multi Grammy nominated Karen Peck and New River has become synonymous with Southern Gospel Music. Karen’s flawless, delightful soprano voice has made its way into the hearts of Gospel Music lovers across the country and garnered an unprecedented 11 Favorite Soprano Fan Awards from the readers of The Singing News Magazine, Southern Gospel Music’s leading fan and trade publication. Karen, Susan and Jeff have also received many awards from other magazine publications and Internet publications. Over the past two years, New River has had five consecutive #1 songs in Southern Gospel Music.

The youngest of three daughters, Karen was exposed to the traditional sounds of Gospel Music at a very early age. Her parents often took Karen and her sisters, Susan and Sandra, to the all-night sings in Atlanta, and these concerts left an indelible mark on the youngsters who made a pact that someday they would share a musical ministry of their own.

One of the groups often featured at the Atlanta concerts was The LeFevres, who later became known as The Nelons. It would be a mild understatement to say that Karen had aspirations of singing with this talented family. In fact, that aspiration became her greatest desire, and in 1981, this dream became a reality when Karen was invited to travel with her favorite group. She remained with The Nelons for 10 years, gaining the respect of industry peers and fans alike with her exceptional vocal ability and caring personality.

Finally in 1991, the realization of yet another dream came to pass when Karen and her sister, Susan, with Karen’s husband Rickey, organized the musical entourage of Karen Peck & New River. Today the New River team consists vocally of Karen, Susan, and Jeff Hawes. Additionally, Karen’s husband Rickey serves as the group’s road manager and sound technician. Susan’s husband, David, is the founder and owner of the Jackson Steel Guitar Company. Dawn Hughes has traveled with the group since year 2000, as Karen Peck and New River’s assistant making New River a complete family affair.

With appearances on such prestigious stages as The Grand Ole Opry, The Gaither Homecoming concerts, Opryland Theme Park, Dollywood and Six Flags Over Georgia, New River has firmly established their place at the forefront of Southern Gospel Music. Over the past decade, they have been featured on many television networks, with appearances on TBN’s Praise The Lord, the Grand Ole Opry Live and the popular Gaither Gospel video Series. They have consistently received radio airplay at stations nationwide. A few of their other popular hits include: “Hold Me While I Cry,” “Just One Touch,” “I Wanna Know,” “God Likes To Work,” “Daddy’s Home,” “When Jesus Passes By,” “God Still Answers Prayer,” and “Christian In The House.” Additionally, the group’s #1 hit, “Four Days Late,” was also named Song of the Year by readers of Singing News Magazine in 2001 and the SGMA Awards and continues to be a favorite among audiences. The group has enjoyed many honors and accolades, including numerous industry and fan award nominations and wins. Their album Journey of Joy received a Grammy nomination for 2008, as well as being nominated for three Dove Awards. The album produced three consecutive #1 songs: “Hey,” “Last Night,” and “Whispered Prayers.”  No doubt, that same message of hope and encouragement continues to flow through the lips and lives of Karen Peck & New River with their September 2008 release, Ephesians One. The album, featuring #1 song “I Want To Thank You”, was nominated for a Grammy in 2009. Their last studio CD, No Worries, features the radio hits “Why Should I Worry” and “Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along,” which reached #1 on the charts.  Earlier this year, Karen Peck & New River celebrated their 3rd GRAMMY nomination for the project, Live at Oak Tree: Karen Peck & New River.  In July of 2011, their brand new album, Reach Out, will be available nationwide.  The first radio single, “On The Banks Of The Promised Land,” is already making its was up the charts and is sure to be yet another hit for the group.

New River sets a new standard for musical perfection with rich vocal harmony that is shaded with the sophistication of Southern Gospel, country and progressive musical sounds. New River today stands not only as a talented and successful recording artist, but more importantly, effective messengers presenting the Gospel, all For His Glory.