DECEMBER 20 - NO. 6 O THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SOUTHERN GOSPEL AT CHRISTMAS IS THE BEST THING YOU'LL EVER HEAR - IMHO!

IMHO - Southern Gospel Music is in a category completely unto itself. I have sung in so many choirs, ensembles, quartets, trios I have lost count. I started at the age of twelve singing with my family. And heard all the great Southern Gospel groups growing up in the South. Southern Gospel is a unique blend of harmony and soul that proclaims the Gospel to anyone that will listen. And millions do listen all over the world. It started in 1910 in Tennessee. From the Statesman Quartet, along with many more groups to current day groups. 

First up on today's Countdown is a trio of siblings - The Martins, discovered in 1987 by Michael English, Mark Lowry and Bill Gaither at the National Quartet Convention in Nashville Tennessee, have become a fixture with the Gaither Music Homecoming Tours. Here they are performing one of their favorites - Go Tell!

BONUS TRACK 1 - Here is a great tune by the Gospel group Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - Every Light That Shines At Christmas. This one will make you wanna dance.

BONUS TRACK 2 - The Isaacs, a Bluegrass Gospel family including mom, two daughters, a son and a son-in-law perform a nice arrangement of Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy.  Nothing sounds like a family singing!

BONUS TRACK 3 - The Old Friends Quartet was formed in 2002 with a group of long time Gospel singers - George Younce bass, Ernie Hasse tenor, Wesley Pritchard baritone, Garry Jones piano and the great Jake Hess on lead.  Take a listen as they perform - Glory To God In The Highest.  

Southern Gospel just makes you feel better, especially at Christmas. Merry Christmas to all Vagabonds everywhere.

D.L.Stafford

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