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The last two months I have harped on the Southern Gospel industry and what is wrong with it. This month, I want to take a different approach to the industry.
Every genre of music has what I like to call their “best kept secrets”. These are artists who have just as much talent and potential as the big dogs, if not more, yet they are some of the most underappreciated in their industry by fans, radio, etc. Sometimes these groups get noticed, and their careers take off. However, in most cases, these artists continue creating some of the most impressive music, yet they never gain more than a grassroots following. This month, I want to highlight five groups who I would consider to be the industry’s best kept secret.
Based
out of St. Louis, Missouri, The Lesters have been singing together
for over 70 years. In fact, they are known as “St. Louis’ First Family
of Gospel Music.” In the groups third generation of singers, The Lesters
were founded by Harvey and Opal Lester. The group now consists of Harvey and Opal’s
grandson and granddaughter, Bryan Lester and Ginger Pitchers. Bryan delivers a song like
none other in the genre, as displayed in their one time #1 hit, “He Didn’t
Throw the Clay Away.” Ginger does a majority of the vocal arranging for
the group and is one of the industries sharpest bass players. Ginger’s husband,
“Smilin’ Dan”, sings the bass part for the group. Their daughter,
Jenny, began singing with the group while still in high school and remains one
of the industry’s most underappreciated young talents. Trecia Cisneros sings
the soprano group. The group’s sound consists of a mixture of today’s
progressive southern gospel, contemporary country, 70’s pop, and black gospel
sounds. They have a blend that is unmatched by today’s top groups. Find
out more about The Lesters at www.thelesters.com
.
Female
groups have never been a favorite within the Southern Gospel industry, but this
family group has seemed to break that curse. The Ruppes have
been singing together for over twenty years, and it shows in the groups indelible
harmonies. Brenda, otherwise known as “Mom Ruppe,” helps the group
keep a major spiritual focus. The Ruppes make no bones about what their purpose
is: edifying the church. Their songs, such as “Angels In the Room”
or “Under His Wings”, have touched thousands, and the group has a
major church following. However, the industry shies away from this talented group.
The Ruppes focus on church ministry, thus the reason for not staying on the Southern
Gospel circuit. Catch The Ruppes in town near you, and you will understand why
they remain a force that has yet to be noticed. Check out The Ruppes at www.theruppes.com
.
After
a recent name change and move, the Cumberland Quartet is poised
to take the Southern Gospel world by storm. The group spends the majority of its
time singing to crowds in Branson’s Silver Dollar City. The group also tours
during a short period as well, showing the rest of America what this group is
all about. Depp Britt, owner and tenor, has been with the group since its inception
and remains the driving force behind the group. The group sings before millions
of people every year, yet the group rarely sees any print or radio support. The
members are enthusiastic about who and what they sing about. It’s only a
matter of time before the industry catches on to what they are all about. Check
out more about the Cumberland Quartet at www.cumberlandquartet.com
.
Kim
Ruppe-Lord left her sister and mother (The Ruppes) to form a group with her husband
and friend, aptly titled LordSong. LordSong became the first
new artist to sign with Daywind Records. Their first two albums were a mix of
contemporary country and progressive southern gospel with just enough traditional
thrown in for fun. The group’s harmonies are exquisite. Every member of
the group is extremely talented in their own right. Kim Ruppe-Lord’s vocal
delivery remains one of the best in the industry. Michael Lord has the vocal talent
equivalent to that of someone like Michael English or Jonathan Pierce. Amber Franks
rounds out the group with her sweet soprano voice. Their latest album, Refuse
to Be Afraid, continues mixing old with the new as well as defining their sound
with elements of bluegrass and middle of the road/inspirational interspersed throughout.
LordSong continues to be one exciting group to look out for. Check out LordSong
at www.lordsong.org .
The
Pfeifers have one of the most unique sounds currently within the landscape
of Southern Gospel. The group mixes traditional country, big band, Southern Gospel,
blues, and jazz to make a sound all their own. Currently consisting of siblings
John and Candy and family friend Mary Jane, the Pfeifers are based out of Ohio.
The group has a charge and energy on stage that captures the audience no matter
where they are. The group makes use of the trumpet and saxophone within their
concert and helps add another element often ignored by Southern Gospel. Their
ministry continues to touch thousands nationwide. Be sure to go see the Pfeifers
if they come to a town near you. Check out the Pfeifers at www.pfeifers.com
.
While I’m sure some will be offended that I didn’t mention their
favorite group, I can only hope that you will perhaps give one of these groups
a listen. I can think of a handful of artists already who I left off the list,
such as the Daryl Williams Trio, Paid in Full,
or Chosen Few. However, I felt like these artists needed recognition
now. They are found on the radio dial and touring the nation. Hopefully time will
be good to these groups, and most importantly, lives will be touched by their
ministries.
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Written: 05/31/2003 
Author: 
Category:
Monthly Articles
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A Different Perspective
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