The Gospel Harmony Boys
GHB Share Stage With Ray Overholt
May, 2008
Ray and Millie Overholt with GHB backup on "Hallelujah Square"
photo by Julie Hall - WOLY Radio, Battle Creek, MI
Every year since 1974, the GHBs have been scheduled for early spring and late fall concerts at the original Gospel Barn in Hillsdale, MI. This year, Gospel Barn promoter, Scott Wiley, had a wonderful surprise for the "Boys". He had also scheduled gospel music legend, Ray Overholt, to be part of the day's activities. Ray is one of Gospel Music's most respected and prolific song writers having penned hundreds of songs, many of which have been recorded by southern gospel music's top groups.
Ray was active in the "hillbilly" music field for many years in the Central Michigan area and His first gospel song, "Ten Thousand Angels", was actually written before he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior. In reality, the song was instrumental in helping Ray make that decision.
Along with "Ten Thousand Angels", another of Ray's songs you will immediately recognize is "Hallelujah Square". It's one of the most recorded songs in Gospel Music history. And although we've all heard and sung it may times, it takes on a greater value than ever before when you realize that Ray is legally blind. I will never again sing those words, "I saw a blind man, tapping along", that I don't picture Ray on the Gospel Barn Stage. What a privilege it was to be invited to join him in singing that great song to both the matinee and evening audiences at the "Barn".
Our own writer, Greg Tingler, spent much of his time getting to know Ray personally and talking with him about their mutual love, song writing. It was a real pleasure listening to these two noted authors share ideas and histories.
Ray, you have been an inspiration to many of us in Gospel Music for many years. We enjoyed our time with you tremendously and we were blessed by the program you presented to the audiences at the Gospel Barn. We are truly grateful to Scott Wiley for having given us the opportunity to be able to call you, "Friend".
For additional information regarding Ray Overholt, visit the following web sites:
www.hillbilly-music.com
www.tanbible.com/tol_sng/tenthousandangels.htm
