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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. May 20, 2004 The quartet industry continues its growth, as is evidence by the number of releases that are coming our way. We are five months into 2004 and this music has started off with a bang and is not taking a back seat to any other music. As a retailer and announcer I'm constantly receiving new product and am proud to say that some of these artist though many may be unknown to the masses are putting out good music. Quartets are blessed to have loyal dedicated followers and supporters who will get in their cars and on buses to travel miles for a concert. Once a fan they are always a fan no matter who comes on the scene. What I've noticed is that quartet lovers will purchase a CD of an unknown artist if the cover looks good. People who love this genre of music are not afraid to pickup an unknown unlike other genres of music. But keep in mind the buyer is still looking for something new by their favorite artist at all times. This genre of music is fascinating. Just recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee Quartet Convention held in Chattanooga, TN. The late Deacon Eddie Washington, Sr. of Seney, GA organized this convention years ago. Some twenty-five groups were registered, and again, I saw devoted fans who had come by the busloads and cars to support their favorite group. I sat there in amazement because if a group needed a little help it was nothing to see another musician grab a guitar or keyboard, etc., to help them. The camaraderie was exceptional and the support of the audience was overwhelming. While there were no nationally known groups present, some of the groups who were there if heard by the right person could be. I salute the Dixie Disciples who were local sponsors of the event, Hilliard White and the Spiritual Crusaders, The Spiritual Highlights and all other groups who participated. Several months ago, we talked about the recording of a masterpiece that was held in Atlanta, GA at the Earthlink Theater. This history making event brought together some of the biggest names in gospel music today including: Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's, The Canton Spirituals, Slim & The Supreme Angels, The Christianaires and Hip Boot Joe. It's dubbed as The Williams Brothers & Their Superstar Friends, SoulLink Live. Never before in the history of this genre have so many great and wonderful artists been assembled together in one historic evening to record and video tape an album and video that is sure to impact the entire Gospel community. This special presentation will be presented in three parts with the first to be released and in stores May 25. The project is titled SoulLink Live because the music comes straight from the heart and soul of each featured artist and is sure to link up with and be a blessing to the hearts and souls of everyone who has the opportunity to hear it. The Williams Brothers and Blackberry Records have done it again with what is destined to be a classic and sure to be entered into the music history books. Don't let this one get by you. SoulLink Live is a must for all Gospel music lovers. Time is fast approaching for the annual convention of The Gospel Music Workshop of America to be held in Kansas City, MO, August 7-13. The Quartet Division of GMWA headed by Tyrone Porter of the Christianaires is gearing up to be one of the greatest events ever. A scholarship fund has been setup to honor the legacy of Rev. Roger Bryant a member of the Jackson Southernaires who went home to be with the Lord a few weeks ago. This event is one that quartet music lovers and singers don't want to miss. It provides a platform for up and coming new artist and the great part about this convention those in attendance get to learn from the best. It's special because you get to meet and mingle with top names in the quartet industry. It's the place to be. For more information log on to www.gmwa.org. As I stated before, this year has brought lots of good music and below is a partial list of music you can now find in stores. 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 2004
May 20, 2004 |
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