Kirk Talley has become one of the most successful artists in Southern Gospel music today. With this CD, “What’s Missing Here?,” Kirk has proven once again there is a long and consistent reputation of first class songs and heartfelt performances in his repertoire. After enjoying the huge successes and hit records with The Hoppers, the Cathedrals and The Talleys, Kirk Talley’s solo career and ministry continue to grow and prosper. Coming off hit records like “Far Away,” “Serenade,” and “Field Of Grace,” this CD was one of the most eagerly awaited projects, and after one listen we can agree it was worth the wait!

The winner of three Diamond Awards: “Soloist Of The Year,” “Songwriter Of The Year,” and “Song Of The Year” for “Serenaded By Angels,” Talley has also won awards from Singing News.

Kirk describes his approach by explaining, “I want the people to feel comfortable. I want them to feel like they are in my living room, just having a great time and lifting up praise to our Lord.”

Mr. Talley has not been without problems with some of his fellow Christians. In 2003 he was the target of an extortion attempt after merely having an online dialog with a man in an internet chat room. Once the individual realized he was interacting with a popular Gospel singer, he attempted to blackmail Talley with allegations that he lived an alternative lifestyle. Kirk called in the FBI, who arrested the extortionist and Talley later courageously confessed that he was homosexual. This forced him to forfeit many of the singing engagements he had once enjoyed. Talley suspended his career for almost a year. Upon resurfacing, he agreed to perform at the Evangelical Concerned conference, which described the event as “a four-day retreat experience with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians.” Since then he has also become quite the fixture on the gay Christian scene.

Guided by theological fundamentalism and social conservatism, many — but not all — of Southern Gospel’s performers and fans tend to take a dim view of homosexuality. Yet the musical idiom, argues author/academic Douglas Harrison,  would not exist without gays “and their contributions as fans, songwriters, performers, producers, players and industry executives.”

Kirk Talley says his mission quite simply is to present the Gospel — not gain worldly fame but heavenly fortune. This focus is what has captivated audiences around the globe, and kept Kirk writing and singing his songs.

Regardless of Kirk Talley's personal struggles, there is no question that he is a talented singer and songwriter who is responsible for some of the finest music in Southern Gospel today.

All the tracks on this fine CD are not only very melodic and expertly performed (not just by Talley; the accompaniment is first-rate),  they speak to the heart about the various dimensions of the human experience and the message of salvation. For those who might turn away from Kirk’s recordings out of their own sanctimony, perhaps they should remember that as the Good Book reminds us, all have sinned, and “just ye not lest ye be judged.”

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!