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On Saturday, MercyMe's tour bus collided with a car in Indiana, taking the lives of two passengers and the pregnant driver's unborn baby. No one from the group or crew was seriously injured, though all were shaken and canceled that evening's concert just outside of St. Louis. The accident was the fault of the driver of the other car.

"MercyMe would like to express their incredible heartache over this horrible accident," the band issued via a statement from The Media Collective. "They are praying for the families of all whom this will affect, and are asking others to please pray as well. The band and crew sustained minor bumps and bruises, however their hearts are heavy.They appreciate the concern they have received from people all over the world."

The band's tour is currently scheduled to continue as booked with the Six Flags St. Louis concert now bumped to September 5. All original tickets will be honored for the new date.

Since her last studio CD, gospel diva Vickie Winans' mother Mattie Bowman died, so her new album, How I Got Over, releasing August 25, takes on a reflective tone and also finds the singer returning to her musical roots. Hints of jazz via Ella Fitzgerald and her famous family's smooth soul stylings abound, though the disc also promises hints of the new school thanks to a guest appearance by Tye Tribbett.

According to The Bully! Pulpit News, Bob Dylan is recording his first ever Christmas album. The project comes 37 years into the legendary troubadour's career and is said to mix traditional carols with modern Yuletide musings. This news continues to cast curious light on Dylan's spiritual status, which after recording Christian music for a brief time in the late 1970s and early 1980s, has become more ambiguous in secular settings over the years.

Every album seems to find KJ-52 sticking to a particular theme, but on his September 22 release Five-Two Television, the rapper turns in his first concept album of sorts that dissects modern day media and the ever changing culture. "I wanted to create a record that's almost like a TV station," wrote KJ-52 in a press release. "We live in a completely visual society, and more and more we experience life with all of our senses and on multiple levels. The record's really about embracing where culture's at and the way we relate to each other because of it, so I'm running toward it and using it and letting people see themselves in it."

Aaron Shust's never had any trouble scoring acceptance from the Christian music community (collecting three "Male Vocalist of the Year" Dove Awards), but he just earned some major mainstream kudos as well. The New York Times called the new Take Over "Mr. Shust's third and best album, and one of this year's most impressive Christian records." As for the singer/songwriter's future, he's about to embark on the Glory Revealed Tour this month, followed by a headlining fall outing alongside Chris Sligh.

From Oct. 23-25, The Oak Ridge Boys will descend on Gaylord Opryland Resort for The Inaugural Oak Ridge Boys Rally, a full-blown weekend fan getaway. The experience will include a question and answer session with the band, a VIP meet and greet, plus a full concert and entrance to the group's Grand Ole Opry performance.

After four live albums to its name, Desperation Band turns in Light Up the World straight from the studio. The New Life Church worship troupe from Colorado Springs gained its inspiration for the September 15 album by Heartwork, a student-centered ministry from the church that assists with building homes for orphans in Africa. The group hopes to raise awareness for the organization at shows, though a sermon on the subject can be heard by clicking here.

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