Silent Night

Christmas is never complete without my listening to the Blue Ridge Christmas albums at least a few times. Of course, this is much easier now that I've made them available on CD :-)  From one of those vinyl gems, enjoy this video I made for "Silent Night".  May you and yours have a most blessed Christmas! 

Norman Almand

Norman Almand, age 86, passed away Friday, November 18, 2016.

Since his graduation from Hillsborough High School, Norman made a name for himself in the Southern Gospel music industry as a bass singer for several quartets, The Rebels in the early 1950s as well as The Blue Ridge Quartet during that same decade

Norman, with Elmo Fagg, Kenny Gates, and Ed Sprouse -1956

PFC Almand served his country in the U.S. Army from October 1954 – July 1956. For the past 13 years he sang with the Gulf Ridge Quartet. He is survived by his wife Sue and four children: sons Barry, Kenneth, Landis, and daughter, Lauri. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Kenny Gates provided this picture and said :

"Our first engagement with our new bass singer, Norman Almand. It was at the annual "Singing On The Mountain" at Grand Father Mountain, North Carolina. We had two bass singers that day, Cecil Gohlston, who was filling in with us until Norman was discharged from service. So sorry to hear of Norman's passing. Truly a great singer and wonderful friend.

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

I know Memorial Day is technically for those who died in the service of our country, but I can't help having my memories drift to those who died in the service of our Lord and Savior. Certainly included in that list is Burl Strevel, and so here he sings "God Be With You Till We Meet Again", for all those we are remembering today

Jerry Browning

Jerry Curtis Browning, 68, of Anderson, South Carolina, husband of Jane Aderhold Browning, died Saturday, February 6, 2016.  

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Lewis and Vira McCall Browning.

Jerry was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife of 27 years, is a son, Christopher Shane Browning; three daughters, Dana Browning, Eugenia Johnson, and Kimberly Aderhold; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two sisters; and one brother.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Curtis Browning, II; and two brothers.

From 1971 until 1975, Jerry was the drummer for The Blue Ridge Quartet. 

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.

I'll Be Home For Christmas

I'll Be Home For Christmas has been a powerful and moving Christmas song since World War II when it was written. I can't help but tear up each time I listen to Burl Strevel's version - which I've made into a video as my Christmas gift to all of my fellow Blue Ridge fans :-)

Scars In The Hands Of Jesus

"Scars In The Hands Of Jesus" is a gospel song written by Marijohn Wilkin, and made famous by several southern gospel groups. It speaks of the day when we will enter Heaven, and find that the only thing there made by man, will be the scars in Jesus' hands. It is only through those wounds in His hands, feet, and side, and the shedding of His blood, that we can be saved. Of the many versions of this song, I've always loved Donnie Seabolt's rendition. Enjoy it now, with this moving video :-)

God Bless America

The Blue Ridge were world famous for singing Southern Gospel music, showing their devotion to God. But they were also never afraid to show their love for their country. Enjoy their version of "God Bless America", set to an amazing fireworks display!