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HISTORY IN THE MAKING WITH  WLOSGMH CONVENTION MARCH 2018

Jordan’s Bridge at WLOSGMH CONVENTION MARCH 2018

A couple of weeks ago, I was in concert at a local Carolina gospel music venue. The restaurant features some great food and gospel music. Of course my mind went back to the Hallelujah Supper Club and what we did back in the day.

The concert was filled with lots of singing, laughing and plenty of fellowship. Afterwards a young man no more than 18 or 19, came up asking some questions about gospel music and the Singing Americans.

Of course we talked for a long time. Somehow we got to talking about radio and how gospel music has changed into today’s current delivery. Of course we all have our opinions on what we like and how stuff today is different than it was back in the day.

The young man’s conversation was more than just a passing interest. He is a true southern gospel music junkie. He began to tell me about his records that Granny had given him, even those he had bought. He shared how he had learned of the Statesmen, Stamps and Blackwood Brothers. He listed his own “All Star” quartet with JD Sumner, Jack Toney, Bill Shaw, Doy Ott and Jack Clark on piano.

Chuck Wagon Gang at WLOSGMH CONVENTION MARCH 2018

Well, all of a sudden, I found out this gospel music enthusiast really was a diehard fan. That is some All Star Quartet he would put together. As our conversation ended I told him I would look forward to more talks about gospel music.  I also told him about the WLOSGMH Convention and thought he would love the history, stories, videos and vendors.

The WLOSGMH Convention provides a place for gospel music fans, collectors and historians to gather sharing the oral history of the people’s spiritual music, southern gospel. The stories handed down to those in attendance are truly the basis of continuing our music heritage.

Southern gospel music historians John Crenshaw, Harold Timmons, Hannah Kennedy and Ann Downing have assembled a Facebook presence of over forty thousand members in a group dedicated to nothing but southern gospel music and its heritage.

Stories, group photos, concert posters, videos, audio clips and collectible tid-bits are shared from the historians and moderators. Group members proudly show their memorabilia and music collections. And it is commons to see photos of purchased record finds from garage/ estate sales, the local thrift store or eBay.

Stories on the history of artists, quartets, concert happenings from back when, bus stories and such are fresh every day on the FB group-WE LOVE OUR SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC HISTORY.

Under toolage of John Crenshaw, the group boasts video and audio clips that are not found in many collectors treasures. John says, “This is fun to share what makes our music so special. The videos are treasures rarely seen in recent years and unique to our FB group page. The history and stories we share give a perspective to gospel music, the singers and their legacy.”

Harold Timmons and Ann Downing provide a performers view of the history and are detailed with facts and stories of the Speers, Downings, Chuck Wagon Gang, Hemphills, Barnetts and Sheltons.  While Hannah Kennedy is devout in finding those classic video/ audio clips, photos and tid bits of information of artists that left an unsung mark in gospel music.

Other gospel music enthusiasts, collectors and artists share their stories, memorabilia, photos and collectibles with the growing FB gospel group. From far and wide people are sharing that special connection in gospel music with others.

The annual pilgrimage to the Nashville area has become a ritual that encompasses the avid gospel music fan, young and old alike. This year, the WLOSGMH Convention returns March 26 and 27, 2018 to the Murfreesboro, TN Clarion Hotel Ballrooms. Already the buzz is happening in the Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia areas.

Festivities kick off on Monday with 5:30pm dinner and a 7:00 pm concert. Tuesday Morning activities include shopping, conversation, stories followed by lunch. With afternoon activities including funny stories, show and tell, gospel music movies, possibly pictures, etc., The Tuesday Evening Concert at 6:00 PM. Times subject to change.

Convention Admission: $119 per adult, Children: Half Price, One Day/Night $60

Includes two meals, two concerts, and all other activities. Socializing among friends is a big part of this event. WLOSGMH Convention is an internet social. NO REFUNDS after February 26th.

Just announced CONCERT ONLY TICKETS – $20 per night available on a first come, first served basis made available the week before the event.

The performing artists for the 2018 convention includes Chuck Wagon Gang (Monday only), Sherman Andrus, Ann Downing, The Sheltons (Monday only), Jeanne Johnson, Sue Dodge, Charlie Griffin, Jordan’s Bridge, Eddie Crook, Bill Kelley, John Wyrick, Joyce Black West (of the Speer Family, Jonathan Wilburn, Ellen Marsh, Ed Hill, Songfellows Quartet, Administrators Quartet, and The Collectors Quartet, John Crenshaw, Hannah Kennedy and Harold Timmons. Rita Spillers will be providing dinner music at the piano. More will be added.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS. Hotel is not included in the Convention ticket pricing. Contact the Clarion Hotel asking for the special group rate. Call only this number for reservations: 615-896-2420 and ask to book under the group We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History. The rate is $85 plus tax, up to 4 people in a room.

An added event that leads into the WLOSGMH Convention is the 5th ANNUAL RUTHERFORD COUNTY RED BACK HYMNAL SINGING. It is on Saturday night, March 24th from 6-8 PM. It will be held at the Murfreesboro Missionary Baptist Church, 215 Fortress Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN. For more information contact Brad Taylor via Facebook. Folks attending this event may also book under the WLOSGMH Convention hotel group block. Admission to the Red Back Hymnal Sing is free.

For more WLOSGMH Convention information, reservations or concert tickets contact Harold Timmons via Facebook, email h.t@comcast.net, or call 615-885-8000 and leave a message.

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WLOSGMH 2017 Convention includes the Williamsons, Freedom Quartet and more

Williamsons

The social media phenomenon We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History (WLOSGMH) is holding a social gathering. Commonly referred to as the Convention, the Facebook group administrators have announced the talent line up for the two day event.

Held March 27 and 28, 2017 at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Murfreesboro, TN the talent quartets, trios, soloists, some comedy and lots of surprises that will highlight the talent portion of the convention.

The WLOSGMH Convention begins Monday, March 27th. The evening begins with a dinner concert at 5:30 pm with7:00 pm concert following. The talent includes: Ann Downing, Williamsons, Sheltons, Collectors Quartet, Charlie Griffin, Administrators Quartet, Johnny Minick and Friends, Freedom Quartet.

Freedom Quartet

Tuesday is a full day of activities! Beginning at 9:30 a.m. enjoy two video productions featuring some of the greatest gospel singing of all time. There will also be a short concert featuring some of the musicians who have joined us. This is always a fun time, because we never know who may decide to show up and entertain us. There will be instrumentalists, soloists, and possibly even a Scrap Iron Quartet or two. For those who have purchased the event package, lunch is provided.

Tuesday also features two of the convention highlights “Story Time with the Gospel Legends and Show & Tell.” During this time the collectors will also have an opportunity to show some of their classic memorabilia from the gospel singing world; while gospel music road warriors tell some of their funniest stories.

WLOSGMH Facebook Administrators (l to R) John Crenshaw, Hannah Kennedy, Ann Downing, Harold Timmons

Tuesday evening show begins at 6:00 with talent to include: Matt Felts, Harold Timmons, Jordan’s Bridge, Ann Downing, McCray Dove, Jeff Stice, Williamsons, and a special tribute to some of our favorite singers by the Administrators and Collectors.Throughout the convention, various singers, collectors, and merchants will have their wares available for purchase. This is a one of a kind event to add interesting items to your gospel music collection.

We have listed the artist websites for your convenience. Get to know them and their music. You will find a wealth of talent, music, passion and as Granny says “just good people.” Your support of these fine artists is greatly appreciated.

Jordans Bridge

ARTIST:                      WEBSITE:

Ann Downing               www.anndowning.com

Charlie Griffin              www.CharlieGriffin.net

Ellen Marsh                  www.EllenMarshMusic.com

Freedom Quartet www.freedomquartet.com

Gospel Gallery/

Harold Timmons         www.facebook.com/thegospelgallery

Jeff Stice

Jeff Stice                       www.jeffsticemusic.com

Johnny Minick             www.johnnyminick.com

Jordan’s Bridge            www.jordansbridge.com

Matt Felts                     www.facebook.com/felts3

McCray Dove               www.newdovebrothers.com

Rita Spillers                  www.facebook.com/themusiclady

The Sheltons                www.facebook.com/SheltonMusicPickensSC

The Williamsons         www.Williamsonsmusic.com

“This convention is an internet social gathering of friends.” Administrator Harold Timmons says, “It is not a time for preaching, nor politics. It is not a church service, nor a political rally. Friends are in for two nights of fine Christian entertainment.”

The Clarion Hotel is the convention headquarters. Located at 2227 Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro, TN. Contact the hotel at 615-896-2420 asking for the WE LOVE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC HISTORY CONVENTION ROOM DISCOUNT.

For complete fan package, concert tickets, hotel and event information visit www.facebook.com/groups/sgmhistory/.

For more Gospel music news, click here.

WLOSGMH Convention announces two-day Schedule

WLOSGMH Facebook Administrators (l to R) John Crenshaw, Hannah Kennedy, Ann Downing, Harold Timmons

People have been asking a lot of questions about the We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History (WLOSGMH) Convention. The interest created has gospel music fans driving and flying from across the states and from the Netherlands. In fact over 37,000 group members are creating the stir with gospel music fans clamoring for more music and history.

This Facebook social media gathering has become the talk of the town as interest grows among gospel music fans to know more about the history of the music, performers and the gospel music foundation. The oral history is passed down today by those “you should have been there stories”, videos, music, and collectors who share their memorabilia. Vendor booths showcase those rare one of a kind records, photos, collectibles and do-dads making it a shoppers paradise.

Those coffee or booth conversations are truly a convention highlight.

WLOSGMH administrator John Crenshaw says, “In addition to our great artists, the WLOSGMH convention will feature some great videos featuring the groups from the past. You’ll see the Statesmen, Rebels, Blackwoods, Singing Americans, Speer Family, Happy Goodmans, Rangers Trio and so many others. Many of these videos are being shown here for the first time in more than forty years.”

WLOSGMH collectors and shoppers (l to R) Paul Conner, Gayla Fooks, Brent Joiner, Aaron Rich

One of the highlights of the convention is the show and tell session. Crenshaw states, “Many collectors will bring their prized possessions to share with the group on Tuesday afternoon. Some of the legends of gospel music will share their humorous road stories. The Tuesday evening concert will feature a tribute to some of the great voices of the past. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but you’ll laugh and cry as you enjoy this tribute.”

Activities for weekend start with members arriving early to participate in a southern gospel tradition, a Red Back Hymnal singing. “On Saturday March 25th from 6-8, many of us will be attending the 4th Annual Rutherford County Red Back Hymnal Singing at Murfreesboro Missionary Baptist Church, 316 Fortress Blvd., Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 37128.” Crenshaw continues. “Although this is not officially a part of the We Love Our Southern Gospel Music Convention, they have been very helpful to us, and we will have a special ticket offer available for those who attend the Singing. It’s a great start to the weekend!”

The WLOSGMH Convention begins Monday, March 27th. Here are some highlights:

The hotel atrium will be open for buyers and sellers at 10:00 a.m.

Check in and registration will be 3-4:30 with dinner served at 5:30. The Monday evening show begins at 7:00 with talent to include: Ann Downing, Williamsons, Sheltons, Collectors Quartet, Charlie Griffin, Administrators Quartet, Johnny Minick and Friends, Freedom Quartet

Tuesday is a full day of fun filled music and festivities! Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, you will have the opportunity to enjoy two video productions featuring some of the greatest gospel singing of all time. There will also be a short concert featuring some of the musicians who have joined us. This is always a fun time, because we never know who may decide to show up and entertain us. There will be instrumentalists, soloists, and possibly even a Scrap Iron Quartet or two. For those who have purchased the package, lunch will be provided.

Tuesday will also have “Story Time with the Gospel Legends”. The road warriors need to prepare some of their funniest stories for this unforgettable time of sharing. The collectors will also have an opportunity to show some of their classic memorabilia from the gospel singing world.

Come on down, the price right at the WLOSGMH vendor booths.

Tuesday evening show begins at 6:00 with talent to include: Matt Felts, Harold Timmons, Jordan’s Bridge, Ann Downing, McCray Dove, Jeff Stice, Williamsons, and a special tribute to some of our favorite singers by the Administrators and Collectors.

Come on down, the price right at the WLOSGMH vendor booths.

Throughout the convention, various singers, collectors, and merchants will have their wares available for purchase. This is a one of a kind event to add interesting items to your gospel music collection.

“This convention is an internet social gathering of friends.” Administrator Harold Timmons says, “It is not a time for preaching, nor politics. It is not a church service, nor a political rally. Friends are in for two nights of fine Christian entertainment.”

The Clarion Hotel is the convention headquarters. Located at 2227 Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro, TN. Contact the hotel at 615-896-2420 asking for the WE LOVE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC HISTORY CONVENTION ROOM DISCOUNT.

For complete fan package, concert tickets, hotel and event information visit www.facebook.com/groups/sgmhistory/.  

For more Gospel music news click here.

Third Annual WLOSGMH Convention March 27 and 28, 2017

WLOSGMH: “You Should’ve Been There” Memories in the Making!

Third Annual WLOSGMH Convention March 27 and 28

I first became acquainted with gospel music as a child. It has kind of been in the family since I can remember. Momma Doris (my grandmother), Aunt Dolly Shirley and my Mom (playing piano too) sang in the Morning Star Trio every Sunday morning for the Morning Star Hour radio program on WATA Radio in Boone, NC. Pastor Ross Greene delivered the fiery message back in the day. Then I saw the Harvesters Quartet with Bill Hefner, Mac Evans, Don Norman, Jack Clark and Bob Thacker at homecoming. Over the years they became friends. And the music love affair began.

Sego Brothers and Naomi

I remember the first time I heard the Sego Brothers and Naomi. They were the feature group at the Singing at Grandfather Mountain hosted by Arthur Smith and the Crossroads Quartet. What a singing! What a crowd of artists and fans. I would stand and wonder what the groups were talking about behind their record tables.

Then we got a black and white TV. Sunday mornings on Charlotte’s WBTV we would see the legends of gospel music on the infamous Gospel Singing Jubilee hosted by the renowned Florida Boys. I remember sneaking into the living room and cutting the TV down really low and watching the Happy Goodmans, Dixie Echoes (loved me some Dale Shelnut), LeFevres, Segos, Rambos, Inspirations, Marksmen Qt, Hinsons and a host of other popular groups.

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