2025 has been a breakthrough year for soul gospel sensations ANNIE & THE CALDWELLS . A major new album, the patronage of David Byrne and ecstatic live shows have expanded their base beyond West Point, Mississippi to the global stage. Catching up with the Southern matriarch, her husband, daughters and goddaughter in Nashville, Stephen Deusner hears how their mission to spread joy to their audiences is the culmination of a lifelong dream. “I have to smile and tell God thank you because He could have chosen anybody to do this.”

Fondly remembered this month...

As West End Girl breaks more records, songwriter Violet Skies talks about what it was like working with Lily

MY LIFE lessons

Melanie Blake is being hailed as the new “queen of the bonkbuster” – and she couldn’t be more delighted at the accolade, particularly as it originally belonged to one of her idols, the late great Jill

As she publishes an autobiographical book of photos and stories, the singer-songwriter, 70, discusses music, activism and stage fright