Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

CHAPEL VALLEY RELEASES VIRTUAL CHOIR ENSEMBLE VIDEO

Written by Staff on May 13, 2020 – 8:33 am -

Sharps Chapel, Tennessee – The Chapel Valley family of artists joined forces to produce an encouraging virtual choir ensemble singing “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.”

This project features an arrangement composed by Shane Roark and accompanied by Michael Wayne Smith, Michael Shannon Shelby (Eternal Vision), Shawn, Will & Betty Porter (The Porter Family), Ann Downing, Sue Dodge, Autumn, Kaleb, Eric & Rachel Isbell (The Isbell Family), April Carol, Diana Perry Gillette & Nicole Matthews (The Perry Sisters), Judith, Graham & Megan Montgomery (The Judith Montgomery Family), Troy & Tammy Burns, Jacob Whisnant & Eric McNelly (Troy Burns Family) and Jack Allen (Messiah’s Call).

Shane Roark shared, “This has been a strange time for all of us, so this vision was born out of a desire to remind our family and friends that God is still in control. He has us in the palm of His hand and we stand united. This was a great way for us to come together and work on a project while social distancing, and we hope all who see and hear it will be encouraged by it.”

View the video here: 

 

 

 

Be sure to “like” the Chapel Valley Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chapel.valley.5/ and catch up on the latest Chapel Valley news.

 

 

Tags: Ann Downing, chapel valley, gospel music, He's got The whole world in His hands, sue dodge, The Isbell Family, The Perry Sisters, The Porter Family, Troy Burns Family
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WLOSGMH CONVENTION SPEER TRIBUTE IS TUESDAY NIGHT

Written by Staff on March 26, 2018 – 4:41 pm -

We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History, (WLOSGMH) is one of Facebook’s most unique groups. The page features a host of exclusive videos, audio clips, photos, stories and memorabilia being shared on a daily basis. Those exclusive tid-bits are what really allows the group to share the history of southern gospel music came to be one of the most faithful and popular Christian music forms.

In the many years since the Franks Stamps Quartet, there have been some true iconic performing artists. The Blackwood Brothers, Statesmen, Sunshine Boys, Stamps Quartet, Weatherfords, Cathedrals, LeFevres, Sego Brothers and Naomi, Goss Brothers and the list could go on and on.

Yet one family group really stood out for many years as a true leader in the field, The Speer Family. The family had several resurgent periods of popularity that marked gospel music. When the group disbanded in 1998, seventy six years of history were logged in the annals of gospel music.

With the recent deaths of Ben Speer and Rosa Nell Speer Powell, the last original performing family members, there has been a void in gospel music. Yet their impact lives in the lives of those adopted family members who are still singing and ministering.

This year, the WLOSGMH Convention runs March 26 and 27, 2018 to the Murfreesboro, TN Clarion Hotel Ballrooms.

On Tuesday evening the WLOSGMH Convention will feature a special SPEER FAMILY TRIBUTE.  This special tribute to the legendary Speer Family is planned to highlight some history of the legendary family. Some vintage footage of the Speer Family through the years will be shown. Former Speer Family members will grace the stage including Joyce West Black, Ann Downing, Jeanne Johnson, Sue Dodge, Linda Robinson Sholar, Karen Apple Young, and Daryl Williams, They will be singing some of your favorite songs. Doug Young and Gene McDonald will join this all-star lineup of talent to create that unique Speer Family sound. Tom Powell, Rosa Nell Speer Powell’s son, will be conducting a choir featuring many of the great songs written by Dad Speer. Several Speer Family members are expected to be in attendance. You don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime treat!

Convention notes for the two day event. Monday 5:30/Dinner – 6:45/Concert

Tuesday Morning activities, followed by lunch, afternoon activities, you are on your own for supper. Tuesday Evening Concert at 6:00 PM. Daytime activities include funny stories, show and tell, gospel music movies, etc. Times subject to change.

TALENT for the one of a king music history convention includes the who’s who in southern gospel music. Chuck Wagon Gang (Monday night only), Mercy’s Well (Monday night only), Sherman Andrus, Ann Downing, The Sheltons (Monday night only), Jeanne Johnson, Sue Dodge, Charlie Griffin, Michael Stanton, Jordan’s Bridge, Eddie Crook, John Wyrick, Joyce Black West (of the Speer Family), Jonathan Wilburn, Ellen Marsh, Ed Hill, Brad Smith, Donnie Williamson, Songfellows Quartet (Monday night only), Administrators Quartet, The Collectors Quartet, John Crenshaw, Hannah Kennedy, Harold Timmons, Rita Spillers, Bill Kelley, Doug Young, Karen Apple Young and Gene McDonald. (Talent subject to change.)

For more information contact Harold Timmons via Facebook with a private Facebook message or email h.t@comcast.net, or call 615-885-8000 and leave a message.

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Tags: Ann Downing, Bill Kelley, Brad Smith, Charlie Griffin, Donnie Williamson, Doug Young, Ed Hill, Eddie Crook, Ellen Marsh, Hannah Kennedy, Harold Timmons, Jeanne Johnson, John Wyrick, Jonathan Wilburn, Jordan's Bridge, Joyce Black West, Karen Apple Young, Michael Stanton, ohn Crenshaw, Rita Spillers, Sherman Andrus, Songfellows Quartet, Speers, sue dodge, The Sheltons
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WLOSGMH 2017 Convention includes the Williamsons, Freedom Quartet and more

Written by Staff on March 24, 2017 – 1:59 pm -

The social media phenomenon We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History (WLOSGMH) is holding a social gathering. Commonly referred to as the Convention, the Facebook group administrators have announced the talent line up for the two day event.

Held March 27 and 28, 2017 at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Murfreesboro, TN the talent quartets, trios, soloists, some comedy and lots of surprises that will highlight the talent portion of the convention.

The WLOSGMH Convention begins Monday, March 27th. The evening begins with a dinner concert at 5:30 pm with7:00 pm concert following. The talent includes: Ann Downing, Williamsons, Sheltons, Collectors Quartet, Charlie Griffin, Administrators Quartet, Johnny Minick and Friends, Freedom Quartet.

Tuesday is a full day of activities! Beginning at 9:30 a.m. enjoy two video productions featuring some of the greatest gospel singing of all time. There will also be a short concert featuring some of the musicians who have joined us. This is always a fun time, because we never know who may decide to show up and entertain us. There will be instrumentalists, soloists, and possibly even a Scrap Iron Quartet or two. For those who have purchased the event package, lunch is provided.

 

Tuesday also features two of the convention highlights “Story Time with the Gospel Legends and Show & Tell.” During this time the collectors will also have an opportunity to show some of their classic memorabilia from the gospel singing world; while gospel music road warriors tell some of their funniest stories.

 

Tuesday evening show begins at 6:00 with talent to include: Matt Felts, Harold Timmons, Jordan’s Bridge, Ann Downing, McCray Dove, Jeff Stice, Williamsons, and a special tribute to some of our favorite singers by the Administrators and Collectors.Throughout the convention, various singers, collectors, and merchants will have their wares available for purchase. This is a one of a kind event to add interesting items to your gospel music collection.

 

We have listed the artist websites for your convenience. Get to know them and their music. You will find a wealth of talent, music, passion and as Granny says “just good people.” Your support of these fine artists is greatly appreciated.

 

ARTIST:                      WEBSITE:

Ann Downing               www.anndowning.com

Charlie Griffin              www.CharlieGriffin.net

Ellen Marsh                  www.EllenMarshMusic.com

Freedom Quartet www.freedomquartet.com

Gospel Gallery/

Harold Timmons         www.facebook.com/thegospelgallery

Jeff Stice                       www.jeffsticemusic.com

Johnny Minick             www.johnnyminick.com

Jordan’s Bridge            www.jordansbridge.com

Matt Felts                     www.facebook.com/felts3

McCray Dove               www.newdovebrothers.com

Rita Spillers                  www.facebook.com/themusiclady

The Sheltons                www.facebook.com/SheltonMusicPickensSC

The Williamsons         www.Williamsonsmusic.com

 

“This convention is an internet social gathering of friends.” Administrator Harold Timmons says, “It is not a time for preaching, nor politics. It is not a church service, nor a political rally. Friends are in for two nights of fine Christian entertainment.”

 

The Clarion Hotel is the convention headquarters. Located at 2227 Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro, TN. Contact the hotel at 615-896-2420 asking for the WE LOVE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC HISTORY CONVENTION ROOM DISCOUNT.

 

For complete fan package, concert tickets, hotel and event information visit www.facebook.com/groups/sgmhistory/.

For more Gospel music news, click here.

Tags: Administrator’s Quartet, Ann Downing, Charlie Griffin, Collector’s Quartet, Freedom Quartet, Harold Timmons, Jeff Stice, Johnny Minick and Friends, Jordan's Bridge, Matt Felts, McCray Dove, Sheltons, We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History, Williamsons, WLOSGMH, WLOSGMH Convention
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WLOSGMH Convention announces two-day Schedule

Written by Staff on March 17, 2017 – 12:02 pm -

People have been asking a lot of questions about the We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History (WLOSGMH) Convention. The interest created has gospel music fans driving and flying from across the states and from the Netherlands. In fact over 37,000 group members are creating the stir with gospel music fans clamoring for more music and history.

 

This Facebook social media gathering has become the talk of the town as interest grows among gospel music fans to know more about the history of the music, performers and the gospel music foundation. The oral history is passed down today by those “you should have been there stories”, videos, music, and collectors who share their memorabilia. Vendor booths showcase those rare one of a kind records, photos, collectibles and do-dads making it a shoppers paradise.

Those coffee or booth conversations are truly a convention highlight.

WLOSGMH administrator John Crenshaw says, “In addition to our great artists, the WLOSGMH convention will feature some great videos featuring the groups from the past. You’ll see the Statesmen, Rebels, Blackwoods, Singing Americans, Speer Family, Happy Goodmans, Rangers Trio and so many others. Many of these videos are being shown here for the first time in more than forty years.”

One of the highlights of the convention is the show and tell session. Crenshaw states, “Many collectors will bring their prized possessions to share with the group on Tuesday afternoon. Some of the legends of gospel music will share their humorous road stories. The Tuesday evening concert will feature a tribute to some of the great voices of the past. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but you’ll laugh and cry as you enjoy this tribute.”

Activities for weekend start with members arriving early to participate in a southern gospel tradition, a Red Back Hymnal singing. “On Saturday March 25th from 6-8, many of us will be attending the 4th Annual Rutherford County Red Back Hymnal Singing at Murfreesboro Missionary Baptist Church, 316 Fortress Blvd., Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 37128.” Crenshaw continues. “Although this is not officially a part of the We Love Our Southern Gospel Music Convention, they have been very helpful to us, and we will have a special ticket offer available for those who attend the Singing. It’s a great start to the weekend!”

 

The WLOSGMH Convention begins Monday, March 27th. Here are some highlights:

The hotel atrium will be open for buyers and sellers at 10:00 a.m.

Check in and registration will be 3-4:30 with dinner served at 5:30. The Monday evening show begins at 7:00 with talent to include: Ann Downing, Williamsons, Sheltons, Collectors Quartet, Charlie Griffin, Administrators Quartet, Johnny Minick and Friends, Freedom Quartet

Tuesday is a full day of fun filled music and festivities! Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, you will have the opportunity to enjoy two video productions featuring some of the greatest gospel singing of all time. There will also be a short concert featuring some of the musicians who have joined us. This is always a fun time, because we never know who may decide to show up and entertain us. There will be instrumentalists, soloists, and possibly even a Scrap Iron Quartet or two. For those who have purchased the package, lunch will be provided.

Tuesday will also have “Story Time with the Gospel Legends”. The road warriors need to prepare some of their funniest stories for this unforgettable time of sharing. The collectors will also have an opportunity to show some of their classic memorabilia from the gospel singing world.

Tuesday evening show begins at 6:00 with talent to include: Matt Felts, Harold Timmons, Jordan’s Bridge, Ann Downing, McCray Dove, Jeff Stice, Williamsons, and a special tribute to some of our favorite singers by the Administrators and Collectors.

Come on down, the price right at the WLOSGMH vendor booths.

Throughout the convention, various singers, collectors, and merchants will have their wares available for purchase. This is a one of a kind event to add interesting items to your gospel music collection.

“This convention is an internet social gathering of friends.” Administrator Harold Timmons says, “It is not a time for preaching, nor politics. It is not a church service, nor a political rally. Friends are in for two nights of fine Christian entertainment.”

The Clarion Hotel is the convention headquarters. Located at 2227 Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro, TN. Contact the hotel at 615-896-2420 asking for the WE LOVE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC HISTORY CONVENTION ROOM DISCOUNT.

For complete fan package, concert tickets, hotel and event information visit www.facebook.com/groups/sgmhistory/.  

For more Gospel music news click here.

 

Tags: Administrator’s Quartet, Ann Downing, Charlie Griffin, Collector’s Quartet, Freedom Quartet, Harold Timmons, Jeff Stice, Johnny Minick and Friends, Jordan's Bridge, Matt Felts, McCray Dove, Sheltons, Williamsons, WLOSGMH, WLOSGMH Convention
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Third Annual WLOSGMH Convention March 27 and 28, 2017

Written by Staff on February 24, 2017 – 3:25 pm -

WLOSGMH: “You Should’ve Been There” Memories in the Making!

I first became acquainted with gospel music as a child. It has kind of been in the family since I can remember. Momma Doris (my grandmother), Aunt Dolly Shirley and my Mom (playing piano too) sang in the Morning Star Trio every Sunday morning for the Morning Star Hour radio program on WATA Radio in Boone, NC. Pastor Ross Greene delivered the fiery message back in the day. Then I saw the Harvesters Quartet with Bill Hefner, Mac Evans, Don Norman, Jack Clark and Bob Thacker at homecoming. Over the years they became friends. And the music love affair began.

I remember the first time I heard the Sego Brothers and Naomi. They were the feature group at the Singing at Grandfather Mountain hosted by Arthur Smith and the Crossroads Quartet. What a singing! What a crowd of artists and fans. I would stand and wonder what the groups were talking about behind their record tables.

Then we got a black and white TV. Sunday mornings on Charlotte’s WBTV we would see the legends of gospel music on the infamous Gospel Singing Jubilee hosted by the renowned Florida Boys. I remember sneaking into the living room and cutting the TV down really low and watching the Happy Goodmans, Dixie Echoes (loved me some Dale Shelnut), LeFevres, Segos, Rambos, Inspirations, Marksmen Qt, Hinsons and a host of other popular groups.

 

Read more »

Tags: Administrator’s Quartet, Ann Downing, Charlie Griffin, Collector’s Quartet, Freedom Quartet, GOGR, gospel music, Hannah Kennedy, Harold Timmons, Jeff Stice, John Crenshaw, Jordan's Bridge, McCray Dove, The Sheltons, The Williamsons, WLOSGMH Convention
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WLOSGMH Convention is Contagious To Social Gospel Music Lovers!

Written by Staff on March 7, 2016 – 3:01 pm -

 

 

The Facebook group, WE LOVE OUR SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC HISTORY (WLOSGMH)  is a phenomenon. Over thirty six thousand members, hundreds of remarks, audio and video shares and photo posts are commonplace every day.  Friendships have been renewed, acquaintances become friendships and it all due to the love of southern gospel music.

 

Globally the group members span North and South America, Europe and even a few members from south East Asia. Each day, membership increases to relive those special one of a kind southern gospel moments and the historical music clips while sharing their music memorabilia and collections.

March 21-22, 2016 the Holiday Inn Airport-Opryland will host this annual convention of gospel music enthusiasts.  The two day event features concerts, Monday evening banquet, Tuesday luncheon buffet, Q & A sessions, videos, sing-alongs, conversations, time for browsing for the gospel music memorabilia and friendships.

 

The talent list is a who’s who in gospel music. Featured is one of gospel music most acclaimed all-time quartets the Blackwood Brothers, convention music hosts the Pine Ridge Boys, the Sheltons, New Dove Brothers, the Downings, Jordan’s Bridge, Gary Timbs, Jeff Stice, Collectors Quartet, Ellen Marsh, Buddy Burton, Charlie Griffin, Rita Spillers and convention hosts Harold Timmons, Ann Downing, John Crenshaw and Hannah Kennedy. During this convention the music history will be represented and shared by hundreds of years of experienced participants.

 

What makes this event so unique? Why is the interest so intense? There are other heritage events in gospel music. The NQC, Albert Brumley Gospel Sing, Grand Ol’ Gospel Reunion, Singing At Sea and many more, too numerous to list. This event is the only one of its kind designed for a social media group that emphasizes the history of gospel music. It is the only event that features legacy artists whose music careers are rooted in gospel music. Those artists have and are still making contributions to our music.

 

The roots of gospel music start early to many fans and artists. Many enthusiasts were children who were ‘dragged’ to a concert by parents who were involved in church music or local groups. Others stumbled into a concert and the music bug just bit them. The WLOSGMH page administrators are no different in their exposure to southern gospel music.

 

Administrator, John Crenshaw (fan) remembers, “I was nine years old when I attended my first “all night sing” in Burlington, NC.  It was held on New Year’s Eve, 1966.  Funny thing was, three of the WLOSGMH administrators were at the concert, but we didn’t realize it until many years later.  HT and I were in the audience, and Ann was singing with the Speer Family.  Hannah was probably selling tickets, but we haven’t confirmed that.

It was a great show with the Speers, Chuck Wagon Gang, Oak Ridge Boys, Blue Ridge Quartet, Harvesters, and LeFevres.

 

 

Not long after that, I was at the Reynolds Auditorium every time they had a concert.  This poster is from one of my favorites from 1969.  Although they were not on the printed advertisement, the Downings were there and tore up the place!  It was one of their first big NC performances.” Crenshaw is an active gospel music fan and historian with an extensive collection of gospel music and memorabilia.

 

 

Administrator Ann Downing (singer) shares, “I was about 8 or 9 years old when I heard a reel to reel recordings of a little local group close to where I grew up in North Mississippi.  If my memory serves me right, the song was “Wait ‘Til You See me in My New Home”.  I’m sure it wasn’t all that great, but I loved the harmony.  Up until then, about all I’d known was convention singing out of the Stamps-Baxter, Vaughn, et al songbooks, which I love to this day.

 

Shortly after that, I went with a member of this group to my first “quartet concert” in Columbus, MS.  The Statesmen and Blackwood Brothers were there…I was captivated. 

 

I’m so grateful that it’s possible for a young cotton picker from a rural area to have a singing dream to come true.” Downing was vocalist for the Speers, Downings and is currently a touring soloist.

 

  

 

Administrator Harold Timmons (musician) states, “My first gospel sing was in the 1954. I was only seven years old.  I think it was summer, because there either was no air conditioning in the building, or it was broken.  This was at Reynolds Auditorium in Winston-Salem.  There were many groups on the program, but my folks came to see the Chuck Wagon Gang for their first time.  The building was sold out and it was standing room only.  We were in the upper balcony, and folks were actually sitting on the steps in the balcony.  Every now and then, the emcee would announce that the fire department was going to shut the program down if folks did not get off the stairways in the balconies.

 
The CWG was late getting there.  While another group was on stage, a guitar amp sitting in a chair was slipped through the center of the back curtain.  There was

thunderous applause, I didn’t know why, but that amp signaled to the rest of the audience that the CWG had arrived.  This was my only time to see Dad Carter perform with them.

My parents started going to other programs in the area, and I was fascinated.  When I got my driver’s license, I took myself to many concerts all around.  I began collecting records of most all groups…78s, then 45s, then albums, and signed up for their newsletters.  By the 60s I had pretty well determined I wanted to be a gospel pianist someday, as I was hooked on this music.

 

 

I started taking piano lessons, went to the Stamps Quartet School of Music, and started making contacts, readying myself for this business.” Timmons was instrumental in music staging with the Sheltons, Barnetts, Hemphills and Chuck Wagon Gang. He continues the gospel music connections with Gospel Gallery, selling collectibles and vintage gospel music.

 

 

The youngest administrator is 21 year old gospel music fan, Hannah Kennedy.

Kennedy says, “When I was 5, I went to my first gospel concert in Fort Wayne, IN. I was hooked right away. I wanted to learn all of the songs and know the names of every singer I heard. The living legends who traveled on Bill Gaither’s Homecoming tours quickly became my heroes and my family graciously took me to as many concerts as possible so that I could see them.

Shown is a picture Hannah took of Jake Hess at the Gospel Barn in LaGrange, GA when she was 5. August 26, 2000. And one of her favorite Gaither concert posters.

 

Collector and fan, Brent Joiner says, a night or two before I was born, my parents were at a Southern Gospel concert so I’ve been around it my entire life.  My dad was a huge fan of Southern Gospel Music and that’s where the love for the music began for me.  However, the Southern Gospel “bug” really bit me with full force when I was around 11 years old or so.

Joiner is shown with the ultra-rare albums, “Songs and Hymns by the Plainsmen” & “Sweet Beulah and” by the Statesmen Quartet

 

During my teenage years any money I earned through allowances, etc. I used on buying Southern Gospel Music.  As well, the Grand Old Gospel Reunion videos were really where I started learning the history of the Southern Gospel genre and enjoyed it tremendously.

 

My all-time favorite group is the Statesmen Quartet and my all-time favorite singer is Jake Hess.  My wife, Christina, also loves Southern Gospel Music and when we got married in 2004 that’s when I decided that collecting was “my calling”.  I’m always looking for the next item to add to my collection, which most of the time is on a daily basis.

 

Another one of my daily activities is being involved in the “We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History” Facebook page.  As far as my collecting, I collect everything associated with Southern

Gospel Music… vinyls, CD’s, cassettes, books, etc.  One of my favorites pieces in my collection is the the marquee off of the Statesmen Quartet’s bus.  At the inaugural “We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History Convention” in March 2015, I was able to get my hands on two of my most wanted recordings; “Sweet Beulah Land” by the Statesmen and “Songs & Hymns” (infamous red vinyl) by the Plainsmen Quartet.  These two recordings are extremely rare to find, and I had been looking for them for a long time, so to add them to my collection was a thrill.  By the way, the “WLOSGMH” Convention is one of the greatest new events in Southern Gospel Music to come along in a long time.  I love Southern Gospel Music and being able to discuss it with my wife and friends, (who are like family) John Crenshaw, Dean Adkins, Harold Timmons, Hannah Kennedy, Aaron Rich, and many others is one of the great joys of my life.

Gospel music fan Nancy Carollo exclaims, “As a young teenager, in the mid to late 50’s, my older sister and I traveled 90 miles to Nashville on the first Friday of each month, to the Ryman Auditorium for the Wally Fowler all night sings.  I followed southern gospel music till I married and moved to New York state in 1960, where southern gospel music wasn’t a familiar thing.  I more or less lost track of southern gospel music until 1993.  On a visit back to Tennessee, I went to see JD Sumner and the Stamps at Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch.  My love for southern gospel music was rekindled.  The match that really reignited the fire, was in 1996.  On our way back to NY after my Mother’s funeral in Tennesse, we stopped in Auburn, IN for a concert of The Statesmen, Blackwoods, Stamps, Speers, and Nelons…just a little taste of Heaven.  At this point, there is no turning back!”

 

As most can see young and old are bitten by the gospel music bug. The love shared by these countless fans is exciting and contagious to newcomers.

 

There are still limited packages available for the two day event. Also single concert tickets are available. For more information contact Harold Timmons at 615-885-8000 or visit the websites below.

 

Vital links:

www.gospelgallery.com/WLOSGMH2016.htm

www.facebook.com/groups/sgmhistory/

 

More news.

 

Tags: Ann Downing, Hemphills, Jake Hess, southern gospel, We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History, WLOSGMH
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Chapel Valley adds Ann Downing and 4 One QT

Written by scoopsnews on January 14, 2016 – 12:01 pm -

 

Chapel Valley welcomes award-winning, Hall of Fame inductee Ann Downing and 4 One Quartet
Chapel Valley is pleased to welcome Ann Downing and 4 One Quartet to its family of artists.
Mississippi native Ann has built a Gospel music career that spans five decades. That career began like most successful Gospel music careers – winning the Dove Award. Since then Ann has been named the singing News Queen of Gospel Music, a Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Living Legend and a Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductee.
“I am thrilled to continue my Gospel music career with Chapel Valley Music,” Ann says. “I know Chapel Valley will help me grow my ministry and work to improve my music and grow my ministry.”
4 One quartet was nominated as a Top Ten Favorite New Traditional Quartet of 2015 in Singing News Magazine.
The quartet comes to us from Reed City, MI and is made up of Will Funk singing bass, Ray Ashmore singing baritone, Brad Ledbetter singing tenor and Jim Quales singing lead. The quartet began its ministry in 2012 and Quales, group manager and owner, is confident that joining Chapel Valley is a step that will allow the group to reach more people than ever before.
“4 One Quartet is so honored to become part of the Chapel Valley family,” Quales says. “The guys look forward to working closely with the amazing staff of this quality music company.”
Chapel Valley Artist Relations Director Jack Allen says the addition of Ann and 4 One Quartet is an exciting step for the company.
“The addition of Ann and 4 One Quartet is an exciting step for our company in 2016,” Allen says. “We are thrilled to work with such a legendary figure within our genre of music, and adding one of today’s rising quartets just tops off a great start to our year.”
For more information about Ann Downing or 4 One Quartet contact Travis Roark at 865-278-3651.

More Gospel NEWS
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Tags: 4 One Quartet, Ann Downing, chapel valley
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Ann Downing Announces 24th Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat

Written by Staff on February 22, 2015 – 6:44 am -

Ann Downing is excited to announce the 24th Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat. This is an annual event that seeks to provide an atmosphere of encouragement and emotional safety for women of all ages, denominations, and cultures while learning more about themselves and the grace, hope and love of God. The theme this year is “KEEPING YOUR FAITH IN GOD’S UNSEEN PLAN.”

Founders Paul and Ann Downing had a vision to provide a place where women from all walks of life could come one weekend each year for the purpose of reconnecting with themselves by taking time away from their “everydayness” and looking to Jesus for their true identities. Having lost everything of earthly value, except each other, Paul and Ann knew first-hand what the healing power of God could do in a relationship. They set their sights to what they believed was a calling of God … to establish a retreat for women. Just two months before the first retreat, Paul passed away. During the 56 day hospital stay, Ann had to decide the fate of the retreat. Knowing Paul would have it no other way, the retreat went on as planned. Amazingly, as only God can do, Ann was the one most ministered to during that first retreat. Her grief bore the emotional safety Paul desperately wanted the retreat to foster, and that safety contributes largely to the reputation for which Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat is known today.

The weekend opens with an evening full of surprise music guests. Saturday and Sunday offer theme related workshops. This year’s retreat will be held April 24-26th, 2015 (Friday evening-Sunday Noon) at the Briley Parkway Holiday Inn in Nashville. The hotel is located just minutes from Nashville International Airport, Opry Mills Mall, Opryland Hotel and the Grand Ole Opry.

Ann extends this invitation, “At a time when little in the world makes sense, I invite you to step away from those concerns for three days and drink in the encouragement of fellow believers. I invite you to come and help equip yourself for the days ahead. Join us for the journey. It’s a journey of faith, a journey where immediate outcomes are usually impossible to know. It’s about Keeping Your Faith in God’s Unseen Plan. We are finite. God is infinite. Let’s walk forward together trusting the reality of His promised plan.”

The Keynote speaker this year is Jackie Kendall. Jackie’s ministry spans more than 30 years. As President of Power to Grow Ministries, Jackie is a sought after conference speaker for people of all ages and stages of life. Jackie has chosen a road marked by personal vulnerability, accessibility and honesty. Jackie and her husband, Ken, taught a spring training Bible Study for the Montreal Expos and the Atlanta Braves between 1991 and 1998. Jackie is now a popular speaker for Pro Athletes Outreach (Baseball and the NFL).

Workshop speakers include Sharron Kay King, Darlene Chapman, Sheri Thrower, Melissa Shoemake, Patsy Lewis, Pauline Patterson and Karissa Petty.

Registrations are accepted through April 24th with an early registration special until March 1st. The registration fee covers all materials for the retreat plus a luncheon and dinner banquet on Saturday.

For more information visit http://www.anndowning.com or contact the Ann Downing Ministries office at1-877-886-1629 to receive a brochure.

Tags: Ann Downing, Christian artist, gospel music, Middle Tennessee Women's Retreat
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The Dove Creek Café: Three Weeks Becomes Six Years and Counting

Written by Staff on January 30, 2015 – 9:32 am -

By Vivian Belknap

Roanoke, Texas, a quaint town in North Central Texas has been proclaimed by the Texas House of

Representatives as The Unique Dining Capital of Texas. There are several restaurants in the newly revamped downtown area of Roanoke, but in my opinion the most unique is Dove Creek Café. The food is just good “down home” cooking, and the atmosphere is just as if you are enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner in your own home surrounded by friends and family.

In February 2009, Bob Wills, who lives in the Roanoke, Texas area, was enjoying

breakfast at Dove Creek Café when a staff member approached him. The owner of Dove Creek had been told about Bob Wills and his family of great Southern Gospel singers. Dove Creek had been featuring Country music on Friday nights hoping to draw more people into the café, but with not as much success as they had hoped. So the owner asked Wills if he would be willing to bring Southern Gospel music to Dove Creek with the hope of bringing in new customers.

Bob Wills agreed to try for three weeks, and if successful he would continue. So that first night, The Wills Family, The Splawn Family and Homer Belcher, local talent, were featured, and the café was full. He continued the next two weeks with great local talent and again was successful. After about a year as national artists learned about Bob Wills and Dove Creek Café, he started getting calls asking if they could be featured artists as they

come through our area. And of course the answer was yes and still is! We in the Ft. Worth/Dallas area are so blessed to have wonderful local talent like Bob Wills had and we still have a wealth of diversified talent to share with our area.

National artists who have performed at Dove Creek Café are legends in Southern, Country and Blue Grass Gospel. This is a list of only some who have graced the stage of Dove Creek Café in Roanoke, Texas with their talents and ministry: The Melody Boys, Phil Cross, Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill, Sharron Kay King, Greg McDougal, Shannon Bunch, The Telestials, The Texans, Barbara Fairchild and her husband, Roy Morris, The South Men, The Song Fellows, Rick Strickland, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Jerry Bennett, Paul’s Journey, Billy Blackwood and The Blackwood Brothers, Beyond The Ashes, Chuck Day, and Reynold Rutledge.

Some may ask, “Who is Bob Wills?” Bob Wills is a member of The Wills Family who has their roots in Texas, and he was named after the legendary singer who made Western Swing popular in the 1940’s. Bob Wills’ father was first cousin with the legendary Bob Wills. However, Bob Will’s father chose to follow Gospel music instead of secular music, and started a group with his children.

In the early ‘50’s Bob and his siblings, Bill, Calvin, Lou, Betty and Joe formed The Singing Wills Family and enjoyed many successful years touring together. In 1958, Bob Wills was asked to join the group known as The Inspirationals. Beginning in the early ‘60’s and ‘70’s, Bob led the group as they toured the nation. Bob and the group were featured on the nationally syndicated TV series, Wills Family Inspirational Time. The family

legacy continues with his daughter, Angel, enjoying ministering as a soloist, as well as his son, Bobby Lee, his wife Annette, and their two children, Landry and Bethany.

Bob’s sister Lou Wills Hildreth is also one of the Gospel music elite and her story can be read in the SGN Scoops digital magazine every month.

Would you like to be part of the elite who have been at Dove Creek Café? Please contact Bob Wills at: bobwillsfamily@yahoo.com, or feel free to call Bob Wills at: 817.535.0136.

By Vivian Belknap

For more artist features by Vivian Belknap and all SGN Scoops’ writers, visit www.sgnscoops.com for the latest issue of SGN Scoops magazine.

 

 

Tags: Ann Downing, Bob Wills, Christian artists, christian country, Chuck Day, Dove Creek Cafe, Roanoke Texas, southern gospel, The Blackwood Brothers, The Galileans, the telestials, The Texans, The Wills Family
Posted in announcements, artists, christian entertainment, Christian interest, guest, sgn scoops magazine | Comments Off on The Dove Creek Café: Three Weeks Becomes Six Years and Counting

Patterson Homecoming A Success

Written by SGN Scoops Staff on September 13, 2014 – 9:33 am -

Pigeon Forge, TN, noted for it’s beautiful Smoky Mountains, family entertainment, and wholesome environment, is beginning to be known as the center of Southern Gospel Music so it’s appropriate to

be the home for the ANNUAL PATTERSON PROMOTIONS HOMECOMING!
This year’s Homecoming included a Talent Search, Morning Devotions by Wanda Osborne, an Artist Seminar presented by Phil Cross, plus two days and nights of Gospel Music, Christian entertainment and fellowship featuring regional and nationally known Artists. The lineup included The Hoskins Family, Ann Downing, The Dunaways, Tim Livingston, The Pruitt Family, Sharron Kay King, Phil Cross, The Wilbanks, and many more. The emcees were the incredible and hilarious Tim Lovelace and Sue and Jeff Duffield.
Pauline Patterson, founder of the event, has a genuine love for people and a passion for spreading the Gospel through Southern Gospel music. In 2005, she ventured into the world of promoting Southern Gospel music to radio. Nine years later she is recognized as a leading promoter of the genre.
Pauline says, “What a time we had at our 2nd Annual Patterson Homecoming! The Spirit filled the auditorium! The artists that took part in this year’s event added so much to its success. I’m proud to say that we work with some of the best men and women of God in the Southern Gospel Industry! They are the cream of the crop. God has truly blessed Patterson Promotions through the years to work with some awesome ministries. If you didn’t make it this year, hopefully you can be with us next year. Lord willing, we will do it all over again!”
Make plans now to join us for the 3rd Annual Patterson Promotions Homecoming  which will be held at the Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN on Thursday and Friday, May 14-15, 2015. An afternoon showcase of artists will be added for next year. There is no admission charge; it is supported by contributions of individuals and sponsors.
www.pattersonpromotions.com or www.southerngospeltimes.com

Tags: Ann Downing, phil cross, sharron kay king, Southern Gospel Music, Southern Gospel News, The Dunaways, The Hoskins Family, The Pruitt Family, The Wilbanks, tim livingston
Posted in announcements | Comments Off on Patterson Homecoming A Success