One could consider this group to be legendary in southern gospel music. With over 40 years of experience under their belt, The Dixie Echoes have seen many members pass through, many projects recorded, and many songs sung.
J.G. Whitfield started The Dixie Echoes in 1960, and in 1962, Dale Shelnut began singing lead. Little did he know that his involvement in this young Pensacola, FL group would pave the path for his family to come. Randy Shelnut, Sr. began playing bass and singing baritone for the group in 1968 and eventually moved to singing lead. In 1983, Randy took over the legacy his father and Whitfield had started. He has also contributed many well written songs. A few years later, Randy Shelnut, Jr (otherwise known as Scoot), began the same steps his father took back in 1968. Scoot joined The Dixie Echoes at the tender age of 11 playing bass and singing baritone. Though Scoot is familiar with many instruments, his talent of bass and baritone singing add much to this group.
In 1996, Billy Todd joined The Dixie Echoes, adding a rich, smooth bass voice to this talented quartet. Billy is known to many for his bass singing with The Florida Boys. Of course, no quartet would be complete without a piano player and a tenor. 1998 brought a thin, red headed, prodigy to the piano for The Dixie Echoes. Stewart Varnado, brings much excitement, humor, and classic quartet piano playing to The Dixie Echoes. Lastly, Billy Hodges joined the quartet in 2001. Billy originally sang with Under Grace, out of Martin, TN, and The Florida Boys before adding that pure tenor voice to The Dixie Echoes.
Though they may not be familiar to everyone, this group has seen a lot of accomplishments through out the years. Having released over 50 projects and numerous top ten songs, these boys have also been honored with many awards, such as Group of the Year and Album of the Year by the Southern Gospel Music Association. Most recently, members of the Dixie Echoes were nominated in several categories in the Singing News Fan Awards as well as the 2003 SoGospelNews.com Music Awards.
The Dixie Echoes have one major goal in their singing this gospel music. “To see people led to Jesus,” states Scoot, “that’s what matters most to us.” It’s apparent that in talking with The Dixie Echoes that their hearts and minds are focused on striving to bring lost souls to Christ. “Having gone through cancer, I’ve learned that we tend to take things for granted. Things aren’t near as important to you when you’re healthy as they are when you are sick,” states Scoot. “Our most important thing is to see people led to the Lord.”
What kind of a crowd does this quartet attract? “We tend to be ‘older folk oriented’,” laughs Scoot. “Gaither has done a lot for southern Gospel. But we tend to have the old style southern gospel quartet sound, which appeals to more of the older crowd.” Three out of the five group members are of a younger generation which proves that the “old style southern gospel quartet sound” is not slowly drifting away as some would suppose. On most any occasion you will find this group performing around two mics with nothing but piano and bass guitar.
The Dixie Echoes newest single, “Lord Lead Me Home” is from their new project, “Press On”. You can find out more about The Dixie Echoes by visiting their website: http://www.dixieechoes.com
Author: Amy Marie Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 04/01/2003
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Category: Feature Articles
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