Word Distribution has announced the re-launch of Southern gospel label Canaan Records. The first group to sign was The Hoppers, who are celebrating their 50th year in Southern gospel, company officials said. The group's new album, The Ride, will be released Sept. 4.

As a subsidiary of Word, Canaan Records began in 1965 as an outlet for Southern gospel music, featuring The Happy Goodmans, The Florida Boys, The Inspirations, The Nelons and The Cathedrals.

Dave Clark, a Christian music industry veteran and accomplished songwriter, has been hired to take the reigns of the new venture. Part of Clark's responsibilities will also include overseeing the redevelopment of the Canaanland publishing imprint, which was one of the leading Southern gospel publishers in the '70s and '80s, company officials said.

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