Gospel Classics Friends

Brenda Lee
THE LADY - THE LEGEND
She was an original "rocker" in the sixties ... A true superstar in in the seventies... Her talent topped the country charts in the eighties... She became a living legend in the nineties.
It seems like Brenda Lee has been around forever... It certainly does seem that way....'
It could be because her hit records have become timeless standards. .. It could also be simply because she has been performing since she was 7 years old.
When she was 12, she was on the Grand Ole Opry with Elvis Presley... he was 22! Before she turned 20, The Beatles were her opening act!

CAREER AWARDS:
o New Musical Express Award (UK) - World's #1 Female Vocalist (1960-1965)
o Edison Award (Holland) - A record five time recipient of Holland's top honor.
o Aztec Award (Mexico) - Outstanding Female Artist.
o NARM Award (U.S.) - Four time recipient for the "National Association Of Record Manufacturers:
o 1960 - Most Promising Female Vocalist
o 1962 - Best Selling Female Vocalist
o 1963 - Best Selling Female Vocalist
o 1963 - Top Female Vocalist/Single Record
o Billboard Award (U.S.) - Most Programmed Female Vocalist (5 years).
o Cashbox Award (U.S.) - Most Programmed Female Vocalist (3 years).
o Record Mirror Award (UK) - World's #1 Female Vocalist (4 years).
o Melody Maker Award (UK) - #1 Female Vocalist.
o Music Reporter Award (UK) - Leading Female Vocalist.
o NARAS "GRAMMY* Nomination (US) - Brenda Lee has to date received four Grammy Award nominations from the prestigious 'National Academy Of Recording Arts & Sciences.' Nominations include: "I'm Sorry" from "Johnny One Time;" (1970), "Tell Me What It's Like;" (1980) and "Honkytonk Angels" with k.d. lang, Loretta Lynn, and Kitty Wells (1989).
o Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997.
o Inducted into Rockabilly Hali of Fame in 1999.
o Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
ACCOLADES & RECOGNITION:
o Brenda's multi-year nominations to the "Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame" culminated in her induction
on March 19,2002 into the Rock Hall. With her induction to the Rock Hall, she became the only female performer to be inducted into both the Rock & Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame.
o Brenda's autobiography, "Little Miss Dynamite - The Life and Times of Brenda Lee," was released in March 2002 by Disney owned publishing giant, Hyperion. The book project was a collaboration of Brenda with noted music journalist, Robert K. Oermann, and Brenda's daughter and author, Julie Shacklett Clay.

Brenda Lee, "The Lady, The Legend"
Brenda Lee is truly "AN INTERNATIONAL STAR." In 1959 at the age of 15 she embarked on her first foreign tour which netted her fifty-one front page stories, nine feature stories and the title of "The Best Goodwill Ambassador the United States ever had." To date Brenda has performed in 52 foreign countries and recorded hits in five different languages ... Spanish, French, Italian, German and Japanese.

Brenda Lee Productions, Inc.
2174 Carson Street - Nashville, TN 37211 o P.O. Box 101188 - Nashville, TN 37210 Phone: (615) 256-3054 o FAX: (615) 256-2499 o Email: brenda@voy.net o Internet: www.brendalee.com
Monterey Peninsula Artists, Inc.
124 12th Avenue South, Suite 410 " Nashville, Tennessee 37203 Phone: (615) 251-4400 * FAX: (615) 2514401

Gospel Classics is Sad to Report the Loss Of "The Queen of Gospel Music" Dottie Rambo. 5-11-2008

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Gospel singer-songwriter Joyce "Dottie" Rambo died early Sunday when the bus she was in ran off a road in southwest Missouri and struck an embankment.

Rambo, 74, of Nashville, Tenn., died in the crash about two miles east of Mount Vernon on Interstate 44, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said. Seven other people in the bus were injured, and were hospitalized in Springfield with moderate to severe injuries, the patrol said.

"She was a giant in the gospel music industry," said Beckie Simmons, Rambo's agent. "Dolly Parton recorded some of her songs."

Rambo was inducted to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.

Rambo has had more than 2,500 published songs, including gospel classics such as "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need" and the 1982 Gospel Music Association Song of the Year, "We Shall Behold Him."

Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. Since childhood his favorite form of entertainment has been "GOSPEL MUSIC" with styles ranging from "Foot-stompin' - hand-clappin' revival tunes" to what has become known in today's market as contemporary sacred music.

Having devoted over forty years of his own life to the world of music, Donnie has carried on the tradition of others in his family who have also made their mark in this industry. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings.

Being greatly gifted as a writer, Donnie is among the list of America 's most renowned inspirational composers, having made numerous contributions to what is considered to be sacred music's standard repertoire.

Having served his denomination as Minister of Music, Evangelist and Pastor, Donnie is presently involved in an inter-faith, multi-media music ministry presenting CONCERT OF PRAISE under the banner of SPIRIT MINISTRIES. Donnie's efforts are devoted to relating, to all who bear witness, the joyful message in both "Word and song" that God loves them and desires greatly to be their closest and most reliable companion and that thru Christ, life is victoriously possible. Donnie boldly and sincerely proclaims, nation-wide the "good news" that "IN JESUS THERE IS A NEW LIFE, AN ABUNDANT LIFE AND THE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE".

Nov. 2008...Gospel Classics loses another great friend.... "DOROTHY JO OWENS"
From Rev. Wayne and Kathy Graham: We had the pleasure of meeting Dorothy at the North American Awards program this year and were so blessed to hear her sing and play the banjo at an impromptu gathering later in the evening, what a great voice and such a talented artist and minister always showing her love for "Jesus".

LaVerne Tripp Ministries Bio

LaVerne Tripp is a living legend.

LaVerne made his first public singing debut at the Piney Grove Camp Meeting in Chocowinity, NC, at the ripe old age of 2½ and he hasn’t stopped. After singing solo, and with several local groups, LaVerne joined the world-famous Blue Ridge Quartet. For seven years LaVerne sang lead with this group and lead them to an unprecedented success. During this period of LaVerne’s career, he wrote and recorded three consecutive number-one songs; I Know, That Day Is Almost Here and After Calvary. LaVerne was voted male vocalist of the year and his song, I Know, was song of the year. He was nominated eight times for the coveted Dove Award. At the pinnacle of the group’s success, LaVerne surrendered his will and his life to the care of God and launched out to fulfill God’s destiny for his life as an evangelist.

Over the past 30 years of ministry, LaVerne has seen more than 500,000 souls born into the Kingdom of God, traveled around the world, built Bible schools, churches, children’s homes, and now is the soul sponsor of 300 children adopted in India.

LaVerne’s song, We’ve Got The Power, has, and is continuing to be sung by the church around the world. In 2001, CCMA presented LaVerne with the Living Legend Award at the Ryman Auditorium, in Nashville, TN. CCMA also awarded him for his number one song, A Bible And A Bus Ticket Home, from the project, We Will Rise Above It All.

LaVerne just released his 77th full-length recording entitled, Songwriter, which contains his new hit single, I'm A Jesus Fan, along with thirteen other songs written by this legend.

LaVerne and his lovely wife, Edith, travel weekly to churches across America and around the world sharing their songs and message of hope, freedom and deliverance to all who will listen. When you get the opportunity to join LaVerne and Edith in a Song Revival, don’t miss it. Healing, Restoration and Liberty come as they sing praise to the King.

Spirits Do Rise On The Wings Of A Song

For more information and contact info, visit LaVerne's Website: http://www.lavernetripp.com/index.html

Susie McEntire

Bio
Singer, Songwriter & Speaker

Susie McEntire’s smile is a genuine one -- and a familiar one. With more than a passing physical resemblance to her sister, Reba McEntire, Susie also shares her big sister’s musical giftings. But Susie has directed her talents to the country gospel side of American Roots music garnering much acclaim from her peers and fans alike. In addition to numerous awards and nominations from TNN, GMA, and CCMA, Susie has been named “Artist of the Year” several times in the field of Positive Country Music. She has also scored four #1 singles on the Positive Country radio charts. However, more than her notoriety, it is Susie’s kindness and determination in the midst of difficulties and her genuine compassion for others that inspires people around her.

Susie often reflects about her early Christian experiences in her concerts, combining her wealth of songs (13 CDs to date) with inspiring life stories. “The person who influenced me the most for Christ was my Grandma Smith who babysat me while my siblings went to school. It was through her influence that I recognized what Christianity was all about – not all about going to church – it was about Him living His life through me,” she says.

Raised on an Oklahoma ranch, Susie began singing as a teenager with her siblings, Pake and Reba, as the “Singing McEntires.” In 1980, after graduating from Oklahoma State University, Susie was again singing with her sister who, by this time, had become a country superstar. In addition to performing concerts for sold-out crowds, they made television appearances on programs such as “The Johnny Carson Show,” “Hee Haw,” and “The Grand Ole Opry.” Susie says, “I learned so much in this short period of time – little did I know that this travel time with Reba would help to prepare me for my own solo career in music.”

In 1984, Susie submitted to God’s calling in her life to sing Christian music, and in the years to follow traveled the country with her husband Paul and 3 children. But the abuse that had already plagued them earlier in their marriage wouldn’t quit – no matter how much counseling they had.

After two separations and now divorce, Susie is a mom with three adult children. "After 25 years of marriage, I could not continue to be in a situation of verbal and mental abuse and remain healthy. I had to make a choice to do what was best for me and my children,” Susie shares.

With a clear head, renewed joy, and a peace she hasn’t felt in years, Susie says she feels more energetic and positive about her music than ever before. AND she has been able to embark on a dream she’s had for years: she is co-host of “Cowboy Church” on RFDtv. (Dish, Direct tv, and Comcast) “My family has been in the ranching/rodeo world for four generations, and I am so pleased to be able to bring Jesus Christ to this audience in a down to earth, country style.”

Susie released her 15th album, “Let Go”, in November 2008. Produced by Bill Aerts, who co-wrote two of the album’s tracks, the 13 song eclectic collection includes songs written by Tom Shipiro, Gary Burr, Victoria Shaw, Amy Douglas, and Barrie Shorrock. The album gets it’s sound from diverse genres of music, from western swing to country, southern gospel and christian pop, classic rock and traditional hymns. Susie co-wrote the track “Sticks and Stones” with her niece Autumn McEntire.

Susie’s music catalog is not just a collection of inspiring songs, it has become her life story. "Looking back now, with 20/20 vision, I can clearly see God’s hand of guidance through all of the difficult moments in my life. By sharing my story, I hope it will help someone else find their way through whatever they may be facing. I can think of no greater purpose for my music than that.”

Susie has recently signed on to be a spokesperson for the Community Learning Council, Inc. based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. CLC is a non-profit organization that focuses on education to help prevent and stop domestic violence.

Thanks so much for the prayers and love gifts you have sent and also for the comments about "Cowboy Church" on RFDtv. www.susieluchsinger.com

Endorsements:

Roper Apparel Spencer’s Crumrine Jewelry

(Western Wear) (Children’s Clothing) (Western Jewelry)

Product Ordering / Publicity:

Psalms Ministries, Inc. PO Box 990 Atoka, OK 74525

(580) 889-5219 (800) 447-1987 www.susieluchsinger.com

I had so much fun writing "Virtuous Woman" and was encouraged to record it after performing it live. I hope the song will inspire you as it did the audience. You are invited to download it for free in celebration of this wonderful holiday.

Happy Mother's Day! To Download song: Click Here

Love ya,

Stella

Attic Entertainment
P.O. Box 120871
Nashville, TN 37212
615-331-4742
615-781-8259 (fax)
atticentertain@aol.com
www.atticentertainment.com

NEW CD Contains: 1. Reach Down 2. Standing On The Cornerstone 3. Standing On His Word 4. God Can 5. Jesus, Our Lord 6. Hold On 7.Fill My Cup 8. Love Wins 9. Soldiers Keep On Marching 10. On The Other Shore

The current group consists of Charles Johnson, Darryl Richmond and Francis Leggett.

Charles Johnsons' Autobiography entitled "Another River to Cross" published by Destiny Image released in June 2002 has received a lot of positive compliments and support from his fans. This book will make you cry, laugh, and shout. It's full of Biblical teachings which you can apply to everyday situations, you will be thrilled at the story of "my grandmother", who was snatched from Africa and sold into slavery when she was only 10 years old, at the same time her twin was sold to another Master, the two sisters did not see or hear from each other until they were miraculously reunited 100 years later. Granny died in 1966 at about the age of 115. In the book he relates the wit and wisdom she poured into him as well as the stories behind his songs.

Charles Johnson is a very unassuming down to earth man. He's not a very talkative artist. If his songs are on the charts that's okay with him, if they're not, well that's okay with Charles as well. He's not much into playing "the game", or the politics of it all. Charles says "I know I'm doing what God wants me to do, and I know I'm doing it the way He wants me to do it. God wants me to minister to the people His way. I'm not a Quartet and I'm not the Traditional Southern Gospel group but as long as the people love what we do and lives are changed that's what it's all about".