Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Pray for Lou Wills Hildreth and family

Howard and Lou Hildreth

We at SGNScoops are saddened to hear of the passing of Howard Hildreth, loving husband of Lou Wills Hildreth. Among many other achievements in Gospel music, Ms. Lou was a writer for SGNScoops for many years. Many of us treasure her friendship and grieve with her and her family in their loss.

Lou and Howard Hildreth join the Creekside Gospel Music Convention choir

Howard Elton Hildreth, Jr., passed away on December 26. He and his beloved Lou had been married for 72 years. Howard also leaves behind their son, David, daughter, Kathryn, and four grandchildren.

The celebration of life service for Howard will be held on January 5, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, located at 4216 South Bowen Road, Arlington, Texas, 76016

Lou Hildreth’s plaque in the SGMA Hall of Fame

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made in Howard’s name to the SGMA Hall of Fame, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Address for the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame:
P.O. Box 6729
Sevierville, Tenn.

For more on Howard and Lou Hildreth, visit louhildreth.com

In the August, 2018, issue of SGNScoops, Lou Hildreth wrote another Live, Love and Legends column. We thought we would reprint it here:

It is always an honor to be included in this excellent magazine. It has been awhile since I have contributed an article, but be assured my desire remains the same as before – to share blessings and honor our heavenly Father.

Howard and I are living comfortably in a Senior Retirement Center in Houston, Texas. We are thankful that our daughter Kathryn and our son David live nearby. We have four grandchildren who visit us often. Yes, we are blessed!  

One of my favorite bible verses is 2 Timothy 1:7,  “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” The other scripture is Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine that others will see your good works and glorify God.” And we know without a doubt, our salvation comes by our trust in Jesus Christ and the cross, not of works, lest we boast.

Dear readers, let me share a wonderful event that brought so much joy to this old heart. My brother, Bob Wills, carries on the Singing Wills Family legacy. He hosts a gospel music event every Friday night at Dove Creek Café in Roanoke, Texas, serving the Fort Worth-Dallas areas.  

On June 22nd, a dear friend – Dr. Eddie Reynolds, Emmanuel Baptist University of N.C. – came to Dove Creek and presented Bob Wills, Curtis Elkins, Regina Huckaba, and me with beautifully framed “Honorary Doctor of Music” certificates. Mary Fay Jackson was there with her video camera to record this for the Jones Family Network.   

This was such a great honor and I loved sharing it with my precious family and friends.  My fabulous daughter Kathryn drove us to Ft. Worth and we had so much fun!

Thank you to my dear friends Lorraine Walker and Rob Patz for the opportunity to “let my light shine!”

All of us at SGNScoops extend our love and prayers to Lou and all of the family and friends of Howard Hildreth.

Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame Announces 2016 Inductees

Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame Announces 2016 Inductees

Pigeon Forge, TN  –The Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) and the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame Museum announce the names of the 2016 inductees. Arthur Rice, President of the SGMA made the announcement during an SGMA benefit concert in Atlanta this evening. Joining the Hall of Fame are Carroll McGruder, Lari Goss, Peg McKamey Bean and Ronny Hinson.

Carroll McGruder (1900-2016) Award winning singer/songwriter Carroll McGruder is one of this year’s honorees. The induction into the Southern Gospel Music Association honors McGruder for his years of contributions to the sharing of the Gospel through Southern Gospel Music. “Whenever Daddy (referring to Rex Nelon), told us he had a new Carroll McGruder song,” Kelly Nelon Clark recalls, “We knew right away that we would be singing it for years to come.”

Lari Goss (1945-2015) Grammy award winning arranger/producer Lari Goss is being honored with an induction into the SGMA Hall of Fame. He has been recognized for a long list of acclaimed projects in both Christian Music as well as secular music productions. “Working with Lari Goss was a great honor. Any project he touched was anointed”, stated Mark Trammell. Goss is most noted for his orchestral arranging as well as keyboard excellence.

Peg McKamey Bean of The McKameys, known for her spirited style on stage is another member of the Class of 2016 in the SGMA Hall of Fame. The McKameys were originally formed as a trio of sisters in 1954. The group continues to produce chart-topping songs. “If you have been around Southern Gospel Music for very long, you know when Peg takes the stage with her white hanky, God is going to be honored”, said SGMA President, Arthur Rice.

Ronny Hinson rounds out the SGMA Hall of Fame 2016 induction. Hinson is perhaps best known for writing “The Lighthouse”, which is always a crowd favorite. Hinson’s career began over 45 years ago and has never slowed down. As a soloist, his voice is a mellow baritone that touches the listener. “Whether preaching, singing or writing, Hinson’s contributions to Southern Gospel Music have earned him a place in the Hall of Fame”, remarked SGMA Executive Board Officer, Gary Casto.

The SGMA was organized in an effort to bring awareness of the value that Southern Gospel music has brought to the lives of many generations.

Arthur Rice, President of the SGMA commented, “The SGMA wants to honor those who brought the Gospel through music in the past. The SGMA believes it is our responsibility to leave a legacy for the future while encouraging the next generation to be bold in their stand for leading souls to Christ”.

The SGMA is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. For those unable to attend, but wish to make a tax-deductible contribution, text any amount to:865-264-2258.

The Southern Gospel Hall of Fame Museum is a centerpiece of Dollywood, an entertainment complex located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Visitors to Dollywood will find the Hall of Fame Museum just inside the main entrance. Along with educational exhibits, a gift shop offers patrons an opportunity to purchase items to encourage their faith.

The SGMA invites everyone to demonstrate support by becoming an SGMA partner. Partnerships can be obtained at the Hall of Fame Museum or online.

For more information on the Southern Gospel Music Association, visit sgma.org

2015 Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame Inductees

During the week of the National Quartet Convention, the Southern Gospel Music Association was pleased to induct two new members into the SGMA Hall of Fame.

On Thursday, October 1^st, James “Ed” Sprouse was posthumously inducted. He was born in Vernon, Alabama, September 20, 1923, and sang with many other quartets
before his call to join The Blue Ridge Quartet in 1950.  He sang tenor with them until he retired in 1965. He joined fellow members of The Blue Ridge Quartet who
are in the SGMA Hall of Fame, Elmo Fagg, Fred Daniel, Kenny Gates, Jim Hamil, George Younce and David Reece.  Mr. Sprouse passed away last year on September 21^st one day after his 91^st birthday. His son, Phil Sprouse, was present to accept the award and spoke of his father’s impact on his life.

On Saturday, October 3^rd, James Lewis “Big Lew” Garrison was also posthumously inducted. He was born in Carter County, Tennessee, on August 30, 1933. “Big Lew”,
as he was affectionately known, sang tenor with The Prophets Quartet from 1959 to 1971. He was known for his powerful falsetto voice, and how he closed each program
with “Just A Rose Will Do.”  He retired in 1971 to his hometown of Elizabethton, Tennessee. He suffered a stroke on August 28, 1994, and passed away one day after his 61^st birthday on August 31, 1994.  He joined fellow members of the Prophets Quartet, Ed Hill, Jack Toney, “Smiling Joe” Roper, and Eddie Crook in the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall Of Fame. SGMA President, Arthur Rice, accepted the award in his honor.

There are now one-hundred, sixty-five members of the SGMA Hall of Fame, the pioneers of Southern Gospel music today. The SGMA museum is located inside Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and we need your support to help preserve it for future generations. For more information, visit us at www.sgma.org.

Make your plans to visit the SGMA Hall of Fame during the 2015 Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Nov 2-5, Pigeon Forge TN. More information Here. Free Tickets!

See all the latest news and artist features on SGN Scoops Facebook page here.

Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame

Dr. Jerry Goff

Dr. Jerry Goff introduces his new book on the “SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum”, which will be available at the SGMA bookstore. All profits of the sales go to the SGMA to help us preserve and maintain the museum. Order your copy today of what is sure to be a keepsake for every Southern Gospel fan! http://sgma.org

Little Jan Buckner-Goff among 2010 Hall of Fame inductees

Little Jan Buckner-Goff of Hiram, Ga. attended her induction into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame at Dollywood recently in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
“When you hear the words – Southern gospel music, you may think Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters,” said SGMA executive director Charlie Waller.  “When you hear the name, Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters, you think Wendy, Jerri  (Morrison) and Little Jan, because they were together without a singing personnel change longer than any other group in the nation.”
Buckner-Goff began singing her way into the hearts of many at the age of 15 by sharing the change that took place in her heart when God stepped in and took control, he said.
“Little Jan is blessed with an incredible vocal ability that climbs above the clouds, but she is a lady who could never be more down to earth,” he said. “Although she is a gifted singer, songwriter and musician, her disarming charm and engaging humility prove her to be anything but a ‘star.’
“God called Wendy home in June of 1996,” he said. “Devastated by their loss, Jerri and Little Jan found themselves at a poignant crossroads. Jerri decided she would no longer travel. However, after 38 years with Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters, Little Jan still had a passion in her heart that would not allow her to stop singing.”
Buckner-Goff’s talents have been rewarded with several of her songs being nominated for Grammy’s, he said.
“She was recognized as the Southern Gospel Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year on two separate occasions,” he said. “She had the number one song in Cash Box with ‘Walk Around Me Jesus’ and Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters had the Best TV Commercial nationwide for Stanback with front-page recognition in the Wall Street Journal.”
Greater Vision performed “It Pays to Pray” in her honor.
Her husband, Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Jerry Goff presented her induction.
“Wow! Do you know what WOW stands for? The wonder of wonders and this is such a wonderful night, Buckner-Goff said. “I thank God the very first thing, because that is the reason I stand before you tonight. Thank you Father for allowing this wonderful privilege. Thanks to the SGMA and everyone that voted for me.”
Buckner-Goff said that she was orphaned as a little girl when a drunk driver killed her mother.
“Within a three-year period, I was placed in 10 different orphanages and foster homes,” she said. “I ended up with an aunt and uncle. He was a pastor of a local church in Atlanta, Ga. called Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
Many members of the church attended the event and cheered at its mention.
“That bunch I go to church with right there,” she said. “They are the ones that encourage me and support me. I can’t do without my home church – Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
“One day Wendy Bagwell and his family along with Rita, Wendy, Melba, and his son Ronnie joined that church along with Geraldine Morrison and her family,” she said. “That is where I fell in love with Ronnie and we were married and I began my family. My daughter Roneice is here tonight with her husband Phil Bradley. I love you my darling. You are the gift that God has given to me.
She said that she would not have been able to travel without Roneice and her late husband Ronnie keeping the home fires burning.
“Who in their wildest imagination would have dreamed I would walk on stage at Carnegie Hall and sing gospel music or sing around the world,” she said. “Then in 1996, Wendy died and two years later, Ronnie died, the absolute prince of my life. I did not think I would walk on stage again. My world came crashing in.”
Buckner-Goff met Jerry Goff in 2004 and they were married in 2005, she said.
“Who would have ever dreamed – from the orphanage to the SGMA Hall of Fame,” she said. “What a privilege and honor. The very first song I ever walked on stage and sang with Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters was ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus More Than Anything.’ This song still defines my life today. It speaks what my life wants to tell you. ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus Than Anything this world can afford.’ Thank you so very much.”
The other 2010 SGMA class of inductees are Danny Gaither, Sam Goodman, Bill Hefner, Connie Hopper and Arthur Smith.
Country Music Hall of Famer Dolly Parton received the James D. Vaughn Impact Award at the event.
The Southern Gospel Music Association is a non-profit organization that maintains the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame, the only facility honoring this genre of music, for the historic preservation of the accomplishments of the music and its people. Museum hours match those of Dollywood. Donations are tax-deductible. Individuals and businesses may donate to assist with honoring inductees with special bronze plaques that are displayed in the Hall of Fame. For more information about the museum or its inductees, visit www.sgma.org.

Daywind Records Celebrates Another Great Year With Nine Singing News Fan Awards

Hendersonville, TN (Sept. 30, 2010) – Daywind Records celebrated an exciting afternoon with their incredible family of artists on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, in Pigeon Forge, TN.  The Singing News held its annual Fan Awards, along with inductions to the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, at Dollywood, with Daywind artists taking home nine out of 20 awards presented.  The Booth Brothers garnered five of the awards, plus Album of the Year for Jubilee!, along with Legacy Five and Greater Vision. 

Recipients included the Booth Brothers’ Michael Booth for Favorite Tenor, Ronnie Booth for Favorite Lead and Jim Brady for Favorite Baritone.  The Booth Brothers were also awarded Favorite Trio, as well as Favorite Artist.  Libbi Stuffle (Perrys) received recognition as Favorite Alto of the Year while Rodney Griffin (Greater Vision) was once again named Songwriter of the Year for the 12th consecutive year.  Song of the Year honors went to the Perrys, and songwriters Joseph Habedank and Rodney Griffin, for “If You Knew Him.”   

We have such a wonderful family of artists at Daywind,” shares Daywind President, Ed Leonard.  “They are full of talent, character and the determination to spread the Gospel.  We are so excited that they have been honored in this way.”  Norman Holland, Vice President and Director of A&R at Daywind, adds, “What an honor to be part of such a great roster of artists that have been recognized for their talents and ministry.  Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all that carry the Gospel each week.”

The Singing News Fan Awards are voted upon each year by subscribers of the Singing News magazine.  The awards celebrated their first year at Dollywood, in conjunction with the SGMA inductions, after previously being held at Freedom Hall during the National Quartet Convention.  For more information on the Singing News, visit www.singingnews.com.  For more information on the Southern Gospel Music Association, visit www.sgma.org.
 

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors.  For more information on Daywind Records and their award-winning family of artists, visit www.daywindrecords.com.