In 1973, The Blue Ridge released a 2 LP set entitled "Through The Years."
It features Burl Strevel reciting a history of The Blue Ridge and it's members, interspersed with milestone recordings. Featured songs include the very first Gospel recording on a major label (Decca) by the Blue Ridge in March 1950 - "The Glory Special".
The quartet at that time was made up of Elmo Fagg, Clarence Turbyfill, Everett Payne, Burl Strevel, and Kenny Gates.
The inside cover of this recording is full of pictures showing the quartet through the years...
Other songs on the records are "Hold On, Brother", Ed Sprouse's first Blue Ridge recording, "Satisfied", "Crying In The Chapel", "Glory Glory, Clear The Road", "Streets Of Gold", "Hide Thou Me", "Follow Me", "I Got Tired", "The Love Of God", "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder", "I've Been Born Again", "Danny Boy", and "Prayer Is The Key To Heaven."
The highlight of this project is the last song, "This Ole House", recorded as they pictured the group would sound in 1998. Burl's daughter Debbie has this to say about the picture below: "Gosh what a fun day getting ready for the pictures in this album. I did all the guys hair and make up, to make them look old.. They had the best time laughing at each other!"
Sadly, Burl passed away in November 1981 and the group disbanded in 1985.
This LP (as well as all other Blue Ridge LP's) is available now on CD - see the right side of this blog for details!
wow. grew up in the park in early 70 s, My parents had the cabin for a few years. ( their nickname was the B's). I was the person that got hid foot cut by mower in the park.
ReplyDeleteSaw many of the big cluntry stars back then. It was my bike that elmer would ride on stage roof.
the Long family were very nice people.