Gypsy Carns, The Blues Preacher,started performing in clubs in 1963 and making records in ‘66. He has anointed the United States, Japan, France, England,Germany, Italy, Amsterdam & The Netherlands,China, Israel and Brazil; with his vocals, percussion, and eclectic 12-string bottleneck guitar & Dobro prowess. Carns is also known as a blues songwriter, co-penning a Koko Taylor tune with Fred James and Mary Ann Brandon that garnered 2 GRAMMY nominations. Blues Revue states: “Gypsy Carns, A one-man wrecking crew who plays a “stompbox” tambourine / kick drum combination, harp, 12-string resonator guitar….this is hammering, powerful stuff, driven by Carns’ energy and rough-hewn vocals”. In 2008 Gypsy won the distinct honor of “Christian Blues Artist of the Year” at the Momentum Awards in Brentwood, TN. Using the delta-blues musical format, Gypsy combines Messianic lyrics for a unique blend of authentic American music. His energy and commitment are evidenced through his powerful live performances.
1992 - 94
His current spiritual solo career began in 1992 in the coffee houses of Hollywood, CA. The Holy Spirit spoke to Gypsy about dedicating his life and music to the LORD. He half heartedly pondered these intimate conversations and wrote a couple of songs in praise that ended up on an Italian blues label release - The Smashers - "Loud Confident and Wrong" on Appaloosa Records in 1993.
But with the major earthquake in Hollywood - January 17, 1994, the LORD spoke...and Gypsy listened. Two weeks later he moved to Nashville, TN to be with his soul mate Lady Caroline and carried out his vision of spreading the Word regarding Yeshua and God's Kingdom, using the delta-blues as his musical format. In a referral from a local music store, Rock Block Guitars, Gypsy met Tabby “zeb” Crabb who owns and operates Flatwood Studios (www.flatwoodstudios.com). Tabby has become not only Gypsy's producer /engineer /vidoegrapher but his best friend and musical companion as well. In 2011 Tabby passed on to the other side and was laid to rest.
1995 - 99
Their first recordings began in ’95 and by ’99 had secured Gypsy’s first solo record deal in the Gospel Blues vein. Simply titled "Prayin Blues" on TTM Records the CD received excellent reviews.
2000
Gypsy's next album "Beale Street Swing" was released in the summer of 2000 on Nightfly Records and is currently being played on radio stations in 39 countries around the world. This album too received excellent reviews in the United States and abroad. Blues Access magazine states: “Giving thanks to Jesus for his inspiration, Carns’ sings in a dynamic, gravelly voice, truly laying it all on the line….whatever Carns sets out to say, he does it with admirable force and integrity…the tunes range from fine and fun blues originals to spiritual and metaphysical pieces that expose Carns’ zealous faith and his take on political events.”
2001
Gypsy’s next release,"Revelation Blues", is currently being played on radio in the US and as far away as Peru, Spain, Indonesia, and Russia.
2002
In 2002 "G FoRcE" was released and is again receiving excellent airplay around the world and has been reviewed in "Cross Rhythms" magazine - the foremost Christian music magazine in Europe.
2003
This year saw the release of FEEL GOOD! Gypsy ventured to Paris, France where he performed with his trio The French Army (Zizou “The Boss” Sadki - bass and Stephane “Taz D”Cavanez – drums) and recorded the powerful electric live release - "Feel Good!" at the legendary House Of Live. The single “Searchin’” has been featured on 3 magazine compilation CD’s across the globe; Guitar & Basse - France, Cross Rhythms – England, and Blues Revue-USA. The Blues Preacher has been nominated for "Acoustic Artist of the Year" in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 by The Music City Blues Society.
2004
In 2004 The Blues Preacher released 13 new songs on the all-acoustic, high-energy, foot-stompin’ CD “RAW WORD." This has been accepted world wide with excellent reviews featured on the site. "Dark Eternity" is the lead-in song for the new Christian reality series "The Mission" based out of Canada.
2005
Gypsy recorded two singles dealing with the Jewish nation and in particular Jerusalem. The DVD Wailing Wall can be seen on this site and has garnered excellent airplay in the states. The second single "Jerusalem In Ruins" is a warning to the Jewish nation to accept Yeshua as The Messiah or face the coming wrath of YHWH. Gypsy will perform in Jerusalem in August 2006 and deliver this message face to face with the city.
2006
"Gospel Train Coming" was released and it is a tribute to all the Masters - both bluesmen from the 1920's and 30's and present day prayer warriors who dedicate their lives to serving God and Jesus Christ with their music. Men like Blind Willie Johnson, Rev. Edward W. Clayborn, Son House, Rev. Gary Davis, Rev. Pearly Brown; women like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and a new generation of blues preachers like Glen Kaiser,Jimmie Bratcher, KM Williams and many others. The album includes 12 tracks all acoustic, performed on a 1940's Silvertone acoustic and two of Gypsy's favorite dobros. The record is released on TTM Records - experience this true acoustic spiritual journey! Download the tracks from this site under MUSIC or send an email for your free copy.
August - 2006
During his Jerusalem experience Gypsy was given a new song by The Holy Spirit to be added to the record. One of the songs "End Time Generation" is a tribute to a new generation of worshippers.
End Time Generation
A mighty hand comes from the East
A devastating loathsome beast.
A militant mind with a heart of coal
A body for destruction and a jihad soul.
End Time Generation
Revolutionary worship technique,
Pastor and the Rabbi let the congregation speak.
A piercing generation with a brand new look,
Bring a total dedication to the Holy Book.
End Time Generation / End Time Generation
Time is short, but time still is,
Yeshua is Messiah - accept and live.
The Watchman sound the trumpet August 17, '06,
Let the Jewish nation rise from this apocalypse, this apocalypse!
End Times Generation / End Times Generation
End Time Generation / End Time Generation
End Time Generation - Generation
Special thanks to Richard Frieden and Gilad Yosian from The JAMM ministries in Jerusalem. They documented this historic occasion of AZA (Gypsy's Hebrew name pronounced ahh-ZAHHH) performing, street preaching,and doing what he does best - Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
2007
FEBRUARY - APRIL
Gypsy recorded 12 tracks for his next release - The Watchman. The Blues Messenger enlisted the help of musical friends - Mike Brignardello & Sean O.B. Smith on bass and Greg Morrow & Joe Schobelhoffer on drums. Due to the closure of Flatwood Studios in Tennessee (now located in Leslie, Georgia) Gypsy began work with Brad Vosburg - a talented engineer and producer from Hollywood, California. Recently moving to Nashville and opening Fox Mountain Studios (www.foxmountainproductions.com) What a great studio Fox Mountian is and Brad has the hot hand for Pro Tools.
JUNE
Gypsy traveled with his band The Apostles Of Sound to appear at the CORNERSTONE FESTIVAL in Peoria, Illinois.
JULY
The new record is released and available at www.indieheaven.com
AUGUST
The Apostles Of Sound travel to Charleston, South Carolina to headline the East Coast Christian Motorcycle Festival.
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
MOHR MANAGEMENT ( http://www.mohrmanagement.com/ ) has inked a management deal with General Gypsy Carns to take his career to the next level. Gypsy is working with Keith and legendary Music Biz illuminary - Sue Ross - to garner plans for the next big P.R. push - stay tuned for some exciting developments!
2008
The LORD has sent Gypsy to a new job and a new musical destiny. He and wife Caroline have moved to Meridian, Mississippi. Gypsy is working for Peavey Electronics in the Custom Guitar Factory. His music ministry is taking a break while he concentrates on making some excellent guitars. Stay tuned to see how the LORD will work in Gypsy's life this year. Well, the LORD is working - Indieheaven is the largest independent Christian Music organization on the planet. Once a year they have the Momentum Awards. Voting is done by the Indieheaven members and a board made up of Christian Music Business professionals. This year Gypsy won BLUES ARTIST OF THE YEAR !
2009 - 2010
Gypsy and wife Caroline, who teaches classical ballet, attend Central United Mehtodist Church where Gypsy handles the Bass guitar chores in the Praise Band. Gypsy is starting to perform in various churches and clubs in the area and has recently completed his new record entitled "AZA" which will be released on TTM Records - April 21, 2010. The newest video from the new CD The Long Count 2012 is available on youtube, and this website. It is the latest song to be transformed into Gypsy's best video to date by veteran videographer and good friend Tabby Crabb (www.tabbycrabb.com ) It chronicles the Mayan Prophecy that the world will end on December 21, 2012. It was released on November 13th to coincide with the new blockbuster movie 2012.
2011
Gypsy has worked for the past 18 months on a new musical project. The CD is a concept record; The Great I AM chooses an American Indian musician (AZAL) to reveal the book of Daniel and it's end time messages.
The songs are written in that context using scripture to validate the lyrics. The music is hard rock with heavy bass and drums, solid rhythm guitar, and thunderous slide guitar work by Gypsy (who takes on the persona of AZAL). The name of the new CD is ELIJAH RETURNS, the band name is Prophet AZAL. The CD was released on July 4th and is receiving excellent critical acclaim. You can download the entire CD for free on this website or purchase at iTunes. The live band consists of Gypsy on Guitars, Dobro, Harp, stompbox and Vocals and David Zettler on drums and vocals. In the fine duo tradition of The White Stripes and The Black Keys.
2012
In the meantime, Gypsy and Caroline are doing very well in Meridian, they have settled into a lovely life. Caroline is teaching ballet several nights a week, has her own school located at Meridian Community College. Gypsy continues to work for Peavey Electronics as the International Service Manager. He also continues his comittment to his musical ministry. Caroline and Gypsy thank all the great folks who stop by this site and enjoy the music,videos, and most importantly our Daily Bible Study.
January
Gypsy journies to Brentwood, Tennessee to begin work on his next record.
His long time partner Brad Vosburg will be holding down production and engineering duties. This new record entitled "TANGO BLUES" will find The Blues Preacher back in action with Gypsy getting back to his roots of dobro and stompbox with the blues based feel. It will be released in 2013 on the TTM Record label.
May
During the demo sessions in January Gypsy recorded a quirky little song called "Tickle My Tango." This tune has been gathering speed on internet radio and and video was produced in March and April. It is being aired on TVBrazil. In July Caroline and Gypsy will headline the Brazil Gospel/Blues Festival!
August
Caroline and Gypsy had a wonderful stay in Brazil!!! The performances were attended by many young people and the Word of Jesus Christ was well received. Special thanks to Rogerio, Ana, Karine, and Fernando for a wonderful visit, new friends, and GREAT food! Gypsy is now preparing for his next studio album. The new CD will be an instrumental record, a new venture for Gypsy, focusing on blues - showcasing his Dobro, harmonica, and electric slide guitar skills. Look for a May 2013 release. Also the couple continue to perform around Mississippi at small churches and informal gatherings.
December
Caroline produces her first play, "An English Christmas Pageant". Written in 1942 by the founder of Elmhurst Ballet School where Caroline attended - this pageant is close to Caroline's heart. The performance was magnificant and special thanks to all the actors and dancers. It was held at the Central United Methodist Church where Gypsy and Caroline are members. Gypsy is working on new songs for his next studio release entitled TANGO BLUES. Gypsy has been given a new Hebrew name: AZALAMAKYA to signify the next phase of service to the God of Abraham, I AM.
2013
February
Gypsy is working with Mississippi Chris Sharp on his newest record. The CD entitled TANGO BLUES will be an instrumental record of the blues genre. Gypsy has also started accepting more live shows so watch the schedule as the LORD lifts up his ministry.
