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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. September 2, 2003 WOW!!! GMWA Quartet Division 2003 will be remembered as one of the greatest conventions since its inception. The Tampa Wyndam Harbour Island Hotel will never be the same. It's been almost three weeks since we were in Tampa and the dust has yet to settle. Tyrone Porter and his committee really had it all together. There was so much going on, people came from all over and not only that, everybody who is anybody in the quartet industry was there at some point during the course of the week. On Thursday evening, a memorable tribute was paid to some of those who paved the way for today's generation. The banquet was so successful because there you could find members or representatives of quartets ranging from The Brooklyn All-Stars, Loving Sisters, Spencer Taylor and the Highway QC's, Dorothy Norwood, Albertina Walker, Dixie Hummingbirds, Sullivan Pugh of The Consolers, The Williams Brothers, The Jackson Southernaires and The Canton Spirituals to name only a few. It was a wonderful event, and very special because those in attendance could feel the comfort of the words that were spoken about them. In other words, they could smell their flowers while they are still alive. Friday evening was dubbed Quartet Night at GMWA, and it was a power-packed event held in the Tampa Marriott Waterside Ball Room. The high energy and spirituality of those who participated permeated through out the room. I was in awe to see how each group of singers could just take you to another Holy Ghost filled space in just a few minutes. They knew they had a certain amount of time allotted them, so they hit the floor with their best. It was experience at work. I found myself laughing and crying in the Spirit as each group brought their best and left those of us in the audience mesmerized and wanting more. Here are a few song highlights from some of the participating artists: Eternal Light "Walkin’ With Me", Bonner Brothers "Send Me and I'll Go”, Neal Roberson "Don't Let The Devil Ride" with his harmonica, Spencer Taylor and the Highway QC's "Mr. Do You Love Him", Brooklyn All-Stars with Bro. Fain singing like he was 19 (although he told us he is now 78 years old); The McDonald Sisters singing like crazy women; The Pilgrim Jubilees’s snippet of "Raining In Somebody's Life" before C&C went back and got "Too Close" to put us under the seats. Paul Porter and The Christiannaires took the crowd to another level as we spread our wings to fly away. Let us not forget RiZen, a group of young ladies out of Flint, MI who were absolutely phenomenal. Deacon Harvey Watkins is so smooth, and did he ever bless us as he came with a message and a prayer that sent the house into total chaos. Please note that everyone who hit the stage left their imprint on all who were in attendance. Quartet Night 2003 was the boom!!! In the coming weeks we’ll share tidbits of info about some of the artist we were blessed to talk with in Tampa. Make your plans now to attend GMWA 2004 in Kansas City. And be sure to support your favorite artist by purchasing their product. 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 2, 2003 |
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