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Sunday Edition


30
Sep
2005
The legends of today…


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During The National Quartet Convention, I was privileged to be invited by The Southern Gospel Music Guild to a reception honoring Dottie Lenord Miller for her years of dedication to our industry.

It was a beautiful day as the industry leaders gathered in The VIP room above Freedom Hall to pay tribute to Dottie. As I sat there looking around the room, I remembered past receptions I have attended in that very room for various occasions. I mentioned to Lou Wills Hildreth that so many of the legends have gone away. I remember seeing James Blackwood, Vestal Goodman, Glen Payne, George Younce, and Rex Nelon in that very room just a few years ago. Lou and I discussed the passing of those "greats" and discussed who is filling their shoes. It's hard for me to imagine others being called "legends" when they seem to be so young but I guess it is happening.

imageI hosted several television shows for a station based out of Knoxville, TN at The recent SGMusic Fan Fair. I asked Connie and Dean Hopper to be my guests on the show and they graciously accepted. As I talked to Connie, I told her that I feel she has taken on the role of a legend. She blushed with humbleness and told me on camera she was just Connie Hopper and didn't think of herself as a legend.

When I attended the Diamond Awards at NQC I smiled at Dean as Connie received The Living Legend Award. I turned to him and said, "I told you!" I am curious who you think is next in line for the title of a legend in Southern Gospel Music. I feel like Connie and Claude have a fair shot as well as my dear friend Lou Wills Hildreth. What about some people like Arthur Rice and Gerald Wolfe?

Let me know what you think. I am curious who you think will fill their shoes.

JP Miller
First Love
http://www.firstloveonline.com

Reader Comments

I think Martin Cook, Archie Watkins and Mike Holcomb of the Inspirations should be considered legends. Besides Connie and Dean Hopper, they are about the only ones left from the 60s and 70s. They are models of consistency and stability that should mark a legend.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit

- Galatians 5:25. 

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Commented by Keith Prater On 10/03/2005
Troy Peach is a legend!


Commented by On 10/03/2005
Ray Dean Reese, Ann Downing, Ed Enoch, Gerald Williams, or Aaron Crisler.


Commented by On 10/04/2005
Bill & Gloria Gaither, Doug Oldham, Ben Speer, Jim Hill...


Commented by ITRIO On 10/04/2005
Ray Reese, J.Bazzell Mull, Peg McKamey, Glenn Allred


Commented by Byron On 10/07/2005
Neil Enloe, Duane Nicholson, & Dave Kylonen of the original Couriers.


Commented by On 10/11/2005
Not sure of the criteria, but here is a list of individuals who are 1) living, 2) over the age of 60 (or close), and 3) have already attained the status of legend in my view.

Bill Gaither
Gloria Gaither
Les Beasley
Glen Allred
Derrell Stewart
Martin Cook
Eva Mae Lefevre
Ben Speer
Mary Tom Speer
Rosa Nell Speer
Gerald Williams
Ann Downing
Dottie Rambo
Mosie Lister
Ed O'Neal
Ed Hill
Tim Riley
J. G. Whitfield
J. Bazzel Mull
Armond Morales
Jim Murray
Terry Blackwood
Connie Hopper
Claude Hopper
Ray Dean Reese
Jim Hamill
Lily Fern Weatherford
Andre Crouch
Elaine & Jackie Wilburn
Jessee Dixon
Maurice Templeton
Jerry Kirksey
Jerry Goff
"Little" Roy Lewis
Naomi Sego


Following are individuals who, IMO, are 1) Under the age of 60, 2) living, and 3) on the verge of being legends if they do not falter.

Mark Trammell
Ivan Parker
Janet Paschal
Gerald Wolfe
Rodney Griffin
Kyla Rowland
Diane Wilkinson
Gene McDonald
Mike Holcomb
Archie Watkins
Roger Bennett
Ernie Haase
McCray Dove
Debra Talley
Roger Talley
Anthony Burger
Karen Peck Gooch
Kelly Nelon
Guy Penrod
Mark Lowry
Sonya Isaacs
Kim Green Hopper
Sheri Easter
Jeff Easter
Jonathan Wiburn
Ronnie Hinson
Russ Taff
Libby Perry Stuffle
Arthur Rice
Paul Heil
Joyce Martin
Becky Simmons
Brian Free

These names came off the top of my head. I am sure I will think of others later.

Mike Wiggington


Commented by On 10/12/2005
It WILL be hard to fill the shoes of those greats that have gone on to glory but I agree with Mike Wigginton and all those he lister both over 60 and under 60. The are many many legends in the making.
In the ariticle above I didn't see Jake Hess. Is it true he also has gone on to be with the Lord? Sad sad sad for all of us that so many are gone but will never be forgotten.
Blessings!


Commented by On 10/21/2005
I think that Bill Shaw, Randy Shelnut, Gary McSpadden, Big John Hall and Roger McDuff could be considered legends as well.


Commented by warren On 10/24/2005
Mr. Mike Wilkins already mentioned Dave Kyllonen, Duane Nicholson and Neil Enloe, of which I strongly agree, but can we agree to add original 'Courier' singer and manager Don Baldwin, and long time 'Courier' baritone Phil Enloe to this list?

Don is now retired from music ministry, but Phil also spent many years as a 'Courier' after being a member of the Jr. Blackwood Brothers, and some time with 'The Imperials'. Phil still travels in music ministry today with his wife, as 'Jan and Phil Enloe'. An accomplished songwriter in his own right with 55 published songs, and a book author, Phil has been blessed by the Lord with over 42 years of dynamic vocal talent, and he is still going strong.

I believe that makes him a legend in gospel music, but like JP Miller who wrote the above article, I am also curious as to who may someday 'fill' Phil's shoes?

Actually, as I reflect on this question, Phil and some others, no one will. I think that the Lord only made one Phil, or one (insert your favourite name) and we are each privileged to know or hear those we consider 'legends' in ours and their lifetimes. When they're gone, they're gone. That's it. Enjoy, appreciate, love and SUPPORT them while they are here and are able to bless you with their music and ministry. And besides, the singers I respect the most probably wouldn't call themselves legends at all. They'd probably use words like 'servants' for the Lord. To me, they are some of God's gifts to us.

Yes, others will arise to carry on, but they will also be themselves and be unique in their own distinct way as God allows. And in the same manner, hopefully others will follow us who will continue to appreciate the wonderful blessing that 'genuine' gospel music brings to the heart and soul.


Commented by On 10/26/2005
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