July 3, 2004

A Tribute to Mr. Bill Pinkney

Yes, there was a concert at the Township Auditorium in Columbia, South Carolina on last night – Friday, July 2, 2004.  Well if you did not know about the concert you were not alone, which was very unfortunate.  For you see, the concert was to honor the Legendry Bill Pinkney.  Mr. Pinkney has been signing professionally for over 60 years.  Mr. Pinkney is the only surviving original member of The Drifters.  He is often thought of as only a Rhythm and Blues singer. 

However, beginning several years ago, he turned back to his roots and have since recorded several gospel CD’s.  The name of his group now is Bill Pinkney and The Original Gospel Drifters.  This group has recorded with many of the best in the gospel music industry, including the Williams Brothers.  Mr. Pinkney has taken the best music, vocals, and choreography of Rhythm and Blues and adapted them to gospel quartet music.  The group’s style is refreshing and the songs are without a doubt – gospel! 

Mr. Pinkney has sung in virtually every country.  He has sung for kings, queens, presidents, other dignitaries, and to sold-out audiences all over the world.  He has received so many awards and recognitions until space would not permit the naming of them all.  His home state, South Carolina, awarded him the highest award given by the state – The Order of The Palmetto. 

Mr. Pinkney is certainly a legend.  Thou a very humble man, he is deserving of all the accolades.  This brings us to the Friday concert.  The concert was to be a gospel tribute to Mr. Pinkney. 

Maybe because it was a Friday night, or maybe because it was a very hot day in Columbia, or maybe it was because of the price of the tickets ($23.00 in advance, $28.00 at the door), or maybe, just maybe it was because the program was not properly advertised - no matter what the reason, the crowd was certainly slim.  The Township Auditorium seats over 3,000.  There may have been 500 in attendance at the concert.  It seemed that there were more persons there from out of state.  For instance, Darrell McFadden and his family were there.  Carolyn Roberts from New York was there.  Reverend Donnie Addison from Atlanta was there.  There were many other persons from New York, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia in attendance.  In spite of the number in attendance, the “show must go on.”  And it did. 

The program began 30 minutes late with a truly heartfelt prayer by Deacon Robert Burgess (of Deacon Robert Burgess and The Soul Searchers).  After the devotion, the emcee for the evening, Pastor Curtis Young, called the first group to the stage.  Columbia’s own Six Voices of Zion opened the program.  They are always ready to praise the Lord, and praise they did.  Their song “New Jerusalem” had everyone tapping their feet and clapping their hands. 

Next was The Brothers of Harmony.  These 5 gentlemen can really sing.  They are the nephews of South Carolina’s own the late Brook Benton.  Each of the brothers can sing lead.  Each sounded just like their famous uncle.  They sang “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” acappella.  Their music is a cross between gospel quartet and rhythm and blues.  Make no mistake about it they are singing God’s Word in song.  However, it is a very unique and refreshing style.  Their version of “Two Little Fish and Five Loaves of Bread” was just outstanding.  This was our first time hearing this group.  We are anxiously awaiting their next song service.

Next it was time for the honoree.  Bill Pinkney and The Original Gospel Drifters came on stage with “What a Wonderful Change” and they took the audience higher and higher which each song thereafter.  Reggie Funderburk, Perry Taft (formerly of Willie Neal Johnson and The Gospel Keynotes) and the guys really ministered.  The Gospel Drifters closed their portion of the service with “I’ve Come To The Garden Alone.”  Mr. Pinkney walked through the crowd singing this song.  And the crowd really got into the performance of this song.  Reggie led a portion of the song, and Perry also joined in on lead.  The group left the stage to (what I call) The Drifter’s strut.  Those gathered really showed their appreciation to Mr. Pinkney and The Gospel Drifters.

After the Gospel Drifters left the stage, Mr. Pinkney returned to accept a proclamation from the city of Columbia designating July 2, 2004, as Bill Pinkney day in Columbia. 

Then there was a major downtime in the program.  The audience had to wait about 45 minutes before the next group took the stage.  It was due to the charismatic and charming demeanor of the emcee, Pastor Curtis Young, that the audience did not complain or become rowdy.  Pastor Young was able to keep the crowd in an anticipation mode, instead of just letting the crowd linger without any comments from the stage.

Finally, The Christianaires took the stage.  Upon Paul Porter storming out on stage, the audience immediately forgot about the downtime.  The Christianaires hit the stage with energy and keep up the energy the entire time.  Paul testified, they sang, Paul testified, they sang, Paul testified and they sang.  They left the stage with more energy than when they came on.  They truly sang hard.  They also sang with such conviction that you knew these gentlemen are sincere about their ministry.  Praises after praises they (and the crowd) sang to our Lord and Savior.

Just when you thought the program could not get any better, the Doctor took the stage.  Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites began with “What a Friend We Have In Jesus.”  Doc and the guys then did an extended version of “I’ll Be Alright.”  They followed that with “Ain’t God a Good God.”  During this song, the microphones went out.  But being the professionals they are, Doc and The Hi-Lites continued to sing without the microphones.  The audience became a part of the group at that time, and you really did not miss the microphones.  The microphones came back on near the end of the song. 

Doc then called Mr. Pinkney to the stage.  Doc and the Hi-Lites did a tribute to Mr. Pinkney with the song “I Won.”  This was a very powerful moment.  The song has such meaning.  And the way the guys embraced Mr. Pinkney while signing the song touched everyone in the audience.

I do not think that anyone would have been disappointed had the concert ended after the singing of “I Won.”  But, the Canton Spirituals were there and they wanted to sing.  This writer has often commented on the fact that recently Harvey does more crying than singing.  Well on this night, he actually sang.  The audience really appreciated his singing of “It’s In My Heart” and “Fix It Jesus.”

By the time the Canton’s left the stage it was about 11:45 PM.  However, no one was going anywhere.  Because, it was time for The Mighty Clouds of Joy.  They closed the program.  The Mighty Clouds of Joy were the Clouds of old.  Joe’s voice was strong.  They had energy.  Joe actually walked into the crowd.  He apparently has had a full recovery from his health challenges.  All we can say is – “Ain’t God A Good God.” 

The Clouds did not have much time to sing, but they made the best of the time they had.  Their first song was “Somewhere Around God’s Thorne.”  Then Joe did a sermonette as an intro to “I Came To Jesus” and after about 5 minutes moved into the song.  It was vintage Mighty Clouds of Joy.  Their last song was “I Been In The Storm.”  Joe and Michael really teased the crowd with this song.  It was a powerful way to end the concert. 

The concert closed with the benediction by Pastor Young.  Unfortunately, there was not an alter call.  It should be mentioned that Rev. Isaac Heyward was one of the emcees for the program. 

Overall it was a good concert.  It just did not receive the advertisement it deserved.   

One closing observation, it took to long for the musicians to setup between groups.  The audience would be on a spiritual high, and loss the high due to the changing of the instruments and equipment.  In addition, it would really help if the musicians showed some enthusiasm when they are setting up.  To move around the stage as if you have all night, when the audience is waiting to hear the singers is becoming unacceptable to some gospel quartet concert goers.  We would encourage the musicians to reduce the time it takes to setup and to show some enthusiasm in setting up. 

Finally we say, congratulation Mr. Pinkney for all that you do for others.  You deserved the tribute.         

*******

July 4, 2004

Women of Unity

Saturday, July 3, 2004, is a day that the gospel quartet community in Columbia, South Carolina will never forget.  Why you ask?  Well, on that day the major female gospel quartet groups came together for a Women of Unity day.  The day not only represented the coming together of six (6) female gospel quartet groups in Columbia, but also the anniversary of the Anointed Angels.  The manager of The Anointed Angels is Jake Farrow.  In lieu of just an anniversary concert, the Anointed Angels decided to raise the bar and celebrate with a “Women of Unity” day.

The day began with a breakfast.  We understand that the speaker was uplifting yet direct.  Those in attendance were challenged to take their ministry to another level.  They were also challenged to never forget that there is strength in unity.

The day culminated with a concert at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church.  The concert began with a spirited devotion led by Deacon Nathaniel Stewart.  Deacon Stewart also served as the emcee of the evening.

The first group to minister was The Emmanuel Singers.  The Emmanuel Singers are Melissa Trapp, Teresa Trapp, Kwashere Carson, Doretta Carson and Betty Keitt.  The group is managed by James McClendon and James Martin.  They began with “Tell Him,” followed by “Thank God,” and ended with “Ain’t Got Much Time.”  Emmanuel really set the pace for what was to be a history making night. 

The next group to minister was Women with A Vision.  The group consists of Maxine Brown, Starr Thompson, Kelli Williams, Felica Shell, Theresa Ashley and Teresa Green.  We were informed that the group personnel are members of Cedar Creek Baptist Church.  This is a great group.  They began with “Do Lord” followed by “Making A Way For Me.”  They closed with their rendition of one of the Dixie Hummingbirds signature songs – “Help Me.”  If they have not, Women with A Vision really should record “Help Me.”  They bring new life to one of the greatest drive song in gospel music of all times.     

The next group to minister was Women of Strength.  This group has a new CD that should be on the play list of every gospel radio broadcast and station.  The CD was featured on www.scgospelquartet.com during the month of April.  The group consists of Antonia (Tonya) Jacobs, Tammy Patterson, Lyn Taylor, Dana Robinson, and Shonda Johnson.  This is a great group.  They began with “This World is Not My Home,” followed by “Wait on Jesus,” and closed with “Don’t Forget About Me.”  If you do not have a copy of their CD, run to your local record outlet and purchase it.  You will not be disappointed.

Women of Strength was followed by The Harmonettes (a/k/a Big Mack and The Harmonettes).  This group is on their way to becoming one of Columbia’s finest quartet groups.  The members are Casandra Moody, Ruby Griffen, Onyell Hingleton, Linda Moyd, Anita Aiken, Tami Jones and Raymond Cannady.  They opened with “Everything to Me” followed by Yes Lord.  They closed with “Look Yonder.”  This is a very unique song, both in it’s style and words.  The group’s voices seem to be just the right combination for this song.  They should go far in the local gospel quartet arena.  

After The Harmonettes, Spirit of Columbia ministered.  This is a very polished group.  It is obvious that they have been singing together for a long time.  They have a CD that has also been featured on www.scgospelquartet.com.  The members of this group are Regina Gibson, Elaine Black, Bonnie Williams, and Mildred Tyler.  Spirit has sung in many venues.  But, nothing compared to their ministering on Saturday night.  They just allowed the Holy Spirit to use them.  They began with “Jesus Is All I Need, then “He Will Do The Rest,” followed by “Jesus Is My Help.” 

The host group, The Anointed Angels, closed this portion of the program.  The Anointed Angels is another group that has been together for a long time.  This group should be touring the country and abroad.  They are a great group.  The members of the group are Edna Boyd, Deborah Smith, Jennie Martin, Charlene Johnson, and Christie McCants.  Ms. Johnson is the niece of the world-renowned gospel quartet singer the late Louis Johnson of The Swan Silvertones.

The Anointed Angels should be ranked among the best in gospel quartet music.  Under the tutelage of Jake Farrow, this group is position to take the music industry by storm.  They have recorded several CD’s.  This night they did a melody of some of their songs, such as “I Guest You Say,” God’s Got My Back,” “No Time To Waste,” and “Trust In The Lord.”  Then they sang “Sweet Spirit.”  What a powerful rendition of a great hymn.  Truly there was a sweet, sweet spirit in the place. 

They closed with the song “Thank You.”  This was no ordinary closure.  They weaved the names of all of the groups that made up the Women of Unity into the song.  They thanked each group for their participation.  As they called each group’s name, they turned to that group and extended their arms embracing the groups.  They also, in the song thanked the audience for supporting them.  It was a very unique and very appropriate way to end this portion of the program.     

Next representatives from each group formed a chorale and recognized each of the radio angels in the Columbia area that continue to promote and broadcast gospel quartet music.  They presented the Women of Unity “It’s Your Time” award to Reverend Jessie Gilmore, Mr. Nathaniel Fulton, Toby Goodson, Pastor Curtis Young, Ms. Loretta Coleman, Reverend Isaac Heyward, Leslie Fisher, Deacon Nathaniel Stewart, Ms. Blanche Goodson, Nero Tindal, and to Toby Driver.  Toby Driver has been hospitalized for sometime.  His sister accepted the award on his behalf.  We solicit your continued prayers for Toby.  Mr. Tindal is also not doing well.  Ms. Marlese Hendrix accepted the award on behalf of Mr. Tindal.  We also solicit your continued prayers for Mr. Tindal.   

The groups surprised Jake Farrow with an appreciation award.  In addition, an award was presented to the pastor of the church, Pastor Dorothy Pearson. 

The awards were presented while the musicians played Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires’ “It’s Your Time.”  Words cannot describe the atmosphere that existed in the sanctuary during the presentation of the awards.  One can only say that it was a sweet, sweet, sweet spirit in the place.              

Once all the awards were presented, the representatives of the groups each sang a verse of “It’s Your Time” to the radio angels.  What a fitting tribute to a group of unsung heroes and heroines that keeps quartet gospel music alive in Columbia.  Thereafter, Deacon Stewart gave the benediction.            

Those in attendance at the Saturday night program also included members from The Six Voices of Zion, Reverend George Johnson and The Johnsonaires, and musicians from the group Reverend Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers.

Jake Farrow and Anointed Angels and those that participated really made Saturday, July 3, 2004, a special day in South Carolina.  We must also commend Jake and all the musicians for not wasting time in setting up between groups.  They setup in record time.  There was no downtime.  So, it can be done.  We just hope that the national groups will take note.

Again, to Jake Farrow and The Anointed Angels, and to all of the groups that made up Women of Unity, we congratulate you on a job well done. 

*******

July 19, 2004

The Ballard Sisters' Anniversary

What a program.  Sunday night was one to remember.  It was the 26^th Anniversary of The Ballard Sisters of Camden, South Carolina.  This is the group with the incredible keyboard player that is only eight (8) years old, Eddie Cabbagestalk, Jr. 

On program were Women of Strength, The National Juniors, Rev. George R. Johnson and The Johnsonaires, Revelation, and the phenomenal Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers. 

Also on program was Jessie Watkins and The Gospel Starlights.  The guest artist of the night was Norris Brown and Holy Vision.  In addition, the Doctor was in the house.  Yes, Doc McKenzie stopped by the program to support The Ballard Sisters.  Of course, the crowd would not let Doc leave without singing a song.  In fact he sang two songs with The Ballard Sisters and one by himself. 

Also present were Brian Mayes, of Brian Mayes and Heavenbound, Loretta Coleman, of L. C. Ministries, Henry Jones, of The Jones Brothers, Virginia Harris, James Barber, David and Tammy Sowell of Antioch, Eddie Dunlap, and Blanche Goodson.  Ms. Goodson served as one of the emcees.

The crowd of about 125 was treated to the best in SC gospel quartet music.  And the program did not last very long.  It was a good program. 

*******

July 30, 2004

Last night The Texas Boyz and Li’l Willie & The Gospel Keynotes were in concert in Gaffney, South Carolina.  We understand that they were the only groups on program.  The program started on time and was over in less than three (3) hours.

Even though the program was on a Thursday night, it was well supported by the community.  It just goes to show that it does not matter what night you have a program when you have quality groups like The Texas Boyz and Li’l Willie & The Gospel Keynotes on the program.  And also when there are not to many groups on the program.  For a Thursday night, two groups were just enough.