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A new edition is here, and with it comes another opportunity to carry out the mission to shine the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, according to Matthew 5:16. We are resolved to persevere in getting out the good news! Howard and I are thankful for SGN Scoops magazine–publisher Rob Patz, editor Lorraine Walker, the staff and the writers. Their dedication to spreading the message of hope and expanding the boundaries of gospel music remains strong.
God has blessed our LIFE in gospel music, and I count it a privilege to share my LOVE for it with you. Howard and I are in our mid-eighties, and we thank God for His blessings in the good times and His comfort in the tough times. In 1968 we moved from Arlington, Texas, to Nashville, Tennessee, center of the gospel music industry at the time. Our son David was hired by JD Sumner to play bass guitar for the Stamps Quartet. Our daughter Kathryn took a position with the Benson Company.
After a few months, we established Nashville Gospel Talent Agency. I was the first woman to head a gospel booking and management company, and it was really a challenge. Howard’s salary as a salesman for a record label helped provide food on the table and a comfortable home. We knew we had made the right decision in relocating to Music City.
After being elected to the GMA Board, I had the privilege of serving with industry leaders for many years. A group of us, passionate about Southern Gospel music, worked together to organize the SGMG [Southern Gospel Music Guild], and the Guild has continued to be highly effective.
The move to Nashville also afforded the opportunity of hosting a daily TV show, featuring interviews and gospel music. Coming from a background in television as the host of Wills Family Inspirational Time, a pioneer TV series from the sixties, I enjoyed being in front of the camera.
God allowed me to use the gift of encouragement to artists, industry, and friends of gospel music in the 20 years we lived in Nashville. Howard and I moved back to Texas in 1988 to be near our children and grandchildren. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to them who are the called, according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV)
During our time in Nashville, we began a precious friendship with Bill and Gloria Gaither. When Bill called to invite me to be on those first Gaither videos, we could never have known the impact they would have over the years. Being a member of the Gaither Homecoming Friends, and appearing on the videos, has blessed me with new opportunities to “shine the light” for gospel music.
I pray you will join me in the determination to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, our soon-coming redeemer.
Lou Wills Hildreth gosplvideo@aol.com P. O. Box 271106, Houston, TX77277
Visit the Lou Wills Hildreth website.
Photo A. Gaither Concert, Gaither Homecoming Friends: Becky Isaacs Bowman, Guy Penrod, Lou Hildreth and Jason Crabb.
Photo B. Jim Black, Jim Hill, Lou Hildreth, and Clarke Beasley.
Photo C. Dove Awards: (Front Row) Vestal Goodman and Lou Hildreth. (Back Row) Rosa Nelle, Mary Tom, and Ben Speer.
First published by SGN Scoops in January 2015.
For current issues of SGN Scoops, visit the SGN Scoops mainpage.