JP Miller: INDUSTRY PIONEER LOU HILDRETH PASSES AWAY

Lou Hildreth

Mt. Pleasant, TX (February 28, 2019) – Heaven received another incredible saint this morning. Lou Wills Hildreth is now in the arms of Jesus, just two months and two days after the love of her life, Howard Hildreth passed away. Howard and Lou celebrated 72 years of marriage last November. Lou lived a dynamic life serving the Lord faithfully in the southern gospel music industry and her family was gathered by her side as she was ushered into heaven.

Lou Wills was born on July 13, 1928. She began her career at a very young age, singing with her father and siblings in The Wills Family. In 1946, while attending college, Lou worked as a cashier at a theater. Howard happened to have just returned from serving in the military and resumed his position as Assistant Manager. It was love at first sight, and they were married less than a year later. Lou’s contribution to the Southern Gospel music industry were immeasurable. If she wasn’t singing or writing music, she was hosting a television show or appearing in a Gaither Homecoming video. She was the first woman to own and operate a talent agency, booking artist such as Mark Lowry, The Hemphills, Gary McSpadden and many other well-known artists. She was co-owner of Sword and Shield Recording and Publishing Company. Her hall of fame inductions and recognition on earth are plentiful, but none of them compare to the rewards she is receiving in heaven. Her kindness was overwhelming and her intelligence and business ethic were a direct reflection of her commitment to serve the Lord with integrity.

JP Miller shared, “Lou Hildreth was my mentor. She was such an inspiration, a pioneer in the industry and the epitome of professionalism. She was the same person on stage when we were co-hosting television together as she was sitting across the table from me, giving me wise advice and Godly wisdom that I rely on even now. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends all over the world, but we have no doubt that she is right where she longed to be, sitting at the feet of Jesus and reunited with her biggest supporter, Howard.”

Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame member Lou Wills-Hildreth inducts Jerry Kirksey into the SGMA Hall of Fame recently in Dollywood. (Photo: Randall Franks)

Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Howard and is survived by their children, David Hildreth, MD (Terri) and Kathryn Mumaw (Michael); and four grandchildren, Phillip White, Patrick Hildreth, Sean Hildreth and Megan Hildreth.

The family is in the process of making arrangements for her celebration of life service, which will be announced soon.

Lou and Howard were an incredible team in the southern gospel music industry and will be remembered fondly by all who were blessed to know them. Well done, good and faithful servants… well done!

Media contact: Marcie Gray – (865) 804-8200

publicity@marciegmanagement.com

Industry Professional Contact:

JP Miller (Appointed Industry Representative by Family) – (865) 654-7878

Insidegospel1@msn.com

Pray for the family of Lou Wills Hildreth

Lou Wills Hildreth

SGNScoops has learned of the passing of Lou Wills Hildreth this morning. She joined her beloved husband Howard, who passed in December.

Lou was a friend to many of us at SGNScoops, and wrote regularly for the magazine up until a short time ago. She was a legend in gospel music, and known by many in other types of music.

Lou was inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame in 2007. She was a member of the famous Wills family who sang for many years and brought gospel music into many different areas. Lou was also known for promoting concerts as well as many artists. She hosted several gospel music programs with JP Miller for many years.

Lou and Howard Hildreth join the Creekside Gospel Music Convention choir

Many people recognized Lou by her signature red curls, her big wide smile, and her sparkling eyes. I recognized her by her genuine love for people. She cared about those she met, and was encouraging to all.

Howard and Lou Hildreth

Our prayers and sympathy go to the family of Lou Wills Hildreth. No details of services are known at this time.

Lou Hildreth On Gospel Music Today

Lou Hildreth On Gospel Music Today

Lou Wills Hildreth is the guest on Gospel Music Today for the week of May 14. Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. The Feature Group is The Victory Trio, and Jean reviews new recordings by Nikki Headley and The Joylanders.  An article from Christian Voice magazine is the subject of this week’s News Notes. The show features  exclusive concert video of Faith’s Journey, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras in Springfield, MO, and a visit to the Gospel Music Today Archives for an exclusive video of 4 His Love Quartet, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras in Broken Arrow, OK.

Throwback Thursday- Lou Wills Hildreth❤️

Lou Wills Hildreth

It’s Throwback Thursday….

Watch this video back stage at a former Dimond Awards with our precious friend, Lou Hildreth….

The Luck of the Red Head in Southern Gospel

Sheri LaFontaine

By Sheri LaFontaine

We’ve heard it said that blondes have more fun, but there is a group of gingers that will tell you a very different story. According to a Clairol Color Attitude survey, 71% of redheads think that the word “bold” best describes them, which is 24 points ahead of blonds. This certainly makes sense, being that redheads are known for their fiery passion.
​Just like Little Orphan Annie, Opie Taylor, Lucy, Prince Harry and Reba, our Southern Gospel industry has experienced many carrot-tops in the spotlight. From the ultimate Irish tenor, Larry Ford, to the living legend, Lou Hildreth, no one can deny the talent that comes with those orange locks.
Scientists say that red hair and blue eyes are the rarest combination in the world, which makes Olivia Collingsworth a unique beauty.

Sheri: Where did your red hair come from?
Olivia: My red hair actually came from my great Grandpa. After I was born my parents could not figure out where it came from, because nobody in our family had red hair except for one of my cousins and she got it from a different side of her family. My parents had only seen black and white photos of my dad’s Grandpa, but one day they saw one in color and realized he had red hair. Kinda put two and two together!
Sheri: Do you like it?
Olivia: Since I was little, I never really minded my red hair! I always kinda liked being different than everyone else!

Moving from one baby of a talented family to another. Miss Kennedy Hayes of the Mylon Hayes Family is winning the hearts of audiences across the country. Born on October 31st, she truly is the perfect little pumpkin.
Sheri: What’s the best part of having red hair?
Kennedy: The best part about being a redhead is that it is rare! And to have brown eyes is unique, and it’s how God made me! Sometimes I wish I didn’t have red hair when people ask if I have a temper to go with it.
Sheri: Have you ever been made fun of because of your hair?
Kennedy: Since I am home-schooled, I have never been teased, unless you count my brothers. When I was maybe four years old, we were walking on the beach and a lady asked my mom if she colored my hair! Wow…some people can ask funny questions!
We couldn’t possibly write an article like this without speaking to the amazing tenor with the bushy red mustache, Larry Ford.
Sheri: Are you actually Irish?
Larry: Yes, I am very Irish. My dad’s family is, of course, Fords. My mom’s family is Kennedy.
Sheri: Have you ever been to Ireland?
Larry: Our first trip to Ireland was in 1995 and it was really a homecoming for me.
Sheri: Is there a downside to being a true redhead?
Larry: Along with the red hair there’s often a tendency to have really white skin that doesn’t much like the sun. I’ve always had a “farmer’s tan” and more freckles on my left arm (driving with the window rolled down) than my right arm. One time I was at a church in the Florida Keys. On Saturday the pastor and I went out to snorkel and catch lobster. Always mindful of how easily I burn, I applied Bullfrog sunscreen to my face, neck and arms. We probably spent two or three hours out on the water. Later that afternoon, I felt a burning sensation. The two or three inch strip between where my swim shorts and T-shirt did not meet, was cooked. Also, the backs of my knees were cooked. I couldn’t even bend my legs to walk. I was walking stiff legged when I walked into church the next morning. Note to self: ALWAYS take the time to apply sunscreen to every area that might even possibly be exposed to Florida sun. If you don’t, it can be extremely painful and dangerous for your skin. However, the lobster was really good.

Next we spoke with the triplets that named their group after the hue of their beautiful hair.
Sheri: So, how do you like having/being Red Roots?
Red Roots: We love being redheads because it makes us different in a lot of ways. We aren’t crazy about the sunburns but everything else is all right.
Sheri: Where did you get it from?
Red Roots: We got our red hair from our mom and she said that when she was young, people used to tease her about being red headed by saying a funny phrase. “I’d rather be dead than red on the head.”
Poor Momma Red Roots.

Tribute Quartet

Josh Singletary is one of the brightest people in the business today. And I’m not just talking about his hair.
Sheri: What are some of the things you hear a lot from the fans?
Josh: I’m constantly asked if I color it. And the red hair confirms to people that I’m from Ireland, even though they know tons of redheads that live down the street that are as redneck as they come.
Sheri: Any perks that come with having orange hair?
Josh: Well, regardless of the hundreds of folks in line for the ride, my youth director never had any trouble at theme parks, knowing where we were in the line for a roller coaster. And he seemed to ALWAYS know when MY turn on the roller coaster was done!

A true sweetheart in this industry is the beautiful, Misty Freeman.
Sheri: Do you have any Irish in you?
Misty: I’m a mutt so I’m sure there is Irish in there somewhere.
Sheri: So how has life been for you, as a redhead?
Misty: Growing up, it was never popular to have red hair. Only older people thought it was pretty. But as a teenager I started loving it. I felt different but in a good way. My husband jokingly says he married me in spite of my red hair. When our daughter was born I just knew she’d have red hair. It was the first thing I asked the nurse “does she have red hair?” To which she sternly replied, ” She’s healthy!” She had pretty dark brown hair! Which Bryce was happy about.
Fast forward two years, I’m having my son and never ever thought I’d have a redheaded son. But the first thing I hear is Reba Rambo in the delivery room saying, “look at that red hair!”
They showed him to me and his hair was bright orange and all I could do was giggle!! What a fun surprise. We definitely get a lot of attention with those red curls but we’ve also had a lot of negative comments too. One man in line with us one day said, “poor little guy having to grow up with that hair”. I hope he grows up to love his.
Sheri: Where did you get it from?
Misty: I get it from both sides of the family. My mom had red hair and my dad did when he was a baby. I have aunts and cousins that are redheads too. The older I get the more I love it!

Only 1-2% of the world’s population are natural redheads. Although parting the red hair can hardly be compared to parting the Red Sea, it is still a rare and extraordinary miracle of God. Some could call it luck, but I think that Joel Hemphill said it best when he penned the song, “Don’t Call Me Lucky, Call Me Blessed.”

October 2014 SGNScoops Magazine

October 2014 SGNScoops Magazine

The air is cooler and the leaves are changing color, so it’s a great time to fall into a new issue of SGN Scoops. This month we have lots of great reading for you!

Getting To Know The Diamond Award Nominees

Diamond Awards 2014

The annual Diamond Awards recognize the best in Southern, Country and Bluegrass Christian music and are hosted by SGNScoops digital magazine and Coastal Media Group.

This year’s Diamond Awards will be held at Creekside Gospel Music Convention at Pigeon Forge on November 3rd through 6th.

JP Miller, Lou Hildreth, Sheri Easter and Jeff Easter at the Diamond Awards 2012

This year we again welcome Channel 57 WATC Atlanta as they cover the Diamond Awards for airing on both TV and internet at a later date. We also welcome Meagan Pledger who will be doing extensive Social Media coverage for the entire Creekside event.

Be sure to get your free tickets to the 2014 Creekside Gospel Music Convention HERE

SGN Scoops would like you to meet our top-five finalists for each category of the 2014 Diamond Awards. Today’s category is the 2014 Mixed Group Of The Year, which entails a group of any number with both male and female members. Last year’s winner was The Isaacs.

2014 Diamond Award Top Five Nominees for Mixed Group Of The Year are:

Jeff and Sheri Easter

Karen Peck and New River

The Hoppers

The Collingsworth Family

The Perrys

Join us for the 2014 Diamond Awards and the entire Creekside event. For more information and for tickets, click here

Lou Hildreth Recovering From Surgery

Lou Hildreth

SGN Scoops writer and Gaither homecoming favorite, Lou Wills Hildreth, is currently recovering at home following ankle surgery. Lou is under the care of her husband Howard, their son Dr. David Hildreth and daughter Kathryn Mumaw.

Lou is well known in Southern Gospel and is recognized as a member of both the GMA and Southern Gospel Music Association’s Halls of Fame.

Please join us in praying for Lou’s healing. She would love to hear from all who are praying for her. Please write to Lou at PO Box 271106,  Houston TX 77277. Email can be sent to gosplvideo@aol.com.

We look forward to welcoming Lou back to Creekside Gospel Music Convention in November for her “Lou Hildreth Honors.” We trust that all of her friends will join her for that event. For more information, visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

Gospel Music Today For May 26th On SGNScoops.com

Lou Wills Hildreth is the guest on Gospel Music Today for the week of May 25. Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates, the Feature Group is The Social Security Boys, and Jean reviews a new recording by Down Home. An article about Dianne Wilkinson is the subject of this week’s Singing News Notes. The Songfellows Quartet sings, and the show includes exclusive video of McCray Dove and The Dove Brothers Band, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras at The Owasso Gospel Opry, in Owasso, OK, and a visit to the Gospel Music Today Archives for an exclusive concert video of Declaration at the Southern Gospel Worship Gathering, in Broken Arrow, OK.

March 2014 SGNScoops Magazine

We are excited to present the March Issue of SGNScoops Digital Magazine. On the the cover this month is Weston And Christy Hinson. Read how Weston and Christy are carrying on the legacy of the Hinson name as the continue the tradition of singing great gospel music. Also read the scoop on the solo ministry of Joseph Habedank and catch the latest on the ministry of David Timms. Mike Rogers of Brian Free and Assurance is featured in this month’s Younger Perspective, and don’t miss the latest from Jason Runnels. We have several special interest stories this month. Don’t miss a concert story on The Mark Trammel Quartet, Gospel on the Seas and Miss Whatcom County. Dr Jeff Steele, Kelly Nelon and Jennifer Campbell share encouragement and Ms.Lou Hildreth shares her legendary stories. Music reviews plus news about the Ozark Gospel Music Convention, Creekside Gospel Music Convention and the Diamond Awards are all all found inside the beautiful March Edition of SGNScoops Magazine. Always digital, always free and always good. Please share with your friends, family and fans.