Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Celebrate Me Home- Perrys

The number one requested song at WPIL in Heflin, Alabama during Vonda Easley’s “Strictly Southern” show yesterday evening was “Celebrate Me Home.”  Vonda stated, “Listeners tuned in and requested their favorites by the Perrys and this one kept coming up.”

Please continue to pray for Libbi, Jared, Troy, Andrew , and the rest of the family as they celebrate Tracy today.

We all Love The Perrys and know the bass section in Heavens choir is sounding great!

Services Announced For Tracy Stuffle

Tracy Stuffle, age 51 of Hendersonville, TN, went to be with his Lord and Savior February 4, 2018 while surrounded by his family. Tracy was born on March 20, 1966 in Morristown, Tennessee to George Stuffle and the late Lucille Stuffle. An only child, music was a part of Tracy’s life from a young age. He started his own group in Morristown, Living Water until he joined The Perry’s (Randy, Debra and Libbi) on October 30, 1985. Tracy lived to sing, known for his distinct bass sound, he truly had a lifelong passion for music and singing, even more after suffering a debilitating massive stroke in 2013. He was a recipient of the 2015 Gospel Music Fan Awards Favorite Living Legend award and was nominated many times by Singing News as Bass Singer of the Year. After he started singing with The Perry’s he met the love of his life, Libbi Perry Stuffle, they were married on November 28, 1987. In addition to his love of music, Tracy was an avid sports fan, especially the Nashville Predators and Tennessee Vols. Tracy was a hero and saint to his family and many others; he was a faithful husband and an incredible father, he will be deeply missed by many. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Libbi Perry Stuffle; son, Jared Stuffle and wife Lindsey; parents, George and Grace Stuffle; faithful companions, Oreo and Grimes; numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. A Life Celebration Service honoring Tracy will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 12:00 P.M. from First Baptist Church Hendersonville with Randy Perry and Dr. Bruce Chesser officiating. Interment will follow in Crestview Memory Gardens with Mark Grubb officiating. Visitation with the family will be on Monday from 4-8 P.M. at Crestview Funeral Home and Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Active pallbearers will be: Barrett DeVault, Michael Pilling, Chris Reed, Chuck Trivette, Wesley Trivette, Eric Hall, Olan Witt, Tim Dillman and Barry Warren. Honorary pallbearers will be: Bryan Walker, Loren Harris, Nick Trammell, Joseph Habedank, Mike Bowling, Bryan Elliott, Dennis Horton, Troy Peach, Andrew Goldman, Eric Dunson and Jamie Bramlett. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Perry’s Ministries.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Crestview Funeral Home and Memory Gardens, 1623 Highway 109 North, Gallatin, TN (615)452-1943 www.crestviewfh.com

More Perrys Memories

The Perrys current lineup: Tracy Stuffle, Joseph Habedank, Libbi Perry
Stuffle, Jared Stuffle, and Bryan Walker. Photos Courtesy of The Perrys

From SGNScoops Magazine November 2010. By Dee Ann Bailey

“I Know What I’m Singing About”
is a cut off The Perrys new project
Blue Skies that is due out in late
November. In 1970, their song be-
gan but it was born from sorrow. In
the midst of that sorrow, they gath-
ered around a piano and began to
sing. And sing they did!

The talent roster that has passed
through The Perrys as they have
made this incredible journey is im-
pressive. Of course, originally it
was the Perrys themselves Randy,
Debra and Libbi, “God’s little peo-
ple.” Then as God began to move
the family members in other direc-
tions and toward other ministries,
Libbi Perry Stuffle and her husband
Tracy continued to carry the banner.
Nicole Watts Jenkins, Mike Bowling,
David Hill, Loren Harris, Justin Ellis,
Nick Trammell, Matt Holt, and more
recently Troy Peach and Bryan Elliot
are some of the talented individuals
that have helped make this group a
fan favorite year after year.

But at the core, at 4’8” is a dynam-
ic alto that has been here since the
beginning, Libbi Perry Stuffle. As
Tracy often says ‘What she is lack-
ing in height God made up in vocal
chords.” Consistently nominated as
fan favorite alto of the year, Libbi is
still amazed when she is awarded
that title.

SGNScoops Magazine November 2010

“I don’t deserve this but I’m so
thankful.” In 2009, Libbi stated at
the awards that she often feels like
the problem child when it comes
to the group and sound. “Having
about 20% hearing means that I
must have sound in my ear buds
and when there are problems with
the sound, I’m in trouble. At times
it seems too difficult and I feel like
giving up but then someone shares
a song touched them or the fans
bestow an award that lets me know
they appreciate the message I’m
trying to give. It affirms that I’m
where God wants me to be.”

The road hasn’t been easy and
there have been times when it the
valleys were too dark. In Novem-
ber 2003, The Perrys lost their #1
supporter as their dad left us to go 15
listen to the heavenly choir sing. He was a man loved not only by his family but by group members, past and present and the fans. His race was run and he was now on the other side cheering them on. Still they carried on.

Then on August 11, 2010 a time came that neither of them were really prepared for. Tracy was experiencing
pain and once the doctors saw him, things began to move really fast. In addition to having multiple block-
ages Tracy learned he was a diabetic and also there was a small heart aneurysm. After determining that
would this not be a problem, Tracy’s surgery was set for August 13th.

What the hospital wasn’t prepared for and what Tracy and Libbi didn’t fully understand, was how much they
were loved! The hospital switchboard was overwhelmed and the waiting rooms were overflowing. The love this
couple had inspired was now surrounding them as gentle prayers was being whispered for them not only across the country but around the world.

This outpouring of love caused the hospital to ask them to begin a Caring Bridge website to keep everyone updates as their lines could not handle
the influx of calls. As he made it through the surgery and Libbi and Jared were allowed to see him, a collective sigh of relief was heard in many homes that had been praying for
them.

Read more »

Memories: Libbi Perry Stuffle

Libbi Perry Stuffle of the Perrys

Memories: Libbi Perry Stuffle By Laura Kennedy, July 2012. Published by SGNScoops Magazine 

    One of six children, Southern Gospel’s most beloved alto singer recently allowed SGN Scoops the privilege of some talk time. Singing, as Libbi is quick to share, has been her whole life. “I had just turned seven. We started singing on Christmas day, 1970 after the loss of my 13 year old brother, Johnny, that previous July 30, 1970. The Perrys decided to go full time after the loss of my baby brother George who was also 13 at the time of his death on June 5, 1982.”

    The Perrys, in the mid 1980’s, signed with former pianist for the Happy Goodman Family, Eddie Crook on his Morning Star Records label. Libbi later met and married Tracy Stuffle who would then become the group’s longtime bass singer. For over 40 years and throughout various personnel changes, the group has not only been well received, but is one of the leading Mixed Groups in the industry today.

    In my opinion, receiving awards and recognition is evidence of diligence to a skill and craft.  In southern gospel music, the most important ingredient to the success of any writer, musician, or vocal artist is the rich indwelling and guiding force of the Lord Jesus Christ.  And when the Lord allows, an artist can touch and deeply affect the spiritual walk or even awakening of their listener. Libbi is that kind of artist. And as such, has been awarded Singing News Fan Awards for the 2005 Female Vocalist and Alto Singer Of The Year and the 2006 Alto Singer of the Year.  While at the 2009 National Quartet Convention, Libbi was voted Favorite Alto in the 2009 Singing News Fan Awards. Both she and The Perrys received 11, Top 5 nominations in the 2010 Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Artist, Mixed Group, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Horizon Individual, Young Artist, Alto, Lead, Songwriter, Album, & Song. And most recently, Libbi was awarded Singing News Fan Awards, for the 2011 Favorite Alto of the Year. 

    Clearly, the traditional tone and strength of Libbi’s voice is what makes her a fan to many. When asked how that particular quality speaks to her, Libbi replies; “It overwhelms me! I never dreamed in a million years that people would even consider my singing anything to be awarded for. To say that I am honored would be an understatement!”

    Late last year, and with much encouragement from her husband, Libbi finally agreed to and has released her first solo album titled, JOURNEY.  “I am excited about my first solo CD! At first when approached about doing it, I said absolutely not. I am not a solo singer, but after a lot of persuading from Tracy, I gave in.” Shares Libbi, “I finally got to sing with some of my heroes that I had dreamed of for so long!  We all have a bucket list and this was on mine. I got to bring in Gerald Wolfe, Mark Trammell, Dailey & Vincent, Randy Perry, Debra Perry Reed, Wayne Haun, Tracy Stuffle, the Sisters and Jeff & Sheri Easter. I was like a little kid on Christmas morning in the studio listening to my heroes sing on my CD! The CD is not fancy, but it’s just me and who I am and the music I love! It’s been a long JOURNEY, but I’ve always had a song!”

    Upon asking if the music on Journey is similar to her group’s musical sound, Libbi offers; “I’m more of a traditional style singer. I’m not a fancy singer. I’ve listened to a lot of other people’s solo projects, just beautiful singers and then listen to mine and think, ‘That’s real country.’ But you know, we all have our own style. I tried to stick with MY style; what’s ME. I picked songs that fit me. Nor did I use a lot of orchestration. Sometimes I think our message gets lost in the music so I wanted a lot of stuff very traditional. I hope everybody likes it.”  

    Under Daywind Records label, produced by Wayne Haun, JOURNEY is indeed doing very well. Perhaps it’s the easy friendships she has with her heroes that lend such a comfortable tone to the project.  Even more so is the conviction with which Libbi sings.  A poignant moment on the project is the opening of “Reunited” when we hear the Perry children; Randy, Debra and Libbi singing, “Daddy Sang Bass” as children. With deep family harmony, the story of the Perry Family takes a focal view.  

    It will most assuredly be difficult to pin down a favorite.  When asked if she has one, Libbi offers, “There are 12 songs on the album and to pick a favorite is hard, but probably right now my favorite is a song when I first started singing with my family.  My dad worked away from home and would be gone for two weeks at a time so my mom would have to take us to all of our singings. So on the way back home, my brothers and sisters would get in the back and try to go to sleep. Me and my mom would sit up front.  While she would drive, I would sit on the armrest which we called the hump (this was in  PRE SEATBELT LAW days). I would put my arm around her neck and we would sing “Jesus Hold My Hand” all the way home. We only knew the first verse and the chorus. And we would sing it over and over… My brothers and sisters would wake up and say, ‘Could y’all please sing another song!?!’ Or, ‘Just learn the words to this one!’  So, when I started putting the songs together for the album, the first one I thought of was “Jesus Hold My Hand.”  My mom had a massive stroke in 2000 so I wanted to do something for her. It’s a little bluegrassy so I brought in my friends Dailey and Vincent and they just did a killer job on it. We’ve sang it out and the crowd really seems to embrace it. It kind of throws them off because they don’t think of me singing bluegrass, but I’m a BIG Bluegrass FANATIC!  This was for my mom and you know what, I still don’t know the second verse!  So when we sing it out, I tell the people, ‘I still don’t know the second verse, so if I miss the words …nothing’s changed in 41 years!’ It’s my favorite song right now, but you go through seasons in your life where one song in this season may mean a lot to you. Then you go through another season and a song that maybe you didn’t look at a whole lot before and it will take on a whole new meaning. For this season, this is my favorite.”

    Many of us have continued to be in awe of the health changes that Libbi and her husband, Tracy have woven into their lives.  Tracy Stuffle experienced cardiac arrest almost two years ago. He had five blockages and needed to undergo open heart surgery, also discovering that he was suffering from diabetes as well. After Tracy’s 7-hour surgery, he recovered sufficiently to return home less than a week after the cardiac incident.  Libbi explains; “We have had to learn the hard way that your health is important! We are not getting any younger and being on the road can be brutal to your body if you don’t try to take care of it. So, we are trying to do our part to keep it in check!”  She continues; “Eating healthy is the way that Tracy and I have lost so much weight. The food is low-fat, low-carb, low cholesterol and low sodium. Basically- a bale of hay and a glass of ice water. Haha We eat a lot of grilled food, a lot of fresh vegetables.  He eats much like the way God really intended for us to eat to keep our temple in shape. It’s a lifestyle change. We don’t say the “d” word because when you say the “d” word, your brain starts freaking out saying ‘Oh No! That means I can’t have food!’.  If you fall off the wagon, get back on it! Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t go back to eating; just get back on the wagon.”  

    With NQC 2012 just around the corner, I always like to remember years past and all that is still ahead at the next convention.  And after Libbi’s great advice on healthy eating, I’m going to diligently resolve to bypass one of my favorite things at NQC… the waffle cones!  But seriously though, there are those beautiful moments that the artists create for us that we take back home with us after NQC week.  And there are also those impromptu moments that are just divine pieces of Heaven.  Libbi shares one of hers with us; “My most memorable NQC was back when it was in Nashville, in 1991. One of my biggest heroes was Vestal Goodman. We had just recorded a Dottie Rambo song called, “Tears Will Never Stain The Streets of that City” and Dottie was at the convention so we asked her if she would come on stage to sing this song with us. She said, “Yes!” And it really shocked us. So, we’re on stage singing and she’s singing with us.  It just so happened that Tracy looked at the side of the stage then said to me, ‘Vestal Goodman is sitting on the side of the stage watching!’  I was like, ‘No she’s not,’ because he’s always kiddin’ me. But he said, ‘I promise you Libbi. She is sitting over there watching.’ So I just kind of eased over there and looked and sure enough, she was!! When we came off the stage from singing, Tracy said you need to go up and talk to her. I said, ‘I can’t. She doesn’t know me.’ I was bawling because she’s like Elvis to me!  So Tracy went up to her and said, ‘My wife is so shy and the biggest dream she’s ever had is to meet you.’  She looked at me and said, ‘Darlin’, you come over here. Don’t ever be afraid to come and talk to me.’ She grabbed my hand and immediately prayed. I was crying. She didn’t even know me but yet she was praying for me!  She just treated me like I’d never been treated before.”

    Libbi is ever moving forward, working to convey the message of Christ to as many individuals as possible.  She offers, “There’s an urgency to tell people that Jesus Christ is SOON returning and if you’ve not accepted Him as your personal Savior to please not wait until it’s too late!! We don’t know the day or the hour of His returning, so it’s important to be prepared!!”

The Perrys are you certain what do you expect me to do now oh we’re going to have a section every magazine starting with this one so what do you have from the last year that’s Christian country that might not have been put in the magazine just by chance I had one so he sends it into them now February and so that takes advantage of Stacy and everybody they finally got everything put in and now we get the stuff to proof at 9 at night and then he tells me also tonight do we need everything that we’ve ever done on the Perry’s put on the website

On the road with The Perrys, Libbi Perry Stuffle is taking care of herself and the boys as much as any moment calls for.  “My boys are really a good bunch of guys. I don’t have to pick up after them. Now, I do have a 20 year old son that I have to pick up after but as far as the other guys, they are very clean fanatics. I’m the mom though so when they get sick, I’m the Dr.  When they pop a button off a suit, I’m the seamstress. So I wear different titles for whatever is needed, but it’s not bad. I learn a lot. We sit and talk…a lot. It’s really fun.”

    “And they take care of me too,” Libbi continues; “When Tracy was sick the guys came together and just helped me with him and whatever I needed, they were there. They were like family and very thoughtful to me.”  When not on the road, Libbi tells me they will do just about anything to get off that bus. “We watch hockey!  We are big hockey fanatics! The Nashville Predators!!! If we have a day off, we will stop and go to the movies or if we’re in Florida, we’ll go to Disney.  We’re just like a family, where one goes, we all go together like the Partridge Family. We’ll make anything fun!”

  The Perrys are working on releasing a new album, but “Blue Skies”, their current CD is still going strong! “It’s had two number 1 songs; “Blue Skies” & “Celebrate Me Home.”  And also, “Celebrate Me Home” won a Dove Award in April for Southern Gospel Song of the Year! So with my solo CD doing great, and people seeming to really like it, I am happy, happy, happy!” says Libbi.

     In April of this year, the Perrys released CELEBRATE ME HOME DVD recorded live in Nashville at Oak Tree Studios. Libbi offers; “It’s something cool for the listeners. We’re sharing stories behind the songs.  We realize that sometimes when you know the story behind the song; it gives the song a whole new meaning. We even brought the pastor of our church in and interviewed him.”

   Thank you Libbi, for sharing your family, your music, and your heart for the Lord with us. And make sure to visit her at www.perrysministries.com to connect and say hello.

Update on Tracy Stuffle

From Libbi earlier today: Please continue to pray for Tracy….

Not going home! 🙁 Tracy’s heart rate has been bouncing again, so they are tweaking meds again and seeing how he does tonight. So, maybe tomorrow.

Update from Tracy and Libbi

Here’s the latest update from Tracy and Libbi.

Continue to pray for complete healing for Tracy!

We love you guys!

Urgent Prayer Request…..

Please pray for Tracy Stuffle .  Today is Jared’s Wedding day. This prayer request is from Libbi….

Urgent prayer request for Tracy:
Tracy started Thursday afternoon having a fever and AFIB issues. We had to cancel our date in IL for Thursday night. We came home and all his numbers were pretty well back to normal. About 3am Friday morning his fever started back up and heart was more in AFIB. I brought him to ER and he was admitted. He has an infection somewhere, not sure where. I went to rehearsal & rehearsal dinner this evening, his mom and dad stayed with him. When I returned, his breathing was labored some. All he’s consumed with is missing Jared’s wedding tomorrow (Saturday). His heart rate has been as high as 190. They’ve given him several meds in his IV to try to bring the heart rate down, but so far it’s been unsuccessful. They feel he is having panic attacks worrying about going to see Jared get married. So, they have moved him to ICU to do meds through a drip. They have also given him Ativan to help calm him. Please, pray that things will get back in control the way they should be and God will just calm his mind and nerves. It breaks my heart for him because he has been praying and begging God to please let him go to the wedding. I have his suit here in case things make a turn around during the night. This is also hard on Jared and Lindsey. I will try to keep you updated on any changes.

Please join us in praying for Tracy and the entire family today.

Happy 45th Anniversary to The Perrys!

The Perrys

Happy 45th Anniversary to The Perrys!

This year marks the 45th year that The Perrys have been traveling across the country, sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ. During that time, God has proven faithful to provide everything needed to build a successful ministry. From moving lyrics of traditional songs, along with talented vocalists and musicians, to a genuine heart for people, The Perrys have proven they have what it takes to rise to the top of Southern Gospel music. 

Congratulations from your friends at SGN SCOOPS!

For more information: THE PERRYS

Southern Gospel Music Association Celebrates with Tracy Stuffle for 30 Years with The Perrys

Perrys

Pigeon Forge, TN  (October 29, 2015) – The Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) celebrated today with The Perrys as Tracy Stuffle marked 30 years as the groups award winning bass singer.

On behalf of the SGMA, Arthur Rice, president, congratulated Tracy Stuffle at a presentation at the Pines Theater at Dollywood.  Rice also read a proclamation from the Tennessee State Senate that declared Tracy Stuffle as having a genuine heart for the people.  The proclamation further stated “it is fitting that the members of this legislative body should honor those artists who, use their extraordinary talents, serve God with dedication, vigor, and enthusiasm and continue to bring renown to the State of Tennessee”.

Rick Francis with Singing News magazine presented a plaque on behalf of the publication in conjunction with StowTown Records to commemorate the day.

The Perrys are artists recording under StowTown Records.

The Perrys

Many of the Perrys fellow artists joined the tribute via video messages.  Making a special appearance, joining the Perrys on stage was Judy Hess, Joyce Sanders and Jonathan Martin of the Martins.  Together, the sibling group surrounded Tracy and sang an a cappella hymn.

In true to Tracy Stuffle style, the celebration was topped off with Tracy singing, “Time Has Made a Change”.  The song is a solo from the new album, “Sing”.

While 30 years is significant, this one for Tracy Stuffle is even more important.  Following the enormous struggles that Tracy has overcome after a life altering series of debilitating strokes and other major medical complications, he is on stage smiling and singing to everyone’s delight.

Having survived the biggest trial of their lives, the family stands together both in life and on stage along with son Jared Stuffle at bass, Andrew Goldman at lead and Troy Peach singing baritone.  The Perrys have a renewed passion for encouraging others for Christ.

The release of their newest project from StowTown Records, “Sing” features songs that remind that God is there in the “Unexpected Storm”.  The first single “Keep On” is already impacting fans and friends alike with the message that no matter how bad your situation we must “Keep On” with resilience and steadfastness.  With the brilliance of the Perrys producer, Wayne Haun, fans should soon be acquainted with the entire album.

“Go God, go!” has been Libbi Perry Stuffle’s mantra since that terrifying January night in 2013 when Tracy suffered the first stroke while driving.  “Countless nights many have prayed over Tracy, this celebration is for all Perrys fans!” said Libbi.

“It seemed appropriate that this date fell during the Gospel and Harvest Celebration at this renowned theme park”, remarked Troy Peach.  “We are thrilled that the SGMA shared this day with The Perrys and recognize Tracy’s contribution to the world of Southern Gospel Music.”  Peach continued.

Tracy Stuffle is husband to original Perrys member, Libbi Perry Stuffle and father of Jared Stuffle.

Established in 1994, the Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) is a professional preservation association of artists, songwriters, industry workers and fans founded to preserve, protect and promote Southern Gospel Music, its history and heritage.

The SGMA operates the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., which welcomes more than one million visitors annually to read and observe displays and memorabilia from a century of gospel music.  Thousands of items from some of the greatest singers, writers and musicians are displayed.  The facility includes a gift shop that carries one of the country’s largest Southern gospel music selections.  The SGMA also specializes in vintage and difficult-to-find Southern gospel music products.

The SGMA welcomes anyone who loves Southern Gospel music to join the association.  Partnerships are available at the website.

For more information on the SGMA and the SGMA Hall of Fame, visit SGMA.org

For more information on The Perrys, visit perrysministries.com.

SGN Scoops NQC Scrapbook: The Perrys, Sheri Easter, Karen Peck and More

The Perrys

SGN Scoops was blessed to have several of our staff and our Social Media team on hand at the National Quartet

Sonya Browder

The Perrys

Convention. Michelle and Pat Drummond brought us some very special pictures from the week of concerts which they attended as artists. The Drummond Family are from Florida and are an excellent family group that you need to hear! You can find out more about them here.

Be sure to return often to the SGN Scoops website page and to the SGN Scoops Facebook page for more great pictures and artist features. The October SGN Scoops digital magazine will be available soon with a cover story you won’t want to miss! Watch for it!

Karen Peck Gooch, Kelly Nelon Clark, Tracy Stuffle

Mike Bowling, Loren Harris, Libbi Perry Stuffle

NQC Main Stage

Sherry Easter