From the four finalists who remained last week (Vestal Goodman, Jake Hess, George Younce, and Ed O’Neal), you chose George Younce joining the Cathedrals in 1964 as the most significant personnel change in the history of Southern Gospel Music.
The addition of Younce a year after the formation of the Cathedral Trio altered the format of the group to a male quartet. Under the leadership of Younce and Glen Payne, the Cathedral Quartet rose to a spot of prominence in the industry over the years singing on the usual traditional circuit as well as being featured at Praise Gathering events with Bill Gaither. In the 1980s, the group stabilized for several years with Danny Funderburk singing tenor and Mark Trammell singing baritone. In the 1990s until the group retired, Ernie Haase and Scott Fowler completed the group along with long-time piano player Roger Bennett.
Even after the retirement of the Cathedral’s, Younce remained a prominent and popular figure. He formed the Old Friends Quartet with Jake Hess and Ernie Haase. Then, after Ernie Haase formed Signature Sound, he made occasional appearances with them.
Thank you to those who participated in the survey!
George Younce’s selection is certainly well deserved!
David, will you inform us as to how the other three ranked? (Just curious).
Thanks for the survey.
The order was:
1. Younce
2. O’Neal
3. Goodman
4. Hess
Thank you, David.