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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. February 10, 2004 Thank God we made it another year. Several years ago, the late Rev. James Cleveland penned the song "Breathe On Me". So, as we enter the second month in the fourth year of the new millennium, it's my prayer that God will Breathe on all of us as we strive to honor Him with our music. It is my hope that as the quartet industry continues to grow at a rapid pace that we are mindful to give God glory and honor Him in all that we do. Quartets started 2004 off with a BANG, evidencing the genre is certainly a voice to be reckoned with and proving that they are a major force within the Gospel music industry. Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's walked away from the Stellars with five awards. We salute Lee and the QC's for their professionalism and the spiritual impact that they are making on this industry. Some would say that Lee is cool but I say that he's anointed to sing and minister to God's people as only he can do by standing in one spot. Also, we congratulate The Blind Boys of Alabama for picking up a Grammy for their project Go Tell It On The Mountain. The recent Quartet Convention held in Birmingham was powerful, souls were saved and lives renewed. The anointing of God flowed throughout the services and seminars. What a meeting!! Doc McKenzie and his son were baptized, what a Holy Ghost time. Quartet singers and their music lovers came from all over the country to be apart of this history-making event. The power of God did move. And I'm told that in addition to good singing and ministry, the saints had some good southern fried chicken and fish. God bless Dr. & Mrs. Stewart for their vision. The quartet industry is rapidly growing with new groups emerging everyday, and they are singing. Just recently, I received a CD from The Mighty Gospel Warriors entitled Keep Looking Up. These six men are puttin it down for the Lord. Also, there's a group out of Chicago called The Inspirational Souls of Chicago. This group of five men is full of energy and their vocals are strong as they belt out any song off of their CD, titled Don't Give Up. Both of these CD's are full of good, foot-stompin' traditional quartet music. Melendo Music has released the solo project from Roger Bryant, Jr. of The Jackson Southernaires. Roger's project, called Simply Roger, is in stores now and is sizzling. The cuts that I have heard, "Keep On Doing It" and "I Had a Dream", both written by Roger, are wonderful. The musical instrumentation and vocals are powerful and this is sure to be his signature project. In addition, Melendo Music released Willis Pittman & The Burden Lifters and they are back with a vengeance. Their CD Listen To What The Word Is Saying is in stores now. Mr. Roy Wooten, affectionately called Uncle Roy, along with his wife Esther are preparing for the 3rd Annual Showcase Extravaganza to be held in Jackson, Mississippi at the Holiday Inn, I-55 North, March 4-6, 2004. Harvey Watkins, Jr, The Canton Spirituals, Paul Porter, The Christianaires, Melvin Williams, The Williams Brothers and Evelyn Turrentine-Agee will host this event. Special guests include Slim & The Supreme Angels, Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC's, Harvey Watkins & Purpose, The Southern Sons, Luther Barnes, Carolyn Traylor, Neal Roberson, Rev. Andrew Cheairs & The Songbirds, The Anointed Jackson Sisters and Eternal Light. In Stores Now: The Williams Bros - Still Here The Pilgrim Jubilees - Year of Jubilee The Gospel Four - Ready Or Not Doc McKenzie - Standing On The Rock Live Coming Soon: The Mighty Clouds of Joy's Superset Please support the artists —buy it don't burn it. 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 10, 2004 |
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