March 4, 2004

The Williams Brothers and Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC's performed at the Township Auditorium in Columbia on tonight.  This program was originally scheduled for January 29, 2004, and was to be the kick off for this year's Black History Month Celebration.  However, due to inclement weather it was postponed.

The crowd of over 2000  persons received a very inspiring sermon from Elder Darrell Jackson of Bibleway Church Atlas Road.  Also on the program were Bibleway Mass Choir, The Gospel Legends, The Rising Stars of Eastover and The Gospel Redeemers.

L. C. Ministries sponsored the program. Loretta Coleman of L. C. Ministries served as the Emcee.  We congratulate L. C. Ministries for sponsoring this program.

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March 14, 2004

Quartet Mania

If you like gospel music, particularly gospel quartet, the Florence Civic Center was the place to be last night - Saturday, March 13, 2004.  Rev. Andrew Cheairs brought five of the top groups in quartet gospel, and his own group, to what was dubbed Quartet Mania. 

The program began with the legendary Jackson Southernaires.  Huey, Roger, Maurice and the guys raised the bar to a level that required every group that came on after them to really, really minister.  After the Jackson Southernaires, Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires took the stage.  You would expect nothing but the best from the Jubilaires and that is what you got, nothing but their best.  "I've Got Heaven On My Mind" took the crowd into an extended praise and worship.  They also did songs from their new project, "It's Your Time."

Rev. Andrew Cheairs and the Songbirds were next.  They sang songs from their new project, "I've Been There." They closed with their signature song, "Move For The Lord."

And then . . . . . and then The Doctor took over.  What can be said about Doc's performance that has not already been said?  Well, as usual, The Hi-Lites were great.  They did some old and some new songs including the re-mix of "Tell Jesus."  Doc's son, Ryant, joined him on stage to do the rapping for the re-mix.  Also, Benny was back with Doc. It was really good to see Benny doing so well after the medical challenges he has faced.  Welcome back Benny!

The Cantons were next.  The best thing about the Cantons performance was the guest artist, Paul Porter.  Yes, Paul Porter of The Christianaires joined the Cantons on stage.  For fans of gospel quartet music, you know that when Paul is on stage he sings and sings and sings.  And that he did.

Unfortunately, the crowd did not hear to many of the Cantons' songs. The Cantons have a great collection of songs, but on this occasion Harvey did more crying than singing.  Thanks to the Canton for bring Paul Porter with them. 

Lee! Lee! Lee! Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC's closed out the program.  As often the case, by the time Lee and the QC's got on stage, there was very little time left for them to sing.  They sang "I've Learned To Lean," "Good Time" and a portion of "I Can't Give Up" before the mikes were taken away.  It was certainly not fair to Lee and the QC's, and the crowd was really disappointed in the fact the Lee and the QC's did not have more time to sing.

There were several singers in the audience who came to the concert just to give their support for the program; they included Brian Mayes (of Brain Mayes and Heavenbound), The Ballard Sisters, with young master Eddie Cabbagestalk, Jr., and Flossie of Flossie and The Singing Sisters. 

Rick Joyner, of The Lite radio network, from Atlanta served as the emcee.  Rick kept the crowd of about 4,500 occupied during the changing of the stage equipment and instruments between each group's performance.

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March 22, 2004

On yesterday, Sunday, March 21, 2004, Darrell McFadden and The Disciplines celebrated their anniversary in Sumter at The Opera House on Main Street.  The crowd of several hundred was treated to the songs of The True Tones of Andrews, Flossie & The Singing Sisters of Bishopville, and Ernest Pearson & The Singing Disciples. 

Darrell and the Disciples do some old and some new songs.  And yes the Doctor was in the house.  Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites was the special guest.  Doc was vintage Doc McKenzie.  Doc seemed to just picked up where he ended on last Saturday, March 13, 2004, in Florence, South Carolina.

Hopefully, Darrell and The Disciples will make Sumter their annual stop in which to celebrate their anniversary.  Their singing really moved those in attendance.  Also, The Opera House in Sumter is a great place to have a concert.  We encourage any promoter considering a concert in the area to consider The Opera House.

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March 27, 2004

WHO ARE WE? THE DIXIE HUMMINGBIRDS!

What a night! What a night! What a night! Have you ever had the pleasure of conversing with the Legendary Ira Tucker of the Dixie Hummingbirds?  Have you ever had the pleasure of witnessing the Dixie Hummingbirds in full concert, where they sing for over two hours? Well if the answer to either of these questions is no, then you should have been at Lively Stone Temple in Columbia on Friday, March 26, 2004.

This was the first time the Dixie Hummingbirds have been in concert in South Carolina for quite sometime.  They certainly made up for their absence.  But I am getting ahead of myself.

The concert BEGAN ON TIME with a spirited prayer by the Pastor of Lively Stone Temple, Elder James Mack.  He was followed by Associate Elder Donald Danner of Barnwell.  Elder Danner is a very talented singer.  His singing style and voice are combinations of Al Green and Sam Cooke.  He has performed with many groups, including The Swanee Quintet, The Violinaires, Willie Banks and The Messengers, just to name a few.  He has also appeared on Showcase At The Apollo. Elder Danner is a great vocalist.

Mr. Nathaniel Fulton, who served as emcee for the first portion of the concert, then called The National Juniors to the stage.  They did their routine set of songs and left the crowd wanting more.  The Brewsteraires then took the stage and took the program to a higher level.  Their music ministry is one of the best.  This is truly a very professional group.

At this point in the program, Emcee Blanche Goodson called members of local groups to the stage.  There were at least 12 local groups represented.  In addition to the local group's representatives, Frank Thompson, formally of The Violinaires, also took part in this portion of the program.  Each person spent about a minute telling the Birds what they have meant to them.  It was a very heart felt moment in time. The influence that the Birds' ministry has had on many brought them and many in the audience to tears.  They were tears of joy.  It was truly a very special experience.

Nero "Mr. Gospel" Tindal, though frail in health, was there and he recounted his association with the Birds and the fact that they have personally known each other for over 50 years.  This was followed by a Resolution presented to the Birds by the South Carolina Legislature.  The Resolution recognized the Birds contribution to the world and their South Carolina heritage.  This was the first time the state of South Carolina has ever formally recognized the Dixie Hummingbirds. Representative Leon Howard, whose eighty-plus year old father was in the audience, presented the Resolution.

Attorney Joseph Smalls presented a plaque from the South Carolina Gospel Quartet Awards Banquet Committee thanking the Birds for all they have done to help preserve this genre of music. 

Then it was time for the Birds.  Mr. Tucker and the guys not only ministered in song, but they also gave a great history lesson on their pilgrimage through the gospel music field and the many persons and places that have been a part of their ministry.  They told the story in words and songs as to how this group from South Carolina started and how they have been able to survive.  If you are familiar with their song

"Who Are We?" then you have heard a part of the history.  On Friday night, they gave the crowd the rest of the history.  By the way, the current members of the Birds are Mr. Tucker - lead singer, Lyndon Baines Jones - lead guitar player and vocalist, Rev. Carlton Lewis, III - tenor and lead singer, William Bright - vocalist that sings in any range he desires. 

They have sung for kings and queens. They have sung for Presidents. They have performed for sellout crowds and for "slim" crowds. Mr. Tucker spoke of the previous members of the Birds.  He spoke about the current members of the Birds.  The current lineup also includes their drummer, Jermaine Jackson, who is from South Carolina.  He spoke about their travel overseas.  And, yes they sang.

They sang and sang.  Overall they were on stage for over 2 hours.  And if it was up to Mr. Tucker they would have spent another hour on stage.  The list of songs they sang is to numerous to mention.  But suffice it to say, they sang almost every song the audience requested and some that are just everyone's favorite.

Columbia and the surrounding area really supported this program.  The Church was full. There were persons from Georgia, like Clearance Connor of The Gospel Incredibles.  Michael Cook from New York.  There were people from North Carolina.  For those in attendance, this was a concert that they will never forget.  This is one they will be telling their grands, great grands and anyone that will listen about.

By the way, for those considering a gospel quartet concert in Columbia, we highly recommend Lively Stone Temple.  The Pastor is a gospel quartet fan, and the congregation is very friendly and helpful. Thank you Birds for a great history making night!

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March 28, 2004

The Inspiration Singers

The Inspiration Singers of Lancaster celebrated their 26th Anniversary with a banquet and concert.  The banquet was held on Saturday, March 27, 2004, at the American Legion Lodge in Lancaster.  The Mistress of Ceremony was Minister Patience Wood.  The speaker for the event was Elder Troy Jackson of Willacoochee, Georgia.

The Inspiration Singers and The Gospel Travelers of Lancaster performed during the banquet.  Attendees at the banquet included Pastor Kenny W. Rose, Promoter Helen Mackey, and entrepreneur and civic leader James Barber.  There were also many family members of the Inspiration Singers in attendance.

On Sunday, March 28, 2004, the Inspiration Singers concluded their anniversary with a concert featuring The Swanee Quintet.  We congratulate the Inspiration Singers for staying on the battlefield for 26 years.

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Camden, South Carolina

On Saturday, March 27, 2004, The Swanee Quintet appeared in concert in Camden, South Carolina. Also on program was the Glory Singers of Camden.  We understand that it was a great program.

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March 29, 2004

On Sunday, March 28, 2004, an appreciation program was held for Master Toby A. Goodson.  Toby is one of the youngest, if not the youngest, radio angel on the airways in South Carolina.  He can be heard on Saturdays and Sundays on WLGO 1170 AM Radio Station.

He is a student at Lower Richland High School.  He is a member of Junior ROTC, the Track and Field team, the football team, the school bands, and he is a great student.  He is one of the drummers for the National Juniors.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Goodson.  Most importantly, he is a child of God.

The program was held at Love Center Baptist Church. Rev. George R. Johnson of Rev George R. Johnson and the Johnsonaires is the pastor. Blanche Goodson served as emcee.  The program began with a very inspirational devotion by Rev. Wilbert Lyles.  After the devotion, twins Loretta and Doretta performed several songs.  We understand that each is a member of different gospel groups in the Columbia area. They were followed by the Southern Gospel Singers.  This was the first time we had seen the Southern Gospel Singers in concert for quite sometime.  We were not disappointed.

The next group to perform was the National Juniors.  Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers closed the program.  It was a very special program.  It was organized by Rev. Matthew Mickens.  The groups and those present certainly made it clear to Toby how much he is appreciated.