New Day Ministry

Gospel groups come along frequently, but seldom do they bring such rich history as New Day from Huntsville, Alabama.

Husband and wife, Doug and Karen Apple-Young, along with Karen’s sister, Kimberly Apple and Susie Lanier have joined their voices to blend a sound that simply isn’t found everyday.

Doug Young is certainly not a newcomer to the Gospel Music Industry. Beginning his singing career in the Huntsville area in 1969 with Aaron Wilburn and singing with groups such as The Regents, New Speer Revival and Hovie Lister and the Statesmen. Doug brings years of experience and a sincere love of gospel music to the group. From time to time he fills in with Poet Voices and the Palmetto State Quartet. Doug has performed on the Grand Ole Opry and he and Karen have appeared on several of the Gaither Homecoming Videos.

Karen Apple-Young comes to the group as a seasoned professional having performed with her family (The Ken Apple Family) until 1990 when she joined The Speer Family. Not only is Karen one of the nicest people you will ever meet, she is one of the best soprano’s to ever grace the stage of a gospel music concert. She sang with The Speer’s until 1997, shortly before their retirement. For the past few years, Karen has performed with her family when time permits.

Kimberly Apple has performed with her family (The Ken Apple Family) her entire lifetime. She brings those years of experience as a smooth alto singer as well as a tremendous background as a sound engineer to join forces with Doug, Karen, and Susie in this exciting new endeavor.

Susie Lanier was born in Greenville, SC and grew up in New Bern, NC. She had a love for music at a very young age. At the age of 6, she performed solo for the first time and at 12 she sang with a local church trio that ministered throughout Eastern, NC. Susie attended East Coast Bible College in Charlotte, NC where she majored in Music and a minor in Voice. It was while attending East Coast Bible College that she met her husband, Tim Lanier. They married in 1982 and have been working together in ministry for over 35years. Her husband is currently the pastor of College Park Church of God in Huntsville, AL. Music has always been a big part of their ministry. When you hear Susie sing, you will not only enjoy her beautiful alto voice, but you will be blessed as she ministers through song.

Karen and Kimberly have received a rich musical history from their parents, Ken and Ernestine Apple. Ken began playing piano for the Blackwood Brothers in the late 1940’s but left to form a family group beginning as a trio. As children came along and matured they joined the group and have been known across the country for their rich family harmony, traveling and telling the story of Jesus through gospel music. Ken is the writer of such great gospel songs as No Longer a Stranger; Scars Are a Sign of Healing; When We Ask Why; Time Cannot Heal Only God Can; There’s Still Power in the Blood of the Lamb. After 64 Years of Full-time ministry, the Ken Apple family is retired. Karen and Kimberly are keeping the legacy alive with Doug and Susie making this a ‘New Day’

The blending of Doug’s smooth bass voice, Karen’s high soprano, Susie’s alto and Kimberly’s mezzo-soprano, ensures New Day will soon become a household name.

With a rich history behind them and a bright future ahead- New Day is a group you don’t want to miss