They are from Hendersonville, Tennessee. 2. The Isaacs Talk Overcoming Spiritual Attacks to Create Supernatural 1. Ive heard it a lot of times that its easier to say what were not than what we are. People realized that if we wanted, we could do a whole show of those types of songs. Which makes her the age of 72 years old as of now. The doctor said he wasnt alarmed. Sonya Isaacs is an American actress who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. My husband sat down next to me. Isaacs at Singers.com - Contemporary Christian A Cappella Group Class of 57 At our induction, there were only 66 Opry members alive. It takes about half a second when you hear him sing. That day, a doctor told a pregnant Sonya, then 40, she was having a girl. Joe Isaacs, formerly a singer and banjo player in the group, has left since his 1998 divorce . She is married to singer/songwriter Jimmy Yeary and they have two sons, Ayden & Gatlyn and a daughter Evya. Elizabeth is the first song Fortune ever wrote and he penned the tender love song soon after joining the Statler Brothers in 1982. Sonya Isaacs. The Oak Ridge Boys] Bradley Walker feat. Become a member. February 21, 2023, 12:09 pm. I interviewed Lilly Isaacs concerning the upcoming record and new single. I felt his spirit with us that night while we were doing that song., In addition to the album, fans can see the songs brought to life on the concert video filmed earlier this year before the pandemic brought a halt to live music. We knew it was blessed by the good Lord above and I think you can feel it when you listen., We knew from the first moment we sang together, the blend was there and theres so many options, Walker agrees. The Isaacs, Tim Menzies, Jimmy Yeary & The Isaacs Foundation Holy Land 7. Read More. Becky has a passion for the Lord and loves to minister through song and testimony. Kathy and Gerald Crabb, Joe and Lily Isaacs, Tim Surrett and Sonya Isaacs, Ben Isaacs and Crystal Crabb, Jerry Thompson and Kelly Nelon Thompson, Dottie and Buck Rambo, I know there are tons of others, these ones were the first that came to mind. The Isaacs He told her to come back in a few weeks for another ultrasound. Jim Beviglia Award-winning artists The Isaacs have signed with Given Entertainment for management.. The kids started singing along with their father and The Crabb Family was formed. The song The American Face talks about the diversity of Americans. The chart-topping 1983 hit Elizabeth has always been one of the most beloved songs in the Statler Brothers extensive repertoire and longtime Statler member Jimmy Fortune is reviving the song with three new musical partners on the new project Brotherly Love. 8. It could be the placenta is not nurturing her the way it needs to, the doctor said. Mini Bio (1) Born in Michigan, Ben's passion for fantasy and sci-fi classics emerged at an early age with his exposure to Star Wars, Harryhausen films, and beloved B-flicks like Flash Gordon. The Isaacs are a family band with gospel in their souls and bluegrass in their hearts. 13. BROTHERLY LOVETRACK LISTING (CD) Over the years Ben has leveraged his talents for use in a feature length documentary for Metal Blade records that he scored, produced, edited and directed; a short film on GED funding for the state of Michigan and music for the upcoming film Hellboy 2: The Golden Army.Ben is currently working on several scripts, and continuing to pursue soundtrack work in both the film and video game worlds. He kicked off his Nashville career playing for the likes of country artists Craig Morgan and Kevin Denney as well as bluegrass legend Doyle Lawson. This is a little dress I bought 20 years ago, Sonya says, voice breaking, and its been hanging in my closet because I prayed that one day, Id have a little girl. We can be brothers and sisters, regardless of who we are. You barely feel your broken heart beating. He has been singing all of his life, performing with his sisters, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, and mother, Lily, at the Grand Ole Opry, on the Gaither Homecoming video and concert series and at LIVE shows throughout the world each year. Many gospel artists including Mark Lowry and Jason Crabb have also recorded songs she and Becky have written, winning her multiple Dove Awards. But that was the last time they were together. The Isaacs Tour Dates & Concert Tickets 2023 She had to have it. Fortune rose to fame as a member of the Statler Brothers and penned some of their biggest hits (Elizabeth, Too Much on My Heart) before forging a successful solo career when the quartet retired. But fortunately, theyre still including us in some of those categories like the Dove Awards and stuff. Fortune also wrote the Top 10 hit Forever from 1986sFour for the Showand co-wrote the Top 10 hit More Than a Name on the Wall from 1988sThe Greatest Hits. Screen Legend Ann-Margret Enlists Pete Townshend, Joe Perry on New Album, Peter One Announces Return to Music with First Album in 30 Years, David Bowie Convention Hits New York City with Star-Spangled BowieBall, Shinedown to Donate Portion of Ticket Proceeds to Suicide Prevention, Nicki Minaj Gets Nostalgic on New Song Red Ruby Da Sleeze, American Songwriter: a Savage Ventures Brand. We feel that vulnerability, and sometimes your flaws reach people better than the dynamic of youre perfect and your world is great. Sonya Isaacs visits Baby Land where daughter was buried in 2014. _________________________________________________. He has been nominated for six Grammys and voted Producer of the Year several times in the Absolutely Gospel Awards, and has produced several Dove award-winning albums. Sonya Isaacs . Already a member? In this 2014 video, Sonya Isaacs, her husband and son tell Facebook followers that she is pregnant with a baby girl. 12. Fortune wrote the groups second No. He appears regularly on the Grand Ole Opry, has been featured on Morgans TVshow and has also gained notoriety for his work behind the scenes, penning songs for Morgan (Bonfire) as well as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Lonesome River Band and Fortune. I get to spend my entire life traveling on a bus with my mom and my sisters.. At some point something switched in her brain, and she just knew that she was good enough and that God wanted her. Sonya Isaacs Height and Weight Aaron, Adam, Jason, Mike Bowling, Ben Isaacs 2006 Blur the Lines: 7 Daywind Aaron, Adam, Jason, Kelly, Bubba Smith 2007 Letting Go: 36 Aaron, Adam, Jason, Tre Corley 2012 Together Again: Gaither . He thought it might bring some comfort to his sister. Clinton Donaldson Isaacs, better known as Joe Isaacs, is a Jamaican drummer, songwriter and record producer and was an original session drummer at the renowned Studio One record label and recording studio in Kingston, Jamaica. But after quitting the job she had, all functionality went out the window, and she started drinking all the time. We intentionally wanted to create a record that would allow us to feel connected with the audience. The songs chosen for the record reflect their crossover appeal to bluegrass, country, and gospel fans, presented in an acoustic setting with assistance from top Nashville super pickers (Bluegrass Today). Those songs include the title track, Brotherly Love, a country hit for the late Keith Whitley and Earl Thomas Conley; the Statler Brothers classic Class of 57; and Roy Orbisons Crying as well as such gospel standards as The Lighthouse, Daddy Sang Bass and Where No One Stands Alone.TheBrotherly LoveTV special is also set to air on networks including PBS, TBN, GaitherTV, CTN, TCT andProclaim Broadcasting. The Isaacs Net Worth 2023: Wiki Bio, Married, Dating, Family, Height Hearing the band take on songs like Turn, Turn, Turn and More Than Words on The American Face is revelatory, as those voices so long associated with gospel uplift uncover newfound emotions from lyrics weve all heard a thousand times before. Required fields are marked *. Walker is a DOVE Award-winning artist with a strong following in country, gospel and bluegrass. To pre-order physical copies of the CD and DVD, clickHERE, and for theBrotherly LoveTV special schedule, clickHERE. It includes several new songs inspired by Sonya Isaacs stillborn baby, including Keep Breathing, which was co-written by Isaacs husband, Jimmy Yeary. Everybody goes through stuff. I just turned 50 years old and I have the most blessed life of any man in the world, Ben says, pausing a beat before adding the sarcastic punchline. 6. The Isaacs have been performing for almost 35 years. Six months after that, Sonya was pregnant, and a healthy boy, Ayden, arrived in July 2011. Tom Ford. The whole night was, but when we did Elizabeth and you hear those harmonies kick in, all of a sudden that song became new. Mindys first husband, John, was her best friend. Sonya Isaacs is a citizen of the United States. Ayva, wrapped in a small purple linen cloth, was tiny but perfectly formed. I think we were No. Patriarch co-founder Joe Isaacs was a former Decca Recording artist who played with many legendary bluegrass artists, including Keith Whitley, Larry Sparks and Ralph Stanley when his brother Carter Stanley passed away. Even though he hasnt done it yet, he said, I promise you, if you keep doing those things, he will. Fortune takes lead on Roy Orbisons Crying and also delivers J.D. So we were very intentional with The American Face record to let our audience hear music that would remind them of their home. As she was grieving the loss of her husband, Mindy feels Jesus came to her in a very tangible way. instagram.com. Who Wrote Centerfold by the J. Geils Band? The Isaacs Contact Info | Booking Agent, Manager, Publicist Youre Only Lonely When Ben Isaacs met his future wife, Mindy, he had no idea the extent of her drinking problem. 6. She enjoys singing background vocals for other artists including Reba, Dolly, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Trisha Yearwood, and Vince Gill, to name a few. Their music crosses between gospel, bluegrass, country, and Americana, and even though the group has had several lineup changes, Lily Isaacs has remained the core member. Fortune recorded the album and filmed a concert DVD/TV special with Ben Isaacs, Mike Rogers and Bradley Walker. Ben Isaacs, the bass player and vocalist for the group, spends much of his time off the road in the studio producing not only The Isaacs, but also other artists including The Gaither Vocal Band, The Oak Ridge Boys, Karen Peck, and the Cherryholmes, among others. They have performed at the Grand Ole Opry and are recognized as one of the best bluegrass/gospel groups around. Weve played the Opry for 30 years as guests, he says. I am so in love with my life that I dont want to do anything to wreck it., And Mindy and Bens relationship is healthy. For Ben, he had to learn to surrender the situation and all the emotions he was carrying to God. He has been voted Male Vocalist of the Year and Musician of the Year in a number of prominent award shows. An hour later, a doctor walked in, looking grim. Everything that we do, our goal is to be helpful and hopeful., Photo by Russ Harrington / Given Entertainment. ABOUT BEN ISAACS She started writing songs as a teen and landed her first number one with Stand Still. She often writes with sister Sonya and has had songs recorded by many fellow artists. About 50 people gathered for a cloudy, graveside funeral at a Hendersonville cemetery. Secondhand Hearts: Directed by Austin Everett. She is married to singer/musician/minister John Bowman. Sonya Isaacs Yeary is the mandolin player and vocalist for the Isaacs. The Isaacs started a non-profit organization called The Isaacs Foundation to bless the less fortunate in America. The collection features the four artists serving up their renditions of country, pop and gospel standards. 13. When Kathleen's older brother passed away, she felt the need to step in and replace him for the sake of her parents. But being open, honest, and vulnerablelike theyre emulatingallows us to be real with one another and allows us to be healed and redeemed. Walker admits tackling such a classic hit was a little nerve-racking, but hes grateful for the opportunity. As one-half of the country music duo Joey+Rory with his late wife Joey, Feek won GRAMMY Awards and starred in a weekly hit television show on RFD-TV. Eventually, she admitted to needing help, so they found an inpatient facility for her to go to and begin rehab. And thank God for keeping you sober. They were trying to work things out, and so one day they went for a hike. My ex-husband, their father, was a bluegrass musician. Theres something about songs that people can sing along to, that camaraderie it creates. So head over to the podcast to catch up on the first three episodes if you missed them. As matriarch Lily and her three children Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, and Becky Isaacs Bowman celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, the 2021 Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees continue to build on the legacy first launched by the family back in 1971, with a newfound excitement and never-waning passion for the music they love to make. Of Note - The Washington Post An ultrasound tech got there an excruciating two and a half hours later. Love Will Keep Us Alive Its got to be a little bit different., Its completely different, Isaacs acknowledges with a laugh. I can see the handiwork. The next day, Mindys husband drowned in a kayaking accident. Award-winning gospel group The Isaacs have spent five decades creating the undeniable family harmonies and distinct sound that have made them a favorite among audiences everywhere. Ben has done the last three of my projects, Fortune says of working with Isaacs, who is also a much sought after producer in gospel and country music circles. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Youre Only Lonely, BROTHERLY LOVETRACK LISTING (DVD) For a group that by their own admission doesnt quite fit in anywhere, The Isaacs sure are making great company these days. And uh, its the cutest thing I ever saw and I just had to buy it. We were singing in the same nightclub. Soon after, they began singing Christian music and laid the foundation upon which the Isaacs ministry has been built. I know theres a whole lot more, but this was powerful, and Im blown away by your vulnerability. TheBrotherly LoveCD is available now at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. (L-R) Mike Rogers, Jimmy Fortune, Ben Isaacs and Bradley Walker; Photo Credit: Lee Steffen. I had chills in a good way. Gerald and Kathy were both divorced and had children from the previous marriage when they got married. About The Isaacs Tour Albums. Soon after, they were inspired to begin singing Christian music, and laid the foundation upon which the Isaacs ministry has been built. She was born in Germany after World War II to two Polish Jewish Holocaust survivors and moved to the U.S. when she was two. But always songs of hope. Several weeks later, an ultrasound showed the baby had died in utero, that she likely had been dead for a while. The family groupwhich features Sonya, brother Ben Isaacs, mother Lily Isaacs and sister Rebecca Isaacs Bowmanactually recorded the song in 2019. Johns body was actually missing for 30 days, so there was a little hope that maybe he survived. Her love for Jesus has brought her through every chapter of her life, and she loves to sing and share about His love. Theyve always had a combination of all of the above, and that kind of developed the style that we are., Its been challenging to come up with a definition of What are The Isaacs? Sonya explains. September 2, 2020 the isaacs Official Music Videos and Songs - GodTube Show more Almost yours: 2 weeks,. Fans can also hear stories behind the songs onBrotherly Lovewith the groups Pandora StoryHERE. Eventually, though, the friend he was with while kayaking confirmed his death. Jason Crabb- The oldest Crabb son sings his heart out each time the Crabb Family steps on stage. Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight . Were kind of a square peg trying to fit into round holes and we dont really fit into any of those exactly. And Id say its also part of our healing. Shes a massage therapist by trade, and I remember the first time I met her. Managed by: Benjamin Stephen Isaacs: Last Updated: November 24, 2016 8. The Isaacs - The Times Examiner The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 35 years ago are based out of Hendersonville, TN. Her brother, Ben, hesitated when it was his turn. And then one night, Ricky Skaggs walked out on stage during our performance and introduced us as the newest members. Ben Isaac - Biography - IMDb During this time in 1997, Bowman answered the call to preach. Daniel Prayed Covered by The Isaacs, A Family With Good Faith The Isaacs new album, Natures Symphony in 432, will be released Friday (Sept. 2). Nov 16, 2022. Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight . My mind is going, OK, God, I trust you through this.. The Crabb Family - I'd Rather Have Jesus: 10: Bill & Gloria Gaither With Their Homecoming Friends - O, How I Love Jesus: 11: Wes Hampton - Great Is Thy Faithfulness: 12: David Phelps (2) - There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood: 13: Lily Fern Weatherford - What A Precious Friend Is He: 14: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - Since Jesus . It was on a Gaither Homecoming cruise, and the chatter around the cruise was that Ben Isaacs had found himself a girlfriend. However, when he returns home to the US, he discovers that she is his girlfriend's older sister. Mindy, Bens wife, is not someone youll see on stage with the Isaacs. Youre not just grieving the life, youre grieving a lifetime.. As she recounts, I had been searching for years and years and years. She looked into Buddhism, Daoism, and Wiccan. Ben usually sings with three beautiful womenhis sisters and his momand now hes with three old hairy-legged boys like us, Fortune says. The Isaacs Release New Single 'The American Face' - Tennessee Star Isaacs : Bluegrass A Cappella Review: A family group based in Lafollette, TN, the current group members are Lily, Ben, Sonya and Rebecca Isaacs and Rebecca's husband John Bowman. Ben and Mike were playing downtown a few nights here and there and theyd invite us or wed drop in. Media/PR Requests:Gentry Lusbyhello@auntieannebeiler.com, about annespeaking requestsanne's storyanne's TEDx talkrecent newsannes instagramannes facebook, resourcesSTORIESx8 Small Groupleader portal loginanne's blog, speaking requestsanne's storyanne's TEDx talkrecent newsannes instagramannes facebook, Getting Vulnerable About Alcoholism with Mindy and Ben Isaacs, Prev: Living with Crohn's Disease and Overcoming Panic Attacks with Becky Isaacs Bowman, Next: Overcoming a Constant Sense of Dread with Mental Health Advocate Brittney Moses, You can keep up with Ben and all the Isaacs at her familys website, From Amish to Entrepreneur with Sara Bottom, Overcoming Eating Disorders with Lauren Amber Nielsen, Finding Your Identity with Kathleen Cooke. Might as well just stay in bed/Cause it feels like theres nothing left to get up for, the song begins. The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 30 years ago, are based out of Nashville, TN. Love Will Keep Us Alive In Canada, it will air on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV. Jimmy Fortune and Ben Isaacs on Loving an Addict - YouTube Lily's testimony has been an inspiration to people around the world, so much that she has written an autobiography about her life's story. There were some great, great groups, great singers, great musicians all sitting out there watching us. The Isaacs are Hendersonville's own traveling family of Southern gospel, folk and bluegrass musicians who recently became the newest additions to the storied musical tapestry of the Grand Ole Opry as . We met in Greenwich Village in New York in 1969. "The Isaacs" was mainly known for the family band, which consisted of her husband, daughter, and son. So she did and prayed right there that night. So when Im producing an act somebody comes into the studio and says, Make it Isaacs-style, I know its just a mishmash of everything., My three babies grew up with very diverse musical backgrounds, Lily says with pride while her children roll their eyes just a bit. My parents were Holocaust survivors, Lily continues. The Isaacs are a bluegrass Southern gospel music group consisting of mother Lily Isaacs, daughters Becky and Sonya Isaacs and son Ben Isaacs, along with John Bowman as an instrumentalist. They got to Hendersonville Medical Center at 11 Sunday night. ABOUT BEN ISAACS A 12-time GRAMMY-nominated producer who has produced recordings from some of Nashville's most-awarded artists, Ben Isaacs is also known as the bass player and vocalist for his award-winning family group The Isaacs. Lily first came to know the Lord in 1971 when a death in the family brought her to church for the first time, attending with then husband Joe. John Paul Jones Arena. Theres a love [and] a healthy dependence that I never experienced before.. 12. The Crabb Family - Wikipedia I knew it was going to be good, but when I heard it back, it was pretty awesome. The happy family hit the road on weekends with their larger family, as Sonya performed with The Isaacs. I dont know how else to say it, but thats when we knew when we got together. He and his wife Mindy have three children, Jacob, Kyra and Cameron. "I need to make up for this lost child," she says. And then we could start introducing them to The Isaacs. "This was before 2020, COVID, the. Listen to music by Sonya Isaacs on Apple Music. Ben Isaacs & Mike Rogers] Bradley Walker feat. Shed only say, Im not allowed to discuss this with you, Sonya said. ? . 3. Coming Soon! Walker enjoyed recording The Lighthouse, a classic by the acclaimed gospel group The Hinsons. But she has a beautiful heart and her own story to tell. It just felt so good, Rogers says of the recording the concert in Feeks barn. Sumner, Ann Downing, Sonya Isaacs, Tanya Goodman Sykes, Wesley Pritchard, Sue Dodge, Karen Peck, Buddy Greene, Ladye Love Smith, Doug Young & Mike Allen) and more. ABOUT GAITHER MUSIC GROUP Lighthouse And as I said before, I want you to hear from all of them. Where No One Stands Alone Alison Krauss & Buddy Cannon] . ABOUT BEN ISAACS A 12-time GRAMMY-nominated producer who has produced recordings from some of Nashville's most-awarded artists, Ben Isaacs is also known as the bass player and vocalist for his award-winning family group The Isaacs. Sonya Isaacs: Singer, Age, Bio, Husband, Family, Songs, Net Worth! Its a completely different tone and its so enjoyable and so easy. They have two children Levi and Jakobi. Ben Isaacs - Absolutely Gospel Music Kidding aside, The Isaacs are serious about the message that they convey, no matter what kind of music they use to get it across. They were so happy that if they made 20 or 30 bucks a night, they thought they were living high on the hog. The latter is the husband of Becky Isaacs. Once she and Ben met and got married, she didnt hide the fact that she drank. They married in 2009. The Isaacs | Ovation Artist Group In Canada, it will air on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV. The Isaacs are a bluegrass Southern gospel music group consisting of mother Lily Isaacs (b. September 20, 1947), daughters Becky (b. Aug. 2, 1975) and Sonya Isaacs (b. July 22, 1974) and son Ben Isaacs (b. July 25, 1972), along with John Bowman (husband of Becky Isaacs) as an instrumentalist and songwriter. Keep feeling. The Isaacs: Branching Out While Staying True to Themselves, Lauren Morrow Gets Personal with People Talk [Exclusive Premiere], Review: The Church Creates Fluid Moods on Latest Album, THE HYPNOGOGUE, Follow American Songwriter for More Breaking News, 7 Magical Performances from Colorados Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Meaning Behind Hands To Myself by Selena Gomez, Breaking Down Bob Marleys Musical Family Tree. Jimmy and the Statler Brothers were inducted into the GMA (Gospel Music Association) Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007, and were inducted into the CMA (Country Music Association) Hall of Fame on June 29, 2008. Current group members are Lily Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs, John and Rebecca (Isaacs) Bowman. Join our Movie Insiders club! That makes it even more fun, and aside from the music, we love each other as people, so I think that itself even makes the music better. The Isaacs Artist Profile | Biography And Discography | NewReleaseToday Before the show Tuesday, member Ben Isaacs who plays in the group alongside sisters Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, and mother Lily Isaacs described the Opry invitation. ABOUT BRADLEY WALKER It was the first Statler song to feature Fortune as lead vocalist and hit No. He had kidney failure, according to his brother Andrew Isaacs . The single 'Proud Of The American Flag' quickly became a hit and made The Isaacs one of the fastest growing artists at that time. Since the kids tended to get bored with the long hours, their parents decided they would try and make them feel part of the proceedings. Gerald had four children: Aaron, Adam, Jason and Terah. 3. ET. 285 19K views 2 years ago Ben Isaacs opens up about how he was afraid to lose control and leave his alcoholic family member alone until Jesus showed him how. Matriarch Lily Isaacs was born to parents who were Polish Jewish Holocaust survivors who moved to America in 1949 and became American citizens at Ellis Island in 1955. We just love people and we love to help and encourage people. John introduced Mindy to the outdoors, and she fell in love with it. She dreamed of the day when she could put in on her baby girl. During her solo adventure with country label Lyric Street Records, where she recorded two albums (one produced by Vince Gill, who she also briefly toured with), she began writing songs professionally and has had many recorded by Trisha Yearwood, Leann Rimes, Martina McBride, Vince Gill , Sara Evans and others. He spends two to three days a week on the road, two to three days a week in the studio producing or playing on other peoples records, and two to three days a week at home with the family taking care of their property. The group has built a reputation for a unique style that blends tight family harmony with contemporary, acoustic. The Isaacs to perform at concert series hosted by Columbia State ABOUT RORY FEEK Not because he didnt love her, but because he just couldnt watch it happen. Each member of Fortune/Walker/Rogers/Isaacs brings their own wealth of experience toBrotherly Love, creating an intriguing combination of styles and influences. Also a 30-year breast cancer survivor, she was the inspiration for the hit country song I'm Gonna Love You Through It, co-written by daughter Sonya and Jimmy Yeary and recorded by Martina McBride. The Isaacs (@theisaacsmusicofficial) Instagram photos and videos. Sonya, for her safety, had to go through labor and deliver a stillborn baby right away. Then you can be more vulnerable with your own music because youre in their heart by that time. Events. As part of the house band, Sound Dimension, Joe Isaacs played reggae and ska and was an architect of the rocksteady beat, which was slower than ska. She wouldnt even look at me.. Brotherly Lovehost Rory Feek is a Nashville singer-songwriter, aNew York Timesbest-selling author, filmmakerand reality show star.