The Deborah Allen & Friends Sunday Gospel Matinee Series at The Franklin Theatre celebrates the soulful heritage of gospel music through uplifting performances designed to foster joy and community unity. Hosted by Allen alongside world-renowned guests, this new series offers an inspiring, multi-generational experience that truly feeds the soul.
Deborah Allen
Grammy-nominated powerhouse Deborah Allen is a true renaissance woman of country and pop. Best known for her signature crossover smash “Baby I Lied,” Allen’s incredible career includes 35 years of hits and over 2,000 published songs recorded by legends like Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, and Fleetwood Mac.
With a reputation for high-energy showmanship and soulful vocals, Deborah’s new Sunday Gospel Matinee Series at The Franklin Theatre featuring world-renowned guests is an afternoon you won’t want to miss!
T. Graham Brown
CMA Award-winner and Grand Ole Opry member, T. Graham Brown brings his soulful, chart-topping sound to The Franklin Theatre as part of the Deborah Allen & Friends Sunday Gospel Matinee Series.
With 35 Billboard hits including “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “Darlene,” and the classic “Hell And High Water,” Brown’s legendary voice is unmistakable. Beyond his hits, he was the famous voice of Taco Bell’s "Run For The Border" and penned the masterpiece “Wine Into Water.” Having collaborated with icons from George Jones to Vince Gill, Brown offers a world-class afternoon of music and storytelling.
The Morris Family
The Morris Family also joins us and brings something rare to the stage: four voices, one family, and a harmony that can only come from a lifetime together.
Donna, Grammy-nominated, sang at Memphis' American Sound Studios alongside Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, and BJ Thomas — then added her voice to Al Green's classics at Royal Studio. Her studio credits span Garth Brooks, The Bee Gees, and Olivia Newton-John.
Craig, ACM-nominated, has had songs recorded by Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, and The Oak Ridge Boys, with film credits including My Cousin Vinnie and 8 Seconds. He toured as pianist and harmony singer with Loretta Lynn and Donny & Marie.
Siblings Savannah and Sam — both Harding University graduates — grew up on stages worldwide and have worked alongside Pentatonix, Boz Scaggs, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Tony Orlando.
Together, the Morris Family delivers harmony that has to be heard to be believed.
Chris Golden
Chris Golden is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and man of faith whose career spans multiple genres and decades and joins us for this show as well. With deep roots touring alongside Alabama, Restless Heart, and the Oak Ridge Boys, Chris has performed for every living U.S. President and graced iconic stages including the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and Dollywood.
An award-winning producer, Chris has earned numerous honors including ICMA's 2019 Entertainer of the Year, 2020 Instrumentalist of the Year, and Producer of the Year.
But beneath the accolades is a simple mission: guided by the call to "play for the One who gave you the gift," Chris delivers performances designed to help audiences step away from the world and leave with hope, love, and light.