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Paula Vega Vondenstein
ow could I have known that billionaire Blues, an award winning husband and wife music
publisher Malcolm Forbes’ most often quoted ministry duo from Gulfport, Mississippi. Their music
Hphrase, “He who dies with the most toys wins” is reminiscent of early Mississippi Bentonia blues with
would be the foundation upon which I would craft a a focus on full-fledged repentance and church revival
provocative lyric that addresses our attitudes about songs. In 2019, Bible Belt Blues released two Christian
money? What drives someone to work longer hours albums, “I’m Not Ashamed to Be a Christian and “My
to acquire more things? When does collecting become God, My God,” which won the coveted Josie Music
hoarding? What drives one’s need to have the latest Award for Best Gospel/ Christian Duo.
model, the newest trend, and the willingness to go into
debt to get it? When is enough enough? Where does 2020 looks just as promising with 24 songs having
one draw the line? already received radio airplay, extensive media
coverage (including song reviews, articles, and
We live in a material world where our value is often interviews), and numerous nominations and awards
linked to our accumulation of things. Our lust for including: Duo of the Year Finalist Nomination for
more things drives us to work longer hours to make the Josie Music Awards, two Finalist Inter Continental
more money so we can buy more things that have no Music Awards (2 songs) for Best of Gospel/
eternal value whatsoever. Our newest Bible Belt Blues Contemporary Christian- America, Song of the Year
song release, “Can’t Take It With You” (July 15th, 2020) Nomination for the Gulf Coast Gospel Music Awards
will challenge its listeners to rethink and reshape their (GCGMA), Finalist Award for the Christian
attitudes about money so they can loosen up that grip Songwriting Contest, and Finalist Award for Song of
and give freely to others who are in need and to the the Year Songwriting Competition. Bible Belt Blues’
things of God, ultimately shifting their mindset from songs have charted numerous times on the Roots Music
the temporal to the eternal. “Can’t Take It With You” Report and on WNIR Radio’s Monthly Top 10 Chart.
is currently playing on WNIR Radio’s Roots & Wings They were the inspiration behind the creation of their
Program and will be included in the upcoming Bongo new Christian Program, “Spirit & Soul.” Bible Belt
Boy Records Backroom Blues Volume Nine Blues is currently working on their 3rd album.
Compilation Album.
www.BibleBeltBlues.org
Harold and Paula Vega Vondenstein are Bible Belt
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