by
Matthew 5:16 “Let Your Light So Shine”
Howard and I are making plans to attend the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and we pray God’s blessing on this gathering of Gospel music industry and fans.
From the first NQC in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1957, until the past year, 2013, in Louisville, Kentucky, I have never missed but one. In recalling those 55 conventions, and how they helped shape my LIFE in Gospel music, I am overwhelmed with praise to our Heavenly Father!
I sang with my brothers and sisters, the Wills Family, at the first one and for many years thereafter. Forever in our hearts are the friendships we made with other artists, and the bonding we made with the fans, at this experience like no other. In 1963, the Junior Wills Family won the first NQC talent contest. Our kids had grown up singing on our TV series Wills Family Inspirational Time and were a huge hit at our concerts, but winning the trophy was really exciting!
In 1968, Howard and I moved from Texas to Nashville, and I began hosting a daily television show Nashville Gospel after establishing a talent agency. Serving on the GMA Board was extremely gratifying.
In 1969, the NQC in Memphis was the ideal place for the GMA to produce the first Dove Awards, and the event was packed with gospel music industry leaders and performers. Bill Gaither was voted Songwriter of the Year and I was thrilled to be the presenter of the Dove Award.
After many memorable years, the National Quartet Convention was moved from Memphis to Nashville and continued to grow. The NQC relocated to Louisville in 1994 and convened there for a fabulous twenty years. Howard and I had a booth at the NQC and we loved sharing time in the Exhibit Hall with the artists and industry. Many of those early friends are now considered LEGENDS, and rightfully so.
For the past few years, my terrific husband has enjoyed hanging out in the food court with buddies while I LOVE the joy of taping television interviews.
We are looking forward to being in Pigeon Forge to show up and shine for Jesus and we pray God’s blessings on our beloved National Quartet Convention!! www.louhildreth.com
gosplvideo@aol.com P.O. Box 271106 Houston, TX 77277
Photo A. NQC 1969- First Dove Awards, Lou presenting Bill Gaither’s “Songwriter Of the Year”
Photo B. NQC 2010– SGMG “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Lou and Judy Nelon, here with Mark Lowry
Photo C. NQC 2010- Lou interviewing the Hoppers-Kim, Dean, Connie, Claude & Mike
By Lou Wills Hildreth, a monthly columnist for SGN Scoops digital magazine.
First published by SGN Scoops in August 2014. For current issues, click on the SGN Scoops mainpage.