A Visit With Ed Hill, Feature Article

Jul

2006

A Visit With Ed Hill

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Ed, tell us a little about the very first group you ever sang with, and where you went from there.

I sang tenor for my Dad's church quartet called "The Humble Hearts Quartet" in 1950. We were able to sing in Illinois with some of the famous groups at the time like the Jordanaires and the The Blackwood Brothers. After graduating High School in 1952 a year later my Dad started pastoring a Free WIll Baptist church in Elizabethton Tennessee. I met Big Lew Garrison and went to East Tn State College and we sang on the weekends with "Melody Men Quartet". I moved back to St. Louis Mo. and formed the "Kings Men Quartet" with Jay Berry until we formed the Prophets Quartet in January 1959.

The Prophets were a dynamic group. You were one of the founders of that group. What was your favorite combination of the Prophets? If you had to pick one song from the Prophets what one would be your favorite?

Big Lew, Roy McNeal, Joe Moscheo and Dave Rodgers was my favorite combination. The song I would pick as my favorite would be: "Teach Me Lord To Wait".

I have one record of the Prophets with Duane Allen singing Baritone, where were you during this time?

I got off the road for about 6 months and sold insurance. Duane said he was going to be drafted and they asked me back and I said yes.

What was the transition like from leaving the Prophets as owner, to going to sing with JD Sumner and the Stamps as a hired singer?

Singing with JD was like a part owner of the Stamps. He made everybody feel a part of it and at home. I never felt like a hired singer with JD Sumner. JD treated me as if I was part owner.

You have been left with the reputation of being the "VOICE" saying "Elvis has left he building". How did Elvis happen to choose you to make that nightly announcement? What was it like backing and working for Elvis Presley?

Al Davorin was working for John Denver and Elvis at the time and was head of concessions Mgr. for Elvis. He was double booked and chose to go do John Denver. Col. Parker's office called and asked JD if anyone could MC. JD volunteered me. I thought it was for only one tour but Col. Parker liked the way I handled it so he announced that I was the official Elvis Presley announcer.

After I got to know Elvis, he became more like a common man everyday. He loved Southern Gospel Music better than anything. It was a real honor for me to work and become a close friend of Elvis. I didn't realize he was such a good singer until I went to work with him.

For a short time now, you've been making another transition to singing as a Soloist. How is that different for you? What type of songs do you now sing as a soloist?

Since 1950 until March of 2005 I never sang by myself. It has been a blessed transition. The Lord has impressed on me that I was not finished with his work and I would have a great new life. I still sing the same songs I have my whole life, southern gospel music and I love it!

What is a typical service like with Ed Hill, the soloist?

Whatever the local pastor would like for me to do at the service. I sing Southern Gospel songs and give my testimony and some of my experiences of singing gospel music all my life.

Of all the songs you have sang, what song ministers to you the most?

The the song "This Time", it trully blesses me and tells what the Lord has done for me in my life and I thank him every night for what he has done for me.

You've had such a long successful career in Gospel Music. What's been the most rewarding thing about singing for the Lord all your life?

It's all been rewarding. The Lord has allowed me to do what I love the most which is sing for him all my life. I've met wonderful people over the years that have become very good friends and they are so supportive of my ministry. I suppose the most rewarding thing would be that the Lord allows me to tell his wonderful love and how he died to save us all.

If someone wanted to book Ed Hill, how would they go about that?

You can go to my website which is: http://www.edhill4u.com

Reader Comments

Great article,

Ed Hill is and has always been one of the classiest men Gospel Music has ever or will ever know. I heard him last Saturday night and somehow he may be better than ever. What a friend Ed has been and I appreciate him.

Thanks,
Dwight Faircloth

Commented by On 07/01/2006

I do not know Ed on a personal basis, but I have had the opportunity to speak with him on several occasions through the years. He is one of the most sincere and humble men I have ever met, in any walk of life. I have seen him both on the stage and "out of public view" a few times, and I believe he is the "real deal". May God bless you Ed with ambition, health and strength to keep on going for many years to come.

Earl Brown

Commented by On 07/02/2006

Ed Hill is a classy classy man with a great voice. May God continue to bless him as he sings for the glory of the Lord.

God is good all the time & all the time God is good.

Elaine Harcourt

Commented by On 07/03/2006

My first remembered encounter with Ed Hill was when he sang with the Kings Men Quartet out of St. Louis. He was a dashing young man of about 19 or 20 years of age and possessed a wonderful voice. Jay Berry was their lead singer and I really enjoyed his singing too.

Through the years and transitions to other groups, Ed has maintained his Christian character and excellent music. Any group that he has graced has been better for his presence.

I would far rather be known after the manner of Ed's reputation of stability than to have flash-in-the-pan success for a season. He's a model of dependability and accomplishment in his craft. May he bless us for many years to come and may his best years be ahead of him.

Commented by On 07/04/2006

Thanks to Southern Gospel News for this great article on such a great and most deserving man! Ed Hill you are one of a kind...you never fail to bless my heart with song and your sweet, sweet spirit. I love you dearly, and wish you God's many blessings!!
Nancy Carollo

Commented by On 07/05/2006

My first "fulltime" job on the road was from 1981-1983 playing drums with the Singing Americans. I can honestly say that Ed Hill impacted my life probably more than anyone I ever traveled with.I will never forget Ed telling me one nite on the bus to always treat each and every person from the promoter, fan, right on down to the janitor with respect.Not only did He give great advise, He displayed it everyday. You're the best!

PS "Hi Mr. Baritone Singer"!
(Guess you had to be there) LOL
(Guess you had to be there)

Commented by Tim Bullins On 07/05/2006

Hi Ed : I hope you are feeling better

these days.You are a true Gospel singing pioneer.One of the truly great
Baritone ,ah lead singers,and you do sing high.We are still around and still
singing.The golden age of Southern gospel music is about gone.Take care
Christ is soon to come.....Bobby Clark

Commented by On 07/07/2006

Bro. Ed, it has been a joy to work with you here at church almost a dozen times going back when you sang with JD & the Stamps up until your recent illness. Praise the Lord that He touched you and you are singing again. It was wonderful to talk with you on the phone and know you are doing well. When the groups come to our church they have great things to say about you! You sure are not forgotten! You are a gracious Christian gentleman and so kind hearted. You have blessed us with your ministry and we are most grateful. You stand tall in the SGM ranks and I am glad to call you friend! Thank you for your new and wonderful CD you sent to me. I enjoy it! May God continue to bless you! You are special to me. Marvin Dennis

Commented by Marvin Dennis On 07/08/2006

Ed,
My oldest brother always told me that the prophets were the stuff and now when I listen to those old records I realize that he was right! You have always been such a gentleman, classy in every way. It was so good to hear you and Roy McNeal sing the other night in Franklin, TN. I'm proud to call you my friend and now my neighbor. It has taken everything inside me to not be the obnoxious neighbor and come bug you to tell me Elvis stories! You are a true living legend and have my respect as a singer and a person!

David Staton
LeFevre Quartet

Commented by On 07/12/2006

I have considered Ed Hill my friend for more than 40 years. He is, and has always been, a Christian gentleman and a class act in our business. I've loved all the quartets he's sung with, but the Prophets are my favorite. And Ed, I know there's some talk about you and Roy McNeal bringing the Prophets back to us. OH, I hope it's true! God bless you, dear Brother...I'm so glad you recovered from earlier health problems and went on singing for the Lord. Love to you and your dear ones always from all of us who are your friends and fans!

Commented by Dianne Wilkinson On 07/14/2006

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