Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

DIXIE MELODY BOYS NAME NEW TENOR

Kinston, NC – Long-time Dixie Melody Boys owner and SGMA Hall of Fame member Ed O’Neal is pleased to introduce Buddy Bates  as the new tenor vocalist for The Dixie Melody Boys.  A lifelong resident of Cincinnati, Buddy brings decades of music experience to The Dixie Melody Boys.

New Decade – New Members – New Excitement – Ed O’Neal’s Dixie Melody Boys Pressing Forward In 2020

Dixie Melody Boys (pictured l-r): Willie Sawry, Cayden Howell, Ed O’Neal, Derrick Boyd and Earl Roberts

Kinston, NC – The year of 2019 was one filled with numerous changes for a man who is no stranger to change. Ed O’Neal, long-time Dixie Melody Boys’ owner/manager, SGMA Hall of Fame member and 60-year Southern Gospel Music veteran has endured the test of time. As has often been stated, Ed O’Neal is no stranger to changes and adversities. In fact, over the past five and a half decades he has seen over 90 personnel changes. “That has to be a record in this business,” Ed says with a chuckle.

The past year saw more group personnel changes for the seasoned veteran; however, the adversity he personally experienced throughout much of 2019 seemed to be one of his biggest challenges. “On April 1, I was involved in a pretty serious automobile accident,” he recalls. “It has been a tough recovery, and it

Update On Ed O’Neal

seemed when I was getting past the injuries from the accident, more health issues popped up. I will admit that it has been a tough road, but I am so thankful that I am doing much better and able to get back on the road and enjoy singing and traveling again.”

A DREAM COMES TRUE – NATHAN POTTS JOINS DIXIE MELODY BOYS

A set of grandparents who took their twelve old grandson to a Southern gospel concert gave Nathan Potts a new outlook on the music.

Here is his story, as told by Nathan Potts, the new lead singer for the Dixie Melody Boys. Nathan makes his home in Yale, Virginia, along with his wife, Megan, and their children.

“Gospel music started for me at the age of twelve years old. I remember it like it was yesterday, with Ivan Parker and The Harvesters Quartet. It was a cold October evening, and my grandparents Hugh and Carol Mayes asked if I would like to go with them to a gospel concert. For the first time ever, I went, and life was never the same. That night was a ticketed event and I walked into the auditorium with over a thousand people inside. I was in awe. From the time they started singing, ’til the end of the service, I was on my feet; and the incredible thing is, that night they did a ticket drawing and you could have guessed it –I won. It was a CD of the Harvesters Quartet.

Nathan Potts

“From that point, I started a solo career, that I continued until 2008. At that point, I, along with Thomas Nalley (Gold City) and two others, began singing as Calvary Calls Quartet.

“After the group disbanded, I joined a group for the next five years, called Promise Land Quartet, and those were some of the most special moments of my career, where I learned a lot.

“To make a long story short, years later, I started with Ed O’Neil and the Dixie Melody Boys.

“There I have been able to share the gospel in song on a national scale, and I thank God every day for giving me talents to sing, and I will forever use them to uplift his name.

Nathan and Megan Potts

“A lot of people have asked when and where I sang my first song. This would be in Petersburg, Virginia, with the Harvesters Quartet. When they pulled me up to sing, it was a wonderful time.

“I would have to say, my biggest influence singing gospel music would be between two people, and that would be Allan Hunter of the Harvesters Quartet, and Ricky Carden of The Down East Boys. Allan was always pushing me to keep going even when things got tough. And Ricky, well I’ll put it to you this way, when he let me travel with them he kept me in line; I couldn’t get away with anything. I am very thankful for people like that and everybody who has stuck by me as true friends. I truly could not say thank you enough.

“If I wasn’t singing, I would most likely be doing carpentry work.

“I’d have to say, if there was an embarrassing moment — and really it more comical than embarrassing — it was New Years Eve, when Promise Land Quartet was performing in West Virginia, and I did a song which I did some choreography on, and I decided to have Joey Wilson the tenor do a 360 with me. He did, but could not stop spinning and just fell flat on his back! Needless to say he never did it again.

“I couldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for my family, mainly my grandparents, Hugh and Carol Mayes. Hugh is no stranger to gospel music.  For many years he helped the Hoppers with different things, and has been a big help to several different groups. We are from a little town called Yale, Virginia, which is currently where we all make our home.

“In closing, my favorite bible verse is, ‘I am crucified with Christ and yet I live; not I, but Christ who lives within me.’”

As told by Nathan Potts to Robert York, regular contributor to SGNScoops Magazine.

Read more about The Dixie Melody Boys in an upcoming issue of SGNScoops.

For more Gospel music features, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

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Ed O’Neal needs our Prayers

Allen O’Neal has requested prayer for his dad, Ed O’Neal. Ed is receiving a new pacemaker tomorrow morning, September 16, 2019.

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Keep praying for Ed O’Neal and the Dixie Melody Boys

Ed O’Neal

Ed O’Neal & The Dixie Melody Boys 

Dixie Melody Boys

Throughout the past six weeks Mr Ed, as he is affectionately known to countless fans and promoters, has been going through rehabilitation, and although he still has more treatment and therapy ahead, he is excited about eventually making his way back on the road, even if it’s only on a limited basis. “Willie (Sawrey) and the guys have worked really hard to fulfill the commitments we have, and they’ve done a very good job. I am managing the group, just as I always have, even though I presently can’t be on the road,” Ed explains. “There have been a lot of rumors out there circulating that I am never coming back on the road and that I am selling the group or that the group is coming off the road. I can tell you that I am committed to managing The Dixie Melody Boys as long as I am able to do so. I’ve put a lot of years into The Dixie Melody Boys. I love the promoters and the pastors who have supported us over the years. They are lifelong friends, and I look forward to seeing many of them again when I am able to be back on the road.”

Those who would like to send cards of encouragement to Ed O’Neal may send those to The Dixie Melody Boys at 1802 Oxford Road, Kinston, NC 28504. Churches and promoters interested in scheduling The Dixie Melody Boys may contact the Beckie Simmons Agency at 615-595-7500 or via email at beckie@bsaworld.com.

Josh Garner resigns from the Dixie Melody Boys

Dixie Melody Boys

Josh Garner of the Dixie Melody Boys has decided to leave the Dixie Melody Boys. He announced his decision publicly on Facebook today. He wrote:

“It is with great sadness that I announce I am resigning from my position with the Dixie Melody Boys. Ecclesiastes tells us that to everything there is a season. After much counsel and prayer, it is evident that this season of my life is ending. I am not saying that I am done with Gospel music, but I may need to step away for a while and reexamine my path. I don’t believe for a moment that God is done with me. In fact, I believe He is preparing me for my greatest season of all. I know that it won’t be easy and there are trials to come. However, I rest assured that thanks to God’s faithfulness, I have “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”

“I know how these departures are typically received, so let me clear the air. I love Ed O’ Neal! I can’t thank him enough for providing for my family these last six years. Working alongside Ed has been a great joy and I will miss being with him on a regular basis. Throughout his wife’s illness, I witnessed firsthand the meaning of a biblical marriage. I came to know his heart through many late night conversations. He is truly a man of character and dignity and it is my great honor to call him friend for over 25 years.

Josh Garner

“Secondly, it has never been my intention to take over the Dixie Melody Boys after Ed O’ Neal. I told him when I came that I am with him until he retires or dies. Unfortunately, I am forced to break that promise. However, please know I joined the group and have remained with the group because I love Ed and I saw the potential to be an asset to HIS group. As far as I’m concerned, the Dixie Melody Boys will ALWAYS be Ed O’ Neal’s group.

“Finally, I have been under personal attack for many months now. My name and reputation have been slandered, but I have remained quiet as I had no doubt that the truth would eventually come out. I appreciate the many friends who approached me firsthand about the false claims and I am so thankful for their confidence in me. Sometimes it takes a difficult experience like this to learn who your friends really are. I am blessed to say that I am rich with true friends.

“Unless I am instructed otherwise, I intend to fulfill our scheduled dates through June 2nd. That will be my last official date with the Dixie Melody Boys, along with Jerry Skaggs, who submitted his resignation a week ago. I ask that you pray for Ed as he continues to recover from his automobile accident. Nothing would please me more than to see him on stage one more time. I, also, ask that you pray for me and my family, as I currently have no prospect for employment and am seeking direction. I know the last thing Gospel music needs is another soloist, but if you are so inclined, I would be very happy to come sing for your church, organization, etc. to help with our financial needs.

“Thank you all for allowing me to share my talents with you for the last 22 years. I am fully trusting on God during this time of indecision and I am not anxious. I know that He will provide as He always has. God bless you and hope to see you soon!”

Fans and friends can contact Josh Garner through his Facebook page .

Happy Birthday Mr. Ed O’Neal

For over 55 years, Ed O’ Neal has served as owner, manager, and bass singer for the legendary Dixie Melody Boys. Throughout his tenure, he has received every possible award for excellence from his peers and fans, including multiple Favorite Bass Singer honors, the J.D. Sumner Living Legend Award, and the prestigious Marvin Norcross Award. Perhaps his greatest achievement was induction into the Southern Gospel Music Association’s Hall Of Fame long before his storied career was over. And it’s not over by a long shot, as the effervescent octogenarian is still thrilling audiences worldwide. In addition to being one of Southern Gospel’s most beloved personalities, Ed O’ Neal is credited with introducing some of the greatest talent to ever grace a concert stage. Thanks to Ed’s ability to locate and groom such fine performers, the Dixie Melody Boys have been affectionately dubbed “Ed O’ Neal University.”  Some 80+ individuals have graduated from EOU and are currently serving in various capacities throughout churches and concert halls across the country. Ed O’ Neal’s smooth vocal stylings and southern charm have gained him countless fans the world over, but his humility, grace, and generosity have earned him a place in innumerable friend’s hearts. 

Today is Ed’s Birthday… Happy Borthday from your friends at SGN Scoops!

THE DIXIE MELODY BOYS REACH SCHEDULING AGREEMENT WITH BECKIE SIMMONS AGENCY 

THE DIXIE MELODY BOYS REACH SCHEDULING AGREEMENT WITH BECKIE SIMMONS AGENCY

Nashville, TN – Popular Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame member, Ed O’Neal, manager of The Dixie Melody Boys (pictured in attached jpg), has announced that a scheduling agreement has been reached with the Beckie Simmons Agency. BSA will immediately begin scheduling The Dixie Melody Boys for events throughout the remainder of 2017, as well as 2018. “We look forward to this new working relationship with Beckie and her staff,” O’Neal states. “Beckie’s reputation speaks for itself, as does her work ethic. I consider it a great honor to have the opportunity to work together. We are very excited.”

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CHM Event Center serves Vestal Goodman’s famous coconut cake at VIP reception following concert with the Dixie Melody Boys, the Guardians & Lorne Matthews

Vestal Goodman’s Coconut Cake

Promoter James Lawson says, “I just thought it would be fun to duplicate Vestal’s family recipe and serve something that would not only be good but that would bring back fond memories of one of gospel music’s great legends…something that you just would’nt get anywhere else.”

Vestal Goodman

Barberton, Ohio August 19, 2016- The Happy Goodman’s could sing an old convention song like no other group, each of them singing a different melody line and then all of them landing on the final chord together.

They were also known for their voracious appetite for life, gospel music, and country cookin.’ There was always something good to eat on the Goodman’s bus. Now if you are not aware of it, Vestal’s coconut cake was legendary.

We gave Vestal’s most requested and celebrated cake recipe to

Dixie Melody Boys

Dolores Reeve’s of Reeves Cake Shop, celebrating forty years serving some of the finest baked goods in Akron, and commissioned them to bake as close to possible Vestal’s famous coconut cake. Following the “Summer Night Hometown Sing,” this past August at the CHM

Guardians

Lorne Matthews

Event Center, Barberton, Ohio those with a VIP ticket indulged in a piece of Vestal’s famous cake, garnished with a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream and had a chance to mingle up close with all of the artists on the program. In concert that evening were the Dixie Melody Boys, the Guardians and Lorne Matthews.

When it comes to Southern Gospel Music, you will find none finer than the coming roster of talent scheduled to appear at Christian Healthcare’s new Event Center located at 800 Wooster Rd, Barberton, Ohio.

The fall line up is simply spectactular, starting with:

September 10-Greater Vision & the Mylon Hayes Family
October 22-Cana’s Voice & David Pendleton
November 19-the Blackwood Brothers & the Browns
December 16-the Hoppers & the Hall Sisters

Plan now attend one or more of the above events; for more info visit our web at gmlconcerts.org. Tickets for all events on sale now through itickets.com or by calling 800-965-9324; group rates available.

Christian Healthcare Ministries/Gospel Music Live
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) is an affordable, faith-based solution for Christians to the problems of rising healthcare costs and expensive health insurance policies. Visit chministries.org or gmlconcerts.org

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Triumphant Quartet personnel changes

Triumphant Quartet With GW Southard

Triumphant Quartet has announced the departure of GW Southard, their pianist of two years. GW responded this evening on Facebook: “I like to thank everyone for the countless messages. I would also like to thank Triumphant Quartet for giving me the opportunity to pursue a passion of mine and Eric Bennett for being a great Boss and leader! Thank everyone for the memories!!”

Dixie Melody Boys with Aaron Dishman (2nd from left)

The group’s new pianist is Aaron Dishman, formerly of the Dixie Melody Boys. According to the Singing News website, Triumphant is thrilled to welcome Aaron to their quartet. “‘We’ve know Aaron for many years and always loved his kind heart and sweet spirit. But, he is also a very talented musician and singer. Former pianist GW Southard left the group in late June to serve on a church staff. We are very thankful for the two years GW was here and we wish him the best. We are extremely excited for the addition of Aaron on our team,’ says Eric Bennett.”

About Triumphant Quartet

According to the Quartet’s website: “Triumphant Quartet has had four #1 songs and several others have climbed the Top 40 music charts, which has also contributed to their popularity. Gospel music fans agree that the triumphant sound is distinctive, solid quartet singing. But Triumphant excels in diversity, and also expands their musical borders to a wide variety of styles, that is enjoyed by church audiences and music lovers. When Triumphant takes the stage, the audience is entertained by the musical variety, the engaging personalities and a bond that is brought together by years of friendship. Audiences will find themselves smiling, laughing, crying, encouraged and uplifted. And most of all, they will walk away having had the Gospel Message presented to them in a powerful way, with a hope that many will receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ is the focus of Triumphant. He is the reason they sing, and these four gentlemen stay consistent and steadfast in their goal of giving their very best in all they do and every song sung.” See more on Triumphant’s website.

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