Christmas With The Blue Ridge

If you are looking to add any Christmas music to your collection this year, why not bring home an old friend, a timeless friend, Christmas music that will always be timeless, classic, and relevant

Yes, of course I am talking about the

Blue Ridge Quartet Christmas albums, 

which are available on a single CD, along with LaVerne Tripp's 1975 Christmas album, for only $10.00, which includes first class shipping, right to your door in time to sing along with all of your Christmas favorites! Order yours today!

Rise Again

Rise Again is an inspirational song about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and was written by Dallas Holm. His version of the song won the Dove award for Song Of The Year in 1977. 

The Blue Ridge Quartet released their version, with Bill Crowe singing the lead, on their 1978 album "Here They Come." If they had made music videos for their music back then, I believe it would have looked something like this video I've made... 

Go ahead, drive the nails in My hands; 

Laugh at me, where you stand.

Go ahead, and say it isn't Me; 

The day will come, when you will see.

'Cause I'll rise, again, 

Ain't no power on earth can keep Me down! 

Yes, I'll rise, again, 

Death can't keep Me in the ground.

Go ahead, mock My name; 

My love for you is still the same.

Go ahead, and bury Me; 

But very soon, I will be free! 

'Cause I'll rise, again; 

Ain't no power on earth can keep Me down! 

Yes, I'll rise, again; 

Death can't keep Me in the ground.

Go ahead, and say I'm dead and gone, 

But you will see that you were wrong.

Go ahead, try to hide the Son; 

But all will see that I'm the One! 

'Cause I'll come again! 

Ain't no power on earth can keep me back! 

Yes, I'll come again; 

Come to take My people back.

8-Track Tapes

How many of you owned Blue Ridge music on 8-Track tapes?

Does anyone still own a working 8-track player?  Remember how you could buy 3 albums for $6.50 but 3 8-tracks cost $10?   Remember how annoying it was when a song would be cut in half, with the continuation on a different track? And remember needing to buy a new tape if it came unraveled when you forgot to demagnetize the player? Oh how we prayed to be able to find a replacement tape of Bill Crowe's "That Little Girl Of Mine" when my Mom ruined her Dad's copy....

I'm so thankful for the technology that allows the Blue Ridge to now be heard on CD's - they travel with me in my car 24/7 and never sounded better!

Donnie Seabolt

Don Seabolt was born in Calhoun, Georgia on July 30, 1944. "Donnie" learned to sing at a young age while picking cotton on his daddy's cotton farm with two of his sisters, Ruth and Jean. 

In his teen years he joined the FFA quartet at his high school. The young men would travel and compete against other FFA groups from all over the state, and for two years in a  row they won the award for being the top FFA quartet in Georgia. In Donnie's senior year he entered the competition in the solo division as well and won the award for the top soloist in the state. 

After high school, he began traveling with a regional group from north Georgia called the Peacemakers. For about five years he worked a full-time job and sang all over Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama with the group. 

As the 60's gave way to the 70's, like most young gospel singers, was itching to sing full-time and found out that the Downings were auditioning singers for an opening in their group. After arriving in Nashville and singing for them, they informed him that they loved his singing, but they were looking for someone with a lower voice and he sang too high! However, they mentioned to him that the Prophets Quartet was in need of a lead singer and they thought he would be the perfect fit to sing under their sky high tenor "Big Lew" Garrison. They were correct, and the Prophets hired Donnie shortly thereafter. During his time with the group they recorded three albums and thrilled audiences at some of the largest gospel music gatherings in the country. 

It was at one of these events that the Prophets were on the same program as the Blue Ridge Quartet. During sound check prior to the concert, LaVerne Tripp was checking his microphone and singing a country song. Donnie was standing on the side of the stage and recognized what he was singing and stepped up to a mic and began to sing harmony with him. The two sounded so good together that they decided to sing another one! Evidently, Donnie made an impression with the Blue Ridge because it wasn't long before they informed him that Fred Daniel would be coming off the road and they wanted him to be their new tenor singer. 

Donnie is best known for his time with the Blue Ridge from 1971-1978, and his flying leaps from the stage. He is pictured on the cover of "Energy" doing just that. In addition to singing, Donnie also wrote many of the Blue Ridge Quartet songs, such as There's Just No Way, Happy, I'll See You In Heaven, Safe In The Arms Of God, Things Are Gonna Be Different, When He Opens Up The Book Of Life, I'm Part Of The Family Of God, I'm Depending On Jesus, He's A Good Man, I'm Depending On Jesus, I Found Peace In The Old Rugged Cross, Already Mine, A Kid's Song... the list goes on and on... He also recorded two solo albums while with the Blue Ridge.

Sadly, for Blue Ridge fans, Donnie left in 1978 to start the Donnie Seabolt Band, where he continued to sing and tour until 2002. 

In his over 40 years of singing, his songs climbed the charts in both the Singing News and Cashbox Magazine. He also had his songs recorded by other well known Southern and Black gospel artists such as the Cathedral Quartet, The Hoppers, and The Dixie Hummingbirds. In 2009 he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and in 2016 he was inducted into the South Carolina Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. 

He and his wife, Karen, live in Simpsonville, SC, with their son, daughter and son-in-law, and two grandchildren. 

Thank you, Donnie, for all of the love shown to us Blue Ridge fans over the years, and we pray you know how much you mean to us!  And thank you also, to Scott Jacobs for helping with a lot of the information to make this tribute possible!

Blue Ridge CD #9

Songs We Can't Stop Singing

The 12 songs on this collection need no introduction or description, after all, night after night, from venue to venue, these are the songs the Blue Ridge couldn't stop singing! Whenever the boys would get tired of performing a particular number, they would leave it off the program that night, but at intermission, they would be hounded by fans wanting to know why a certain song wasn't played. And back on the program it would go!

"Songs We Can't Stop Singing includes "Wings Of A Dove", "No Disappointments In Heaven", "You're Not Home Yet", "Dry Bones", "He's Always There", "It Is No Secret", "Battle Hymn Of The Republic", "This Ole House", "Follow Me", "Jubilee's A Coming", "The Light Of Your Love", and "Wonderful Time Up There."  Released in 1967, it is one of 3 albums featuring Otis Forrest at the piano. Kenny Gates had decided to leave the group in 1967, and Otis took his place.

Forrest began playing piano at the age of nine, though his parents told him that he showed interest in music even earlier. "My father and some of his friends knew about five or six chords on a guitar, and they would get together and play," he said. "I would watch, curiously, at an early age."  At the age of 13, Forrest was asked to play piano for a Gospel quartet, the Pilgrimaires, formed in his hometown of Easley, South Carolina. They sang and played at churches locally and in North Carolina and Georgia.  Not long after he, as piano player, and four singers, Tom Brown (baritone), Joel Duncan (bass), Bobby Edwards (tenor), and Carl Whitman (lead), formed a Gospel quartet called The Trav’lers,  

Otis then was asked to join with the Blue Ridge, and worked with them through 1968 when Kenny Gates returned. His name is still known today as a studio musician and record producer. 

He Bought My Soul

"He Bought My Soul" is the title song of this Blue Ridge LP released in 1960. 

It is one of two records with Jim Hamil as the baritone singer. Heard on every song is the beautiful, melodic piano accompaniment of Kenny Gates. 

Elmo Fagg sings He Bought My Soul, a beautiful, slow soft song with feeling and delicacy. "It's Different Now" is a happy melody with beautiful harmony and smooth rhythm. George Younce and Elmo take turns with the chorus and verses, and Ed Sprouse's beautiful tenor voice reaches sky-high. Jim Hamil sings "Love Is Why", backed with more harmony from the group.You'll start singing along energetically with the Blue Ridge as they sing "A child of God you'll be throughout eternity, He'll Make Somebody Out Of You", penned by JD Sumner.  "My Wonderful Friend" is a lovely, smooth, melody featuring George's deep bass voice. Side one comes to a close with "He Kept His Promise", another contribution from Elmo in his inimitable style. 

Turn the record over and you'll be singing along again with George, even if you don't know the words to JD's "I Want To Tell The World About His Love". Ed Sprouse lovingly sings "Somewhere, Someday", a beautiful slow song, which is followed by "Don't Say No". The lyrics here, also written by JD Sumner, are as powerful as any you'll ever hear:

"He said yes to Calvary and saved you from your sins.  Don't say no to him today, let the Savior in. Don't say no. He said yes for you! He left his home in glory, came to a world of sin. Made his life a sacrifice, that Heaven you might win"

"His Mercy" features all four in the quartet, and "Why Not Start Today" is more of the four part harmony known as "The Sweetest Singing This Side Of Heaven", made even more powerful by a recitation from George. The collection closes out with yet another JD Sumner tune "A Soul Such As I"

A Kid's Song

As you can tell from yesterday's post, teaching the Gospel to children has been on my mind lately,
and as a result I can't get "A Kid's Song" out of my head!  I couldn't tell you the number of times Donnie came down off that stage and stuck his microphone up to my face, wanting me to sing. Shy as I was, how could I say no? Children young and old were given the chance to sing as he taught the Gospel in pure simplicity!

I walked down the doorstep, I saw my little boy
Playing in his sandbox, with a special toy
He opened with a question which caught me by surprise
And I saw the look of concern in his little eyes
When he said...

Who made the sunshine?
Who made the trees?
Who made the flowers that bloom in the spring?
Who made the rivers?
Who made the sea?
Who made the rainbow?
And who made you and me? 

Donnie Seabolt with Bill Crowe's son Bill

I picked him up from the sandbox
And I brushed off his feet.
I sat on the steps, and he sat on my knee
I said the answer to your question
Is as simple as can be
For you see, God made it all
Just for you and me!

He made the sunshine
He made the trees
He made the flowers that bloom in the spring
He made the rivers
He made the sea
He made the rainbow
And He made you and me

Jesus loves me, this I know
And He made you and me!

"A Kid's Song" can be found on QCA LP 358 "Blue Ridge Now", and also my CD # 21, which also includes the Blue Ridge LP QCA 330 "Hymns Of The Hour", recorded with Little Jimmy Dickens. 

Donnie with Little Jimmy Dickens

Teach The Children

Christ said "Suffer the little children to come unto me."

In that regard, the two pictures above are identical. The children are coming to Christ through the Blue Ridge Quartet! 

I am so grateful that my grandparents followed that admonition and introduced me to the Blue Ridge. Their TV show was named "Music For All America", and certainly children are the future of America. 

On the back of their "Peace Like A River" album is a unique testimony, author unknown...

"Hey Dad - that big bus we just passed had a sign on it! It said Blue Ridge Quartet!"

"Yes son, that's the traveling home of one of the greatest Gospel Quartets in all America. Since it is traveling south, they are on their way home. Of course, I don't know how many concerts they will perform before they get there, but I'm sure they are on their way home. My son, my son, how thoughtless of me - I just realized, we have never taken you to see them in person. I must remember to do that! Even a little tyke like you will enjoy their concert. Your mother and I have enjoyed them through the years and it's time for you to get to know them too. They travel about 100,000 miles a year and surely they will come near by very soon."

"I want you to grow up liking the good things of life. You've already found out how good it is to go to Sunday School and Church, and now we want you to go to a concert of gospel singing. It will help to inspire you to grow up to be a good man."

Another testament is given on the back of the "Thanks For Loving Me" LP... 

"Since we met the Blue Ridge Quartet, our lives have changed, including our son Dean. Their songs are such an inspiration, we can't help feeling good when listening to them. As soon as our son Dean hears them, he starts to sing along with them. Whenever we feel sad, we listen to their albums and it makes us feel good and realize that God is always there to help you. Our son, Dean, would rather listen to them than television." 

Of course we all know Robbie Huber's love for the Blue Ridge. His story is not unlike many others - he became a fan the moment they hit the stage. He describes his first concert: 
"Our neighbors, and friends, The McCallister's church was their sponsor here in Zanesville, Ohio. The day of the concert a snow storm hit and there were several inches of snow. I didn't want to go, and I remember telling my Mom, " I don't wanna go hear a bunch of old men sing Church Songs." Shirley McCallister, insisted that we go, so my Grandma, Mom, Myself and others loaded into the back of her station wagon and headed to the High School....when they hit the stage, they hit my heart. Burl, Bill, Fred, LaVerne, and Kenny...from that very moment I knew what I wanted to do. NEVER in a million years did I ever dream I would ride on the bus with them, or for that fact think they would ever even know who I was. Almost a half of a century later, I'm still in awe when, I get an E-Mail, phone call, text or a letter from one of them. They ARE STILL My HERO'S and FRIENDS. I know there are countless others that loved The BLUE RIDGE QUARTET, but I can promise you this, NOBODY has loved them more or longer than I do !!!" 

It may be 30+ years since the Blue Ridge recorded an album, but the music is timeless. I pray that your children and your children's children are being blessed by the Gospel message offered in song.

I Know

Although other Southern Gospel groups (Oak Ridge Boys in particular) recorded "I Know" and had success with it, our Blue Ridge Quartet were the first on both counts. Written and sung by lead singer LaVerne Tripp in 1970, and included on their "Rise And Shine" LP, it was LaVerne's first of three consecutive #1 hits.

He describes "I Know" as "the kind of song, that once you heard it, the words and the tune would ring over and over in your mind. I knew the song had what it took to be a hit. After releasing it to radio stations, even I was shocked when it shot up the charts so quickly and became the number one song in America. "I Know" broke all records in gospel music history, remaining on top of the charts for over a year." LaVerne also recalls how he felt stepping on stage right after another group had just performed his hit song. He couldn't believe the "audacity" shown in trying to upstage him. By the time they finished their first song, he decided how to handle the situation. LaVerne stepped to the edge of the stage and said "I know you just somebody else sing my song. They only think they know how to sing it. Would you like to hear how it should really be sung?"

                                             Some people say that this old time religion
                                                           Is just a thing of the past.
                                               But in this modern age that we're living
                                                      It's the only thing that will last.
                                     Now you may think that I'm a little old fashioned
                                               Well, friend, that's all right with me.
                                               But I'm so glad that I am a Christian
                                                    And from sin I have been set free.

I know, I know, there's no doubt about it

He lives in my heart and I'm gonna shout it.

I know, I know, my sins are forgiven

And I'm on my way to a place that's called Heaven.

Not long ago at an old fashioned meeting

I fell on my knees there in prayer.

He lifted my burdens, sins shackles fell from me

And His presence was so real everywhere.

Now that the load I carried is lighter,

He's changed my gray skies to blue.

My steps are now higher and I have this assurance

That His sweet love will carry me through.

Come go with me to that land over yonder

He's prepared for the pure and the true

It's a place where sickness and death cannot enter

I'm going, brother, how about you?

It may be today or may be tomorrow

He'll return in robes of pure white.

I'm packing up now getting my things together

Who knows, He might come tonight.

Hits Forever

44 years after it's release, I'd have to say that this Blue Ridge Quartet album was very appropriately named. After all this time, all 10 songs on this collection are forever hits. 

Released at the same time as "Reflections" and "Solid Gold", together they represented 30 of the best songs the Blue Ridge had to offer. Most were re-recordings of tracks on their previous LP's released on Canaan Records. 

LaVerne Tripp contributes 3 songs he wrote, beginning with the opening track, "That Day Is Almost Here." His huge hit "It's Worth It All" is also here, along with "I've Got A Song." Donnie Seabolt adds his incredible tenor voice to "The Lighthouse" and :The Eastern Gate", and of course you'll never tire of listening to Burl singing "This Ole' House". You'll get your toes tapping and fingers snapping with "he Paid The Debt For Me". Patriotism shines through with "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic". Also here for your listening pleasure - the timeless hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" and Bill Gaither's song "He Touched Me."

Solid Gold and Reflections are amazing pieces of vinyl in their own right. Songs such as "I Know", "That's Enough", "A Man Who Is Wise", "Wings Of A Dove", "Oh, Glory Hallelujah", "After Calvary", "How Great Thou Art", "God Bless America", "I've Been Born Again", "Rise And Shine", "Jesus Is Coming Soon"...

So grab a turntable and let the Blue Ridge bring the peace, joy, love, and happiness the Gospel brings into your home! And just in case you weren't aware, all three LP's are available now on 1 CD - see the side of this blog for ordering information. 

Jim Stewart

Heaven's choir has gained another bass singer. James (Big Jim) Everette Stewart passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2017. Born October 28, 1936, in Clifton, SC, he was the son of the late Ed and Katie Emory Stewart.

In an obituary he wrote himself, he said "This is my final time to bid you farewell. I have had a long life and been able to use my God given talent of singing Bass since I was 7 years old. I never could express myself in words but pray I have reached many people through song."

At the age of fifteen, Jim sang with the Silvertones Quartet. In 1952, he joined the Melody Masters Quartet. In 1958, Jim sang briefly with Ed Sprouse, Kenny Gates, and Elmo Fagg in the Blue Ridge Quartet, but never was on any recordings. 

He also sang briefly in the Calvary Quartet. 

Jim Stewart spent most of his career singing bass with the Pine Ridge Boys. 

Jim remained with the Pine Ridge Boys for more than 45 years, ultimately turning the management duties over to his son, former Singing Americans bass singer, Larry Stewart. Jim received the Living Legend Award in 2003 at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion.

A Thing Called Love

                                You can't see it with your eyes, hold it in your hands
                                          But like the wind it covers our land
                                      Strong enough to rule the heart of any man
                                                This thing called love
                                     It can lift you up, never let you down
                                      Take your world and turn it around
                                  Ever since time nothing's ever been found
                                               That's stronger than love!

Oh Glory Hallelujah

In yesterday's post (A Session With the Blue Ridge Quartet), I mentioned how awesome it was that a gospel song could reach #1 on the pop charts. Today, I will share the story of a gospel song making it into the opening scenes of an X-rated movie... Say what???

Yes, I did just say that. Sometime in 1968, The Blue Ridge Quartet were approached about having their song "Oh Glory, Hallelujah", written by Mabel Crowe, in an upcoming feature film. The story goes that they accepted the offer, deposited the money, and never knew what film the song would be used in, or what the context would be. Much to their horror, the song shows up in the opening scene of "Midnight Cowboy", an X-rated movie released in 1969. Midnight Cowboy stars Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, and has since been changed to a R rating, if you'd like to check out the fist few minutes to hear the song.  Basically, (from Wikipedia, I've never watched the movie) the film opens as Joe Buck (Voight), a young Texan working as a dishwasher, dresses in new cowboy clothing, packs a suitcase, and quits his job. He heads to New York City hoping to succeed as a prostitute. In the scene, Voight is on a bus scanning a transistor radio when he stops on the song "Oh Glory, Glory Hallelujah,"

Luckily for us Blue Ridge devotees, that is not how we remember the song. Many a concert finished off with Bill Crowe singing:

Burdens now are lighter, brighter is my way
It is such a joy to walk with Him

When this journey here is o'er

I'll set my feet on heaven's shore,

Eternity all joy will just begin!

Oh Glory, glory hallelujah

Praise the Lord today I know I'm free.

He is with me, and if I stay close to Him

Safe from harm and danger I will be.

When my Jesus saved me,Washed my sins away

Cast them in the bottom of the sea

Picked me up, turned me around

Set my feet on higher ground

Now I'm walking happy, glad and free!

A Session With The Blue Ridge Quartet

Recorded in 1961, "A Session With The Blue Ridge Quartet" was their second LP with Bill Crowe as their baritone singer. He sings the lead on "Someone To Care" in this 12 song collection.  Amazingly, I owned this album, sealed, for 15 years or so before ever getting a chance to listen to it. I'm glad someone convinced me to either break the seal or purchase another copy, because it is certainly worth a listen (or many!)  The back of the album cover has quotes from the boys saying how poorly they thought they were performing during the recording session, including Kenny Gates saying it sounded like he was playing piano while wearing boxing gloves!  Pay no attention, this is just another example of the "Sweetest Singing This Side Of Heaven!"

The album opens up with the lively "Happy In My Heart", as Elmo Fagg, George Younce, and Ed Sprouse all contribute to a chorus. "Lord Keep Your Hand On Me" is a deeply spiritual song, as is the third selection, "It Is No Secret." I love the story behind this song, written by Stuart Hamblen, who was one of radio's first singing cowboys. He didn't handle his fame very well, with drinking and brawling landing him in jail more than once. That all changed when he met Billy Graham, and committed himself to Christ. Later, when his good friend John Wayne got wind of Hamblen's conversion, he asked him, "Do you think you can live it?" Stuart replied, "It is no secret what God can do." John Wayne said, "You oughtta write a song about that!"  So he followed his advice, and "It Is No Secret" became the first song to reach #1 on the Gospel, Country, and Pop charts. Can you imagine? A song with the lyrics "with arms wide open He'll pardon you"  reaching #1 on the Pop charts! 

Other can't miss tracks include "Not My Will", "Mansions Can't be Bought In Heaven", "Lead Me Gently Home, Father", "Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus", "My Only Hope, "I Saw A Man", and "Victory In Jesus." The album closes out with a recitation by George Younce called "Model Church."

So, sit down and enjoy a "Session With The Blue Ridge!" You won't be disappointed!

"It Is No Secret" was written by Stuart Hamblen, who is regarded as one of radio's first "singing cowboys." Hamblen, the son of a Methodist minister from Texas, didn't handle his fame very well. As Wikipedia tells us, his drinking, and the brawling and "destructive behavior" it produced, landed him in jail "many times."

This all changed in 1949 when Billy Graham appeared on Hamblen's show as a way to publicize what would become the historic Los Angeles Crusade. While on the show, Graham invited Hamblen to attend the crusade, and Hamblen accepted. Later, Hamblen contacted Graham and asked if they could meet and talk. And it was then that Hamblen committed his life to Christ.

Sometime later, a friend of Hamblen asked him about the rumor going around Hollywood that Hamblen had changed his ways. Hamblen replied that it was no secret what God had done for him and what God could do for his friend, too. The friend then replied that Hamblen should turn those lines into a song.

That friend's name was John Wayne. No kidding.

So Hamblen followed Wayne's advice—he wrote it. "It Is No Secret" became the first song to reach #1 on the Gospel, Country, and Pop charts. Think about that: a song that tells us that "with arms wide open, he'll pardon you" reached #1 on the Pop chart. Thank you, John Wayne.

It's been recorded many times, arguably most famously by Elvis Presley. Also by Johnny Cash. Perhaps the greatest illustration of the song's lasting impact is that "the original manuscript of the song 'It Is No Secret' is buried in the cornerstone of the Copyright Buildings of the Library of Congress." Wow.

Singing cowboys, Billy Graham, John Wayne, Elvis and a song about God's restorative power. As I said, you can't make this kind of story up.

But God can. And that is the point of Hamblen's song. God longs to, as my friend Thomas Howard wrote in "Christ the Tiger," (great book),"restore to you the good which your own foolish mistakes have cheated you."

That's no secret. That is the good news.

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/the-story-behind-it-is-no-secret-what-god-can-do-138248/#wcqM0W382w5mGjZj.99

"It Is No Secret" was written by Stuart Hamblen, who is regarded as one of radio's first "singing cowboys." Hamblen, the son of a Methodist minister from Texas, didn't handle his fame very well. As Wikipedia tells us, his drinking, and the brawling and "destructive behavior" it produced, landed him in jail "many times."

This all changed in 1949 when Billy Graham appeared on Hamblen's show as a way to publicize what would become the historic Los Angeles Crusade. While on the show, Graham invited Hamblen to attend the crusade, and Hamblen accepted. Later, Hamblen contacted Graham and asked if they could meet and talk. And it was then that Hamblen committed his life to Christ.

Sometime later, a friend of Hamblen asked him about the rumor going around Hollywood that Hamblen had changed his ways. Hamblen replied that it was no secret what God had done for him and what God could do for his friend, too. The friend then replied that Hamblen should turn those lines into a song.

That friend's name was John Wayne. No kidding.

So Hamblen followed Wayne's advice—he wrote it. "It Is No Secret" became the first song to reach #1 on the Gospel, Country, and Pop charts. Think about that: a song that tells us that "with arms wide open, he'll pardon you" reached #1 on the Pop chart. Thank you, John Wayne.

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/the-story-behind-it-is-no-secret-what-god-can-do-138248/#loJFheXJoqOTHXMD.99

"It Is No Secret" was written by Stuart Hamblen, who is regarded as one of radio's first "singing cowboys."
Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/the-story-behind-it-is-no-secret-what-god-can-do-138248/#loJFheXJoqOTHXMD.99

Bill Crowe

Bill Crowe was born October 9, 1935 into a musical family. He grew up in Alcoa, Tennessee. His mother, Mabel, played the piano,and taught Bill and his siblings how to sing, and even wrote many of the hit songs performed by the Blue Ridge Quartet. 

Many of his fans know that he developed polio at the age of 2, resulting in a small left arm and one leg 3/4 inch shorter than the other. This made school difficult for him, but he persevered and made music his life. 

After high school, he and his friend David Young organized a quartet called the Victors, along with his brother Ed and Fred Rose. 

Things didn't work out financially for the group and they disbanded. David Young then joined the Foggy River Boys and invited Bill to join him there. 

In October of 1960, his uncle, Elmo Fagg, lead singer and manager of the Blue Ridge Quartet offered him  job as their baritone singer. It was a job he always wanted - "To sing with the Blue Ridge Quartet was a dream come true!"

Bill continued to sing Baritone right up to the end. He became the sole owner of the Blue Ridge when Burl Strevel passed away in November 1981. Bill recalls this as "the saddest day of my life. He was as close as a brother. I was devastated, but I cannot explain it. He's in Heaven - Now that is wonderful!" 

Bill didn't say much while on stage, it was at the record rack where you could really get to know him.

Enjoy this video of Bill singing one of his signature songs - "A Man Who Is Wise"

In 1996, the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion presented him the prestigious Living Legend Award, and in 2008 Bill became the first South Carolinian to be inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame.

Blue Ridge Energy

If when I saw the Blue Ridge Quartet for the first time at the age of 7, I'd been asked to describe that performance using just one word, I might have used "energy."  So it was very fitting for me to be able to leave that concert with some "Blue Ridge Energy!" Just seeing Donnie Seabolt fly off the stage on the album cover brought back memories before even placing it on the turntable!

From the beginning steel guitar licks of Larry Orr on "You Can't Be A Beacon", to the last strain of Donnie Seabolt on "I Found Peace In The Old Rugged Cross", a first time or millionth time listener will feel the same energy I did that night 44 years ago in Eastern Pennsylvania. 

LaVerne Tripp contributes 3 songs he wrote to this timeless collection - "I Never Knew How It Felt (But I Know Now)", "Lord Please Come Back", and "I'm In Love With Jesus." Bill Crowe is smooth and steady on "Who", a song written by his mother Mabel. Donnie sings another of Mabel's songs "He'll Go With me Each Step Of The Way." Donnie also has three songs which he wrote - "He's A Good Man", "Happy", and "I'm Depending On Jesus." One can't forget Burl Strevel's testimony in the self-penned "It's Who You Know That Counts" - 

"All of my life I've heard people say IT'S WHO YOU KNOW THAT COUNTS. Over the years I've lived, I faced many problems, some of them I couldn't solve alone. Many times a friend would say 'I know a man that can help you.' Sometimes this man would be a stranger to me, perhaps a banker, a lawyer or a minister, or maybe even a friend that I hadn't thought of. But I got to know a Man that is all of things in one. He walks in front of me. He protects me. He leads me. He opens doors that I couldn't open. So, if it's really who you know that counts, let me introduce you to the top Man. His name is Jesus, the Son of the living God."

The remaining two songs are "One Day At A Time" and "That's The Man I'm Looking For." 

As Jan Cain says in her dedication on the back cover, "Like a beacon of light, "Blue Ridge Energy" will brighten the drab, soothe the broken-hearted, refresh the weary, energize the weak, and beam a path of light through the dark spots of life."

What is your favorite of the "Lucky 13" songs on this album?

Memories From The Bus...

I'm sure you all remember the feeling you would get when this MCI Challenger 7 bus would pull up at the concert venue, and 8 of your dear friends would step off and greet you...

Blue Ridge Bus, Ontelaunee Park 1975

I've collected some memories from Blue Ridge fans who actually got to ride on the bus, notably Robbie Huber, who spent 2 years on the road with Burl, Bill, Donnie, Fred, Kenny, Steve, and others.

Bill Crowe, Steve Boyd

Says Robbie: "We went to Wooster, Ohio to see the group, and I was back working the Record Rack with Kenny, Bill, and Donnie. Kenny was telling me that was where LaVerne had written the song...'I KNOW'...  Kenny was showing me something I had never seen, A Digital Watch...I know that dates me, well if that doesn't, I was selling 8 track tapes with Mr. Gates. That watch was the neatest thing I had ever seen. Anyway Kenny said when you get out of school, why don't you come out on the road with us. We looked at the schedule and decided on July 3rd at the. Shenandoah Truck Stop on I-70. We were headed to Paducha, Ky. If somebody would have offered me a Million Dollars to stay off that bus, you know what...they'd still have their money ! I know most had groups they followed or loved, however these men were more than that to me. They may NEVER know what they deposited into my life. There's a large part of me that's never left the bus !!! My Heart took a trip, that it will NEVER forget ... I'd give away 1,000 tomorrows for one more night on the bus with ya'll!" 

Another lifelong fan, Connie, shares this memory: "Wow those were the days... my parents and some good friends of theirs went to see them one night and came home all excited and told me and my younger sister about them. From that night on we grew closer and closer to them and followed them everywhere. They came to our house in that big bus.. oh how I thought that was the coolest thing. My little sister and I rode on the bus from our house to wherever they were playing that night and that was so exciting... truly they were amazing... I have so many memories ..wonderful memories of them all...they were part of our family for a very long time... miss them so much!"

"As a young child, as young as 3 years old, I remember that bus pulling into Westminster, MD at the Westminster High School.", says fellow fan Rob Gouge. "I sat on that bus many times with my dad, and we had great conversations with Burl, Bill, Donnie, Fred, Kenny, and all the guys! I would help load in and set up. Burl would call me out on stage and I would sing a song with them. Burl made certain that I had every new album. It would just show up on our mailbox. That bus, and the guys on it were the inspiration that God used to allow me to sing and preach! I loved, and still love, the Blue Ridge Quartet and will always cherish the memories that the pictures of that bus brings back to me! 

My Pop-Pop with the Blue Ridge bus, 1978

Bill Crowe explained that "Our families couldn't travel with us, It was band members only because there were 11 of us - two drivers, the quartet, a four-piece band and the sound man. We also carried sound equipment and (were) loaded to the max with albums. We honestly didn't have a place to sit down at times. We had 10 bunks where we stayed until we sold enough albums to clear out a place to sit."

Kenny Gates says the MCI 7 "was the first brand new bus that we had. Up until then, We, like most of the groups had been using old worn out buses We bought it in 1972.. We had four singers,four musicians, a bus driver and a helper. All ten of our road group had their own bunk and closet. Our bus performed beautifully. Other than regular maintenance,tires and brakes, I don't remember anything that went wrong for the first 500,000 miles."

Rodney Hoots

George Colley

The question is often asked - Where is the bus now? Kenny Gates explains "The BRQ continued to us this bus, after I had left the group, until the early 80's, Bill Crowe, who was manager at the time, disbanded the group and sold it to Talmage Lewis, a member of the Lewis Family, who owned and operated a used car and bus company in Augusta,Ga. The last time that I talked with him, he had sold it to a fellow as I remember who was an evangelist. Talmage told me that he had painted the bus red and sold it to somebody in South America."