Deep South Soul was started July 1, 2008 by Shane Stanford and Anthony Thaxton.  Originally, the name Deep South Soul was used as the title for a summer series of six programs for the United Methodist Hour's television program. 

(These programs can be seen in our DSS television viewer by clicking here). 

The programs were an exploration of the intersection of faith and culture.  Shane and Anthony traveled across the south meeting interesting people, touring very southern places, and finding inspiration around every bend.

The response to the summer series was overwhelming.  Here are a few of the comments we received:

I especially love the new program! It is so interesting with you visiting different places & the art work is great.  -Aileen Walton

I did not go to church today and was flipping channels when I ran across your program on WBPH Channel 60, Philadelphia, PA. - Comcast cable. . . .I enjoyed the program.  -Gwendolyn Ebron

A soul that was touched by your love and work. I saw the episode that aired June 22, '08. I was deeply moved.   -Debbie

Following the series on television, Anthony and Shane started work on a coffee-table book by the same name, Deep South Soul  The book will feature artwork produced by Anthony for the series as well as scores of other southern scenes from Anthony's painting career.  It will feature writings by Shane reflecting faith in our journeys down yonder.

Along with the book, Shane and Anthony both felt Deep South Soul went even deeper.  They are presenting painting/speaking programs combined with music from Bo Parker.  These events are a powerful combination of art, culture, music and faith.

Shane and Anthony continue to produce the United Methodist Hour television program, Time That Makes the Difference.  But Deep South Soul is not going anywhere. In fact, this website is proof of that.

Deep South Soul is about faith in roots, about roots in faith.  It is where we encounter God - and this is most often OUTSIDE OF the church.  The church is part of our lives everyday.  It is where we encounter the creator of the universe daily. 

This website will be the clearing house of Shane, Anthony, and all of their friends, fellow southerners who see the world as they do.  It is our life, our walk.  It's about our friends, those we admire, those we respect.  And it is something beautiful.

We hope you'll keep coming along on the journey.  You'll want to get a copy of the books, the dvds, the recordings, the audio tapes.  They're coming.  And it's all "inspiration from down yonder."

You are loved, y'all.  You are salt and light.  You matter.

God bless everyone of you.