As a new decade dawned, so did a new version of the Inspirations. With Ronnie’s departure in 1969, this album introduces us to a young Eddie Dietz.
James Hales
James is a lifelong fan of Southern Gospel Music. Being exposed to the music through his dad's record collection as a 7 or 8 year old boy in the late 70's, James grew to love the music of the Happy Goodmans, Kingsmen, Inspirations, Rambos, Florida Boys and others. James has been a staff writer for Absolutely Gospel since 2000 writing music reviews and various articles, and he has contributed to Musicscribe and SGHistory.com for several years as well. James also writes for his own music page on Facebook as well, via James' Music Page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063484056683).
The Inspirations – “The Next Step You Take” (1969)
This album marked the Inspirations’ venture into full-time ministry. Additionally, as they prepare to release their 2025 recording which boasts a similar cover as this 1969 release, check out how the original cover came to be!
The Inspirations – “Jesus is Coming Soon” (1968)
In 1968, the Inspirations released what was probably their most important albums in their entire discography with “Jesus is Coming Soon”. Read all about it…
The Inspirations – “What a Wonderful Time” / “From the Heart of the Great Smokies” / “He’s Our Guide” (1967)
These next 3 albums, you hear the Inspirations really coming into their own, vocally, as they work to create their own musical identity. Listening to these albums is truly a treat, hearing the youthfulness of their sound. Check out the article, and listen to the albums yourself on You Tube!
The Inspirations – “Our Pioneer Heritage” / “Cool Water” / “Just as Long as Eternity Rolls” (1966)
The Inspirations will be our next group/topic of discussion, as we comb through 35 years of music from 1966 through 2001. In this first article, we’re talking about their first 3 albums from 1966. Check it out!
The Talleys – “A Night to Remember” (1992)
For our final installment for this series on the Talleys, we come to their final recording before coming off the road. “A Night to Remember” was an amazing “Swansong” for the Talleys, highlighting 8 years of fabulous music!
The Talleys – “Love Will” (1990)
This would be the final studio recording for the Talleys, which yielded one of their biggest hit songs, “He is Here”. This would be their most contemporary offering, filled with songs that could easily be found on the hottest CCM stations at the time. Read all about it…
The Talleys – “Typical Day” (1989)
1989 saw the Talleys release one of their most popular recordings, “Typical Day”, which also featured one of their most iconic songs, “Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb”. What are your thoughts about this recording?
The Talleys – “A Family Christmas” (1988)
We’re celebrating Christmas early this year! Check out my thoughts on this splendid Christmas release by the Talleys…which I consider to be Southern Gospel’s absolute finest Christmas recording ever made!