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  Retailer, radio announcer and artist manager are only some of what she does. Quartet enthusiast Ms. Willie McClendon writes this regularly-appearing quartet column for Gospelflava.com. August 3, 2004 WOW! Excitement is in the air as preparation is being made for the 37th Anual National Convention of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, founded by the King of Gospel Music, the late Rev. James Cleveland. This year’s convention will be held in Kansas City, MO starting Saturday, August 7 to Friday, August 13, 2004. Plane tickets have been bought, cars serviced, buses chartered for what is destined to go down in history as one of the greatest meetings ever. People are coming from everywhere. What a time this will surely be! When one think of GMWA, or hear of it, many think of choirs and soloists, but contrary to this belief, the convention is comprised of all facets of gospel music, including quartet artist, promoters, record company executives, songwriters, radio announcers, publishers, distributors, performing rights reps —all of whom gather to learn, network and fellowship. In 1992, GMWA expanded its Quartet Division and named Tyrone Porter of the dynamic Christianaires to head it up. Under his leadership, the division has grown and is now one of the largest quartet gatherings in the world. The goal, as stated by Mr. Porter, is to provide opportunities for each attendee to learn, share, network, fellowship and showcase their talent. Those who attend will receive invaluable information and will leave the meeting equipped to take their ministry to the next level. This year, the GMWA Quartet Division New Artist Showcase will offer cash prizes to the top five groups (prizes range from $250.00 to $1000.00). Also, in honor of the late Rev. Roger Bryant, Jr., of The Jackson Southernaires, a Best Lead Singer Performance prize will be awarded. New Artist Showcase participants will be critiqued by some of the industry’s top record label executives, quartet artist and radio announcers. Scheduled events include seminars Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. On Wednesday night, 7:00 P.M., the GMWA Quartet Division Gala Banquet will be held. During the Gala the division will pay tribute to outstanding groups and individuals in the quartet music ministry. But Thursday night is one you don’t want to miss, because the Quartet Division leaves no stone unturned, as over 37 of the nation's leading quartets will be in concert. Some of those appearing will be Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, The William Bros, Canton Spirituals, Pilgrim Jubilees, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Gospel Wonders, Luther Barnes and Sunset Jubilaires, The Christianaires, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Evangelist Dorothy Norwood, Albertina Walker, McDonald Sisters and many, many, more. New record labels are being birthed all over the place. Joining the ranks and now wearing the hat of a record executive is Tyrone Porter. He has joined with Joe Horn and they have launched Miracle Records label. Their first artist will hit the streets in early fall and is none other than those hot Evereadys. Blackberry Records has started a subsidiary label called Blueberry Records with their first artist Hip Boot Joe in stores now. The William Brothers introduced Hip Boot Joe to Gospel music lovers when they performed “Get Saved” on their last project. This group is also featured on the SoulLink project. Hot groups are popping up everywhere! One such group is out of Memphis, TN, called Perfection. They were spotted in Little Rock and word has it that they are strong. Savoy recording artist Gerald Hinton and The New Redeemers are no joke. They’ve released a song called “You Don’t Know How BLESSED You Are” which is the title cut from their new CD. This group is smooth and the bass is blowing. Pick up a copy of this project. Recently, Humility Music Group of Rome, GA announced its distribution partnership with Navarre Corporation of New Hope, MN. Humility is head by renowned music producer Glen Stevenson. Stevenson gained prominence as the visionary behind Stellar Award winner Lee Williams and the QC’s, The Gospel Four and Doc McKenzie prior to his departure from MCG Records. The first artist to be released on this label will be Charles Davis and the Clouds and Blessed By Four. These groups are dubbed as the best-kept hidden secret within the quartet community. Glen’s father, Robert Stevenson, will celebrate his 38th Anniversary Celebration, August 7, at the Rome GA Auditorium. Guests will include The Williams Bros, Dock McKenzie and The Hi-Lites, The Legendary Jackson Southernaires, The Pilgrim Jubilees, Sis. Ruth Brown and The Anointed Voices and the Spiritual Hi-Lites. This is going to be a big celebration for a man who has given much to the quartet industry. Support your favorite artist! Remember to buy it... don’t burn it. And look out for the famous Williams Sisters, their project on EMI Gospel is in stores now. Gospelflava.com recognizes the importance and impact that this genre of music is making in our lives and are happy to announce the launching of this column dedicated to quartets. It's Shouts and Drives. If you wish to contact us about a new quartet project, email us here. Previous Shouts and Drives Columns: June 2003 August 2003 September 2003 October 2003 December 2003 February 2004 May 2004
August 3, 2004 |
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