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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. October 22, 2003 Fall is now upon us and quartets are steadily moving to the next level. Just recently, I attended the Central South Gospel Music Conference and was blessed with the opportunity to hear some young newcomers like The Gospel Wonders and The Lighthouse Singers. The Gospel Wonders, a group of young men, hail from the West Coast. They reside in Los Angeles and will soon be releasing on ChurchHowse Music. The Lighthouse Singers hail from Baton Rouge and are in stores now on Innovative Records. They can sing and they give you great fashion. These two groups are truly destined for greatness, are full of power and energy; and I expect that they will be around for a long time. Also appearing at the conference were The Supreme Voices, but singing without Slim (Howard Hunt), who was not present because he was in the hospital. Please keep him in your prayers. Doug Williams and Neal Roberson represented Blackberry Records, and did they bless us! Luther Barnes was on hand to bless the conference with his hit song "It's Your Time". Speaking of Luther Barnes, he just completed his Song Ministries Conference in Rocky Mount, NC and everybody who is anybody in gospel music was there. The conference was held in the newly built Red Budd Church where Luther's father Bishop F.C. Barnes is the Pastor. The buzz is that Luther, Bishop F.C. Barnes, Tommy Ellison, Harvey Watkins, Paul Porter, Dr. Bobby Jones, Melvin Williams and other greats brought the house down with their rendition of "Rough Side Of The Mountain". Evelyn Turrentine-Agee was scheduled for the CSG conference, but because of illness she could not attend. Although, she wasn't feeling well on her recent visit to Chattanooga, TN, she left those attending in Holy Ghost awe, as she ministered along with the Warriors. If you hear of this lady coming your way make, sure you are in the house. She is phenomenal. I spoke with Mr. James Bullard, of MCG Records, the other day and he expressed his excitement about the fact that some people in Hollywood are in the process of filming a documentary on some of the quartet pioneers. Let's keep our ears open so that we can support this major undertaking when it's released. During GMWA this past August, I spoke with Damon Little from the group New Beginnings; he informed me that they are quite busy traveling with their hit song "Straddle The Fence", and that they are heavily booked all over the country through 2004. Damon is based in Baltimore, when not on the road. What I found most interesting about our conversation, is that he owns and operates an assisted-living home for the mentally retarded and elderly. He told me that staying focused and humble is very important to him. Damon has been married for three years and he's the proud father of a little girl. He attends New Elizabeth Baptist Church in Baltimore. Look for his new release scheduled for January 2004, How You Gonna Do Right With A Do Wrong Mind. For those of you interested in Deacon Harvey Watkins, he's married and has been for over twenty years, and he's the father of one daughter. The Pilgrim Jubilees is still going strong with their new release The Year of Jubilee. This project, in stores now, commemorates their 50 years of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through recorded music. This release is a one you would want to add to your collection. We are patiently waiting for The Williams Brothers new release scheduled to be in stores in November 2004. After a sneak preview, let me tell you, you will not be disappointed it's going to be these veterans at their very best. Show love to your favorite artist by purchasing their product. Hot picks, 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 22, 2003 |
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