NEWS OF THE WEEK
Triumphant Quartet announced Sean Barber is joining the group. Barber who has been singing with the Michigan-based Justified Quartet, will replace Scotty Inman. This marks the first vocalist change in the group’s 20+ year history.
The Southern Gospel Music Association announced Sue Dodge will join the Hall Of Fame at an induction ceremony to be held during the National Quartet Convention in September. Dodge began her career with the Downings and the Speer Family and holds multiple Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association in the Favorite Female Vocalist category.
The Guardians are now represented by the Harper Agency.
NEW RELEASES THIS WEEK
August 4 – Zach Williams – Live At The Moody Theater: Austin City Limits (CD)
Listen to August new releases HERE on YouTube Music.
UPCOMING RELEASES
The dates listed here are distribution dates when music will officially be available through retail and online outlets. Some titles may be available sooner direct from the artists.
August 11 – Gaither Vocal Band – Shine: The Darker the Night the Brighter the Light (CD/DVD)
August 11 – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound – Live In Amsterdam: A 20th Anniversary Celebration (CD/streaming)
Mid-August – Scott Brand – Looking Back (CD)
August 25 – Various Artists – Gaither Tribute: Award-winning Artists Honor The Songs Of Bill & Gloria Gaither (CD/streaming)
September 8 – The Steeldrivers – Tougher Than Nails (CD/streaming/vinyl)
September 15 – Travis Tritt – Country Chapel (CD/streaming)
September 22 – Lynda Randle – By The Riverside (CD/streaming)
September 29 – The Inspirations – Reunion Live (CD/streaming)
???? – River’s Edge – Front Row Seat
???? – Josh Singletary – Grand (CD/streaming)
TBA – Gold City
TBA – Daniel Ball solo album
Not sure of the year Sue joined the Speers but it wasn’t 1960. Maybe 1970 or ‘71.
Didn’t Sue start her career with The Downings in 1969, then move to The Speers in 1970?
Finger slipped. It was supposed to be 1970. I’ll correct it.
I was trying to be careful to not be too specific about the number of Dove Awards she has won and missed that detail. One of her Doves was caught up in the Blackwood mess in 1971…officially not recognized to this day by the GMA, but that wasn’t Sue’s fault. The GMA should have nullified the Doves where they suspected wrongdoing and let the one they presented to Sue stand.
I don’t know much about that except what I read in The Oak Ridge Boys Our Story published back in the mid 80’s. But what you state would sound reasonable based on my understanding of the situation. Outside of all that, Sue is one of the most natural sopranos ever. There was no straining to hit those high notes.