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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.

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!

Dixie Melody Boys Name New Tenor Doug Pittman

Doug Pittman Of The Dixie Melody Boys

Kinston, NC-Following an extensive national search, Ed O’ Neal is pleased to introduce Doug Pittman as the new tenor vocalist for The Dixie Melody Boys.  Doug is 28 years old and originally hails from the small town of Eastman, GA. Doug garnered several awards in the classical world during his high school and college years, including First Prize in the 2008 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Vocal Competition. Doug has performed both nationally and internationally, including a tour of the United Kingdom in 2007. Additionally, he made is Carnegie Hall debut in 2010.

OMEGA Announces New Lead Singer

Dahlonega, GA – OMEGA is excited to announce Kevin Harry as their new lead vocalist.

The group began searching for the right fit after the recent announcement of departure from Dustin Simmons. The group will miss Dustin not only as a singer, but as a friend. We know that Dustin is following God’s will for himself and his wife Morgan. We wish him great success.

OMEGA says there was one singer that stuck out in their minds, after he had joined them on the road for a few months last year. “We were excited when the call came from Kevin”, states group manager Doug Pittman. “Kevin has one of the best voices in gospel music today. We are very excited to have him on board. He has a tremendous voice that we are sure will bless people, along with his great spirit.”

Kevin has recently been seen filling in for the Dixie Melody Boys while Josh Garner honored previous commitments before joining the group. Ed O’Neal stated “We needed someone that could jump in and not miss a beat. Kevin did a fantastic job. He impressed not only us, but fans everywhere when he was singing with us. He is a first class singer and will be a great addition to OMEGA”. Kevin will make his debut with the group in mid September.

OMEGA is entering the studio in the next couple of weeks with hopes of releasing both a Christmas CD as well as a new radio Project. To stay updated on everything OMEGA go to www.omegaministries3.com

Dixie Melody Boys Claim Numerous Top Honors At SGM Fan Awards

Pigeon Forge, TN – Song Garden Music recording artist, The Dixie Melody Boys (pictured in attached jpg) solidified their rise back to the top of Southern Gospel at last week’s Southern Gospel Fan Awards held in Pigeon Forge, TN, during the 9th Annual SGM FanFair at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. The SGM Fan Awards are presented by The Christian Voice Magazine and honor many of Southern Gospel Music’s most talented vocalists and musicians. The night was filled with great performances by several of Southern Gospel Music’s legendary names, including The Dixie Melody Boys, The Palmetto State Quartet, The Hemphills, Phil Cross and many others.

March 2013 Editon Of SGNScoops Magazine

March 2013 SGNScoops Magazine Is Here

Wow! We sure have the scoop for you this month! The March Edition is jammed packed with exciting news. We’re thrilled to present Jason Crabb as this month’s cover story. Not only does Jason share details about his new CD, “Love Is Stronger,” but he shares his heart regarding ministry and family. Also in this issue, the spotlight is on Karen Peck and her latest solo record, plus we’re highlighting several ministries this month: Charlton Jordan, The Diplomats, Paul’s Journey, John Lanier, The Cargils, Promise, Jayc Harold and Shannon Shelby. As always, SGNScoops keeps the roads hot! This month Angela shares Omega in Concert and Rhonda shares Gospel Boot Camp with Gerald and Adam Crabb as well as the Southern Gospel Music Guild’s 2013 Harmony Honors. Sandi Duncan Clark covers music reviews featuring Red Roots, Tammy Jones Robinette, David Staton and Tommy Brandt. Enjoy a word of encouragement from John Mathis Jr, memories from Lou Hildreth, a fitness challenge from Laurette Willis and chronicles of a Singing English Teacher with Jeff Hawes of Karen Peck & New River. We have a couple of very exciting announcements regarding the Creekside Gospel Music Convention too, so watch the Publisher’s Point with Rob Patz, and don’t miss the Creekside update (hint hint….Ed O’ Neal… The Singing Cookes). All of this is neatly tucked in one place- a beautifully designed online magazine. The best part? It is absolutely FREE! Tell your friends, family and friends- and don’t forget to vote for your favorite artists! Round One Diamond Awards Voting is open NOW! Thank you SGNSCoops staff for an MARVELOUS MARCH issue. Our prayer is for God to be glorified in all we say and do.

Download The Magazine Here