Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Palmetto State Quartet Welcomes New Tenor

Nashville, TN – Palmetto State Quartet manager and bass singer, Larry Strickland has announced the addition of Wesley Smith  to the popular quartet. Smith will fill the tenor position for the Nashville-based group.

Smith, the youngest of four sons, grew up in and around Gospel music, as his dad, who also served as a pastor, sang in a regional quartet. At a very young age, Smith was smitten with the smooth, rich quartet sounds and became hooked on four-part harmony. He admits that his favorite groups are The Cathedrals, The Statesmen and The Oak Ridge Boys.

At a young age, he learned to play guitar and piano and by the time he reached the age of 15 was singing and playing bass guitar with his first quartet. He spent several years traveling and singing with regional groups before accepting his first full-time position, ironically with Palmetto State. He traveled with PSQ for two years, and later began singing with The Dixie Echoes. Smith says, while he enjoyed his time with The Dixie Echoes, he is thrilled to return to PSQ. “I love Randy and all The Dixie Echoes,” Smith states. “They are a great bunch of guys, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them, but I’m thrilled to be back with Palmetto State, and look forward to rekindling many friendships I made with their many friends and fans.”

Riding high on the success of their latest Top 20 single, “Don’t That Sound Like Heaven,” Palmetto State is traveling throughout the States and are also featured on a number of events featuring the multi-award winning duo, The Judds. Visit www.psqworld.com for complete touring information.

Ray Burdett Fundraiser “A Day for Ray” Jam

A fundraiser for Ray Burdett to help with his medical expense for the cancer treatment that he is receiving will be Saturday, July 9 at the Barbara Fairchild Diner in Branson, MO beginning at 12 Noon!

Pickers and Singers all day at the Diner. Help raise funds for Ray!

Ray was diagnosed with two tumors on his liver in April 2011. Since that time, he has been working with doctors (currently a treatment team at CTCA-Tulsa), and has had a round of radiation and other treatments in the hopes of annihilating the cancer. As you can imagine, fighting cancer or any other disease takes a lot of energy.

More than anything, Ray values your prayers for healing. Friends and family members around the world are praying for his complete restoration to good health. In addition, pray for peace and comfort for both Ray, and his family and close friends as they face this battle together.

Born into a family of Gospel singers, Ray has spent his life as a professional singer — Gospel and Country. He has been all over the world, working with such artists as Loretta Lynn, Wayne Newton, Charley Pride, the Statesmen, Willie Wynn and the Tennesseans, Bob Wills and the Inspirationals, the Blackwood Singers, and many more.

His amazing bass voice has been heard on many recordings, television shows (he was a member of the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet in the later years of the show, and was featured on the rendition of “God Bless American Again” with Loretta Lynn on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

Barbara Fairchild Diner, 417-336-4718

3044 Shepherd Of The Hills Expy

Pathway Records Signs Legendary Tank Tackett to Recording Deal

{EHA-Nashville, TN} Newly launched Pathway Records signed legendary tenor, Gayle “Tank” Tackett, to a recording contract recently at the company corporate offices in Franklin, TN. Tank has traveled and recorded with some of Southern Gospel’s most prominent names, including the Weatherford Quartet, the Statesmen, Jerry & the Singing Goffs, the Classic Four, the Envoys, and the Rebels. He has also been a part of various country music legends’ recordings that include projects with Michael W. Smith, Carmen, The Judds, Charlie Daniels, and Dolly Parton.

Tank notes, “I am excited and blessed to be on the Pathway Records roster, and my goal, as it always has been, is to keep God in the middle of everything I do and let him lead my music ministry. I expect wonderful things for the future, especially being able to work with my friend, Bill Dykes, who has my best interest at heart.” Dr. Bill Dykes of Pathway Records notes, “Bill Traylor, John Mathis, Jr., and myself are very pleased to sign Tank to our line-up of amazing artists. We look for many blessings to transpire from this union of friends and from the many prayers we have all put into it.”

Tank’s experience in Gospel music has enabled him to reach out to others with his support and encouragement. USAGem, an organization that helps artists gain more exposure through concerts, media, and networking, has enlisted him to represent their mission through hosting on the “God and Country Jubilee” concert series at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville. This month, Tank’s latest recording, “When God Dipped His Pen,” debuted at #13 on of the Southern Gospel Times charts.

For more info on Pathway Records: www.thePathwayRecords.com
Contact/More info on Tank Tackett: gayle.tackett@ymail.com
or visit: www.EHA-Nashville.com