Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Derrell Stewart needs our prayers

Derrell Stewart of the Florida Boys

Many of you will remember Derrell Stewart as the iconic “Red Socks” pianist with the Southern Gospel Quartet, the Florida Boys. He and his wife Reve’ are in need of our prayers.

Robert York, writer for SGNScoops, reports the following from last night, February 10, 2020:

Prayers for Derrell Stewart tonight. He has been in rehab from his episodes last month and tonight he fell badly. He cut his head open and broke his arm.
They have applied sutures to his head and he is still in the ER at this time.
Please pray for Derrell and please pray for special strength for Revé. She is having a hard time with everything he has been going through the last couple months. She needs strength and encouragement!

Thanks all!

Derrell Stewart pictured here with the Florida Boys, bottom left. Photo courtesy of Allen Cox , top left.

Please be in prayer for Reve’ and Derrell. and their family. Derrell was in rehab from a stroke.

Thank you for your prayers.

​LES BEASLEY HONORED AT NQC 2017

​Les Beasley honored at NQC 2017

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. ( September 30, 2017) –  Beloved Gospel music icon and legend, Mr. Les Beasley was honored for his lifetime of contributions to Gospel Music during NQC’s 60th Anniversary. The presentation occurred today, Saturday, September 30, 2017 during the afternoon showcase, A Tribute to the Gospel Singing Jubilee. Clarke Beasley, son of Les and NQC VP, presented the honor on behalf of the NQC Board of Directors.

 

Les Beasley

Beasley, known for being the lead singer and manager for The Florida Boys, was a pioneer in Gospel Music TV as well. Beasley produced the Gospel Singing Jubilee for over two decades. Under Beasley’s direction, the popular television program aired on Sunday mornings in every major television market in the United States. Millions viewed the show every Sunday where the careers of many of Gospel Music’s most loved artists were launched and some of the most beloved Gospel songs were introduced for the first time.

 

NQC – the National Quartet Convention – was founded in 1957 by gospel music legend and former backup vocalist for Elvis Presley, J.D. Sumner who co-produced the event with James Blackwood. The annual convention was moved in later years to Nashville, TN and then to Louisville, KY where it was held for 20 years.

 

For more information and tickets, visit www.NQConline.com.

Twitter News of the Day- NQC

Tweet of the day by NQC! Love it……

First recorded by the Florida Boys over 40 years ago, this song has become a @dixieechoesqt favorite. https://t.co/wKKbnHYPgF

— NQC (@NQConline) April 7, 2016

Bass Recitations by Dean Adkins

“Should you go first, and I remain …” is the beginning of the recitation accompanying “Beyond The Sunset.” Anyone who watched George Younce as he recited this to his wife on a recent video could feel the depth of his emotions. Who can forget J.D. Sumner reciting “Old Man Death” not long before his own death?
The bass recitation was once a common addition to most quartets’ programs and was also a part of many of their recordings. In fact, a statement on one of the Cathedral’s early albums indicated that they would try to include a recitation on each that was produced. There is something about that deep resonant bass voice that can elicit an emotional response. There have been recitations by other quartet members, e.g., lead (Jim Hamill), baritone (John Matthews), but my preference is the bass.
Billy Todd, when he was with the Florida Boys, stirred many hearts on Sunday morning via the Jubilee with his rendition of “Beyond The Sunset.” Later Buddy Liles of the Florida Boys did “The Apple Tree Song” and “IOU’s to Mama.” When he was a member of the Dixie Echoes, the Old Gospel Man – J.G. Whitfield – would recite “Father’s Table Grace” and “Brother Ira.”
George Younce was one of the best and also one of the most prolific. “The Touch of The Master’s Hand,” “Beyond The Sunset” (mentioned previously), “Steal Away,” and “Brother Ira” were part of his repertoire. The live recording from Atlanta by the Cathedrals included “Forgive Me When I Whine.” George’s “I’m A Sick American” was also very moving.
When Bob Thacker was with the Harvester’s Quartet, he would do “Mama Sang A Song” (which was also popular in the country market at the same time). He also had a great styling of “Father’s Table Grace.” Bob Thacker was one of those singers who didn’t get the publicity of some others, but he was a tremendous bass.
London Parris could rattle the speakers with his low notes but on his recitations his voice was much higher. He didn’t sound like one would expect from his singing, but his country dialect seemed to add realism to his recitations. London would do “Little Boy Lost,” “He Took My Place,” “This Is Our Land” and one of my favorites, “What Then.”
Probably the most prolific at this was J.D. Sumner. Some of his recorded recitations were: “Back Home,” “Mammy’s Boy,” “Sunday Meetin’ Time,” “Steal Away,” “Lord It’s Me Again,” “Who Will Take Grandma,” “Papa’s Banjo,” “The Three Nails,” “Going Home,” “My Prayer,” “The Farmer and The Lord,” “Thimble Full of Memories,” “23rd Psalm” and “Thinking Out Loud”. Of course his premonition of his own passing seemed to be evident in “Old Man Death.”
“Now back in south Georgia, when I was just a lad …” is the beginning of “Little Boy Lost.” When performed by “Chief” (James Wetherington), one can feel the urgency in the little boy – lost, stumbling in the darkness. Chief had a way of communicating that allowed the listener to become a part of his recitation as in: “Mother’s Prayers Have Followed Me,” “Sunday Meetin’ Time,” and “Prayer is the Key to Heaven.” The last time I saw the Statesmen with Chief was not long before his death at a concert in Charleston, WV. One of the highlights was when the lights were turned down and a single spotlight would be on Chief as he recited “The Common Man.” In his white suit and with his elegant gray/white hair, he was resplendent. One would have to be dead or an atheist not to be moved by his eloquent styling.
Are there any bass recitations today? A few can be found. Ed O’Neal of the Dixie Melody Boys did “I Love To Tell The Story” on a project several years ago. Why are there not more? My thoughts are this: it is difficult to do and that style is passé. But for me, there is nothing that compares to the deep resonant bass reciting a moving poem/chorus.

By Dean Adkins

First published by SGN Scoops in November 2014. For current issues visit the SGN Scoops mainpage.

Harmony Road Features Classics From the National Quartet Convention

Harmony Road

Signal Mountain, TN August 15, 2014      Harmony Road TV’s Summer Special Series continues this week with a program of classic moments from the National Quartet Convention.  Included are three groups making their first appearance on the program.  Viewers will enjoy the Crabb Family with “He Came Looking for me”, “It’s Still True” from the Florida Boys, the Inspirations and “Overwhelming Joy” along with music from the Booth Brothers and the Whisnants.

Harmony Road producer Roger Spears said, “As the National Quartet Convention prepares for its inaugural year in Pigeon Forge, we thought it would be exciting to feature some songs and artists from the earlier years in Louisville.” He continues, “Including all time greats such as the Florida Boys, Crabb Family and Inspirations for the first time on Harmony Road make it even more unique.” Harmony Road has featured a series of specials this summer including another National Quartet Convention program, an episode taped in front of a live audience, programs featuring family groups, quartets, concept videos, broadcast premiere videos and more.  Harmony Road is also having a series of giveaways on their Facebook page including a live NQC streaming package, DVD’s, CD’s, and cabin rentals.

Hosted by Les Butler, this week’s program originates from the Family Room Studio in Gallatin, Tennessee.  One of the top recording studios in the Nashville area, the Family Room has been home to some of gospel music’s greatest artists and recordings. The Harmony Road team taped several shows at the location and enjoyed their time with Robb Tripp. Singer/Songwriter Laverne Tripp also dropped by to welcome the crew and visit the set.

Information on Harmony Road and its affiliates can be found at www.harmonyroadtv.com.  Viewers can also interact with the program on Facebook at Harmony Road TV and on twitter @harmonyroadtv.

Harmony Road is produced and distributed by Harmony Road Productions and features the best in Southern Gospel music and video. It can be found each week on The Heartland Network, The NRB Network (including DirecTV, streaming and mobile app), WATC57 in Atlanta, WGNM-TV in Macon, WYBU-TV in Columbus, GA/Phoenix City, AL.  Also find the program on the WALKtv network (including ROKU), Harmony Gospel in Greeneville, SC,  DCT3in Middle Tennessee, TV24 in Anniston/Gadsden, Charter Cable in Clarksville, Cookeville/Crossville, Sevier County, Lebanon and Jackson, TN and  WMJN29 in Decatur/Athens/Cullman, AL

Charlie Waller Talks With Angela Griffin of SGNScoops.com

Gospel Music Today On SGNScoops.com

Tammy Jones-Robinette on Great American Gospel TV Broadcasting Worldwide

{EHA-Nashville, TN} Sensational Southern Gospel songwriter and recording artist, Tammy Jones-Robinette, will be showcased on Great American Gospel television starting Friday, April 13. The show is produced by Danny Kramer, who will be featuring Tammy with some of her recent popular hits, including; There’s a Bloodline, Rise Up My Children, and Proud to be Christians. As more shows are broadcast, viewers will enjoy more of Tammy’s award-winning original songs, making her one of Southern Gospel music’s favorite writers and recording artists. With her exceptional ability for songwriting and singing, Tammy has garnered 25 Top 80′s in Singing News, and her 30 year history in the ministry has spun out a #1 for the Bishops and a #7 for the Perrys. Great American Gospel was founded by Danny and Dee Kramer, who have long been recognized as innovators in Gospel Music media. When the Kramers’ partnered with David White and America Media Group, their mission was to broaden the Christian music viewing audience by taking the show to major networks. Today, FOX, NBC, and numerous major networks air the program, as hundreds of millions of viewers enjoy Great American Gospel in more than 200 countries around the world, with more than 200 tv station affiliates. Along with Tammy Robinette, other household names in Gospel music are featured on the show, including; Gerald Crabb, Anchormen, Blackwood Brothers, Easter Brothers, Florida Boys, Brian Free and Assurance, Chuck Wagon Gang, Dixie Melody Boys, Dixie Echoes, and more. In addition, producers, Danny Kramer and Russell Easter, Jr. are adding the Bluegrass Road Television program that will be featuring Dailey & Vincent. For more info on Tammy Jones-Robinette: Jim Robinette: 419-602-7471, Management: EHA-Nashville, 615-545-1241 or 256-616-4872 For more info about Great American Gospel and a list of viewing stations: http://greatamericangospel.tv/the-show/

The Great American Gospel Caravan – We were there!

Going to see the Great American Gospel Caravan on the road?
Let our Sandi Duncan-Clark tell you all about it!

On March 11, 2011 fans waited in line at Marathon Church Auditorium in Greenville, S.C., for more than an hour before doors opened for the all-star concert, The Great American Gospel Caravan. Then the lights dimmed and artists gathered as a choir on stage, singing “This Great Caravan Keeps on Rolling Along.” We were transported back in time, to Sunday mornings when many families throughout the country dressed for Sunday school, to the music of the Florida Boys, the Blackwood Brothers and the Chuck Wagon Gang. The wait was worth it and the evening just got better!

The Great American Gospel Caravan, brain-child of Dee and Danny Kramer, along with Charlie Waller, and business partners, Norman Bond and David White, was launched in 2008. The anticipation and excitement for the Greenville concert grew steadily, since this show was filmed to air on the weekly Great American Gospel Television Show.

Emceed by Gospel music legend, Ed O’Neal, the event opened with soloist Chelby Lynn, followed by one of most exciting new family bluegrass Gospel groups, The Punches Family. The remainder of the evening featured the Encouragers, the Proclaimers Quartet, the Florida Boys with Charlie Waller, the Chuck Wagon Gang, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet and the Dixie Melody Boys. Southern Gospel music, stories and comedy made for a delightful evening of Christian entertainment.

Danny Kramer shared that more than a dozen Great American Gospel Caravan concerts are on tap and a 2013 Great American Gospel Cruise is in the works as well. He stated, “We are also in negotiation with the Alee Shriners organization to host the 2012 Waycross All-Night Sing, on June, 30, 2012 in Waycross, Georgia.”

Great American Gospel consists of radio distribution, concert promotions and the weekly television show aired on the Daystar Network, NRB Television Network, TCT Network and Christian Television Network. The program is viewed all across America and in more than 200 countries worldwide, via satellite. “We are so excited by the response to the television show and look forward to expanding the coverage as the Great American Gospel Caravan concerts happen,” Danny stated.

Be sure to watch for the Great American Gospel Caravan when it comes to your area!

Photos of the concert courtesy of Lynne White