January 2, 2005

The Williams Brothers Anniversary

New Year’s Day 2005 will be remembered by many gospel quartet fans as the day they broke with tradition and attended a great concert.  Let’s set the stage.  Imagine pulling up to a high school on the first day of a New Year and seeing about ten (10) chartered buses from across the country.  And imagine a parking lot that holds 1,000 vehicles being full to capacity.  And imagine having to park about a half of a mile from the high school.  And imagine having to wait in line about 10 minutes just to get into the building, a building that holds 3,000 people comfortably, that on this day would be required to hold over 3,500.

Traditionally, most people spend New Year’s Day with their family and friends enjoying the traditional, and in some cases required, New Year’s Day cuisine.  Others become couch potatoes for a day and watch football games until the early morning of the next day.  But, for over 3,500 people yesterday (January 1, 2005) was definitely not a traditional day.  It was a day spend enjoying one of the best gospel quartet concerts to ever occur in South Carolina.  Hopefully, the New Year’s Day concert will become a tradition.   

The concert was the brainchild of Loretta Coleman of L. C. Ministries.  L. C. Ministries brought to South Carolina a July 4^th gospel quartet concert last year that was outstanding. 

You would have expected persons from various parts of South Carolina to  attend the concert.  However, on this day, persons from across the country attended the concert.  There were attendees from California (that flew in just for the anniversary program), Texas, and Boston, New York, Baltimore, Virginia, Georgia (Atlanta, Albany, Ft. Valley, Athens and other parts of Georgia), Tennessee, Orlando and Jacksonville Florida, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama and many other places.  About two-thirds (2/3) of the attendees were from out of state.

The concert began with a very spirited devotion by Minister Norris Turner.  Some may remember Minister Turner as one of the great quartet singers of the sixties and seventies.  After the devotion, the emcees for the night, Minister Curtis Young (formerly of The Five Singing Sons of North) and Ms. Virginia Harris took over. 

The first group to minister was The Gospel Redeemer.  A staple on programs in South Carolina, the Redeemers set the tone for what was to become a great night of gospel quartet music.  The next group to take the stage is one of the most polished groups in South Carolina, Rev. Matthews and The New Highway Travelers. 

Rev. Mickens and the guys really ministered.  One of the most impressive aspects of the group is the musicians.  The musicians (who also sing lead and background) are the sons of Rev. Mickens.  And these guys are good.  If you are planning a concert, you will not be disappointed with having this group on your program.  They moved the program to another level.  They were followed by The Gospel Legends, another group from South Carolina.            

The Jackson Southernaires was the first “national” group to perform.  Huey and the guys sang some old and some newer songs.  They began with Beulah Land and closed with “Lead Me.”  “In The House” was a crowd pleaser.  Of note, there is a new member of the group.  His name is Larry Brown.  He has been with the group since August 2004.  And yes, Larry can sing.  He will definitely bring renewed life to this legendary group.

The Reverend Howard “Slim” Hunt and The Supreme Angels were next to minister.  Slim preached and sang.  His WORDS to the attendees were very timely and direct.  He reminded us all that you must live the Word of God and live by the Word of God, no exceptions.  They sang several of their older songs, but sang more of the newer songs; such as, “I’m Not Ashamed”  “God Got It,” and “Have You Heard The News.”  Michael Boykin sings second lead with the group.  However, he sounds so much like Slim.  And it was difficult, but rewarding, at times to not be able to recognize when Slim turned the lead duties on a song over to him.  They left the crowd wanting more and more and more.

Next, Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires ministered.  And on this night, they really ministered.  They sang more songs than any other group in the time that was allotted.  Many of the songs had the crowd on their feet.  However, “I’m Determined” and “It’s Your Time” had many in tears.  It is difficult to put into words the effect that the song “It’s Your Time” had on the attendees.  There were persons who usually just sit at a concert that were on their feet.  Others were just shaking their heads.  Others were walking the floor.  Others even crowded the stage.  And many were in tears.  It was a very powerful and poignant period during the concert.

George Dean and The Gospel Four followed Luther and The Sunset Jubilaires.  They sang many of the crowd favorites, including A New Way of Walking,” “Wait On The Lord,” and “Blessing Me.”  With George Dean and The Gospel Four you get the same sound that appears on their recordings.  This means that they minister as if they were in a live recording.  They put their all and all into their performance.  The crowd was well pleased with the way George and the guys ministered to them.   

Next it was time for the anniversary group.  The Brothers took the stage singing “Come As You Are.”  After which, they were presented with a resolution from the City of Columbia, South Carolina, declaring January 1, 2005, The Williams Brothers Day in Columbia.  In addition, they were presented with a portrait titled “Mentoring” from the Columbia Urban League.  A resolution was also presented from the State of South Carolina recognizing the Williams Brothers for their contributions to gospel music.  L. C. Ministries also present the Brothers with the coveted Palmetto Gospel Quartet Music Award, personally engraved crystal glasses.

The Brothers were very appreciative of the awards and of their fans support from all over the country.  Melvin acknowledged the presence of his brother Huey and thanked Huey for helping to launch The Williams Brothers’ career in gospel music. 

One of the nuggets of the night was when Melvin recognized Tommy Ellison and asked Tommy to join them on stage.  Melvin thanked Tommy for the role he has played in helping The Williams Brothers.  And yes, you guest it.  Tommy and The Brothers went “out on the ocean sailing.”  Tommy, the Brothers and several fans “sailed” for what was a very unique moment in time. 

The Brothers then got back to ministering with “Waiting On Jesus.”  Doug had the crowd up and, again, in tears with “Still Here.”  Like Luther’s singing of “It’s Your Time,” “Still Here” really ministered to many of the attendees.  If you will, consider the fact that it was the first day of the New Year and everyone at the concert (many having had love ones to die during 2004) could stand on January 1, 2005, and say I’m “Still Here.”  What another powerful and poignant time during the concert. 

The Brothers closed with “You Brought Me Over” and “Pray On.”  But before that, Lee Williams joined them on stage for the singing of “Cooling Waters.”  As expected this was a crowd pleaser.

Next, it was time for the Doctor.  Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, dress in awesome blue suits, took the stage singing “I’m Glad I Was Not Made By Man.”  Then the unexpected happened.  The mike and instruments went dead.  This unexpected event turned into another one of the highlights of the night.  Doc and the guys did not stop singing.  The audience joined in.  Therefore, you had Doc and the Hi-Lites singing with, and being accompanied by, a 3,500+ voice choir.  The sound system came back on, but went out again.  However, it just provided another opportunity for the choir to sing.

After the song system came back on Doc and the guys moved into “Jesus Said It.”  As with the previous song, the sound system went dead again.  Well, the choir just picked up and carried the song to its conclusion.  By that time the sound system was operating properly. The group closed with “I’ll Be Alright” and Ain’t God A Good God.”      

It is worth noting that if the sound system had to go down, it went down at the right time and during the right songs.  It would have been difficult for the audience to become a choir singing “I Won” or “House Of Refugee.”  So, in spite of technical problems by products made by man, it became an opportunity for everyone present to join in praising God in song.  And it just so happened (I wonder?) that the group was singing the right songs at that right time.

Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s closed the program.  Lee did not let the crowd down, and the crowd did not let him down.  At the end of the concert the building was still packed.  Lee and the guys did a very good selection of songs.  They sang most of the songs that made the group a crowd pleaser where ever they go.

The program closed, rightfully so, with a powerful benediction.

We take our hats off to Loretta Coleman and L. C. Ministries.  We congratulate them (and thank them) for putting together this outstanding program  

This program showed several things - 1) that any day is a good day for a GOOD gospel quartet package. 2) that people will travel (even in times when the economy is not doing well) miles and miles on a holiday to attend a GOOD gospel quartet packaged concert.  3) that GOOD local groups are important to making the package complete.  4) that adding Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires and George Dean and The Gospel Four to the package was the best thing that could have happened to the program.  Luther and George added another dimension and depth to the program.  5) And finally, that gospel quartet music is certainly not dead.  It has moved off of life support and is doing just fine.

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January 3, 2005

By: Gospel Correspondent Blanche V. S. Goodson

For over forty years the First Sunday in January has been the day for the Ugly Man Contest in South Carolina.  The program stemmed from an idea of Tommy Ellison (The Superstar), Mr. Nero (Mr. Gospel) Tindal and a group called the “headliners” from Columbia, The Six Voices of Zion.  The program is actually a gospel concert and during the concert the ugliest man at the program is showed with gifts.

From its inception the program was held in Sumter, South Carolina.  However, this year the site of the program was changed to Orangeburg, South Carolina.  It was held on January 2, 2005, at Exodus Baptist Church. 

The emcee for the evening was yours truly Sister Blanche V. Smalls Goodson.  The concert began about thirty minutes late with devotion by Reverend Julius Guinyard of The Gospel All-Stars.  The first group to perform was The    Mighty Gospel Saints of Norway who showed such a professional attitude to the crowd of about 75 people. Next on program was The Gospel All-Stars.  They allowed the Lord to use them to minister to the people in a life changing way.  And to help us keep in mind that God has not changed.  What He has done in the past He can do it again for us in 2005.

Next on program was Big Mack and The Harmonettes.  As always, The Harmonettes filled the church with sweet harmony.  They left a sweet taste in our mouth.

Next on program was The Palmetto Gospel Singers.  They have been on the Ugly Man Program since its inception.  Then the Headliners came on the floor with renewed energy.  They have a new CD, which is so uplifting.  As expected, The Six Voices of Zion really encouraged the crowd. 

The last group to perform was Revelation of Hopkins.  Roy and the young men that make up this group are really becoming professionals.  They picked up where The Six Voices of Zion left off.  They showed their serious side in ministering the Word of God.

 At the end of the program the call was made for the ugliness man but no one came forward.  So the funds raised at the program were donated to the church. 

 Pastor Joe Patterson made the alter call and did the benediction. 

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January 4, 2005

We have learned that Blanche Goodson and Loretta Coleman will be attending the American Gospel Quartet Convention (AGQC) in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 18 - 22, 2005.  Yes, two of the most popular personalities in gospel quartet music in South Carolina will be in Birmingham.    Ms. Goodson, who is affectionately referred to as THE VOICE OF THE SOUTH, serves as coordinator of the Radio Announcers Division of the AGQC.  For years she has won the Radio Announcer of the Year Award from the AGQC.  Once again, she has been nominated for Radio Announcer of the Year.   Ms. Coleman, who is affectionately referred to as The Gospel Queen, has made a name for herself as the head of L. C. Ministries and one of the best promoters of our times.  She is dedicated to her ministry and continuously brings the best in gospel quartet music to South Carolina.  This year she has been nominated for the AGQC Promoter of the Year.   We congratulate them on their respective nominations.  

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January 6, 2005  

The group Women of Strength has been chosen by the committee of the SC Gospel Quartet Awards Banquet to represent South Carolina at the upcoming American Gospel Quartet Convention.  Being chosen to represent South Carolina is an indication of the quality of the song ministry of this group and exemplifies their dedication to their music ministry.   The group received paid registrations and a stipend to defray much of the expenses associated with their attendance at the AGQC.  The groups will perform during various concerts and showcases at the convention.   Past attendees that were sent to the AGQC by the committee of SC Gospel Quartet Awards Banquet include The Gospel All-Stars, Spirit of Columbia, Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers, The National Juniors and Pelham Myers and The Five Singing Stars.  Groups that were selected by the committee in the past, but did not attend the AGQC were The Gospel Legends, The Six Voices of Zion and The Brewsteraires.

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January 10, 2005

Blockbuster Reunion 2005

Often in covering a concert the focus, as it should be, is on the music and the ministering of the singers and their praising and worshiping our Lord and Savior.  On Sunday, January 9, 2005, The Blockbuster Reunion was no different.  However, in addition to the praise and worship, one thing that stood out was the professional manner in which the promoter presented the program.  In addition, you had to take note of the professionalism of The Christianaires.

The program was presented by JMR Promotions, which is headed by Ms. Johnnie Mae Rich.  It is good to have a promoter that takes care of business and on this night she did.  The place was just the right size for the program.  The lighting was excellent.  The seating arrangement was very comfortable.  The equipment worked well and was adjusted so that the musicians did not drown out the voices of the singers.  Once the program began there was little  downtime. 

When one thinks of a professional, often the persons that generally come to mind are doctors, lawyers, nurses and athletes.  Well, it occurred to us that there are promoters that epitomize professionalism.  To begin to name them will offend those whose name is left out.  However, taking that risk, there are three that immediately come to mind, Ms. Loretta Coleman, Dr. Ella Mahmoud, and Ms. Johnnie Mae Rich.  The industry must take note that there is a new breed of promoters on the scene and they display (and, rightfully so, requires of others) professionalism.

One of the definitions of “professionalism” is “the expertness characteristic of a professional person.”  In reflecting on the concert you we were drawn to the professionalism of The Christianaires.  They are experts at what they do.  On this night, Paul Porter was not with the group – Paul is recovering from surgery.  And there is no doubt that Paul was missed.  However, no one had any complaints about the ministering by The Christianaires.  First, they did not try to sound like Paul – true professionals.  Secondly, Charles Porter, Tyrone and Paul’s older brother, is an awesome singer and he carried the group to a level that was not expected.  Charles displayed the professionalism that only comes with experience.  Charles is a former member of the Five Blind Boys of Alabama.  So, he had some of the best teachers in the industry. 

Charles brought his own style and unique voice to the songs that have made The Christianaires a household name.  Even when Tyrone Porter sang lead he did not try to sound like or become Paul Porter, thereby displaying true professionalism.  Tyrone is a great singer in his own right.  The group was at their best.  These guys (the entire group) epitomize professionalism.  They were in the service to partake of the ministry of the other groups.  They did not wait until their time to sing to praise God.  What a great example these guys are for anyone that desires a career in gospel music.  We do not want to put to much pressure on the guys, but for any gospel singer or group that is looking for a role model, look no further than The Christianaires.  Maybe it is time for there to be a distinction made between a national group and a professional national group.   

Now, back to the program.  The program was held at Carver-Lyons Elementary School, 2100 Waverly Street, Columbia, South Carolina.

The program began with devotion by Minister Tommy Mitchem.  Minister Mitchem is a member of The National Juniors and he displayed his singing and preaching talents on this night. 

The area groups on the program were The Gospel Redeemers, The Singing Angels, The Anointed Angels, Pelhem Myers and The Five Singing Stars, Big Mack and The Harmonettes, Revelation, The Singing Crusaders, The Gospel Allstars, The Six Voices of Zion, and Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers.

All of the groups were good.  They did their traditional 3 to 4 songs set.  While taking nothing away from any of the groups, it was fitting that Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers closed the program.  Yes, you read it correctly, The Christianaires did not close the program.  In fact, they came on just before Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers.  It was fitting because it, once again, showed the professionalism of The Christianaires.  They did not have to close the program in order to minister to the audience.  In addition, they shared in the ministering of Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers.  Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers is one of the best and most polished gospel quartet groups in South Carolina.  It is just a matter of time before they become a household name across this country and abroad.

Several hundred attended the concert.  Sharing in this Reunion program were Rev. Ricky Ezell, Pastor of Central Baptist Church, Rev. Hiram Spann, Loretta Coleman, The Ballard Sisters and members from several local groups that were not on the program.  The emcees for the program were Rev. Isaac Heyward, Ms. Blanche Goodson and Mr. Nero “Mr. Gospel” Tindal. 

The program closed with a very heartfelt benediction.  We commend the promoter for putting together a great reunion.  We also commend the groups for letting the Lord use them to minister in such a mighty way.         

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January 24, 2005

WOMEN OF STRENGTH PERFORMS AT THE AMERICAN GOSPEL QUARTET CONVENTION

The American Gospel Quartet Convention (AGQC) was held in Birmingham, Alabama during January 18 – 22, 2005.  There were many groups, announcers, promoters and industry personalities at the convention.  Groups, and soloist, had the opportunity to showcase their talents and to introduce themselves to all in attendance.

Some of those attending from South Carolina were Blanche Goodson, Loretta Coleman, Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites, Henry Jones (of the Jones Brothers), Barber and Company from Lancaster, several members of The Singing Angels of Sumter, Earnest Pearson and The Singing Disciples of Manning, and Women of Strength.  The group Women of Strength was sponsored by The SC Quartet Awards Banquet.  They appeared in an Artist Showcase that was judged by Robert Holland (of Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites), Eric Sharper (formerly of The Christianaires), and Roscoe Robinson (formerly of the Five Blind Boys of Alabama and Mississippi).  Women of Strength did exceptionally well during the showcase.  They also appeared in two nightly concerts. 

The major concert was on Friday night.  About fifteen groups performed during the concert.  After Paul Beasley and The Original Keynotes introduced a song from their new project, Woman of Strength really ministered to the crowd.  After Women of Strength, the Mighty Clouds of Joy performed several songs from their upcoming LIVE project.  Women of Strength were on the national stage between to legendary groups.  And they were just as polished and professional as the legendary groups.  To Women of Strength, we say congratulation and we know your journey on this song ministry pilgrimage is just beginning.  You have a very bright future.      

Here are several other matters of interest from the convention.  Loretta Coleman was the recipient of The Cornerstone Award.  The award is given to individuals across the country that has shown a commitment to keeping gospel quartet music alive.  The only other person from South Carolina to have received this award was Nero “Mr. Gospel” Tindal.  Mr. Tindal received the award in 2002.  Also, Ms. Blanche V. S. Goodson, who serves as the National Radio Announcers Coordinator for the convention was reappointed to her position.  Minister G. J. Kennedy also attended the convention this year.  Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites turned the Friday Hall of Fame Luncheon into a revival meeting.  It was awesome.  Imagine people shouting, crying, and falling out at a luncheon.  Well that is what happened on last Friday. 

Overall, it was a great convention.  We encourage all groups to consider attending the convention.  You will not be disappointed.      

The Spiritual Wonders

There is a group in the low country that is beginning to make a name for themselves.  They are The Spiritual Wonders.  They have been chosen to be on the SCGQAB Concert on Friday, May 6, 2005.  In addition, they will be in Marion, SC on the February 6, 2005, in concert with Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires on February 27, 2005, in Charleston, South Carolina.  And in between February 6 and May 6, the group will appear in Greenwood, South Carolina, Tampa, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and celebrate their anniversary in April 2005.

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January 31, 2005

BY:  Gospel Correspondent Blanche V. S. Goodson

On Sunday, January 30, 2005, the Sensational Nightingales was in concert at Love Center Baptist Church.  Reverend George R. Johnson is the Pastor of Love Center Baptist Church.

Minister Tommy Mitchell conducted a very spirited and uplifting devotion.  Thereafter, the emcee, Blanche V. S. Goodson, called the Mass Choir from First John Baptist Church to the stage.  Next on program was the Male Chorus of Greater Carolina Baptist Church.  After the male chorus God's Favor from Fairfax, South Carolina took the service to another level.

Right before The Nightingales minister, The National Juniors blessed us with an array of songs.  The Spirit was already at an all time high when The Nightingales began their praise and worship.  Souls were touched, burdens were lifted, and there was such a feeling of peace in the place as Jo Jo and the guys ministered.  They sang many old songs and songs from their newer recordings.  It was indeed a great night at Love Center.