By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.
Quartets were there before gospel, they’re here today, and will still be around tomorrow!
That was the sentiment Wednesday evening, August 17, as the Brooklyn All Stars, Five Singing Stars, Spencer Taylor & the Highway QCs, Sensational Nightingales, and Violinaires were honored at the Gospel Music Workshop of America Quartet Division Banquet. The dinner was held at the Westin Hotel in Tampa, Florida.
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| The Violinaires sing for the banquet. |
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| Thomas Spann of the Brooklyn All Stars |
Quartet Division leader Tyrone Porter and Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson shared hosting duties that brought together a room full of quartets and their fans. Luther Barnes of the Sunset Jubilaires and Kerry Douglas of Black Smoke Music World Wide were among the guests. Brooklyn All Stars Founder Thomas Spann, 86, was in fine form as he received the award on behalf of his group, and the Violinaires hit the stage to lend their trademark high notes to a performance of their classic “Three Pictures of the Lord.”
In addition, The Victory Travelers of Chicago and Zacardi Cortez sang tributes to the honorees, and a special historical video compiled by Rapture Records owner Gene Strawhun, Bob Sickles and TBGB’s
Bob Marovich paid homage to the quartet honorees.
The group Provision won the 2011 Quartet Quest, a competition/workshop held annually by the GMWA Quartet Division to find and encourage emerging quartet talent.
In addition to the legends, Gospel Announcers Guild Second Vice President Lady Donna Creer and Tyrone Porter presented special honors to Dr. Andrew Cheairs and Bob Marovich for their service to the quartet community. An “In Memoriam” program concluded the event, during which attendees held candles as the names of departed quartetters and gospel singers were displayed on screen.
Bob says: “Thank you and much love to Donna, Tyrone, Gene, Mama Curtis, and everyone who had a part in the surprise award presentation last night. It truly was a pleasant surprise, and also an honor that I am humbled and privileged to receive, and shall remember for the rest of my life! God is good!”
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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Congratulations, BOB MAROVICH! I am excited that the gospel community recognizes the treasure among them!
Thanks so much, Libra! I appreciate you!
Man, this is the REAL stuff. Thanks for promoting quartets — it just doesn’t get any better than that!
RFDIII
You are right, RFDIII — it don’t!
Hey Bob I was at the conference last week, I haven’t saw much press about it. I am happy you reported on the honored quartets
My pleasure — it was an evening to celebrate those who paved the way!
Congratulations Bob! You are a gift from heaven to many but in particular, to the gospel community. I am certain this award is the first of many to come in the future.
Thank you soooo much, Laurel!
Bob,
Thanks so much for the on point blogging on our event. YOU work so well with us to make it the success it is. Most of our staffers and several of our attendees say that the banquet and the historical recognition of the LEGENDS is thier FAVORITE part of the GMWA Quartet Division activities. Blessings to you for all you do for us and so many in the body of Christ!
Tremendous thanks
Thank you, deeceelr! I especially love to watch the quartets march in at the beginning and then tell their stories on the platform. It’s an amazing evening and thank YOU for all you do to make it happen each and every year!