Recent Reader Comments

What an amazing Lady Dottie Rambo was!

There are no words to describe the sadness I share with so many others that she is now gone from us, but Thank God we had her! No one in ANY field of music could put a song together, or touch more people with just one song than Dottie Rambo. Words and music as meaningful and beautiful as hers are a gift from God through people's souls and Dottie must have been his main vessel.

I grew up in Southern Gospel Music traveling with the Sego Brothers and Naomi and was privileged to work many shows with Dottie and "The Rambos". Dottie wrote the Gospel the way it's supposed to be. So incredibly encouraging and inspiring, never condescending, judgmental, or exclusionary. Her words and music literally saved my life more than one time, as I'm sure they did many others. "This Is My Valley", "Too Much To Gain To Lose", "In the Valley He Restoreth My Soul", "Sheltered In the Arms of God" and so many others have and always will be a part of my life and my strength when I feel I can't take another step. Dottie had a way of climbing back up from the bottom and through her songs showed others they not only could, but they MUST!

I can't help but be overwhelmed with sadness to know she is gone, but I rejoice in the knowledge that her trials are now over and SHE is safely "Sheltered In the Arms of God". Also that He gave us such a wonderful Lady with an amazing voice that surely touched more people in 74 years than any other human being that ever walked this Earth.

Earth's devastating loss is Heaven's gain.

"This house of flesh is but a prison
Bars of bone hold my soul
But the doors of clay are gonna burst wide open!
When the Angels set my spirit free!
I'll take my flight like the mighty eagle
When the Hills of Home start calling me..."

There is a new shining in the portals of Glory. We can all cherish her Memory in the songs, recordings and the many lives she touched over the years as well as her many top hit classic songs.
There will never be another songwriter now or in the future to ever surpass her and her special way of delivering songs will never be duplicated and it would be un-feasible for anyone to try!!.
My prayers will be with her remaining Family and may God's Peace be with them all through this difficult time....

WE were so saddened by the death of our dear friend and servant of the Lord Dottie Rambo. We got the word Sunday afternoon that she had made the journey home.The Holy Hills of Heaven called her
to her eternal rest.She will be missed by all of us not only in the ministry but the fans as well.Our prayers are with her family and those that traveled with her,

I am deeply saddened and heart broken. Dottie was an angel in human form. to say that she was anointed would be a huge understatement. She was one of a kind.

But I am also happy. All of the suffering that she has endured ove4r all these decades, has finally come to an end. Now her back isn't a mess anymore. Now she's not in pain anymore. Now she's totally healed and totally whole!!!

She's now living what she has written and sung about for so long. She is now "BEHOLDING HIM"!

Thank you Lord for allowing Dottie to be such a wonderful witness for You on this earth. Your hand was truly on her.

If you have never heard this singing group you are in for a time of your life.They write there own songs,plus they have that Hinson sound as well,Your gonna see this group.go to the top.air 78

I recently saw you at the Northern Ladies conference in Appleton,Wisc,just letting you know,you teaching and singing was awesome,I hpoe to see you in 2009,thank you again God bless you in Jesus name

I am brokenhearted to hear of Dottie's going home to be with the Lord. She has been such an inspiration to me when I was a small child till now at the age of 49. She will be sorely missed in the southern gospel world. But what she left behind for us in her music is forevermore! Heaven is so much sweeter now with her presence. I will be praying for Reba and her family.

Dottie was a great friend and I'll never forget the 2 hour interview she gave me for my 13 hour Elvis documentary. I was also very close to Larry. If anyone knows what hospital he is in, please e-mail me off line. Thanks

Ken

Prayers to the family and injured... Praises to God for the lyrics of Dottie's life that will go on....

I was at Dotties concert in Granite City, lllinois last night. She was stronger in body and voice than she's been in for a long while. It was a very very wonderful concert. Christopher Ferguson also sang "Down by the River" with Miss Dottie. He's the young son of Dottie's manager, Larry and his wife. It was great. The weather was very bad most of the way back home to Springfield, Illinois.

Dottie Rambo, was the very best of the best in songwriters. I have sung many of her songs over the years. I have always said to everybody that she was my favorite songwriter. When I worked with the Stamps Quartet, back in the 1970's, The Rambos, Oak Ridge Boys and the Stamps Quartet traveled together doing concerts and presenting the drama "The Three Nails". Prior to that time, I had known the Rambos from the northern Kentucky, and Southern Indiana
area. Dottie had the most unique voice there has ever been in gospel music. It was great. My wife and I will sorely miss the great talent of this wonderful Lady of God. May God be with Reba and the family. We offer our prayers and condolences to the entire family.
Bill Baize




n

MO Highway Patrol report on Dottie....

What a hole she leaves in the SGM community. My prayers are with the families involved in this tragedy. I am so glad that I did get to see her once in person. That makes that time even more special. May God heal the injured & comfort them at this time.

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

Elaine Harcourt

Dear Friends,
We mourn the loss of this great treasure. We will all hold close the fond memories we all shared with Dottie both personally and through her wonderful music. Heaven is a brighter place today.

Dottie Rambo touched so many lives - including mine. My prayers go out to Dottie's family, Larry and his family, and to everyone who is mourning for Dottie right now. But, as much as it hurts to lose her - can you just imagine the party that she is having with Jesus about now? I can see her sitting on His lap singing to him. What a celebration there was in heaven when Dottie Rambo came to perform...!

Love your singing Guy...any plans to record those children...heard them sing on the bill gaither interview...they were so cute...more singing from them Ok

I am from the Marriott Hotels in town and would like to speak or get the contact name for the person who is in charge of travel arrangements for guests coming in from out of town when there is an event or possible convention, or other reasons.
Warm Regards,
Jan Bissell
Acct Executive
Marriott Hotels, Bakersfield
661-889-9035 Direct

Here's a link to some pictures of the fine folks from Riverdale Assembly in Riverdale, CA


http://davykellyandodie.com/photoalbum/Riverdale, California/index.html

I've always thought "Symphony Of Praise" was overrated. Several good songs, one great one. I might think higher of it if I didn't hate "This Ole House". And that was before I watched the Kurt Young Dove Awards video. I agree with Daniel that "Something Special" pushed the Cathedrals to the top, not "Symphony".

If Michael English hadn't left the Singing Americans when he did, I think their "Black and White" project would probably be the best modern example of what is being discussed.

John, Gold City is Alabama-based... not Georgia-based.

Good job so far, guys!

For the rest of you reading these, don't be shy...feel free to share your own "watershed" albums with me...that's what this thread is for.

And Wes, if you want to make a further case as to why "Pillars" ought to be among these albums, go for it! I want to read what you have to say.

This is all giving me plenty of food for thought...keep it coming!:-)

Morning glory and evening grace,

Giving the world a smile each day,

john.sogospelnews.com

What a powerful force for God!!

There were, in my questionably-valuable opinion, 7 albums released by RCA Victor between 1960 and 1963 that changed the complexion of Gospel Music.

They were all live albums.

Three were by The Blackwood Brothers:

-The Blackwood Brothers In Cooncert
-The Blackwood Brother On Tour
-The Blackwood Brothers On Stage

Three were by The Statesmen:

-The Statemen On Stage
-Through the States with the Statesmen
-A Gospel Concert with The Statesmen

The seventh album was live highlights from the 1963 National Quartet Convention from Ellis Auditorium in Memphis.

-Groups featured on this album included The Blackwood Brothers, Statesmen, Speer Family, Oak Ridge Boys, Stamps Quartet and The Kingsmen. Two songs by each group - with talking by the group emcees and great crowd reaction.

For the first time, many heard the energy and spontaneity of the happenings of a live concert and their appetite was whetted to go to their very first live concert themselves.

I believe these recordings brought about a pivotal change to the Industry -as RCA Victor brought the concerts to the people.

Before then, the people could only go to the concerts.

These albums were followed by many great live albums by just about every top group - but these 7 are the ones that lit the spark that began to excite the masses.

Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com

The other album I posited for this status in my original post may fit your criteria better than Pillars (tho I can still make a pretty good argument here for Pillars too!), and that is "Symphony of Praise" by the Cathedrals.

1.) Was it popular? Hugely. It featured "This Ole House" and the mega-hit "Champion of Love".

2.) Did it change gospel music? This is a bit more debatable, but I think the ongoing trend of using major orchestras like the Prague Symphony Orchestra on SG recordings can trace its roots back to this album.

3.) Can you draw a line in the artist's career from it? Absolutely, though the Cathedrals had been around for years at varying levels of popularity, it was after this album that they really catapulted into the upper echelon. If you ask SG fans today about the Cats, many point to this configuration as their favorite, and this was the pinnacle recording of that particular group.

4.) Did it forever change the artists career? This one is also a bit debatable, but I dare say that without this album, and the huge success it brought the Cathedrals, they would not have the same reverance that the name brings now.

Burke’s Brainwork

SMOOTH AS USUAL. GREAT JOB WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE.

How about the Kingsmen's Big and Live? I think it could be said that the album both put the group on the map and influenced live recordings since.

It comes as no surprise to hear such a great review. Matt has always been such a wonderful person of god and is blessed with his voice. I applaud him on his ministry and can't wait to hear him continue with more songs in the future.

Hey Everyone, I must agree with the writer of this preveiw of kirk's newest CD, because I have it in my CD collection to. It is another awesome project from our friend Kirk Talley, this is truly a must for all of his friends & fans too!! God keep your hand upon kirk is everything he does in Ministering to people every where he goes in doing your will, regardless of the destination of his traveling for you, God.... In Jesus name.. God bless Kirk and his Music, Testimony, etc. Whatever, Where ever he goes Minister to your people, again this is a great Project " Beyond Words"
your friend & fan
Joan Ganger, TN

I once sat across from Greg Day and asked him if he knew when he had written a good song. His reply? "Yep, Greg wrote that one because God had nothing to do with it."

I have just recently started writing songs. I didn't start sooner because I personally believe good song writers write about what they know rather than writing about speculation. Something to be said for experience and accuracy. I started reading your article to get pointers in this new venture. Thank you for your advice.

It comes as no surprise to us that Matt has scored well with this project. This young man has a voice that is pure and he has an attitude and personality to match.

Great work, Matt; and, Gary, thanks for the review. As for your quote, "I would love to hear him singing the tenor part in a good trio or quartet because he has the goods", when you hear him sing with the trio, ONE VOICE, you will be triply blessed!

Dee and Dianne Ozment

matt is truly a sincere man of god. i had the priviledge of singing with matt for 4 years and i know this project is a wonderful example of his heart and his voice. it will bless you as you hear his heart sing with joy.

awesome news! Good for Cannan and Mike and Kelly.

I sing in our local Church, and I was wondering if you could send me the words to When God Unfolds the Rose. I would greatly appreciate it.
I enjoy your singing Brother Terrell

Thank You Very Much
God Bless

I will have to say that my respect level for you was so high that I did not even think about the possibility of working with you until I wrote to ask your opinion about an undisclosed production company. Your timely response was encouraging, not only to myself, but my brothers as well. We look forward to seeing you in Texas in September.

Thanks for bragging on my good friends at Riverdale! Pastor Spencer and his family and the Church are great folks and deserve the recognition. Bro. Jim Davis is a great song writer and a great friend. The church is one of the friendliest in the country!
Thanks again and I hope you return for more!
CDB

We are glad for the church in Katy, TX but we really hate to see him leave Greater Vision. He has been such a blessing to a lot of people. Glad that he is following God's will.
Becky and Bill Jones

Thank you for your prayers. Bill went home to be with the Lord on May 5th after a long ilness.

The family thanks you or your prayers

Dale and Cheryl are two of our favorite vocal artists. Their music flows like water and speaks to your soul.

They have taken 20 "old" hymns and given them a fresh sound. You won't be disappointed in this album.

Vickie,

There is no cost to being a member. You can see more info here:
http://sogospelnews.com/index/community/gettingstarted/

Southern Gospel News Administration
http://sogospelnews.com

I wonder if the Southern Gospel Music world will celebrate 100 years of SGM in 2010. It is always interesting to read about the history of this great music. Thanks for another informative article.

Keep me safe ‘til the storm passes by

Thats why I don't put anything on the air untill I hear it all, and if its not in the Bible its not in our play list.

Brother Gene
KMHM 104.1 FM

Right on Nick!!!! We don't need anymore half knowledgeable singers who think they can sing when in real life they are not teachable when it comes to music. I have heard singers say "we've always done it this way I see no need to change". My comment is "If you do what you've always done you will have what you've always had"!! We always have to be learning and growing. If we think we've arrived we're mentally broke!!

Lawrenceburg, TN will host the JAMES D. VAUGHAN QUARTET FESTIVAL on July 25 & 26. The Perrys, Dixie Echoes, Inspirations, Blackwood Brothers, Gold City, Dove Brothers, & Host Quartet and Lawrenceburg's own, The Kellys will be performing. Being know for the birthplace of Southern Gospel Music, we have several great gospel concerts there a year with our Vaughan Festival the biggest! Come be with us!

Another great article. John.

I learned a lot.

Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com

Great article David. I am with you on this. There is nothing that turns me away from someone who sings a good or bad song than when they say that phrase before they sing. God gives talent and confidence and we should always know that God will bless what we do. Scripturally based lyrics are a problem in many areas of Christian music. If it doesn't line up with the Bible then there is a big problem, no matter how it is presented.

God Bless you all!!!!

I personally think this is 1 of the best cds I have ever heard from a Soloist! I dont usually care for Soloist but Brad has a Awesome voice and the cd is out of this world!!!! I think its a must have cd for any southern gospel fan.. i have never got the "southern rock" feel when i listen to it! haha

Another outstanding IP project! The song selection is great & of course, the voice is awesome! Keep up the good work, Ivan. I love it!

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

Elaine Harcourt

Kirk,
I purchased you CD's & a couple of your DVD's while we were at the Singing in the Sun concert. I have to tell you they are heartfelt words in your songs. Hope to see you in Gatlinburg this August.
Linda

A hot cover photo on this cd as well. Will help her catch peoples eye on the shelf.

WOW. This is like night and day compared to what our "producer" did. My new motto? N.T.N. = "Next Time, NICK"

I will wait until I see that on iTunes - That's a neat song, and I imagine that the trio would sound great! Just looked at iTunes and that version isn't there yet - only Janet's from her solo project.

God is good - all the time
All the time - God is good