Legendary Caravans To Be Honored at Quartet Convention

From The Belle Report: January 17, 2006

Legendary Caravans To Be Inducted Into The Hall of Fame
At 14th Annual American Gospel Quartet Convention
January 21, 2006 at the East Birmingham Church of God in Christ (COGIC)

by Bil Carpenter

On Saturday, January 21, 2006, the 14th Annual American Gospel Quartet Convention (AGQC) will induct the legendary Caravans into the organization’s Hall of Fame. The female group was second only to the Clara Ward Singers in popularity in the 1950s. During that period, they enjoyed massive gospel hits such as “Mary, Don’t You Weep,” “Walk Around Heaven All Day,” “Sweeping Through the City” and “No Coward Soldiers.”

Four of the original members of the group will be in Birmingham for the ceremony including: Gospel’s Queen – Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews and Delores Washington. They have recently reunited for an upcoming concert tour and have also recorded their first album together in 40 years.

Under the theme of “Standing Firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1), AGQC founder George Stewart and his wife, Jackie, will serve as hosts of the week-long convention. hundreds of singers, industry leaders and supporters will assemble for new artist showcases, special luncheons, nightly concert services, AGQC Award night and Hall of Fame Induction and many networking opportunities.

Also being honored at the upcoming 14th Annual American Gospel Quartet Convention (AGQC) will be Bill & Essie Moss for their contributions to gospel music. The couple, who were born in Selma but now live in Detroit, have performed together over forty years. They are known for gospel favorites such as “Everything Will Be Alright” and “Already been to the Water” (which has been repopularized by Vickie Winans in recent years).

The couple, who are the parents of gospel star J. Moss, will be in Birmingham for the event which takes place at the East Birmingham Church of God in Christ (COGIC), 5600 First Avenue North in Birmingham, AL.

The ceremony caps a five-day gathering that will bring out gospel heavyweights such as the Soul Seekers, Luther Barnes, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, Doc McKenzie & the Hi-Liters and EMI Recording artist, Darrell McFadden & the Disciples, among others.

All events will be held at the East Birmingham Church of God in Christ (COGIC), 5600 First Avenue North in Birmingham, AL. For more information on the AGQC, call 205-798-4093 or log on at www.americangospelquartet.org