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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. October 19, 2004 Summer is officially over, and we are now into what is called Fall. As a child growing up, I remember hearing my grandparents say that "the time will come that you cannot tell Spring from Summer, or Summer from Fall". As I look at the different elements and hear of the hurricanes that are affecting all of us, I wonder if we recognize that God is speaking to us. Those of us in the Gospel music industry are supposed to be different. But are we? Our lifestyles should reflect the One we represent. God has given us an opportunity to represent Him, but it seems that some of us are more concerned with being number one at any cost. Let us remember that God does not give us a vision without making provision, so as we strive to be number one, or to increase our notoriety, let us keep in mind that God has the last say. The summer of 2004 has left us with some powerful music. Quartet music by no means is lacking in the impact that it is having on all facets of Gospel. The increasing interest that our young people now have in quartet music is growing and means that this genre of music will live forever. The phenomenal power of this music is awesome; it continues to draw large crowds to concerts, and customers to stores. I've even noticed that quartet music is now being recorded by artists who are noted for other types of Gospel. When you pick up a copy of the newly released project by John P. Kee, Deitrick Haddon or Bishop Paul S. Morton, to name a few, you will find that they have included a quartet number. And make no mistake, these songs are hitting. I want to commend Keith 'Wonderboy' Johnson for the fantastic job that he and his group did while in Chattanooga, TN several weeks ago. Keith was special guest of the Spiritual Highlights who celebrated their 19th anniversary. The powerful impact that his music had on everyone in attendance, especially, the young people blew my mind. The anointing fell; young people were called to the front of the church, and were visibly caught up in the spirit. This was a real praise party. The Stellar Gospel Music Awards Ballot is out and in the hands of those persons who will select the nominees who will be nominated for a Stellar Award. We want to salute those artists who are listed on the ballot, and we will inform you of those who receive the nomination. It's anniversary time and we want to congratulate those groups who will be celebrating their anniversaries in the upcoming months. Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's will celebrate their anniversary in Lake City, SC on Oct. 16 and on Oct. 24 they will celebrate in Tuscaloosa, AL. The Sensational Nightingales will celebrate their 58th anniversary on Nov. 7 in Durham, NC. Plans are now underway for Luther Barnes' Annual Music Conference, scheduled to be held Oct. 13-16 in Rocky Mount, NC. The Racy Brothers are back and have released a new project on MCG Records. Also, The William Sisters are back with a powerful project on EMI Gospel. Verity recording artist Harvey Watkins and The Canton Spirituals new project is in stores and you can also pickup The Cantons' new DVD. The Williams Brothers have started a subsidiary label called Blueberry Records and have released their first artist, Hip Boot Joe. Speaking of The Williams Bros, plans are underway for Melvin Williams' next project; he is scheduled to go in studio in January. Also, plans are being made for the Brothers to be special guest on a Gospel cruise in the spring of 2005. Support your favorite artist! Remember to 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 2004 August 2004
October 19, 2004 |
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