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I joined the ranks of the Southern Gospel music corps in February 1995 when I came to work for Crossroads Music. Even though I grew up in the heart of Southern Gospel music territory (somebody said if you shake a tree around Asheville a dozen quartets will fall out) I didn't know very much about this style of music until I walked through the doors of Crossroads Marketing, as we were known as back then.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover there are thousands of talented people involved in this thriving mindustry, to coin a word reflecting both the ministry and business aspects of what we do. I feel blessed to play a small role in getting the Good News to the world at large, and I'm thankful God directed my life's path in such a way I wound up here at 50 Fisk Drive in Arden , NC involved in this work. I certainly would have hated to miss out on learning about (and appreciating) this great music form, and especially—miss getting to personally know many of the high caliber Christian men and women who write, sing, package, sell, review, promote, and in any way have a hand in furthering Southern Gospel Music .

Among the ranks of this small army of Christian soldiers are three men I've come to love and appreciate in a very special way. These individual's are Elliott McCoy, Mitch Kenitzer, and Dave McVay , but collectively they're better known and have become quite popular in a relatively short period of time as Three Bridges.

You can tell a lot about somebody by the way they treat others. With all three of these gentlemen the ground is level around the product table, or in whatever setting they happen to be greeting the public. They genuinely love people and it clearly shows and freely flows. Whether you're a big-wig or a small-fry, Elliott, Mitch, and Dave have the same ready smile and firm handshake for all. And they won't abandon the “ordinary” fan in mid-conversation to get to the “important” people either. I've watched them and know it's the truth.

Their ministry has a very broad reach, too. Some who feel Gospel singers should sing primarily in churches might have a tendency to criticize Three Bridges for one of the venues they regularly perform in, but it's where God has placed them and they know it. A business group known as Quixtar took a real shine to Three Bridges several years ago. Formerly called Amway, the tens of thousands of independent business men and women involved are dotted all over the United States and hold a number of regional conventions throughout the course of the year. Three Bridges has become their talent of choice for many of these gatherings. The guys have traveled to Kansas City , Chicago , Salt Lake City , Boston , Charlotte , Las Vegas —and many points in between.

In years past the Quixtar bosses would bring in a fading pop star or aging rock n' roll act to provide the entertainment at their conventions, but not any more. They call Three Bridges on a regular basis. The beauty of that is this— Three Bridges has the ability, flair, and charisma to give the conventioneers some Gospel music along with a healthy dose of the secular stuff (the group does a great BeeGees medley!) that many in the crowd want to hear on Friday and Saturday night of the convention. After two nights they've fallen in love with the group's sound and on-stage demeanor, and that draws an above average number of people to the chapel service Three Bridges always conducts on Sunday morning, the last day of the gathering. Elliott, Mitch, and Dave have seen many souls come to Christ when they give an altar call at the close of every one of these chapel programs. Other Christians associated with Quixtar have told the men they believe the Lord has orchestrated them being there, as opposed to the secular talent they used to have at these business conferences.

So, to my buddies Elliott McCoy, Mitch Kenitzer, and Dave McVay of Three Bridges —I say “salute and press on!” We're proud to be part of the vibrant, growing ministry you're taking to the highways and hedges.

And may I add something for any pastors, promoters, or concert organizers of any stripe who might see this article. You need to call and book these guys—it's as simple as dialing 1-615-826-1415! You'll be happy you did.

Finally, I want to sincerely thank Deon and Susan Unthank for giving me this space and inviting me to contribute to So Gospel News over the course of the past year. Unfortunately, due to the growing demands of my position as Director of Radio Promotion for Crossroads Music, this will be my last installment of Crossroads Chronicles— at least for the time being. I also would like to thank all of you who told me you read this page every month, and those who wrote comments.

I wish I could ride off into the sunset like old Hoppy, Gene, Roy , or the Lone Ranger used to do. You know, tall in the saddle on a magnificent white stallion or golden palomino reared up on his hind legs, with my ten-gallon hat held high in the sky, letting go a hearty “Adios amigos!” or “Hi O Silver, away!”

Yeah, that's pretty dumb, but I wanted to be a cowboy star when I was a kid…uh…up until about a year or so ago.

Just kidding, now it really is time to turn off the set and head for the bunkhouse. Can't you hear the “William Tell Overture” cranking up? J

Reader Comments

Jim, your articles will be greatly missed.

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