Thank You for the Dove

Description

Thank You for the Dove is a gospel album by the American singer and songwriter Mike Adkins, self-released in 1980. The album was recorded in the latter part of 1979.

Adkins Reaches Top Through Personal Distribution, Promo
by Tom Rowland, CashBox, March 21, 1981

NASHVILLE — Mike Adkins, a new gospel artist, has almost singlehandedly made a big impression on the gospel industry in one short year by distributing his own record and pushing it to #1 on the Cash Box gospel chart.

In early 1980, Adkins felt compelled to leave a secure position with a coal mine in West Frankfort, III., and devote his time to promoting “Thank You For The Dove,” an album he had made in the latter part of 1979. He drove an old car across the country, talking with gospel radio music and program directors, and left promotional copies of the LP at the stations, establishing a good amount of airplay within a few months.

In June, he appeared on the PTL Club, and since, has guested on 10 major Christian talk shows, including the 700 Club. While on PTL, a coast-to-coast program based out of Charlotte, N.C., Pat Boone called in and offered to distribute Adkins’ product.

Although many would probably seek to differ, Adkins felt it wise to keep “Thank You For The Dove” on his independent Mike Adkins lable. “We felt like the Lord was building us more as a separate ministry,” he reasons. “Now, we’re able to do a lot of things; we preach and distribute our own records, sheet music and songbooks, and all those sort of things. It gives us complete freedom. We’re not under someone else’s auspices, and they can’t say ’we need you to go here’ or ’we need you to go there’ — not that they wouldn’t be right on, but it’s wonderful having the freedom to choose for yourself. Also, just to be above board with it, it gives us control of 100% of the money we use for spreading the gospel.”

Even though Adkins decided to decline the offer, the exposure created quite a stir, and the album began to move. It entered the Cash Box gospel album chart on Sept. 13, 1980 at #18, and after moving upward for 26 weeks, reached #1 on Feb. 21, 1981 holding that spot through two charts. It currently rests at the #2 position.

‘Manager Deserves Credit’

The office staff, which began in February 1980 with one person, grew to five employees by February 1981, and Adkins estimates that sales of the LP have reached 125,000 units. He is duly excited, but he is also quick to credit his “manager” for the achievement. “I’m surprised, but not shocked. I say that not because of my abilities, but simply because I realize that God is every bit as great as I ever heard he was. I’m not surprised that He can do this kind of thing — I am surprised that it happened to me in particular — but He really is my manager, and He’s the best. I know that sounds ’down-home’ and corny, but it’s the truth.”

In his early years, Adkins pursued a career in the pop field. He left college to travel with a rock band, and, after a year of cross country touring, he wrote a song that brought a three-year contract with RCA. He recorded a total of five singles for the label, but never had any real success.

He cited a number of influences that account for the various styles that have found their way into “Thank You For The Dove” and his latest release, “He Is Near.” He relates that he was guided by Southern gospel, a “refined Christian music style,” and a lot of different rock ‘n’ roll singers — especially Elvis Presley.

The impact of Mike Adkins Prod, has spread internationally, too. He recently completed a trip to Indonesia and plans a visit to The Netherlands in July. He hopes to find some acceptance at that time on European stations that are willing to program English-speaking artists.

Adkins is also channeling his efforts in the future to develop internally-directed crusades and a video gospel program. [Article featured in the Gospel section of CashBox, March 21, 1981]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Thank You For The Dove” – 3:15
A2. “Life Everlasting” – 2:35
A3. “What’s Wrong With My Children” – 3:30
A4. “I Need Your Help Again” – 3:40
A5. “Do You Know What I Did Mister” – 2:50

Side Two
B1. “Adoration” – 5:13
B2. “Not A Prancing Horse” – 3:20
B3. “Jesus Is The Bridge” – 3:50
B4. “Here We Are Again” – 2:04
B5. “Be At Peace My Child” – 2:19

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP. Later re-issued on CD.

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