Burl's Best To You!

In the 1970's, as a Blue Ridge fan and a kid with a cassette recorder, I spent many hours in front of our stereo, compiling tapes of my favorite songs. Technology has changed, but now I'm a Blue Ridge fan and an old man with a computer, spending hours compiling CD's of my favorite songs!  Nothing against the period of time when George Younce sang with the Blue Ridge, but from 1947-1956, and 1964-1981, Burl Strevel sang bass, and sang it well! Well enough for me to gather 33 songs showcasing his talents, and put them together on 1 CD. So for those who can never get enough Burl, here is "Burl's Best To You"! 

All of your favorites are here - Jubilee, This Ole House, Must I Empty Handed Go, When We Sing Around The Throne Eternal, Old Gospel Ship, Happy Rythym... along with songs I'd forgotten about, going back into the late 1940's Blue Ridge radio shows. 

Order yours today!

Front Row Live!

For the first time in one collection, The Blue Ridge Quartet are together, live, singing some of their most memorable songs. "Front Row Live" has songs written and sung by LaVerne Tripp, including his 3 consecutive #1 hits "I Know", "That Day Is Almost Here", and "After Calvary". Other previously unavailable are "I've Ben Born Again", "I've Got A Song", "Blessings That Flow From The Cross", and "Rise And Shine". Tracks from their 1970 release "Live On Stage" and 1975's "Live At Wheeling" are also here, along with live recordings from 1974 and 1980. Don't miss the energy of this ultimate live Blue Ridge Experience! 

Edith R. Tripp - February 12, 1945 – February 17, 2022

Edith Tripp, age 77, of Gallatin, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022. Edith was born February 12, 1945, in Easley, SC.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, LaVerne Tripp; son, Terry Tripp (Kim); daughter-in-law, Shanda Tripp; grandchildren, Rose Lewis (Anthony), Madison Moses (Jarod), Lacey Neustaedter (Nic), Hannah Tripp, Lawson Tripp, and Isabella Tripp; great-grandchildren, Marley Lewis, Pierson Lewis, Eden Neustaedter, and Shiloh Neustaedter; three sisters, Earlene Tompkins, Mary Sloan, and Narvis Hart. She is also survived by numerous relatives, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

She is preceded in death by her son, Pastor Robb Tripp; parents, Clayton Rhodes and Maudia (Hinton) Crane; and sister, Janice McQueen.

Mrs. Tripp served alongside her husband, LaVerne in the ministry for 47 years, reaching countless souls for Christ and encouraging people that no one ever cared for them like Jesus. LaVerne and Edith served as hosts on the Trinity Broadcasting Network for 25 plus years as well as a weekly program where she shared her delight for cooking through her cooking segments. Edith loved people, if she thought you needed it, she would give you her own shirt off of her back. If you were to ask her who her favorite singer was, her response would be LaVerne Tripp (with a whisper of Tom Jones closely following). She cherished her family, but above all, she loved the Lord with all of her heart.

A visitation for Edith will be held Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Three Oaks Church, 502 Douglas Bend Rd., Gallatin, TN 37066, followed by a celebration of life service at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Goodlettsville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Laverne Tripp Ministries – designated for the children in India (www.lavernetripp.com).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestLawnFuneral-Goodlettsville.com for the family.

Bill Crowe 10/9/1935 - 4/13/2021

After suffering from poor health the last several years, including broken hips and a stroke, Bill Crowe gained his heavenly wings on April 13, 2021. 

Graveside services were held on Friday, April 16th at Heritage Memorial Gardens, Roebuck, SC. 

What Sins Are You Talking About?

A popular request during Jerry Trammell's time with The Blue Ridge Quartet was the song "What Sins Are You Talking About?" Although it was never recorded by the group, I had my cassette recorder along with me on January 20, 1980, for the Blue Ridge show in Gouglersville, PA. Through the magic of YouTube and video editing, I can share with you a bit of the excitement Jerry provided that evening.

Ole' Truck

Last week, Dave Compton commented on a post in "We Love Our Southern Gospel History", about a song the Blue Ridge recorded in the 1970's called "Ole' Truck". I told him that I sure did, because my grandfather drove a truck for Nabisco for over 30 years. accident-free. He was two years away from retirement when he heard LaVerne sing this song the first time, so it quickly became his favorite! Thinking back on these memories, I decided to put together a video for Ole' Truck, and share it with you. 

Hawaii

I can still hear Larry Orr playing Hawaiian music on the steel guitar while Burl announced the trip Kenny Gates describes -

"In 1975, we hosted our first Hawaiian tour with 105 of our favorite fans. A great time was had by all." Oh how I wish my 9 year old self could have gone! Those who went along will always have priceless memories. George Colley (left, back row) reminisced -  "Hilton Hawaiian Village invaded by leisure suits. Can you say polyester?"