Shocky
So many of the Homecoming favourites have passed away, but I was wondering if there are any that are still with us. This is a complied list of those who have passed (that I know of)
George Younce
JD Sumner
Rex Nelon
Brock Speer
Howard Goodman
Vestal Goodman
Jack Toney
Glen Payne
Jake Hess
Hovie Lister
Bob Cain
Anthony Burger
And here’s a list of those who are still with us
Ben Speer
Faye Speer
Rose Nel Speer
Mary Tom Speer
anyone else?
Is there also a list of those who were active during for many yers who haven’t appeared in the last few years? And I know this is pushing it, but would anyone have a list of the lineup of artists who’ve appeared at previous Homecomings that didn’t exactly sing solos but remained in the group? Sorry, as many of you know I’m new to southern Gospel and I’m very eager.
sallyh
Danny Gaither would be on the list of those who have passed on.
Also Roger Bennet
Eva Mae LeFever (sp?) is still with us, just not travelling alot
Shocky
Thanks Sally, I forgot to mention James Blackwood too. I also have Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art Homecomings and I recognised some familiar faces from the earlier Homecoming videos.
sgpianoman
I would hope in a few years that gaither would acknowledge some of the ‘newer legends’ and possibly bring them on. Les, Glen and Darrell from the FBs. Ray Dean Reese (and bring the kingsmen along). Big Jim Hamill, Tim Riley, Ed O’neal, Just to name a few who could be considered legends. I’m sure at one point they’ve been in the older gaither videos though
Shocky
I most definitely agree. The bass section which mainly consisted of the 4 mighty juggernaughts Rex Nelon, JD Sumner, George Younce, Brock Lesner could do with a much needed rebirth by the adding Tim Riley and Ray Dean Reese along with Mike Allen, Gene McDonalds, the bass singer from Signature Sound and even Wintley Phips (is he considered a bass singer?).
I was watching an episode of Precious Memories where they showed highlights from the Ireland Homecoming. The bass section consisted only of Rex Nelon and Mike Allen which I thought was odd why Bill Gaither never filled these spots after the passing of his 4 main bass singers after all these years. I understand that they were irreplaceable, but it would’ve been nice to have more than just Mike Allen and Tim Burke. I think the London Homecoming which followed had Mike Allen and Johnny Minick doing bass (Minick presumely replacing Rex Nelon who died the night before).
DeonUnthank
I’m going to think about this, but a few still with us are:
Calvin Newton
Don Butler
Willie Wynn
Ronnie Page
Several from the Klaudt Indian Family
Roy McNeal
Ed Hill
Bill Baise
Bobby Clark
Bill Shaw
Ron Booth
Wayne Hilliard
Linda Robinson
.....and I’d like to see Bill use Hovie Walker at some bass singing.
Of those gone on don’t forget:
Jimmy Jones
Paul Downing
Bob Crews
Shocky
Is Paul Downing related to Ann Downing?
kennethrgreen
Paul and Ann were married. Paul passed before the advent of the Homecoming Phenom though, didn’t he?
DeonUnthank
Originally Posted by kennethrgreen View Post Paul and Ann were married. Paul passed before the advent of the Homecoming Phenom though, didn’t he?
No, Paul Downing was on several Homecoming tapings
James Hales
Originally Posted by kennethrgreen View Post Paul and Ann were married. Paul passed before the advent of the Homecoming Phenom though, didn’t he?
Paul Downing was on the first two...Homecoming and Reunion. He passed away after the second one.
billswinners
You could add the lady who wrote “Sweet, sweet, spirit” and another song writer or two. Has anyone mentioned Mr. Weatherford, or had he died before the Homecoming Video?
mightymic
no Earl Weatherford was on at least the first two video’s. in fact they did two songs with the “Weatherford Quartet” Lily Fren, Earl, Glen Payne, and George Younce.
both George and Glen sang with the Weatherford’s but not at the same time.
also the lady you are thinking of is Doris Akers, she was also on several of the early video’s
DanKeil
Ann Downing is still alive
James Hales
I take that back...Ann nor Paul was on the first video, they were both on the Reunion video. Paul wasn’t featured so to speak, but did perform a song with all the bass singers...JD Sumner, George Younce, Rex Nelon, Brock Speer , etc. I think they did “Give the World a Smile.”
mightymic
yes on that song they wanted JD to slur the last note and he wouldn’t do it so Paul Downing did it..but he didn’t make it all the way down, surprised they left it in
triotenor
Lily Fern Weatherford is still going
Shocky
Lily Fern Weatherford sung on the latest Homecoming vid. I recognised Les Beasley in the crowd as well, and I think Gary Mcspadden and Squire Parsons. It was also good to see Janet Paschel and Larry Ford sing, as much as I enjoy the new generation, it’s good to see some of the older singers still perform on the videos.
gospelady
Wally Varner has passed on. Earl Weatherford is gone.
I think that Tim Riley should be added to the bass section since he’s retired and might enjoy a couple of concerts and a DVD per year. What do you think?
I think that Tim Riley should be added to the bass section since he’s retired and might enjoy a couple of concerts and a DVD per year. What do you think?
Oh yes, Tim Riley could be one of the elders of the Homecoming group, and be lead bass singer. I’ve become a Tim Riley fan in such a short time.
It would be neat to see some of the original hinsons back on stage. Ronnie, Larry, Yvonne (?), ...maybe even kenny’s son weston could join and they could do some songs...just a passing thought
The more I watch the Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art Homecomings, the more of the older artists I recognise. It was good to see Donnie Sumner. I think Della Reese would also make a strong addition to the group.
Johnny Cook, who sang with the Happy Goodmans, appeared on at least one Gaither video and has since passed on. I still enjoy listening to his L.P. album “Things go better with Cook”. Great tenor!
Here’s a video of Johnny, Vestal, Howard, Sam and Rusty singing “Looking for a City”:
Conrad Cook didn’t write “Love Will Roll The Clouds Away”. Hale Reeve did. CC wrote “Old Ship Of Zion”, “Glory Road”, “When My Feet Touch The Streets Of Gold” , “Saints Will Rise”, “Hallelujah To The Lamb” and his family’s sugarstick, “Moses, Take Your Shoes Off”. He was a character! I miss seeing him on the videos.
There are PLENTY of people who could now be considered “legendary”. Granted, they may or may not be considered “pioneers”, per se, but they have been around long enough for today’s young crown to look back at them as their heroes and mentors.
Here’s just a few-- some have been mentioned, some not--
Claude & Connie Hopper
Little Jan Buckner
Dr. Jerry Goff
Naomi Sego
Les, Darrell & Glen
Ed O’Neal
Archie Watkins
The McKameys
Kelly Nelon
Jim Pearson
Joel & LaBreeska Hemphill
Ann Downing
Jim Hamill
Ray Dean Reece
Jeff Gibson (Heavenbound)
Randy Shelnut
Mark Trammell
Tim Riley
--- I could go on and on
Johnny Parrack
Little Ernie Phillips
Jay Parrack
Jerry Trammell
Ernie Couch
Buddy Liles
Joe, Jim, & Buddy Thrasher
Gary ‘Buck’ Buckles
Tank Tackett
Larry Strickland
Little Troy Burns
Paul Smith (ex-Imperials)
Sherrill Nielson
Gary McSpadden
LaVerne Tripp
Neil Enloe
Phil Enloe
Duane Nicholson
Dave Kyllonen
Lanny Wolfe
[ Edited: 02 November 2007 12:26 AM by Chris Becker ]
