Herald Dispatch Article
New Members Resurrect Gospel Harmony Boys
By BOB WITHERS - Dec 31, 2004 The Herald-Dispatch, Huntington ,WV
New Year’s Eve always is a time to look back and ahead simultaneously. That makes it all the more fitting that a watch-night concert at Kellogg Independent Holiness Church of God features a resurrected name that’s been synonymous with gospel music in West Virginia for more than a half-century.
The reconstituted Gospel Harmony Boys -- from left, first tenor Clacy Williams, bass Calvin Thompson, lead Dale Chambers and baritone Rusty Ballinger -- will perform at Kellogg Independent Holiness Church of God during a watch-night service that begins at 7 p.m. today.
The Gospel Harmony Boys, a gospel quartet that was organized by Huntington native Harold Lane in 1952, called it quits exactly 50 years and a dozen and a half musicians later. But soon thereafter, GHB veterans and Charleston residents Clacy Williams (first tenor, 28 years) and Calvin Thompson (bass, 12 years) organized a new group and called it the River City Boys -- welcoming lead singer Dale Chambers of St. Albans, W.Va., and baritone Rusty Ballinger of Gallipolis, Ohio.
Despite the new name, the members continued the GHB traditions -- singing many of the same songs, going back to some of the regular appointments and asking former members to go with them and sing along.
Eventually, the "new" singers... decided to rename themselves the Gospel Harmony Boys.
Eventually, the "new" singers -- with the blessing and encouragement of surviving members of the original quartet -- decided to rename themselves The Gospel Harmony Boys.
"It’s a good idea", says 76-year-old Lane, who now lives in Nashville. "They’re a trustworthy bunch." The Kellogg Holiness program is the group’s first appearance following the reorganization."We’re excited about having the opportunity to continue the vision and Christian service of The Gospel Harmony Boys," Williams says. "We are humbled by the confidence that has been placed in us by our GHB family, and we will strive to uphold the tradition and honor that has been placed in our watch care."
