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By Dean Adkins
Since 1988, the Grand Ole’ Gospel Reunion has been a highlight for many Southern Gospel Music fans. Once again, hundreds of 
SGM devotees gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, South Carolina, to enjoy the events that started Wednesday evening, August 13, 2014 and ended Saturday, August,16, 2014.
The events of the GOGR began with a get-together for those who gathered early and 
were staying at the hotel. This was appropriately called “Charlie’s Party” since it was hosted by promoter, Charlie Waller. Typically, light refreshments are served and Charlie showed a video that included clips of many of the icons of Southern Gospel Music. Music was also provided and this year; Freedom Quartet, 
the Melody Boys Quartet, the Florida Boys, Jeff Stice and others got the event started.
Although evening concerts featured current groups and many legends, I would like to focus on a few unique aspects of the GOGR.
The GOGR has sometimes been described as the place where the legends return and this once again, rang true. One of SGM’s most beloved characters, Little Willie Wynn, served as emcee for the evening concerts and he also thrilled the audience with his distinct tenor voice during the late night jam session. Bill Shaw, who sang tenor for the Blackwood Brothers for well over 20 years, once again took the stage to thunderous applause. The crowd was amazed at the vocal artistry of this 90-year-old.
One of the more poignant moments was during a jam session when Bill Crowe, former member of the Blue Ridge Quartet, joined L.D. Young (Couriers), Charles Yates (Speer Family), Buddy Burton (Statesmen and others) and Larry Parker (Southmen) to sing “When I’ve Gone the Last Mile of the Way.” Other legends who took the stage were Sue Dodge, Les Beasley, Tommy Atwood, Derrell Stewart, Gerald Williams, Archie Watkins and Jack Clark.ach year an individual is added to the Piano Roll of Honor. A program featuring the pianists attending the event preceded the announcement of the honoree. This year selections were performed by Jack Clark, Derrell Stewart, Jonathan Sawrie, Ellen Marsh, L.D. Young and others. The final performance was by Jeff Stice who was named as this year’s recipient of the honor. In response to the urging by the audience, he played “Last Date” in Floyd Cramer style. Throughout the event, Jeff happily joined many of the groups and added his unique styling to their vocals.
The GOGR has also been a place where groups or individuals get their start. One of the first big events where the Booth Brothers performed was the GOGR. Devin McGlamery (Ernie Haase and Signature Sound) was featured there when he was a youngster. The Dove Brothers also had their first major appointment at the GOGR. This year Charlie introduced the Gospel Messengers, a trio consisting of Bart Southerd and his sons, Dennis and Daniel. The audience especially loved the high tenor vocals of 12-year-old Daniel. This family was well received and has a bright future ahead of them in this genre.
Charlie also likes to add a surprise group to the program and this year was no different. Since the Chuck Wagon Gang was unavailable, the Station Wagon Gang filled their slot. This group consisted of Randy Shelnut, Buddy Burton and two ladies. Actually the ladies were Josh Pope (Florida Boys) and Willie Wynn attired in beautiful dresses. They sang “Higher”, which was really appropriate since Willie used to sing it when the Oak Ridge Boys would mimic the CWG in the Go Out To The Program routine.
Another enjoyable aspect of the GOGR was the late night Jam Session. Jonathan Sawrie was the emcee and his dry sense of humor kept the program moving. The groups that sang during the evening concert usually performed but one of the favorite aspects is the “spur of the moment” or Scrap Iron group. It is always interesting to see how individuals who have never performed together can gel and sound as if they have been together for years. The Sheltons, two brothers and two sisters who performed years ago, re-combined and thrilled the audience with their smooth family harmony.
SGN Scoops would encourage readers to mark their calendars for next year’s Grand Ole’ Gospel Reunion, an event that should not be missed. For more information, visit http://www.grandolegospelreunion.com/
By Dean Adkins
Photographs courtesy of Joe Lane and Jordan’s Bridge, Dean Adkins, Gayla Fooks
First published by SGN Scoops digital magazine in September 2014. For current issues of SGN Scoops visit the SGN Scoops mainpage.