Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Started by Herb Oliver, the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame came into being to recognize, honor and celebrate gospel music musicians who had made outstanding contributions to gospel music. Members from Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia could be nominated for the honor. From all those nominated, the board members would make the selection based on their contribution and ministry to gospel music, and then hold an induction ceremony.

The first inductees were installed in 2005 at Ridgeview Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tenn.  Over the years, well-known inductees have included Vestal Goodman, Cat Freeman, LeRoy Abernathy, Shorty Bradford and Calvin Newton.  More recently, Mike Holcomb, Melvin Klaudt, Tracy Stuffle, Anthony Burger, Phil Cross and Tim Duncan have been honored. Parkway Baptist Temple in Fort Oglethrope, Georgia, has hosted the ceremony during the past five years because of the size of attendees. Dr. David Sampson, pastor, and Jerry Pilfrey, minister of music, host the ceremony, as both are members of the Hall of Fame.

The 2019 induction ceremony held at Parkway Baptist Temple was planned and set up with Will Dickerson, CEO/Chairman. The program included the Tri-state Hall of Fame Choir, numerous quartets and the induction ceremony. The choir contained all former and new members, singing several songs throughout the evening. Four men, who had never sung together, joined together as scrap iron quartets, and were enjoyed immensely during the ceremony. Each scrap iron quartet included were given such names as The Carpenters On Noah’s Ark, Ex-Walmart Greeters and Nashville Cats, as well as many others. Hall of Fame member Ken Hicks, co-host of the Ken and Daniel morning show in WUSY in Chattanooga, Tenn., emceed the ceremony. 

Ten new members were inducted bringing the total members of the Hall of Fame to 202. Inducted were Carol Cross, an award-winning songwriter; Milford Cushen, an attorney in Fort Payne, Alabama, who has sung with several quartets throughout his career and currently sings with the Bradford Quartet; Rick Fair, who was the final baritone singer for the legendary Statesmen quartet and has been with many other nationally known quartets. Rick’s son David accepted the award as Rick was unable to attend the ceremony that evening.

Jay Parrack, tenor singer with Vocal Event, was inducted as a new member. His wife Kaylyn and children Keri and L.J. attended to support him.  

Formerly with Gold City Quartet from 1994 to 2004, Parrack, referring to Vocal Event, stated, “We are in the process of doing new recording as it has been some time since the group has had one.” He also serves as minister of music at Hill Crest Baptist Church in Anniston, Ala.

Debbie Epperson, whose family is known as the Singing Echoes from Cleveland, Tenn., was newly inducted. Many of her family are also members. 

Also inducted was Roger Horne who began his career singing tenor with The Gospel Harmony Boys and later with The Cathedral  Quartet, and Jerry and The Singing Goffs. Mike Leath, lead singer for more than a decade with Alabama’s favorite groups The Sharps was also honoured. 

Dr. Jerry Goff and his wife, ‘Little’ Jan Buckner-Goff, were both honoured as new inductees. 

Jan is nationally known for her performances with Wendy Bagwell and The Sunlighters for 38 years. She has received a Grammy award for the song “Tell It Again.” Throughout her lifetime, Jan has devoted her life to gospel music. Like one of her songs she sings, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” she has performed in numerous venues, including Carnegie Hall (New York) and all across America. Dr. Goff and Jan were married for many years, making a great impact as a duet and sometimes adding a third member to be a trio. 

Jerry Goff passed away July 12, 2019. He was known as Mr. Trumpet and had his own group Jerry and the Singing Goffs for many years. He had 56 albums to his credit, received the Dove Award, and Poet Voice Award just to name a few. He had written numerous songs during his lifetime, been on the board of directors and served as president of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Closing out the evening Ronnie McJunkin and the choir sang as an honor to Dr. Goff, “I’ll Meet You In The Rapture,” followed by, “What A Meeting In The Air.”

If you would like to know more about the Tri-State Hall of Fame, you can reach them at their website 

www.tristategospelmusichalloffame.com. Donations are accepted through the website, to help with the organization’s expenses. Special thanks to Will Dickerson, Chairman, for his input and information for this article.

By Robert York

Robert York is a regular contributor to SGNScoops Magazine.

New venue for homegoing celebration of Dr. Jerry Goff

Dr. Jerry Goff and Little Jan Buckner Goff

Dr. Jerry Goff’s widow, Little Jan Buckner-Goff, has changed the venue for the funeral service and visitation for Dr. Goff to:

Macland Baptist Church

3732 Macland Road

Powder Springs, GA 30127

The church is located just 2 miles west of the West Cobb Funeral Home on Macland Road in Powder Springs.

The dates and times will remain the same: Visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the church. The homegoing ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Jerry and Jan Goff

This larger facility will better accommodate the number of people and the technical equipment necessary to broadcast the celebration of the life of Dr. Goff.

For further information please contact:  Chris Messina, General Manager, West Cobb Funeral Home 770-419-9234.

For announcement of the passing of Dr. Goff click HERE.

Funeral arrangements for Dr. Jerry Goff

Funeral arrangements for Dr. Jerry Goff

Funeral arrangements for Dr. Jerry Goff have been announced.

Visitation will take place Saturday, July 20 from 12:00 noon until 2 p.m. (Eastern) at West Cobb Funeral Home & Crematory (2480 Macland Road SW) in Marietta, Georgia. The celebration of Dr. Goff’s life will begin immediately following visitation.

Interment services will be Tuesday, July 23 at 2 p.m. (Central) at Woodlawn Cemetery (660 Thompson Lane) in Nashville, Tennessee.

Creekside Diaries v4: Eagle’s Wings, C.T. Townsend and the Browders

Creekside Diaries v4: Eagle’s Wings, C.T. Townsend and the Browders. L-R: Vonda Armstrong,  Becky and C.T. Townsend

THE CREEKSIDE DIARIES, Volume Four. Wednesday, October 31, 2018. By Kristen Stanton.

The third full day at Creekside began with a chapel service in the showcase hall led by Dr. Jerry Goff followed by a time of music with the ALQC Road Revival featuring several Creekside artists who also perform at the Alabama Quartet Convention.  

Scott Washam of Day Three

Scott Washam from Day Three talked about the humble beginnings of their event. “We didn’t have two pennies to rub together but we stepped out in faith.”

Washam went on to explain how the Road Revival ended up with a show at Creekside. “One day I was talking to Vonda on the phone and she said, hey you should bring the Road Revival to Creekside.  I thought she was joking but here we are.”

Alabama Quartet Convention

Several artists including Day Three, Living Faith, Gloryland, and Cami Shrock, performed for a packed house.

The evening concert included some first time artists from Indiana and Florida, showing just how far reaching the Creekside arms are extending.

The Gibbs Family, in their first trip, had the crowd on their feet in worship. 

Eagle’s Wings, winner of three Diamond Awards, was one of the night’s featured groups.  Always a crowd favorite, the group sang some of their hit songs.

The Browders

The concert finished out with another riveting message from C.T. Townsend followed by the Browders who brought the house down.  

Rob Patz, owner and director of Creekside Gospel Music Convention

Wednesday night at Creekside would not be complete without Midnight Prayer.  The Chandlers led an intimate time of prayer and worship where over fifty had gathered believing they would leave this event different than they did when they walked in.  

Creekside continues to change lives from night to night.  We have one more day until the event wraps up.

Rob Patz and Gerald Crabb at Creekside 2018

Join us live on Facebook for Thursday’s concert and make your plans to join us next year at Creekside October 27-October 31, 2019.  For more information or to book your hotel, contact rob@sgnscoops.com.  

By Kristen Stanton

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Creekside features Gospel music Variety from Hyssongs to Jordan Family Band

Creekside 2018

Pigeon  Forge, Tenn. (July 24, 2018) Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018 will feature a great variety of gospel music artists to satisfy every musical taste. From October 28th through November 1st at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, musical guests will include family groups, classic quartets, bluegrass and country style bands. Plus, this family-friendly function is free.

You will hear chart-topping artists such as the Jordan Family Band, the Hyssongs, Mark209, the Williamsons, the Dunaways, the Pine Ridge Boys and other great artists.

The Williamsons with Jerry Goff and Jan Buckner Goff at the Diamond Awards 2016

Don’t miss the specialty events such as the 2018 Diamond Awards, Dr Jerry Goff Honors Arthur Rice, the Red Back Hymnal Choir, Midnight Prayer, Daytime Showcases, and so much more. C.T. Townsend will be speaking.

VIP tickets are available as well as special Group Rate accommodation. Log onto the Creekside Facebook page or website for more information, or call 360-933-0741.

Read the full SGNScoops Magazine July 2018 HERE

Arthur Rice to be honored by Dr. Jerry Goff at Creekside 2018

Arthur Rice to be honored by Dr. Jerry Goff at Creekside 2018

Arthur Rice to be honored by Dr. Jerry Goff at Creekside 2018

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (July 18, 2018) – Dr. Jerry Goff is pleased to announce that Arthur Rice, lead singer of the Kingdom Heirs will be honored at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018. On Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, Dr. Goff Honors Arthur Rice will feature stories, songs and people from Rice’s history in Gospel music.

Arthur Rice has been with the Kingdom Heirs for over 20 years, during which time he has received numerous awards and nominations as a vocalist and also as part of the band. Before the Heirs, he honed his skills with Squire Parsons and the Kingsmen Quartet. All of this experience plus a charismatic personality has made Rice one of the best-loved lead singers today.

Arthur Rice to be honored by Dr. Jerry Goff at Creekside 2018. Pictured: Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff

Dr. Goff comments, “Arthur Rice is over-the-top talented, a true gentleman whose life and service has been dedicated to Southern gospel music.”

“I’m so honored and excited to be a part of this,” says honoree Rice. “Thank you.”

Dr. Goff and his wife Jan will be at Creekside for the entire Convention, Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge.

“I am pleased to be able to honor Arthur,” says Rob Patz, host of Creekside. “I invite all of his family, friends and fans to join us at the end of October to show how much we appreciate this popular lead singer.”

More information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018, VIP bracelets, free tickets and room reservations can be found at http://www. creeksidegospelmusicconvention .com/ or by calling Rob Patz at 360.933.0741 or emailing rob@sgnscoops.com

BIG NIGHT FOR BUTLER MUSIC GROUP ARTISTS AT 2017 DIAMOND AWARDS

Butler Music Group’s Winning Artists: Williamons, Old Time Preachers Quartet, Heaven’s Mountain Band, Sacred Harmony and Matt Felts.

Nashville, TN (November 1, 2017) Butler Music Group works with many of the top artists in Southern Gospel Music and the 2017 Diamond Awards honored many BMG artists last night. BMG entered the night with seven artists nominated in eleven categories and walked away winning six.

The Williamsons have built a reputation as the best mixed-quartet in Southern Gospel Music and last night they were awarded as Mixed Group of the Year. Sadie Williamson was also a special part of the night as she was the official “trophy girl.”

Heaven’s Mountain Band showed why they are mentioned along artists such as the Primitives and Issacs. They brought home multiple awards, Album of the Year, “This Old House of Mine,” and Song of the Year, “I’ll Ride This Ship to the Shore.” They were also nominated for Bluegrass Gospel Artist of the Year.

Sacred Harmony has been quickly catching the eyes

Matt Felts, Diamond Award winner

and ears of the Southern Gospel industry for their unique sound that blends traditional Gospel with more contemporary styles. They were honored with the Favorite New Trio award and was also a finalist in the Video of the Year category.

In only two years, the Old Time Preachers Quartet have established themselves as the hottest new group in Gospel Music. The quartet won Favorite New Quartet. They were also nominated for Album of the Year.

While not a new name to Southern Gospel fans, Matt Felts is charting new territories as a soloist. In his first year as a soloist, Matt was nominated for Favorite Male Vocalist and won the Sunrise Artist award. Butler Music Group was blessed to have the Coffmans and Jason Davidson also nominated in the Sunrise Artist Category.

“Wow, what a night! We are incredibly blessed and honored to work with the best of the best and the Southern Gospel fan spoke through the Diamond Awards. We want to thank Rob Patz and SGN Scoops for an incredible event,” stated Les Butler, Butler Music Group. For more pictures and a list of winners from BMG’s big night, go to the Butler Music Group Facebook page.

For the latest issue of SGNScoops magazine click here

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Creekside 2017 “Morning Devotion”

Dr Jerry Goff is teaching this morning to Creekside Attendees in an intimate setting in the Showcase Hall.

What a wonderful addition to Creekside this year. Come out and enjoy all that’s happening at Creekside 2017.

Tonight is The Diamond Awards! Don’t miss it.

Dr. Jerry Goff to lead Chapel at Creekside

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (October 24, 2017) — Dr. Jerry Goff, popular artist and speaker, is scheduled to lead Chapel Service at Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2017. Dr. Goff, learned teacher of the gospel, will lead Chapel on Tues. Oct. 31. at 8:00 a.m.

Creekside attendees and anyone living in the Pigeon Forge area are welcome to join Dr. Goff at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in the Showcase Hall on Tuesday morning.

Jerry and Jan Goff

Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff will be ministering during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention which runs from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. Tickets are free but VIP tickets can be purchased for a nominal cost. For more information, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741 or Vonda Easley at 256-310-7892.

SGNScoops prepares for the 2017 Diamond Awards

Diamond Awards

Rob Patz and Jean Grady discuss the 2017 Diamond Awards.

SGNScoops is currently working on the program for the 2017 Diamond Awards. Shown are Rob Patz of SGNScoops and Jean Grady of Gospel Music Today putting the final touches on the schedule.

The Nelons

The Diamond Awards will be presented on Oct. 31, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention. Among this year’s special guests are the Nelons and Brian Free and Assurance.

Brian Free and Assurance

The Awards gala is a special time of honouring artists and industry personnel who give so much of their lives to this music we love. The evening is full of wonderful music, surprise guests and memorable moments, all made special through the MC talents of Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff.

Make plans to attend the 2017 Diamond Awards ceremony as the best in today’s Gospel music are celebrated.

Vonda Easley, Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff

Creekside Gospel Music Convention brings national and regional Gospel music to Pigeon Forge from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2. Be sure to reserve your tickets at www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com and your space at the Convention headquarters, the Ramada Inn. Rooms are filling up fast so book your place today. For reservations call Rob at 360.933.0741.

Don’t forget to order your Creekside VIP pass today! There are a limited number of bracelets available, so please contact Rob today at 360.933.0741. This VIP bracelet will grant the wearer preferred seating at each concert including the 2017 Diamond Awards, special gifts and passes to backstage events, all for only $25. If you are interested in purchasing your $25 VIP ticket call Rob at 360 933 0741.

Find out more about the by visiting the Creekside Gospel Music Convention Facebook page HERE.

For the latest issue of SGNScoops magazine click here

For more gospel music news click here.

For online gospel music click here.