by James Hales | Dec 17, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
After a 2-year stint with the Inspirations, Ronnie once again departed the group, but he would return once again in a few years. In the meantime, the Inspirations hired a young gentleman named Chris Smith to sing baritone. The group was already familiar with Chris, as...
by James Hales | Dec 10, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
With Jack’s departure from the Inspirations in early 1986, former/original lead singer, Ronnie Hutchins stepped in to fill the baritone spot. This would be Ronnie’s 3rd tenure with the group, as he first left in Spring 1969, then returned during the summer of 1970,...
by James Hales | Dec 3, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
By early 1986, the Inspirations had maintained the same vocal line-up with Archie, Troy, Jack and Mike for about 6 years or so. Though I grew up watching them on the Gospel Singing Jubilee with the line-up of Archie, Troy, Eddie and Mike, the line-up from late 1979 to...
by James Hales | Nov 26, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
As the Inspirations wrapped up their 20th anniversary as a group, like clockwork, they were back into the studio at the beginning of 1985 to record this unique album titled, “Praise God and Country”. Given the political climate and the renewed sense of patriotism...
by James Hales | Nov 19, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
1984 was a celebratory, “Twentieth Anniversary” year for the Inspirations. Though 20 years had passed, and many changes had taken place since those humble beginnings in Martin’s basement, Archie, Martin and Jack (who were part of those first basement sessions in...
by James Hales | Nov 12, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
By 1983, the Inspirations were celebrating 12 years with Canaan Records (though “Sing Me a Gospel Song” and “Is That Footsteps That I Hear” were initially released independently, but later picked up by Canaan), and they were enjoying renewed success with such songs as...
