by By: Charlie Griffin, Classic Artists Records Soloist/ Speaker and Gospel Music Fan
It is the title to this news article, the name of the very popular Face Book page and the name of a music convention!
But in reality it is more than that. It is a common bond of a musical style that binds thousands together. Some just like the music, southern gospel music. Many knew and know the artists and were fans “in the day.” While others are true enthusiasts as they love the music but are collectors of rare LPs, photos, posters, memorabilia and stories. Collectors turned historians share the stories that keep our music exciting and alive. Hearing about the funny moments or the spiritual delivery of songs and the results of our southern gospel music are the seeds planted to a new younger fan. As “We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History” we are looking to the future as well. It is the goal to keep the music “alive and well” by doing what we love so well, sharing the stories and music, one more time, again for the first time.
In the summer and early fall of 2013, many “conventional southern gospel music fans” were posting comments with audio and video clips on a variety of Face Book sites. There were some sites that were for quartets, memorial pages and even some trying to shoot for a 24/7 music page. All were and are good. But in the minds of a true historian, fan and collector the history of our music was not fully being shared with the masses.
Harold Timmons, John Crenshaw, Ann Downing and Hannah Lynae Kennedy (WLOSGMH Administrators) put together a historical social media network group dedicated to sharing and cultivating the history and rejuvenating our southern gospel music heritage. In less than 16 months over 34 thousand people have asked to join the Face Book group. By the looks of the response the surface has only been scratched.
As members began posting old photos, memorabilia, audio and video clips, old group pictures and more hardcore fans and collectors began posting their thrift store and yard sale finds. Comments were made about “would it not be nice if there was a convention just for collectors and fans that love our southern gospel history.”
In a few short days, Harold Timmons put together an event that rivals other conventions. The first annual WLOSGMH 2015 CONVENTION was born from a love of our southern gospel history. The two day event is March 30 and 31, 2015 at Holiday Inn Airport-Opryland just off Briley Parkway in Nashville, TN.
Harold Timmons shares….”This convention is a place where true southern gospel lovers can find music, collectibles and share the history and stories that have made our music so successful. Nashville was the place that most members wanted. Our memories of the NQC in Nashville, of the all night sings at the Ryman and that Nashville is the home of recorded gospel music…well is just made sense to everyone to come home to Nashville.“
In putting together the convention, the talent showcased is truly exemplary. Featuring artists that continue the music we love and highlighting artists whose accomplishments are historically noteworthy.
Pine Ridge Boys, A 52 Year Tradition
LeFevre Quartet, A 94 year legacy
Legendary names will be appearing on stage during the two day event. The Pine Ridge Boys will share music spanning 52 years of music as a quartet, while the LeFevre Quartet brings one of the oldest quartet and family names in gospel music to the stage. The Sheltons of Greenville, SC return to the stage sharing their ever-popular JESUS IS COMING SOON and more.
Spicing up the concerts will be Artist Reunions of THE DOWNINGS and HIGHER GROUND, two reunions that will excite and highlight their innovations in gospel music. Their music today is still timeless. The group REUNITED remembers the LeFevres with past members sharing great LeFevre music.
The Downings toured from 1969 to 1977
Higher Ground born in the 70’s, follows a Downings tradition.
Add solo appearances by Ann Downing, Charles Yates, Buddy Burton, Historians Harold Timmons, John Crenshaw and Dean Adkins there is no way the avid southern gospel music fan will go away disappointed. There will certainly be a few other surprise artists and happenings that will top off a great two-day convention.
Radio DJ’s from across the country will be conducting interviews with “Hall Of Famers” and fans. There will be stories told and retold about “back in the day.” New fans will have the chance to meet the legends that have shaped our musical style. Songwriters will share their stories and tid-bits on how those great songs came to be. While the gospel music fan will be experiencing “A little bit of Heaven on earth, all in the Music City, Nashville, TN.”
As the itinerary was planned, time has been given for the thing that binds us all together, food, conversation and just music. The schedule highlights much of what you like and want as an avid fan and collector.
SCHEDULE (subject to change)
$129 – Rate January 1, 2015 – available through March 28th
This includes a concert and banquet on Monday night, a lunch buffet on Tuesday at noon, some six hours on Tuesday of questions and answers, videos, sing-alongs, and other possible activities.
DRESS CODE: Wear what you wanna!
| Monday March 30, 2015 – tentative schedule, subject to change or further refinement3:00 PM – Hotel check-in. Rooms may be available earlier.4:30 PM – Atrium Area – Meet & Greet, shopping time – records, memorabilia, artists
5:30 PM – Banquet – Ball Room near the Atrium. 6:30 PM – Concert – Ball Room 9:30 – until more shopping time. |
| Tuesday, March 30, 2015 – tentative schedule, subject to change or further refinementTuesday events will include a sing-along, question and answer times, videos and pictures, and fellowship. Suggestions welcomed.6:30 AM – Restaurant opens for breakfast – on your own.
8:00 AM – 9:00 Shopping time. 9:00 AM – Events in meeting room 12 Noon – 1:00 Lunch Buffet and socializing with friends – Atrium in front of Ball Room 1:00 PM – Events in meeting room. 4:00 PM – Shopping time – and break for dinner – on your own. 7:00 PM – Another early evening gathering, still in planning, possible concert and other activities.
Reservations may be made by February 28th, 2015 by calling 1-866-871-1171 and asking for the Face book Southern Gospel History. Hotel Rates: $115 per night plus taxes for 1-4 people. You have a choice between two double beds or one king bed. Rooms not sold by February 28, 2015 will be released back to the hotel. You’ll need to contact me Harold Timmons after then to get you the group rate (subject to availability). Rooms are available at the group rate three days before and after if you’d like to visit Nashville. Everyone must book their own room. The toll-free numbers is 866-871-1171 and give the group name, “Face book Gospel Music History”, or you can go directly to this link which is coded with our group name.
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The history of our music lives on in the hearts of the fan. WLOSGMH is promoting the music to the fan and allowing members to share the moments that make the music so special. This southern gospel convention will highlight a lifetime of memories for many. Yet it is just a start as the future looks brighter than ever with southern gospel music. The fore-thought of innovative historians and fans will make sure of that. See you in Nashville!
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sgmhistory/
http://gospelgallery1.com/Conf2015/WLOSGMH.htm