News
Barbara Riley Passes Away
I was saddened to hear about the sudden death of Barbara Riley, wife to Tim Riley and mother of Daniel Riley (Gold City), Amy Riley Strickland, and the late Doug Riley. I used to wish I could meet her, as I thought she must have been a strong woman. I was also impressed with the fact that her husband and sons seemed to think the world of her. In an age where so many marriages don’t last, she and Tim remained faithful to God and to each other. Please keep the Riley family in your prayers during this time.
The LeFevre Quartet Has a New Bass Singer
And the winner is … Jonathan Epley! Jonathan previously sang with the Inspirations and, more recently, the Ball Brothers. I’ve no doubt that he will be a good addition to The LeFevre Quartet. Besides Jon, the quartet consists of Mike LeFevre, Jordan LeFevre, and Jeremy Peace. I will be watching their schedule and hope to see them the next time they come to my area.
The Statesmen Are Back!
Back in the 1960s, I don’t think there was a quartet as lively as The Statesmen Quartet with Hovie Lister. They were before my time, but I love watching the old videos of Jake ‘s expressions and Hovie’s exciting piano playing. They took Southern Gospel Music to a whole new level and left quite a legacy.
AG Publicity announced today that The Statesmen Quartet is making a come back. The members of the original group are no longer around; however, Hovie Walker (who was named after Hovie Lister) is putting together a group, which he says will have the “same class and quality of sound” as the old Statesmen that everyone loved.
The group will consist of Hovie Walker singing bass, Deon Unthank singing baritone, and Wallace Nelms singing tenor. They are currently taking auditions for a lead. If you are interested in auditioning, you may email Hovie at hwalker@bellsouth.net.
Thinking of LaBreeska Hemphill
Probably the second song I ever sang in public was “He’s Still Working on Me,” made popular by The Hemphills back in the 1980s. This group (consisting of Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill and their children: Joey, Trent, and Candy) became one of my favorites but, unfortunately, they disbanded before I had the opportunity to see them in person.
I was sad to hear of LaBreeska’s Homegoing this week, but I’ve no doubt she is with the Savior she sang about for a lot of years. LaBreeska was one of the classy ladies of our genre, as well as a great singer. Her song, “An Unfinished Task,” is one I sing from time to time as a prayer to the Lord. I share it here to give you something to ponder the next several weeks. Is there something God has called you to do which you are procrastinating about? Tomorrow is not promised. Today is the day to serve God wholeheartedly so that, when He calls you Home, you know you have run the race and kept the faith and are now ready to see Him.
Tribute to Carroll McGruder
I am saddened to hear of Carroll McGruder’s Homegoing this past week. I never had the opportunity of seeing The McGruders in concert but their songs have blessed me for the past 30 years. I remember in the mid-1980s listening to “Special,” “I’m Going Home With Jesus,” “Saved By Grace,” and many other hits penned by Mr. McGruder.
In the 1980s or ’90s, The Singing News published an article telling how Carroll and Priscilla met and married. It was such an inspiring story, made even more special by the fact that they remained married for 34 years when God took Priscilla Home.
On January 26, 2013, Carroll married again. I am sure this must be a difficult time for his relatively new bride, as well as His children, but God’s timing is always perfect, and I know Mr. McGruder would not like to return to this world. He is finally Home with Jesus and is now one of the “special” that calls Heaven his Home.
Joshua Ball Hospitalized
I just found out that Joshua Ball, one of the original Ball Brothers, ended up in the ER on September 4 due to pancreatitis. He is in need of gall bladder surgery but they are not able to operate right now due to infection. It sounds like he is still having a hard time of it. Please keep Josh and his family in your prayers. You may keep up with his condition via The Ball Brothers’ Facebook page and, if you would like to donate to help with his medical expenses, a Go Fund Me account has been set up for that purpose.
Chuck Brady Passes Away
When I was a child, my mom had a record from a group which called themselves God’s Brady Bunch. The group consisted of Chuck and Darlene Brady and their eight children. I still have this record and get it out periodically to hear them sing, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
I learned today that Mr. Brady is now Home with Jesus. Most of you are more familiar with his son, Jim Brady (of The Jim Brady Trio), but I know him as the man whose family I grew up listening to.
I never met the Bradys personally (except for Jim when he was with Greater Vision), but their family has ministered to me through this record and will continue to do so. Tonight, I am asking God’s comfort for Mrs. Brady and the rest of the family. I’m sure this will be a sad time for them but there can also be tears of joy in knowing that we will see Him again when God calls His children Home.
Gus Gaches Leaves Legacy Five
For those who haven’t heard, Gus Gaches recently announced his departure from Legacy Five. Gus has been my favorite tenor with them so far but I know that they will find the perfect replacement and will continue to be a stellar group. One thing I have found in my life: When God has called you to do something, He will make a way for you to continue regardless of the changes that come. I wish both Gus and Legacy Five the best. Please pray for them as they go through this transition.
Jeremy Peace Joins The LeFevre Quartet
It’s been a while since I’ve been excited about a group membership change, but I am thrilled with the addition of Jeremy Peace to The LeFevre Quartet. I first met Jeremy several years ago, and I’ve been blessed by his focus and desire to serve the Lord. I’ve paid more attention to The LeFevre Quartet in recent years, and I am even more excited to hear them now. May God continue to bless this group as they serve Him.
Terry Davis Passes Away
I just saw on Facebook that Terry Davis, who sang with the Florida Boys in the mid-1980s and was the original singer of “When He Was on the Cross, I Was on His Mind,” died last night in a car wreck.
My first introduction to Terry was at the National Quartet Convention, as he sang with the Florida Boys for their farewell performance. Although I didn’t know him personally, my heart goes out to his family. Please keep the Davis family in your prayers.
