Leaving Louisville: Twenty Years of NQC

nqcnewlogoChange is always hard and the NQC Board made a bold step twenty years ago when they announced the move from Nashville to Louisville for Gospel Music’s favorite yearly event.

From scheduled sings on the Belle of Louisville to concerts in the downtown square; from impromptu songs in various area restaurants to special gatherings in local hotels; from Elvis sightings to Uncle Sam in the Exhibit Hall, there are many unforgettable moments for the Gospel music fan at NQC.

Lorraine Walker interviewing Wayne Haun 2007
Lorraine Walker interviewing Wayne Haun 2007

As a writer for SGM Radio and SGN Scoops, I’ve had the opportunity to interview many interesting people at NQC.

Legacy Five 2008 with Rob Patz and Lorraine Walker
Legacy Five 2008 with Rob Patz and Lorraine Walker

 

 

 

 

 

Over the years, I have been privileged to interview such artists as Karen Peck,  Kim Hopper,   Susan Whisnant,Marshall Hall,  Jim Mahalick, Shelly Brown of The Browns, Wayne Haun, Jeff Pearles, The Apostolic Boys, The Skyline Boys, The Prophets, Rambo McGuire, The Booth Brothers, Mark Trammell Quartet, Greater Vision, Legacy Five, Triumphant Quartet, Brian Free and Assurance, and Jonathan and Jordan Wilburn, among others.

Rambo McGuire
Rambo McGuire
Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision 2011
Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marshall Hall 2011
Marshall Hall 2011

 

Many of these artists wouldn’t have the time to sit with an interviewer during an ordinary concert setting. NQC is also the opportune time for fans to also talk with their favorite singers. What a great opportunity it is to attend NQC and be able to sit down with the makers of the music!

 

SGM Radio and SGN Scoops would like to extend a special thank you to the board of the National Quartet Convention for continuing on a tradition that began many years ago, for making the necessary decisions for the growth of the festival and for embracing artists, fans and industry alike as we celebrate together our music and our faith.

 

We look forward to 2014 in Pigeon Forge!

 

****As a fan who attended the first Louisville NQC, I have many memories of the National Quartet Convention at Freedom Hall. I’m sure our readers do as well, and I invite you to submit these memories for posting here this week. Please submit your NQC thoughts and pictures to lorraine@sgnscoops.com