*****
December 23, 2008
The Fantastic Violinaires
are taking gospel quartet music to the next level. They have teamed up
with Gospel Underground Railroad Network, LLC (GURN) to open for plays being
presented by GURN during 2009. The first appearance will be at The
Historic Morton Theatre in Athens, GA, on January 11, 2009 for the play “A Fall
from Grace.” You can get more information about the plays and when
The Fantastic Violinaires’
will be near you by contacting Minister Wesley Hill (864-706-7022) or by
visiting the group’s
website.
*****
December 22, 2008
The Fantastic Violinaires
will kick off their 2009 Reunion Tour on February 15, 2009, in Farmville,
Virginia. Other cities currently on the Tour schedule are Richmond, VA,
Orangeburg, SC, Dothan, AL, Enterprise, AL, Detroit, MI, Raleigh, NC and
Tarboro, NC. More cities will be added so check out
The Fantastic Violinaires’
website to see when the Program [will be] In
Your Town.
*****
December 21, 2008
Yes, it is true,
Lee Williams and The Spiritual
QC’s will record their
next LIVE CD and DVD on May 2, 2009. The venue for this historic recording
is Temple of Deliverance, Memphis, Tennessee. Appearing on program that
night will be
Apostle J. L. Cash & Praise,
and
The Gospel Legends.
Look for more details about the recording here at Gloryland Gospel during the
first quartet of 2009.
*****
December 15, 2008
Upon date on the
The New Gospel Keynotes
upcoming CD. Minister Teddy Cross reports that the project will have many
new songs. The
Keynotes have gathered
some of the best producers in the industry for this project. The project
is still expected to be released early next year.
*****
December 10, 2008
Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's
are scheduled to perform at the 24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
The Stellar Awards will be taped on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 6:00 PM, at
the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN.
*****
December 1, 2008
There have been many new releases
this year. Here are some that you may not have heard about – Say It
Loud, by The
Miracle Voices of Ray City, Georgia
and Love In Spite Of, by
Inspirational Praisers.
Minister Kenneth
Washington new CD is
Time Is Ticking. These projects are on separate independent
labels. The one thing they have in common is that the Producer for each
was Eric Sharper of Dream Reality Productions.
Enjoy great gospel quartet music from
Herman Ellis & The Dynamic Queen
City Aires from
Charlotte, NC. Their most recent project is Standing At Crossroad.
The Sons of Favor
is back with a great CD on the Low Rush Label titled Standing On God’s
Promises.
Pastor H. E. Dixon (&
Truth Tabernacle) has a new CD that is just a good old time Church service.
In fact, the CD is titled Old Time Country Church. The word
‘country’ in the title is significant. This one will have many remembering
those “Old Wooden Church” houses.
*****
December 1, 2008
As you begin your shopping for the perfect gift, why not consider one of the
many great gospel quartet projects. We invite you to consider the projects
listed in our Top 20, those that we have reviewed, and the many projects
mentioned on the Quartet Industry News' page.
*****
December 1, 2008
Well, the last month of the year is
upon us. It has been a very active (and good) year for gospel quartet
music. And, this month, from a gospel quartet standpoint, is sure to be
just as active as the past eleven.
*****
November 20, 2008
NuTestamenT
has released the highly anticipated Workin 4 Jesus CD. Put
this one in your CD player and you will find yourself rejoicing, even in your
car. A few of the songs are from their first CD, Time Ain’t Long.
On the new CD you will find the song Gloryland. This is not the same "Gloryland"
by
The Gospel Keynotes,
but it is still a good song. To get your copy of this CD contact Southern
Boys Records.
*****
November 20, 2008
The Alabama Spirituals
have released a new CD titled Worthy Is He. You will find
eight (8) great songs on this recording. To obtain a copy of the CD
contact Country Boy Music Group.
*****
November 20, 2008
From the cotton fields of Georgia to the Kennedy Center -
Evangelist Maggie Ingram & the
Ingramettes are scheduled
to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Monday, December 22,
2008. The concert will begin promptly at 6:00 PM. They are planning to
sing for an entire hour. We encourage you to attend this historic concert.
For more information about the program, contact the group at 804-233-5243.
*****
November 18, 2008
The EchoAires
of Memphis, TN have signed with ECKO Records. ECKO is based out of
Memphis. This summer ECKO launched a gospel division. There first
gospel release was by The
Gospel Miracles.
The EchoAires
are working on recording a LIVE concert that should be released during
the first quarter of 2009. We understand that the project will be produced
by George Dean of
The Gospel Four,
as well as Joseph Johnson and Stephen Lewis of
The EchoAires.
George Dean, Pastor Roney Strong, and Lisa Knowles of the Brown Singers are
expected to be a part of this recording.
*****
November 5, 2008
The Voices of Clouds
of Rochester, NY are still singing God's Praises wherever they go. They
are working on a new CD and DVD that are scheduled to be released during the
first quarter of the year 2009.
*****
November 2, 2008
Michael Buie, formerly of
Robert Blair and The Fantastic
Violinaires, has posted a
video salute to Melvin Couch in recognition of Mr. Couch's induction into the
International Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Take a look at the
video
and share your congratulatory comments to Mr. Couch.
*****
November 1, 2008
Melvin Couch, CEO of Meltone
Entertainment Group, Inc., is being saluted at a
gala event on November 15, 2008, in Atlanta,
GA. Congratulations Mr. Couch on being inducted into the International
Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
*****
November 1, 2008
Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites
have launched their own Internet radio broadcast through Live365. To the
best of our knowledge, this is the first gospel quartet group to launch their
own Internet radio broadcast. They have included the best of the music of
some of gospel quartet finest along with their own. You can access the
broadcast by visiting their website –
Doc McKenzie
and The Hi-Lites.
*****
November 1, 2008
The ‘holiday’ season is fast
approaching. However, this has not slowed down the number of gospel quartet
concerts around the country. When we look at the itineraries of
Lee Williams,
Doc
McKenzie,
The Lighthouse Singers,
Flossie Boyd Johnson,
Luther Barnes,
The Bell Singers
and
The Gospel Four
it is apparent that promoters and fans are still excited about this music.
*****
November 1, 2008
November is here. And, for many one
of the MOST important things you have to do this month is VOTE! We encourage
everyone to VOTE. It is your civic duty. As you go to the poll to vote, take
someone with you. Take as many as you can to the polls and encourage everyone
you know to VOTE!
*****
October 25, 2008
The nominees for the 24th
Annual Stellar Awards have been announced. Many familiar names in the gospel
quartet genre are nominated. For a list of nominees from the gospel quartet
genre click
here.
*****
October
25, 2008
Manager Jack Branche informed us
that the “group formerly known as
The Singing Disciples of
Baltimore, MD,
had changed their name to
The Disciples
with the release of their CD titled Change." But, now the
group has decided to reclaim their original name. Therefore, they have
changed their name back to
The Singing Disciples.
So, when you see someone advertising a program with
The Disciples
or
The Singing Disciples
know that it is the same group.
*****
October
20, 2008
The new
self-titled CD of Men of
Assurance is a great
collection of songs. This has got to be one of the best produced gospel music
CD of the year. The guys are seasoned vocalists and musicians. And, they share
their awesome talents with the world on this 12 song CD.
*****
October
15, 2008
The
Disciples (formerly
The Singing Disciples)
are still touring and leaving audience awestruck were ever they are
ministering. Check out their itinerary at
www.thedisciplesministry.com.
*****
October
1, 2008
October begins with several major
events in gospel quartet music. First,
Lee Williams
is starring in the play A Good Man Is Hard To Find. The play is
tonight in Kinston, NC. Secondly, Luther Barnes Fall Classic begins
today. This four (4) day event has become one of the best gatherings for
gospel quartet enthusiasts.
And thirdly, the legendary
Swanee Quintet’s
Anniversary is always on the First Sunday in October. This year’s program
features
Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites,
Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s,
Darrell McFadden & The Disciples,
and
The Sensational Nightingales.
This is the
Swanee’s
69th Anniversary. It will be held, as it the past, at the Bell Auditorium,
in Augusta, GA. For more information about the program visit the
Swanee’s
website.
*****
September
22, 2008
NuSound Entertainment Group has
released two (2) new projects,
Archie Dale and The Tones of Joy
and a 3 CD set titled 50 of the World’s Greatest Gospel Songs.
Archie Dale and The Tones
of Joy's CD is
Don’t Worry About Me. The 3 CD set contains a mixture of
traditional and contemporary music. From
Rev. Clay Evans,
Soul Stirrers,
Slim & The Supreme Angels,
the O’Neal Twins
to Cooling Waters,
this set is packed with great music. NuSound can be contacted at (678)
715-8795.
*****
September
15, 2008
MCG Records, in conjunction with
Humility Records, have signed
The Gospel Legends
of Columbia, SC. Their new CD should be released sometime in November.
It is a live project titled Somebody Prayed For Me. It is an
awesome recording. These young guys are sure to bring a new generation of
fans to this genre.
*****
September
10, 2008
Bobby Hurd is presenting
Shirley Caesar
in concert on October 18, 2008. This will be a fundraiser to support
Morris Brown College, in Atlanta, GA. For more information about this
event visit Bobby Hurd and Company's website.
*****
September
5, 2008
Evelyn Turrentine-Agee,
former Light Records, AIR Gospel, Worldwide Gospel, CGI artist released her new
project on her own independent record label. Read
press release.
*****
September
1, 2008
September has been designated Gospel
Music Heritage Month. Of course, gospel quartet fans know that each and
every day is a day to celebrate the rich history of gospel music. Read the
resolution
passed by Congress.
*****
September
1, 2008
Rev. Curtis Watson is back
with The Messengers.
Along, with Willie Mitchell and Henry Wesley, they are sure to treat audiences
to solid traditional gospel quartet music. This group will, once again, be
in demand for concerts. Some may recall that after the death of Willie
Banks, Rev. Watson started his own group,
Rev. Curtis Watson and the New
Soulful Messengers. They
released several projects, including Come out the Wilderness,
Depending on You, Precious Memories, and Tribute
to Willie Banks.
The Messengers
new CD is The Messengers Present In Church With The Messengers.
*****
September
1, 2008
August ended with
The Mighty Clouds of Joy's
Anniversary in Lanham, Maryland. With the recent passing of Michael
Cook, the
Clouds
called upon former member Paul Beasley. Yes, Paul is back with the
Clouds.
We are not certain if he is back permanently, but no matter for how long, it is
good to see him with the group. At the anniversary program,
The Fantastic Violinaires
showed why they are FANASTIC.
*****
September
1, 2008
September will see the release of
some good gospel quartet recordings. One of the most anticipated is
Paul Porter’s
A New Day.
*****
August
22, 2008
Have you heard of Lumber City, GA?
If not, then you are probably not familiar with WMOC 88.7 FM. It is a 24/7
gospel radio station that loves to air gospel quartet music. One of the
Radio Angels at the station is Brother Eddie Conaway. Check him out when
you are in or near Telfair County, Georgia by tuning into WMOC.
*****
August
18, 2008
The Jackson Southernaires
have signed with Blackberrry Records. They are working on a new project
that should be released later this year. We understand that the CD will be
titled Destiny. Look for more information about this highly
anticipated recording on this Industry News page. The
group was honored at the recent GMWA Convention in Nashville.
*****
August
15, 2008
Jacksonville, Florida is the
home of NuTestament.
Their new single is titled Workin’ 4 Jesus. Check out this song at
Florida Gospel Quartets. Look for the full CD
release soon.
*****
August
1, 2008
Reggie Funderburke's
new CD is scheduled to be released on August 19, 2008. It is titled
I Found In Him A Friend. If you like
The Soul Stirrers,
The Gospel Drifters
or just good gospel music, you will really like this CD.
*****
August
1, 2008
We enter the month of August
mourning the death of another legend in gospel quartet,
Margaret “Babe” Allison.
We encourage you to continue to pray for her family. With her passing, the new
CD Touch Me Again is sure to become a collector’s item. It represents that
last recording by an exceptional lady in gospel music.
*****
July 30, 2008
It is with much sadness that we report the passing of the
Legendary
Margaret Babe Allison
Founder and lead singer of the world renown The
Angelic Gospel Singers. Another giant in
gospel music has answered the call. She will live on in our memories and
through her music.
*****
July 26, 2008
The New Gospel Keynotes
are once again in the news. Minister Teddy Cross has announced that Jeffrey
Newberry is back with the group. Many remember Jeff as the baritone singing with
Willie Neal Johnson and The Gospel Keynotes. His version of Rise Again is on
every fan of the Keynotes’ shortlist for favorite song of the group. With Larry
McGowain, the Talley Brothers, and now Jeff, Minister Cross is slowly putting
together a group that will eventually bring back that ole Gospel Keynotes’ style
to gospel music. Minister Cross also reports that the group is working on a new
CD. It should be released during in 2009.
*****
July 21, 2008
Remember Perry Taft? Well
Minister Perry Taft has sung with
The Gospel Keynotes,
Tommy Ellison and The Singing
Stars,
Darrell McFadden and The Fantastic
Disciples, and most
recently with
Bill Pinkney and The Gospel Drifters.
He has organized his own group –
Perry Taft and Company.
He is working on a CD to be released in September. The single from the
project, which is being played on several radio stations, is titled "Born
Again." We understand that Joe Ligon, Darrell McFadden, Reggie
Funderburke, and Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson will be lending their vocal talents
to this project.
*****
July 18, 2008
It is with much sadness that we report the passing of the
Michael Cook of
The Mighty Clouds of
Joy.
*****
July 15, 2008
There are some old and new
recordings that, although you may not be familiar with them, deserve your
attention.
Solid Rock’s
Live In Michigan is an awesome CD. These guys are a hidden
treasure. The label that signs them will not be disappointed.
The Sensationals
are from Cedartown, GA. Their new CD is titled Closer To Home.
If you remember "Resting Beyond The Sky" by
The Five Singing Sons of North,
you’ll really appreciate
The Sensationals’
"Resting In My Home." If you want the best of
Luther Barnes,
Bishop F. C. Barnes,
The Sunset Jubilaries,
and
The Red Budd Gospel Choir
then pick up the CD and DVD of The Barnes Family Reunion II.
Bishop J. D. Means, Sr.
is now on the Low Rush Music label. His new CD is titled Something
Good Is Coming Out of This. In deed, there are nine good songs on
this CD.
Endurance's
new release is I’ve Got A Home. The song "Old
Fashioned Church" will probably get the most airplay.
They have been called the
Gospel Midgets,
The Joy Boyz
and just referred to as
Donnie and Darryl.
Well their new CD Pressing On is labeled
Donnie, Darryl & The Joy Boyz.
If you have ever seen them in concert you know they bring a lot of energy to the
stage. With this project, you get the energy and they minister to you.
Anthony Harrison & Ordered By God's
CD Decent & In Order has been out for sometime, but if you have
not heard it – find it. This CD should be in every gospel quartet fan’s
collection. Listen closely to "Brick by Brick."
*****
July 10, 2008
The Racy Brothers’
new Live recording should be released by MCG Records in September 2008. Lee
Williams can be heard, once again, on the song "Touch Me."
*****
July 7, 2008
A Soul Stirring Reunion
is the title of the Legendary
Soul Stirrers'
upcoming release. The project is being released by MALACO Records.
The personnel for this historic recording are Leroy Crume, Arthur Crume, Willie
Rogers, Luther Gamble, Eddie Huffman and Floyd Taylor. The CD should be released
in September.
*****
July 3, 2008
Karen Washington & The New
Singing Stars have
released a new CD titled He’s A Wonder. Eric Sharper is the
producer and together they have delivered a very impressive CD. There
are eleven (11) songs on this project.
*****
July 1, 2008
The Sensational Nightingales
new CD is exceptional. It is full of original records that are all
biblically based. This has got to be one of the best projects to be
released by this extraordinary group. The CD is simply titled – The
Gales. Pick up a copy and then listen to "Apart From The Vine." This
song will surely have you reflecting on your relationship with our Lord and
Savior.
*****
July 1, 2008
The Marable Twins & Company
are working on their newest release entitled The
Message Continues. This will be their sophomore project and it is sure to bless the masses.
The
Twins
predict that this recording will
take them to a new level in the gospel quartet industry. This has been a great year
this far for the group. They were selected to be a
part of the
Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson
presents The Rising Stars of Quartet Volume 1. They also
were the 2008 Exclesisa Showcase's winners.
*****
July 1, 2008
In the first six months of this year
the gospel quartet genre has experienced many highs and, yes, some lows. Many of
the giants of this genre have answer the call and made the transition to the
Other Shore. There has been much illness among us. Yet,
the first six months of 2008 has also been full of much joy. Joy in the
fact that groups are still touring and spreading the Word in song. Joy, in
that new projects are making it to the marketplace. Joy, in that many
independent projects are sharing the national stage with projects from major
label.
It is our prayer that the groups and artists that makeup this genre continue to
remember the reason why they sing. And that, they go into the next six months
committed more than ever to bringing souls to Christ. After all, we should
never forget the reason why this music is so important to people who are
suffering, hurting and searching.
*****
June 24, 2008
It is with much sadness that we report the passing of the
Legendary
Ira Tucker
of The Dixie Hummingbirds.
He was a giant in Gospel Music. Yet, he was one of the most humble messengers
of the Word in song. With the passing of Mr. Tucker, an era of gospel quartet
music is quickly coming to a close. Meaning, there are not many singers
remaining that have 50+ years singing the gospel. We shall keep their music
alive, and their contribution to this genre ever present, here at
Gloryland Gospel.
*****
June 7, 2008
Paul Porter Leaves The
Christianaires. Read press release by clicking
here.
*****
June 1, 2008
June has been label as Black Music
Month. This is the month the nation has set aside to place emphasis on the
history, artistry and culture of Black Music. Well, for those that visit this
site you know that here each month we celebrate the history, artistry and
culture of traditional gospel quartet music. We do, however, encourage each of
you to take the time this month and tell a young person about the gospel quartet
genre. If you do, you will be aiding in ensuring that the rich history of
gospel quartet music is past along from one generation to another.
*****
May 15, 2008
DAR Records have released The
Best of The Old & New of Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven Gospel Singers.
This is a great CD. In the liner notes the group reminds us that we
“have to remember the old things in order to appreciate the new.” This CD
will have you appreciating the old and new of
Lernell Starkey & The Spiritual
Seven Gospel Singers.
*****
May 1, 2008
The Lighthouse Singers,
of Baton Rouge, Louisiana,
have released a DVD titled
25th Silver Anniversary Through The Years. The DVD is actually a
video history of the group. It takes you from their humble beginning to
the polished highly successful group of today. What a great idea to put
the history of the group on a video. Maybe other groups will follow
The Lighthouse Singers'
lead and provide the gospel quartet community with their history on video.
*****
May 1, 2008
The Dynamic Dixie Travelers'
new CD is outstanding. The guys have really elevated their ministry to
another level with this CD. It is titled Jesus Will Make A Way Out
Of No Way. This CD should bring in demands from around
the country for concert appearances for this group that has been working in the
vineyard for many years.
*****
May 1, 2008
Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Ltes
are preparing to release concept videos on two (2) of the songs from The
Answer Is In The Music project. The songs are "Pouring Water"
and "Just One Lifetime."
*****
May 1, 2008
May is the month we celebrate
Mother's Day. We encourage you to reach out to your Mother everyday.
For, it is a blessing to be able to let your Mother know on a daily basis how
much she means to you. Give your Mother flowers while she can still
appreciate the fragrant.
*****
April 10, 2008
Tim Woodson & The Heirs of
Harmony "Live CD & Video"
Recording is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2008, in Grand Rapids, MI.
*****
April 8, 2008
The Gospel Legends
of Columbia, South
Carolina, are in the studio with Ray Braswell putting the final touches on their
upcoming live release.
*****
April 1, 2008
With the release of their new CD,
The Fantastic Violinaires
are finding themselves in demand for concerts around the country. They
will be the featured guest at the celebration of the new WJEM (1150 AM)
radio station in Valdosta,
Georgia on April 26, 2008. Pastor Bernard Robinson is the new owner of the
station and the promoter for this concert.
*****
April 1, 2008
April should be another exciting
month for gospel quartet fans.
Reginald Funderburke & The Anointed
Temples of Great Falls, SC
should release their new CD titled One Fellowship. Reggie most recently
was a member of Bill
Pinkney's Gospel Drifters
and he also was a member of
The Soul Stirrers.
And, Barbara McLauglin's National Association of Gospel Promoters and Managers'
Convention is scheduled for the last weekend in this month.
*****
March 14, 2008
Brothers and Sisters
new CD has been officially released. This new offering from these
trailblazers of Willacoochee, Georgia, is sure to have you on your feet.
The CD is on the group’s label, Willacoochee Peach Music Records. The
title of the CD is Live In Willacoochee.
*****
March 14, 2008
Pastor Renita Dixon
has a new CD on the Last Psalm Ministry label. To purcahse a copy contact
the label at (205) 798-4093.
*****
March 1, 2008
The Selvys
of Earle, Arkansas will take their "Get Up And Live, You Ain't Dead No More"
tour to Italy later this year. Their new CD should be formally
released this month.
*****
March 1, 2008
Minister Jerial Dingle's
new CD is titled One More Time. This is a solo project and
it comes on the heal of
Rev. Dingle & New Vision
2007 release, Living A Dream.
*****
March 1, 2008
One of the early 2008 releases is by
Michael Carter & 2nd Generation.
The CD is titled Try Jesus. It is on the Sensational
Entertainment Records label.
*****
March 1, 2008
Be on the lookout for new releases
from Low Rush Music this month.
*****
March 1, 2008
Just because the designated month
for Black History is ‘history’ for this year, don’t let that stop you from
continuing to celebrate Gospel Quartet Music. The history of this music is
worthy of being told every month of the year. We encourage you to keep gospel
quartet music in the forefront of the gospel music genre.
*****
February 10, 2008
MALACO SET TO
RELEASE
KEITH WONDERBOY JOHNSON
PROJECT
*****
February 10, 2008
The winners of the 50th Grammy
Awards have been announced. The relevant gospel quartet genre winners are:
Best Gospel Performance
(For solo, duo, group as collaborative performances. Singles
or tracks with vocal
containing Gospel
lyrics. All genres of Gospel music are eligible.)
(Tie)
• Blessed & Highly Favored
The Clark Sisters
Track from: Live - One Last Time
[EMI Gospel]
• Never Gonna Break My Faith
Aretha Franklin & Mary J. Blige
(Featuring The Harlem Boys Choir)
Track from: Bobby: Original Motion
Picture Soundtrack
[Island Def Jam]
Best Gospel
Song
(A Songwriter(s) Award. Singles
or Tracks only.
• Blessed & Highly Favored
Karen
Clark-Sheard, songwriter (The Clark Sisters)
Track from:
Live - One Last Time
[EMI Gospel;
Publisher: K. Sheard's Melody]
Best
Traditional Gospel Album
(For albums containing 51% or more
playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
• Live - One Last Time
The Clark Sisters
[EMI Gospel]
*****
February 5, 2008
The Malaco Music Group continues its
commitment to
Gospel Quartet Music. Click
here for the
press release.
*****
February 1, 2008
The Fantastic Violinaires
are finally ready to release their new CD. The name of the CD is
Revived. It should be in the marketplace on February 6, 2008.
There are fourteen (14) songs on this CD. And, the guys have never sounded
better. They are indeed still
The Fantastic Violinaires.
This one is awesome.
*****
February 1, 2008
Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites’
new CD should be in stores this month. The title is The Answer
Is In The Music. And, there is something on this CD for everyone.
It was well worth the wait to get this one. The song "Just One
Lifetime" is sure to get your attention.
*****
February 1, 2008
February is the month set aside to
acknowledge Black History. As you celebrate during this month remember the
contributions of the gospel quartet groups to this history. For, there is really
the story of a people in the songs. Encourage everyone you know that is
putting on a Black History Program to include at least one gospel quartet group
in the celebration.
*****
January 30, 2008
The Veal Brothers
is ready to release their new CD. The project is titled Crossroad.
It is being released on the Low Rush Music label.
*****
January 25, 2008
Two CDs that you may want to add to
your collection are
Marla & The Boyz
and
The Peacemakers.
Marla & The Boyz
are from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Their CD is titled Psalms.
The Peacemakers
are from Radcliff, Kentucky. Their CD is titled We’re Gonna Make It.
*****
January 16, 2008
The
American
Gospel
Quartet
Convention
has posted its Education Workshop Schedule. To view the schedule visit the
News page of
the
American
Gospel
Quartet
Convention's
website.
*****
January 14, 2008
Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites
will headline the University
of South Carolina's observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday by
performing at the
Annual MLK Gospel Unity Fest at the Koger
Center, Columbia, SC, on Monday, January 21, 2008, at 6:30 p.m.
*****
January 14, 2008
The winners of the 23rd Annual
Stellar Awards have been announced. The gospel quartet genre winners are:
Artist of the Year
The Clark Sisters
(Live - One Last Time; EMI Gospel)
Producer of the Year
Donald Lawrence, The Clark Sisters
(Live - One Last Time; EMI Gospel)
Group or Duo of the Year
The Clark Sisters
(Live - One Last Time; EMI Gospel)
CD of the Year
The Clark Sisters
(Live - One Last Time; EMI Gospel)
Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
The Clark Sisters
(Live - One Last Time; EMI Gospel)
Traditional CD of the Year
Bishop Paul S. Morton
(Still Standing; Light Records/ Tehillah)
Quartet of the Year
The Rance Allen Group
(Closest Friend; Tyscot Records)
*****
January 10, 2008
MALACO is preparing to release two
(2) outstanding gospel quartet CDs in February. They are
True Believers’
Break Through and
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson
presents The Rising Stars of Quartet, Volume 1. Groups
appearing on the
Wonderboy’s
project are
Jewel and Converted,
Tim Rogers and The Fellas,
Brothers in Christ,
and
Marble Twins & Company.
*****
January 5, 2008
Look out for new releases from
The Sensational
Nightingales and the
Legendary Margaret Allison
in the upcoming weeks.
*****
January 1, 2008
January is sure to be an exciting
month for gospel quartet enthusiasts. For it is the month of the
American
Gospel
Quartet
Convention.
As in the past, this year’s convention will be in Birmingham, Alabama. The
convention begins on January 22, 2008 and ends of January 26, 2008. Hundreds of
gospel quartet singers, groups, fans and industry personnel are expected to
attend. Evelyn Turrentine-Agee and
Brothers & Sisters of Willacoochee, GA, are
scheduled to debut their new projects at the convention.
*****
January 1, 2008
Two Thousand Eight is here. We
thank God for allowing us to see this New Year. And, it is our continued
prayer that it is a blessed year for all.
Last year was full of “ups and downs” in this genre. Many saints
transitioned into eternal rest last year. Brother Joe Watson of
The Blind Boys of Mississippi,
William "June" McCarley of
The Masonic Travelers
of Memphis, Rev. Howard " Slim" Hunt, Jr., Bishop G. E. Patterson, James B.
Davis of
The Dixie Hummingbirds,
Bobby Hodo of
The Sweet Singing Disciples of
Atlanta, Bill Moss, Van
Rhodes of
The Mighty Kings of Harmony,
Aaron Beasley of
The Evereadys,
Bill Pinkney, and Leon Lumpkins of
The Gospel Clefs
are just some of the individuals that were affiliated with this genre who moved
to “the other shore” in 2007.
There were many concerts featuring gospel quartet singers during 2007. It
is safe to say that there were at least two (2) gospel quartet concerts every
weekend in many of the major cities and in most towns and locale around the
country.
Many gospel quartet groups released new CDs, and in some instances DVDs, last
year. It was a year that found a group recording a live CD and video and
having it on the street within 3 months. It was a year that saw the a
continued rise of independent projects. And, it was a year that found
previously unknown groups
(known only in their local community) being introduced to the masses.
Overall, 2007 was a good year for gospel quartet music. And, we look for
greater and better things to come from this genre during 2008.
*****
January 1, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR. IT IS OUR PRAYER
THAT YOU ARE SHOWERED WITH BLESSINGS UPON BLESSINGS THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR.