Mar 29

The Playlist #11: The Resurrection

If the story ended where we left off Wednesday, there would be no hope for us.  On the cross of Calvary, Jesus conquered once and for all the enemy of sin.  But He had one more great enemy to defeat for God’s redemption plan to be completed.  Only because Christ rose from His grave and defeated the enemy of death can we have hope of eternal life!

If our playlist on Wednesday was lyrically heavy, then this playlist is the opposite.  Gospel songs of the Resurrection are some of the greatest songs of rejoicing ever written and sung!  The story of the death and resurrection of Christ is the most dramatic and compelling story in the history of the universe, so that story lends itself to dramatic and compelling lyrics.  What we find in this playlist is the climax of this story, the happiest of all happy endings.  Think of these songs, listen to them, and rejoice in your risen Savior!  Are some of these your favorites as well?  What are some other songs I couldn’t fit on this playlist that you love?

 

  1. There Rose a Lamb, Gold City, Pillars of Faith
  2. Gone, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Stand by Me Live
  3. He Rose Again, Greater Vision, Serving a Risen Savior
  4. Because He Lives, Cathedrals, Especially for You
  5. He Had to Rise, Kingdom Heirs, Going on with the Song
  6. But He Did, Barry Rowland & Deliverance, Make Mine the Real Thing
  7. He’s Alive, Talley Trio, Songs You Know by Heart
  8. Good News From Jerusalem, Tribute Quartet, Our Anthem
  9. Lord of Life, Gold City, Somebody’s Coming
  10. The Rose, Inspirations, How Great It Is
  11. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, Greater Vision, Hymns of the Ages
  12. Death Has Died, Cathedrals, High and Lifted Up
  13. If You Knew Him, Perrys, Almost Morning
  14. Alleluia, He’s Alive, Greater Vision, Take Him at His Word
  15. The Night Before Easter, Donnie Sumner, Joy in the Camp (Gaither Homecoming)
  16. Jesus Has Risen, Cathedrals, High and Lifted Up
  17. The Empty Tomb Says It All, Kingdom Heirs, When You Look at Me
  18. He’s Still Living, Kingsmen, Mississippi Live
  19. Then Came the Morning, Cathedrals, Especially for You

Mar 27

The Playlist #10: The Crucifixion

As we spend this week commemorating and celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, it’s a good time to come up with a couple of playlists appropriate for the season.  Last week I mentioned that I struggled to come up with a great number of songs dealing with evangelism, but that problem certainly does not exist for this week’s subjects.  Rightfully so, there is no shortage of songs dealing with the death of Christ, and his triumphant resurrection.

Following is an 80-minute playlist of my favorite songs dealing with the death of Jesus Christ.  There are multitudes of songs about “the cross,” but these deal more directly with the event of the crucifixion, and what that event means for us.  This is understandably not a playlist filled with uptempo songs and cheery lyrics.  This is heavy material, that causes us to ponder the great sacrifice made by our Lord, but also rejoice in the salvation it brought us.

 

  1. At the Cross, Gaither Vocal Band, Lovin’ God & Lovin’ Each Other
  2. For What Earthly Reason, Cathedrals, Symphony of Praise
  3. He Crossed Out My Sin and Shame, Barry Rowland & Deliverance, Make Mine the Real Thing
  4. Calvary’s Hill, Gold City, Signed Sealed Delivered
  5. He Loved Me With a Cross, Larnelle Harris, Unbelievable Love
  6. Not That You Died, Legacy Five, Monuments
  7. A Cross Became My Saving Grace, Wilburn & Wilburn, Family Ties
  8. He Didn’t Come Down, Cathedrals, Especially for You
  9. The Old Rugged Cross/He Came to Me/Oh What a Savior, Kingdom Heirs, Christian Family
  10. Love Bigger Than Heaven, Gold City, Windows of Home
  11. When He Was on the Cross (I Was on His Mind), Florida Boys, Reaching Out
  12. I’ve Been to Calvary/I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary/The Old Rugged Cross Made the Difference/At Calvary, Mark Trammell Quartet, Testimony
  13. It Is Finished, Gaither Vocal Band, Everything Good
  14. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross/The Healer/The Old Rugged Cross, Greater Vision, Hymns of the Ages
  15. Guilty of Loving Me, Gold City, Standing in the Gap
  16. Once Upon a Cross, Mark Trammell Trio, Once Upon a Cross
  17. They Should Have Cried Holy, Greater Vision, Live at First Baptist Atlanta

 

Now, it’s your turn!  What are some of you favorite songs on the crucifixion of Jesus?

Mar 19

The Playlist #9: Evangelism

Evangelism is a Bible-based word with a simple definition: the sharing of the Good News of the Gospel.  We’ve covered songs about salvation, heaven, and prayer, and those are all wonderful.  But while we wait for heaven, we also have a God-given duty to tell those we come in contact with how they can join us.  As is often the case, this post was “inspired” while I was listening to music on my iPod in my car on the way to work.  The classic Hinsons song “Till the Land” took its turn, and the sincerity and power of the lyric struck me.  I began to think of other gospel songs with similar calls to action, and decided to generate one of my playlists.

I found the endeavor of making an evangelism playlist surprisingly difficult.  Normally, I come up with 30-40 songs on a subject, and have to narrow it down to my favorites.  This time, I had to rack my brain just to get to the 22 songs listed below.  Tell me what you think: is there a dearth of southern gospel songs on this topic?  I wonder if you would consider that a problem for the genre?  Does it reflect on the attitude of many in the church today, who are happy to go to church and enjoy worship, but aren’t nearly as motivated to get to work to further the Kingdom of God?  Much is made of the empty seats at gospel concerts, and at churches, but how much have we done to see to it that those seats are filled?

Take a listen to some of these songs and let them speak to your heart.  Tell me what other songs you can think of about spreading the gospel.  And give any thoughts you may have about if and why there may be a need for more.

  1. Till the Land, Hinsons, Song Vineyard
  2. Just One More Soul, Greater Vision, Far Beyond This Place
  3. Go Right Out, Cathedrals, Old Convention Song
  4. Why We Came Here, Inspirations, God Makes No Mistakes
  5. Go And Tell Somebody, Kingsmen, Live in Dayton
  6. If Only Just a Few, Mark Trammell Trio, Always Have a Song
  7. Go Out and Get Them, Soul’d Out Quartet, What the World Doesn’t Know
  8. Tell and Sing the News, Legacy Five, Heritage, Vol. III
  9. Preach the Word, Gold City, Revival
  10. Tell Everyone You Know, Kingsmen, Mississippi Live
  11. Just Preach Jesus, Kingdom Heirs, We Will Stand Our Ground
  12. Ain’t That What It’s All About, Hinsons, We Promise You Gospel
  13. Tell Someone How Precious He Is, Kenny & Amanda Smith Band, Tell Someone
  14. The Time Is Now, Tribute Quartet, Our Anthem
  15. Send the Light, Legacy Five, Heritage Volume One
  16. Good Good News, Gaither Vocal Band, God Is Good
  17. I’m Gonna Keep Telling, Kingdom Heirs, Gonna Keep Telling
  18. Let Me Tell You About Jesus, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, There’s a Light Guiding Me
  19. I Love to Tell of His Love, Perrys, Almost Morning
  20. Go and Tell It, Kingsmen (Carolina Boys), Ready
  21. Testimony, Mark Trammell Quartet, Testimony
  22. Wake the Town, Rochesters, Brighter Day

 

Feb 27

2013 Singing News Fan Awards: My Nominations

As you probably well know by now, the Singing News recently opened up the nomination phase for their 2013 Fan Awards, with subscribers given the open opportunity to nominate whomever they wish to win the respective awards.  I don’t put a whole lot of stock in awards like this in terms of significance, but I do think it is fun, and it’s a neat way for fans like me to be able to get involved in southern gospel music on some level.  I also like the nomination phase best of all, since I can name whomever I want (meeting eligibility requirements, of course), as opposed to choosing from lists of choices, which sometimes end up leaving off some my favorites.

So, just for fun, I thought I’d post my nominations for each category for which I made a nomination.  For some categories I couldn’t think of a nominee, or didn’t have much of an opinion on, so I just skipped them.  Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts if you’re comfortable doing so, and I hope the atmosphere here is positive and encouraging enough for you to be able to.  I’d love to hear who are some of your favorites.

 

Favorite Artist: Mark Trammell Quartet – With Eric Phillips in the lineup for the year, they really solidified themselves as one of the most outstanding groups on the road.

Apologies to: Greater Vision, Perrys

 

Traditional Quartet: Mark Trammell Quartet

Apologies to: Kingdom Heirs, Inspirations, Tribute Quartet, Old Paths

 

Mixed Group: The Perrys – In my opinion, they have been the standard-bearer for mixed groups for the last several years.

Apologies to: Collingsworth Family, Talleys

 

Trio: Greater Vision – The songs of Rodney Griffin and Chris Allman, combined with the vocal ability and sweet spirit of these men makes them a cut above in my book.

Apologies to: Booth Brothers, Whisnants

 

Soloist: Squire Parsons – I don’t listen to soloists much, but I’ll probably vote for this man, one of my heroes, as long as I’m able to.

 

Male Singer: Mark Trammell – my all-time favorite

Apologies to: Chris Allman, Gerald Wolfe, Arthur Rice, Pat Barker

 

Female Singer: Libbi Perry Stuffle – Distinctive and powerful, anchor of the genre’s best mixed group

Apologies to: Brooklyn Collingsworth, Susan Whisnant

 

Tenor: Chris Allman – one of my easiest choices, far and away the best tenor on the road, and one of the best ever

Apologies to: Eric Phillips, Riley Harrison Clark

 

Lead: Arthur Rice – Surely sings lead more often than any singer in gospel music, and does it with rare ability

Apologies to: Gerald Wolfe, David Ragan, Bill Shivers, Joseph Habedank

 

Baritone: Mark Trammell

Apologies to: Rodney Griffin, Jim Brady, Doug Anderson

 

Bass: Pat Barker – the closest thing we have to George Younce, his voice is velvet, and his spirit a tremendous encouragement

Apologies to: Jeff Chapman, Tim Riley

 

Alto: Libbi Perry Stuffle

Apologies to: Susan Whisnant, Kim Collingsworth, Peg McKamey Bean

 

Soprano: Brooklyn Collingsworth – this young lady can bring it, and is the focal point of the breathtaking Collingsworth blend.

Apologies to: Lauren Talley

 

Musician: Gerald Wolfe – I could listen to him play all the time, and I wish he did more of it.  One of the all-time greats on the keys.

Apologies to: Stan Whitmire, Jeff Stice

 

Young Artist: Daniel Ashmore – I maybe went off the board a little bit, but this young man has a voice beyond his years, and gives the Old Paths a tremendous boost.

Apologies to: Riley Harrison Clark, pick a Collingsworth

 

New Traditional Quartet: Old Paths – I don’t know how “new” you have to be, but I’d like for them to win something, because they’re good.

 

New Trio: Barry Rowland & Deliverance – Again, not brand-new group, but they released one of the best albums of the year, in my opinion, and I think they could use some recognition.

 

Performing Songwriter: Rodney Griffin – another one of my heroes, whose ability to put down a thought-provoking Biblical lyric is unmatched.

Apologies to: Jim Brady, Chris Allman, Joseph Habedank

 

Non-performing Songwriter: Dianne Wilkinson – straight-ahead, straight-out-of-the-Book gospel music, of which I can’t get enough.

Apologies to: Kyla Rowland

 

Album: Lifetime, Mark Trammell Quartet – Just awe-inspiring, powerful music, sung by the best in the business, and with a purpose behind it.

Apologies to: Love Won (Talleys), Make Mine the Real Thing (Barry Rowland & Deliverance), Through the Night (Perrys)

 

Song: “Unspoken Request,” McKameys – this is tough for me, since I don’t keep up too much with what songs go to radio.  This is my favorite song of the year that I know was released as a single, and it did hit #1 for Singing News.

Apologies to: “He Took My Case” (Barry Rowland & Deliverance)

Feb 19

The Essential Playlist #6: Kingdom Heirs

The Kingdom Heirs have been around for over 30 years, but began to become major players in southern gospel in 1986, when they became the full-time resident quartet at Dollywood, and signed with Sonlite.  With an outstanding early-90s lineup of Rick Strickland, Clayton Inman, Steve French, and Bob Caldwell, they gained even more popularity.  Arthur Rice signed on as lead singer in 1995, and has been the cornerstone of their sound ever since.  Today, they are one of the most popular quartets in the genre, are a reliable source of radio hits, and surely sing to more people every year than any other southern gospel group.

One interesting trend in the quartet’s history, for those of us who like songwriters, is how they have shifted toward different writers as major sources of songs, which has in turn influenced their sound.  In the late 80s and early 90s, many of their notable songs were penned by Kirk Talley.  Through the rest of the 90s, it was Squire Parsons.  In the first half of the 2000s, a significant number of their best songs were Rodney Griffin numbers.  And, of course, in the last six or seven years, they have been practically the official quartet of Dianne Wilkinson.

If you’re a “neotraditional” quartet fan like me, the Kingdom Heirs have a whole lot of songs you really enjoy.  Here’s my essential 80-minute playlist of their music, which I would use to introduce someone new to the group.  What am I leaving out?  What are some of your favorite Kingdom Heirs songs?

 

  1. I’m a Kingdom Heir, Pure Gold, 1987
  2. That Very Moment, Live at Dollywood, 1990
  3. Be of Good Cheer, Song of Praise, 1993
  4. I Go to the Rock, Forever Gold, 1995
  5. Anchored in the Rock, Anchored, 1997
  6. I Have Passed Over Into Canaanland, The Journey Home, 1999
  7. He Lifted Me, City of Light, 2000
  8. That’s Why I Love to Call His Name, City of Light, 2000
  9. I’m Gonna Keep Telling, Gonna Keep Telling, 2002
  10. Now I Am on My Way to Heaven, Gonna Keep Telling, 2002
  11. Mighty Deep Well, Going on with the Song, 2003
  12. He Had to Rise, Going on with the Song, 2003
  13. Going on with the Song, Going on with the Song, 2003
  14. Forever Changed, Forever Changed, 2004
  15. I’ve Never Been Loved, Forever Changed, 2004
  16. I Know I’m Going There, Forever Changed, 2004
  17. My Anchor of Hope, Give Me the Mountain, 2005
  18. Beyond the Gates, Off the Record, 2006
  19. The Rock’s Between the Hard Place and You, True to the Call, 2007
  20. What We Needed, True to the Call, 2007
  21. He Locked the Gates, When You Look at Me, 2009
  22. Just Preach Jesus, We Will Stand Our Ground, 2011
  23. We Will Stand Our Ground, We Will Stand Our Ground, 2011

Jan 29

Southern Gospel in Six Seconds

I’ve read in the news this week about the emergence of a new video-sharing app named Vine.  Owned by Twitter, who made 140 characters a standard for online communication, Vine allows users to record and share videos with a length of up to six seconds.  Much of the discussion about the new app centers on the creative ways people will be able to say or do something meaningful or entertaining in just six seconds.  Just what can be said in that amount of time?

It got me to thinking, as many things do, about southern gospel music, and how a lot can actually be said in six seconds.  There are moments on southern gospel recordings that, while not long-lasting, have become iconic and have helped shape the legacy of the performers that created them.

I have made a little list of moments from southern gospel recordings, six or so seconds in length, that I believe have had an impact on this genre of music.

 

  • “Revive Us Again,” Cathedrals, Symphony of Praise – The iconic opening phrase, “Hallelujah, thine the glory,” sung with mighty a cappella harmony, sets the stage for one of the landmark recordings in southern gospel history
  • “There Rose a Lamb,” Gold City, Pillars of Faith – One of the most recognizable and powerful instrumental introductions, six seconds covers the drum kick-off and first measure.
  • “Is That Footsteps That I Hear,” Inspirations, Is That Footsteps That I Hear? – Another one of the most recognizable openings, the marching walk-down is quintessential Martin Cook and Inspirations.
  • “God on the Mountain,” McKameys, Gone to Meetin’ – I could not possibly think of the McKameys without thinking about…”HE’S STILL GOD!!!!  YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!”
  • “Excuses,” Kingsmen, Live…Naturally – Another live moment, obviously iconic for a different reason, is Ernie Phillips on “Why, he didn’t even shake my hand!”
  • “Let Freedom Ring”, Gaither Vocal Band, Let Freedom Ring – One more live moment, David Phelps’ dramatic delivery of “Let freedom echo” to take the song home is a stirring moment, particularly live in New York City so soon after September 11th, 2001.
  • “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now”, Happy Goodmans, The Best of the Happy Goodmans – The opening line of the final chorus sung, with Vestal going to the alternate high note on “journey,” is classic Happy Goodmans.
  • “Get Away Jordan,” Statesmen, On Stage – From the thrilling live rendition at the Ryman, the signature six seconds belong to Hovie Lister, on “Don’t have to worry ’bout the way I fare/God A’mighty done told me that he’d be right there”
  • “Four Days Late,” Karen Peck & New River, A Taste of Grace – The line at the end of the third verse that brings the allegory full circle just fits in six seconds: “He’ll soon be here, He’ll roll back the stone, and He’ll call out your name!”
  • “Oh, What a Savior,” Everyone, everywhere –  You are not a real southern gospel tenor until you have stood in front of a room of people and sang “Then I’ll join that chorUUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSS”

 

Now I need your help!  What are some other essential six seconds on southern gospel recordings?

Jan 22

Prayers requested for Tracy Stuffle of The Perrys (Updated 10:30 AM 1/23/13)

In a shocking post from Ms. Libby about 5 hours ago, we learned that Tracy Stuffle had a stroke which resulted in a car accident:

perrysUpdate on my precious Sweet Tracy. He has had a stroke. It’s not from a clot but from bleeding. He has no movement on the right side. His speech you cannot understand. He however does understand us. He’s in ICU and will be here several days. He will have another CT this morning around 8am or a little after. Here’s what I am BEGGING you to help me pray: that the bleeding stops and his brain doesn’t swell any more than what it is. He has minimal swelling now. And pray God will restore him 100%.
Tracy had just dropped me off at hospital so I could stay the night with our friend Nancy who had breast cancer surgery today. He got about a mile from hospital and whatever this is happened and he wrecked. Thank The Lord he was only a mile from the hospital. He tried to call EMTs himself, but somehow call Bill Bailey. Friends, I am really trying to stay strong I really am, but I really need a whole bunch of God’s strength right now!!! All I know is to be totally honest with you! I am standing on God’s Word that by HIS stripes we ARE healed, in the precious name of Jesus!!!
Lib

Keep this wonderful family in your prayers….what a blessing they have been to so many throughout the years!

UPDATE #1

Update on Tracy as of 8:33 AM CST Tuesday 1/22/13:
New CT scan showed increased bleeding. Concerned they may have to put him on vent if this starts effecting his breathing. Dr will be in in a little bit to update me more. His blood pressure is down by medicine.

UPDATE #2

Update on Tracy as of 1:50 PM CST Tuesday 1/22/13:
I just seen the neurosurgeon. The second bleed out in Tracy’s brain is filling up the fluid cavities in his brain. Basically this is like having a stopped up sink with the water still running. The blood left in there is gonna cause pressure on the brain. So the dr. is fixing to put a drainage cath in his brain to let the fluids drain out of the fluid cavities. This will only take about 15 mins and is done bedside. Problems that could happen: once in the brain could cause another bleed. 2nd is infection setting up which could go straight to the brain. If this is not done, he will continue to get sleepier and sleepier until he falls into a coma. He’s almost been weaned off Meds to lower his blood pressure. He is stable on the blood pressure.

At 7pm eastern time 6 CST a mass of churches across the United States are gathering to have a prayer vigil on Tracy’s behalf. We would be so honored to have you join with them and my family. Thank you to everyone who has and is praying!!!!

Please send this to everyone you know!!!

UPDATE #3

Update on Tracy as of 2:00 AM CST Wednesday 1/23/13:

Ok I forgot that I have not posted any thing since drainage cath was put in. Which I’ve been almost 40 hrs with no sleep. Can’t eat or sleep until I know my Sweet T is out of the woods! Yes, I know I have to take care of myself too, and I am.Drainage cath was placed into brain to drain off blood from bleed out. The blood in the fluid cavities is draining off! We noticed movement about 30 minutes later. They now have Tracy sedated so all of his pressures can rest. He also needed a mouth inserted trach to open up his air way. Which is a breathing machine, not a vent! They’ve had to strap his left arm down due to him trying to pull tubes out.

As of right now, he is running a temp of 100. Sometimes this common because the brain controls the temp. But, Gonna keep an eye on it to make sure there’s not a infection somewhere.

They should be doing another CT scan Wednesday. I will update if they do.

I am sooooo overwhelmed at the out pouring of love that has been shown Tracy! He would never believe it! He sometimes feels like no one really cared about his part in the group. Well, I can’t wait for him to see all of you alls FB pages! I have set here beside him crying looking at pics, prayer request posting, kind and generous remarks about him!! Trust me I will show him as soon as he’s out of the woods! I don’t even know the correct words to use to express my gratitude and thanks for every prayer that has been lifted on his behalf! I love you all sooooooo much!! Please keep praying for my Sweet T!

 

UPDATE #4

Update on Tracy as of 8:45 AM CST Wednesday 1/23/13:
Not a lot of changes through the night other than temp is normal! PTL
They have had to up his blood pressure med. It’s having a hard time staying down where they need it even with added Meds. His nurse said this morning that if the BP goes too high and he has another bleed out, his life as he knew it would be done!
They are being VERY adamant about LESS visitors today and absolutely no talking and stimulation from the few visitors that they will allow today! I have been lectured twice on this in the last 9 or ten hours! They said they took by all the visitors he had yesterday and last night that he was a very loved and thought of person. But, the live is gonna have to wait til he’s out of the woods.
No CT scan will be done today, maybe tomorrow. Still allowing time for blood in the fluid cavities to drain off.
I will update later if any changes are made.
Thanks for all the overwhelming amount of prayers, text messages, phone calls and emails!!!! You will never ever know how much it means to our family!
Also one other thing: the guys Joseph and Bryan will be filling all dates this weekend! Ms Leah Melissa Page will be filling in for me. Leah is a very incredible singer and I requested her to step in to fill my place. I ask that you will continue to support the group during this time. I know if Tracy could speak he would tell you this would be a big support to him and for him. I feel my place is to be here during these crucial days. I beg you to please understand.
I love you all more than you will ever know!
Lib

To keep up with updates on Tracy, please go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/tracystuffle