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Southern Gospel Music or Gospel quartet singing, as we used to call it, came to the West Coast when men from the Stamps Music Company, such as Bob Jones, Sr., Don Smith, and Thomas J. Farris came to California in the 1930's and 1940's and established singing conventions, quartets and radio programs. These men found thousands of people, who had migrated to the Golden State during the Depression and pre-war years, "starved" for the Gospel singing that had been such an important part of their lives "back home." During World War II, the Blackwood Brothers moved to San Diego to work in the aircraft industry. Singing on weekends, they attracted many to Gospel quartet singing; and when they returned to California in 1950, after moving back east following the war, there were throngs who came out to see this beloved quartet.

It was at this time, that a young lady from the South, Polly Grimes, stepped forward and began promoting Gospel concerts throughout the state. In the following three decades, her programs packed in thousands to hear the leading groups of the day. I was privileged to be one of those many who were blessed and thrilled by the Statesmen, Blackwoods and many other fine groups from the Southland.

By the end of the 1980's, Polly had moved on to other endeavors, and Ralph Dean began promoting in Southern California and my family and I in Northern California. Over the years, others have come along to work with us—Earline Starnes in Fresno, Gary Young in Bakersfield, Jim Clark in Yuba City and the Sacramento Southern Gospel Music Association. We have all enjoyed the privilege of presenting the greatest music this side of heaven and becoming acquainted with the wonderful folks who sing this music. Most of all, we've seen countless lives touched by the message of the Gospel.

As we came to the end of the 1990's, most of us began to witness a change that was bringing great concern. Attendance was starting to fall from year to year. Even the big names were failing to pack the house. Many new groups were coming out from the East, only to be disappointed by the lack of attendance. As we endeavored to understand what was happening, we first of all realized that our crowds were diminishing partly because of age. The folks who had attended in previous years were no longer able to get out to the concerts because of failing health. Driving at night was also becoming a common problem to many. Of course, over time there were those who had gone on to Glory. At the same time, the generation behind them was not filling their ranks. Then, as California real estate prices began to escalate, we saw many of our retirees or near-retirees selling their homes at a good profit and moving back east. It seems that we had entered a period reverse that of the ‘30's and ‘40's. Another factor that all of us "Mom and Pop" promoters have had to face is the impact of "mega" in our culture. From mega-churches to mega-stores, our culture has emphasized "big" and "super-sized," to the point it has affected everything in our society. As much as we all love the Gaither Homecomings and the annual Great Western Convention here in California, they have dramatically impacted our smaller venues over the past decade, as people flock to the big events. One final thing that must not be overlooked is the change in church music. Today, Southern Gospel has all but been eliminated in church worship services, here on the West Coast, along with the traditional hymnbook.

So, there we are, as Southern Gospel promoters in the 21st Century, faced with surmounting challenges from every direction. Having grown up in a "Mom and Pop" grocery business in the ‘50's and ‘60's, and seeing that era pass from the scene, I wonder will the "Mom and Pop" promoters face the same demise?

While our family has cut back our promotions for 2006, we will continue to do what we can to keep the light on for Gospel Music fans here in California. We do plan to use more of our local and regional groups who are maintaining a high standard of quality in their performances. We also plan to continue our 2-hour radio program each Sunday at 2 p.m. on 50,000-watt KCBC AM 770. This program reaches most of Northern and Central California and continues to receive its listeners' support, indicating that there are still people who appreciate Southern Gospel Music in our part of the world.

Finally, I must say that there could never be a dollar value placed on what Gospel Music has meant to the Herb Henry Family. Now in our 20th year of singing, we are most grateful for our heritage and the many wonderful experiences and people that have greatly enriched our lives. In 2006, in spite of all we are facing with our fellow promoters across the land, we are "Firmly Committed" to fulfill our calling of heralding the Gospel on the wings of song.

Herb Henry
West Coast Advisor for SGPA
http://www.sgpromoters.com
Richland Ministries, Modesto, CA

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