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Tri-State Hall of Fame Ceremony recognizes Troy Burns, Buddy Burton, more

Tri-State Hall of Fame ceremonies. Photo by Robert York

Family, friends, and guests from all over the southeast, gathered together on August 1, 2020, to be a part of the 16th Annual Tri-State Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Parkway Baptist Temple, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.

The Tri-State Hall of Fame was founded by Herb Oliver to recognize people in music for the tri-state region. Will Dickerson, CEO of the Hall of Fame, and Radio Personality Ken Hicks, served as masters of ceremony.

The ceremony opened with a couple of congregation songs, followed by several scrap iron quartets made up of members of the Hall of Fame.

Troy Burns inducted into the Tri-State Hall of Fame. Photo by Robert York

The induction ceremony began with the first of the inductees, Troy Burns. He is a former member of the Inspirations, having sung with the quartet for 30 years. Leaving the group, he formed The Troy Burns Family group. During his career, Troy has performed at over 6000 concerts and received numerous awards.

The next inductee, was Buddy Burton, an ordained minister and past member of The Singing Americans, The Statesmen and Masters Five.

Buddy Burton inducted into the Tri-State Hall of Fame. Photo by Robert York

Nationally known arranger and pianist, Tommy Fairchild, who sang with the Oak Ridge Boys, was inducted. He also sang with The Blackwood Brothers on their song “Learning To Lean,” which remained on the charts for three record breaking years.

Howard Green was also recognized. He is a master woodworker and manufacturer of the custom Greenfield Violins. As well, Howard sang with a local group out of Atlanta, which appeared on the Mulls TV program and concerts.

“Elvis has left the building,” were the famous words of Ed Hill, who unfortunately passed away July 13, 2020. This gentleman was entered into the Hall of Fame posthumously. Ed sang tenor at age 13 with a group from East Tennessee University. He formed the Prophets Quartet in 1959 and sang for 15 years with them. In 1973, he sang with J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, during which time they did backup singing at Elvis concerts. Ed remained with the Stamps for 25 years.

Several more performers were inducted, including David Maddox, who had longed to sing bass with Willie Wynn and The Tennessee Quartet. David got that opportunity after he had sung with his family for 15 years, along with several other area groups including The Deep South Boys.

Peggy Parker inducted into the Tri-State Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of Randy and Sherri Miller

Peggy Parker, who passed away April 13, 2020, was inducted. Her daughter, Sherri Miller, accepted the award. Peggy and her husband formed the Kenny Parker Trio and also traveled with the Rambos from 1969-1971. When she learned of her induction before her death, Peggy began crying with joy. Kenny is also a member of the Tri-State Hall of Fame.

Marlon Pendergrass was raised in Powell, Alabama, and attended the National School of Music and later joined the faculty there. He sang with Cat Freeman and the All-Star Quartet, and later established the Cat Freeman Scholarship Fund. He also promoted gospel concerts in his area.

The Greesons. Photo by Robert York

Willie Wynn, known as Little Willie, and commonly known in gospel music as the Man with a Million Friends, was inducted into the HOF. He began singing as a teenager. Jake Hess suggested Willie for the Wally Fowler Quartet which later became the Oak Ridge Boys. Willie sang with them for 15 years. Later, Hovie Lister invited him to sing with The Statesmen and after several albums with that group, Willie formed his own quartet.

Rounding out the awards ceremony, was Charles Yates, who is nationally known from his time singing with the Speer Family. His most requested song was “Palms Of Victory.” In 1959, Charles sang with the Foggy Mountain Boys. He has flown airplanes as a crop duster, and also gyrocopters, and arrived at the ceremony by airplane with some of his friends.

Photo by Robert York

Then it was back to scrap iron quartet singing, during which time a special award was presented to the wife of the late Brian Etheridge of the Master Peace Quartet.

Also performing were The Greesons, who are all members of the HOF, and Testimony Quartet.

The evening wasn’t complete until the oldest member of the HOF, 94 year old Ray Branham, was called to the stage to sing. He was given a standing ovation for his upbeat song.

The evening ended with the recognition of the 2019-20 members who have passed away, and everyone singing, “What A Day That Will Be,” and “What A Meeting In The Air.”

What a day and a meeting that will be when we .gather, with all of the music makers who have gone before us, beneath the throne of Jesus Christ, to sing his praise forever.

September 2013 SGNScoops Magazine

We are kicking off the fall season with a sensational September edition of SGNScoops Magazine! We are excited to present the Talleys as this month’s cover story. Also in this issue we highlight the ministries of The Greesons, The Mark Trammell Quartet and Karen Peck and New River. This issue also offers details of the recent Song of a Lifetime Experience featuring Phil Cross, Mark Bishop, Gerald Crabb, Squire Parsons and Channing Eleton. Staff writer, Erin Stevens shares the “younger perspective” with Christian Booth and staff writer, Rick Kiser highlights Christian Country Music’s Billy Hale.Rhonda Frye re-caps the first Patterson Promotions Anniversary singing and Lynn Mills re-caps the Mark Trammell Quartet’s homecoming. Enjoy Lou Hildreth’s Life, Love and Legends column, a devotion from Dr.Jeff Steele and Christian Fitness tips with Laurette Willis. We Welcome Sherry Anne Lints to the staff this month. Check out her column “Reflections with Sherry Anne.” Get the latest on the Creekside Gospel Music Convention and more in this edition of SGNScoops Magazine. Be sure to share the magazine with your friends, families and fans, We are always digital, always free and always good!

Gospel Music Today On SGNScoops.com

Freedom Trio on Gospel Music Today

The guests on the current edition of Gospel Music Today are John Rulapaugh and Josh Garner of Freedom Trio. The Feature Group is The Lannings, and Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. Ken and Jean visit Sara Road Baptist Church, in Yukon, OK, to hear The Melody Boys Quartet sing. Jean reviews a new CD by 2-R-More, and the show features singing by The Torchmen and The Greesons. The latest edition of Gospel Music Today is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, www.gospelmusictoday.com.

Paul Belcher Promotions Celebrates 39 Years In Gospel Music With Concert In Chattanooga March 3

Celebrating 39 Years in Gospel Music, Paul Belcher Promotions presents a fantastic night of Gospel Music. The concert is scheduled for March 3, 2012 at the Memorial Auditorium 399 McCallie Ave Chattanooga, TN.  The line-up is a great one including The Inspirations, The Greesons, Michael Combs, The McKameys, and The Singing Cookes. The concert begins at 6:30, doors open at 5:30.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

On April 27, 2011, the small town of Ringgold, GA was devastated by an ef-4 tornado, leaving the community in an official state of emergency.  The destruction left many homeless, injured and mourning the loss of loved ones.  As a response to the desperate needs of the community, a gospel concert will be held on Friday, May 13 at 7:00 PM. Three outstanding groups from Georgia are scheduled to perform.  LoveSong Trio, The Shadrix Trio and The Greesons will be ministering through song.  There is no admission cost, however a love offering will be collected and all proceeds will go directly to the Ringgold, GA Tornado Victims.

Family To Family Concert

A concert featuring three highly acclaimed families of gospel music will benefit the Children’s Home-Chambliss Shelter of Chattanooga, TN on Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 PM. The concert will showcase Jeff & Sherrie Easter, The LeFevre Quartet and The Greeson’s.

Tony Dykes of the Greesons Passes Away.

Lead singer, Tony Dykes of the family group- “The Greesons” passed away earlier on Thursday morning at age 48.  Survivors include his wife Lisa, daughter Emily, son Jacob and parents.  Tony will be greatly missed by many family members and friends.

Arrangements are as follows:  Viewing and visitation will be at 1:00 pm starting Friday and the Home-Going Celebration Service will be held on Saturday at 1:00 pm at Wilson and Sons Funeral Home. The funeral home is located at 555 West Cloud Springs Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lisa, the children and the entire family during this difficult time.  Your prayers and encouragement to the family is greatly appreciated.  Notes and cards can be sent to the family at 350 Diamond Drive, Chickamauga GA 30707.