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  Retailer, radio announcer and artist manager are only some of what she does. Quartet enthusiast Ms. Wilie McClendon writes this regularly-appearing quartet column for Gospelflava.com. August 4, 2003 Quartets are SIZZLIN' and this summer, without a doubt, the genre is not taking a back seat to any other. Companies and groups are dropping some serious music that is placing quartet music in the forefront. Just within the last eight weeks, some slammin' projects have hit and are taking the airwaves by storm. Quartets are very visible and are hosting and participating in events that are allowing them to boast of their success. Quartet supporters are loyal and will travel hundreds of miles just to fellowship with their favorite artist. Lee Williams recently hosted what was called the "Down Home Gospel Family Reunion" in Verona, MS, July 25-26. This event was attended by thousands of fans who came from across the country to participate in this very well planned outdoor outing. Mr. Williams was joined by quartet enthusiast, Mr. George Stewart, and a large number of his industry friends including The Williams Bros., Doc McKenzie, George Dean, Mississippi Mass Choir, LaShun Pace, and many, many more. This event was so powerful and strong, the governor of Mississippi, Mr. Ronnie Musgrove, stopped by to share in the festivities. Also, Bro. Robert Stevenson of Rome, GA celebrated his 37th Anniversary at the Rome, GA City Auditorium, and there again, the loyal fans traveled from far and near to hear Lee Williams and the Spiritual Q.C.'s, The Canton Spirituals, Keith "Wonder Boy" Johnson and The Spiritual Voices, The Gospel Flames of Griffin, GA and The Gospel Angelics of Anniston, AL. This was another standing room only concert. The buzz is that there are some upcoming groups that are set to take the nation by storm. I spoke with Mr. George Stewart of the American Gospel Quartet Convention and was told to be looking out for a group called The Brown Boyze. Other sources tell me of a powerful group coming out of Chicago that's really puttin' it down for the Lord. And I'm told that there is a new record label on the scene that's called Humility Records, headed by Mr. Glenn Stevenson, son of Bro. Robert Stevenson, and that they recently recorded two new groups Blessed By Four and Charles Davis and the Clouds. It's being said, that these two groups are really going to shake up the quartet arena. We'll keep you informed for there are many groups coming our way, and I'm sure I will witness some of these groups in Tampa at GMWA. Quartets are selling lots of music, and are showing up on the Billboard Charts. This week we find Mr. Lee Williams & the Spiritual QC's Right On Time in the #8 spot, Mr. Harvey Watkins It's In My Heart at #20 and Pooh & The Young Inspirations It's About Time at #24. Many of us are headed to The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) in Tampa, FL, August 9-15, where the Quartet Division of GMWA under the leadership of Mr. Tyrone Porter has activities and seminars planned for everyone. The GMWA Quartet Division's goal is to assist newcomers and veteran quartets in securing increased exposure, radio airplay bookings/venues; to help provide them with the tools necessary to raise the level of professionalism of those associated with this genre of music, and to expose GMWA and individuals in the GMWA conventions' host city to the best in quartet music. The theme of this years GMWA Quartet Division is "Promoting Praise, Progress and Potential". According to Mr. Porter, they have surveyed the needs of their participants and have tried to structure the seminars and showcases with information that will benefit the participant in their growth and profession. Seminar Topics will include "Meet the Press" (press kits, bios and promotional materials), "On The road Again" (travel and tour tips), The Three R's: Radio, Recognition and Respect", "Law and Order: (legal advice for quartets). Clinicians for this division will be some of the industry's most respected and experienced record company executives, marketing and promotions companies, legal counsel, publicists and imaging professionals. Mr. Porter stated, "We make every effort to bring the very best to those who come seeking mentoring and the opportunity to network". The headquarter hotel for the Quartet Division is Tampa's Wyndham Harbour Island Hotel where the seminars will held on Monday, August 11, 2003 in the Wyndham from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The New Artist Showcases will also be held in the Wyndham on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The new artists will be critiqued by industry professionals and will be given an opportunity to ask questions about how to improve their performance, etc. One group from each showcase will be named "Overall Winner" which will entitle the group to such prize perks as national radio interviews, showcase/TV performance opportunities and a professional photo/promotional packet. On Thursday, August 14, the Joe Horn Music Foundation will join the Quartet Division in a salute to "Pioneers who have Paved the Path of Praise". A gala reception, banquet and recognition ceremony honoring industry veterans for their groundbreaking accomplishments in the field of gospel music will be presented. Honorees include Tommy Ellison and the Singing All-stars, The Loving Sisters, The Williams Brothers, Dorothy Norwood, Albertina Walker, The Canton Spirituals, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Highway QC's, Slim and the Supreme Angels and more. On Friday, August 15, the Quartet Division moves to the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Waterside Hotel for its finale dubbed as the popular " Quartet Night". This event is like none other —it provides the quartet lover an opportunity to see a large number of this country's top quartet groups for one small price$ 12.00 Advance and $15.00 At The Door. The list of participants is too long to list but here are a few to let you know to put on your shoutin' shoes: Doc McKenzie and the Highlights, Evelyn Turrentine Agee and the Warriors, The Christiannaires, The Williams Brothers, Little Willie & The Gospel Keynotes, The Texas Boyz, Eternal Light, The Jackson Sisters, The True Believers, The McDonald Sisters and many, many, many more. If you desire more information about the GMWA Quartet Division, contact their national office at (601) 835-1234 or visit their website at www.gmwa.org/quartet division. The quartet community mourns the loss of Mr. Thomas Johnson the last surviving member of world-renowned Harmonizing Four. Mr. Johnson went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 21, 2003. Upcoming Events: American Gospel Quartet Convention Regional Meetings, Luther Barnes Big Labor Day Program and Workshop in October and the Chicago Gospel Announcers Guild in September. Hot Quartet Picks In Stores Now Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's - MCG Records Slim & The Supreme Angels - MCG Records Harvey Watkins Jr. - Verity Records Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires - AIR Gospel Doug Williams - Blackberry Records The Sensational Nightingales - Malaco Records 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 4, 2003 |
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