The Gospel Harmony Boys
GHB Celebrate 56 Years
February, 2009
GHB 56th Reunion Sing
by Calvin Thompson
Grand Choir at the 56th Reunion Sing
The stage lights came up , the house lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd. The Gospel Harmony Boys 2008 Reunion Concert was underway. Once again, on November 8, 2008, the historic and beautifully restored, Huntington City Auditorium was the location of choice for a special night of Gospel music. The ’08 Reunion Concert commemorated the fifty-sixth anniversary of the Gospel Harmony Boys.
Earlier in the afternoon, an open reception was held on the auditorium mezzanine level of the Auditorium. This year the reception was in honor of Homer Fry and to celebrate his imminent 80th birthday. The food was excellent and the birthday cake, decorated by Betty Crowder, was an artful masterpiece. The cake and other afternoon activities are pictured in the photo gallery. During the reception, a multimedia presentation provided vintage photos and video clips to entertain attendees. The presentation featured a video prepared by Steve Stanley to commemorate the group's 35th anniversary. It also, contained video clips of Harold Patrick and Harold Lane, and a host of vintage still photographs. The large screen presentation and projection were arranged by Brenda Williams and Denis Chapman.
As time drew near for the concert to begin Mark Hale and Danny Ward, two of the finest sound men in the country set up the sound system. Everyone appreciated the wonderful sound they provided.
As the crowd began to assemble in the auditorium, they were treated to pre-service instrumental music played by the “Gospel Harmony Boys’ Band”. Ron Pauley played piano, Greg played the bass guitar, Randy Shaffer played the HARMONICA, and Scott played the trumpet. It was announced that Scott had played first chair for the Logan Symphony Orchestra. The crowd began taking their seats, but Auditorium Security promptly made them return them.
Emcee Ronnie Bell
Greg welcomed the audience and introduced Ronnie Bell, morning DJ for WLTC, Ironton, Ohio, and long time friend of the Harmony Boys. During his introduction Greg said, “Ronnie Bell has probably brought the Gospel Harmony Boys on Stage more than any other person in the 56 year history of the group”. Ronnie related the story of how he became the MC for Gospel Harmony Boys’ Concerts. It seems that at a concert featuring the Statesmen and Blackwood Brothers, Gray Johnson became ill and Ransom Fry, who had been the MC, was pressed into service as the bass singer. Ronnie Bell was pressed into service as the MC and continued in that role for well over twenty years. Ronnie invited Homer to the stage to ask the Lord’s blessing on the singing. Homer’s prayer was, as usual, sincere, humble and comprehensive. When Homer prays, it is obvious that he knows who he is talking to.
Sincere
Ronnie Bell introduced SINCERE. They were outstanding. Mark Hale and Danny Ward are arguably the best sound recording engineers in gospel music. Their success in their recording businesses could not have been without their talent for singing. Add to this their very lovely and extremely talented wives, Peggy Hale and Debbie Ward, and the singing group is awesome. They finished their stand featuring Peggy on “Great Is The Lord”. Thankfully, there was no damage to the auditorium but the crowd really did get into it. GREAT IS THE LORD.
Bloodline
BLOODLINE was next on the program. John Snodgrass fills in with the Harmony Boys from time to time when they are without a lead or baritone singer. The Gospel Harmony Boys have watched Kim Fry grow up and develop a rich alto voice to go with her outstanding talent. And, in addition to being the outstanding soprano and accomplished pianist for Bloodline, Christy Snodgrass may well be the nicest person in the world. For their last song they sang “Jesus Is Alive And Well.” The audience enthusiastically agreed. JESUS IS ALIVE AND WELL.
Clacy introduced Dwayne Fowler. Dwayne is a DJ at WEMM, and will be the Honorary Master of Ceremonies at the 2009 Reunion Concerts. Dwayne obviously has a good ear for music, because he likes the Gospel Harmony Boys music and has supported the group’s efforts through the years. The 09 Concerts (yes, they plan more than one) and other activities will be special if the Lord continues to bless.
The Guardians
The GUARDIANS QUARTET took the stage next with all the talent and professionalism everyone has come to expect. Their new black on black suits were a real improvement over the “mafia look” they had at the previous anniversary concert. In addition to a great stage appearance, they turned in a performance that thrilled the audience and all participants on the program. Homer’s solos and the tight harmony on “Same Old Fashioned Way” made that song one of the highlights of the evening. Guardians patriarch, Dale Urhig was not able to attend. Elba Heilman, pronounced Elbe Heilman, sang bass on all the songs. He was more than up to the task. Neil Urhig sang lead, handled the MC duties and as usual, came across as the fine Christian gentlemen that he is. Dean Hickman was featured on their final and also very appropriate song considering it was Veteran’s Day. His awesome talent, energy and ability to communicate, made God Bless The USA, the overwhelming crowd favorite. GOD BLESS THE USA.
The Guardians are a tough act to follow so: nobody did. Ronnie Bell announced Intermission. Jim Piercy (an honorary member of the Gospel Harmony Boys) played a beautiful medley of classic gospel, until the crowd was brought under control.
Jim Piercy
Ronnie then asked the audience who was related to the Adkins Family. Surprisingly, over half of the audience confessed. Ronnie pointed out that the family tree looked like a who’s-who in Gospel music and he called The Adkins Brothers to the stage. They sang beautifully. Their polished presentation of classic style southern Gospel Music, set the tone for the second half of the concert. Asbury Adkins’ ability to sing first tenor for over 60 years is, in his words, “a blessing from the Almighty”. His upper range is as clear and clean as ever and he knows how to use it to communicate with the audience. Clacy put it well later in the program when he said that he could not imagine anything better than being able to sing with three talented sons like Kenny, Gerald, and Vernon. The Adkins Brothers certainly have the whole package. Their final song was indicative of the Christian attitude personified by the Adkins Brothers Quartet. I JUST CAN’T MAKE IT BY MYSELF.
The Adkins Brothers
Throughout the evening several participants shared their recollection of humorous incidents that occurred during the Gospel Harmony Boys 56 year history. Homer was called to the stage after the Adkins brothers for one of those “story telling” sessions. Greg and Clacy were there to encourage Homer. After the levity, Clacy and Greg shared the events of Christian Music Hall of Fame honors and induction ceremony.
The Gospel Harmony Boys
The current Gospel Harmony Boys sang three songs and then began featuring members who no longer travel with the group and guests. Note that there are no ex-members of the Gospel Harmony Boys. It is like the Hotel California. You can check out but you can never leave. Rusty Ballinger, Denis Chapman, and Randy Shafer turned in beautiful performances. Rodney LeGrand sang “Jesus Loves Me” in honor of his father Asa. Greg's daughter, Laura Tingler, provided a pleasant break with her outstanding performance of "We're Not Gonna Bow". Ron Pauley played the piano beautifully. But, the class of 57, Homer Fry, Asbury Adkins, and Dale Musgrave, were the high point of the concert. May God grant that we all can sing that well when we are 80 years old.
The Class of 57
The “Grand Finale” was three songs by a “Grand Choir”. The choir was composed of all singers and musicians who performed during the evening. The beautiful words in the closing prayer by Dale Musgrave were the perfect closing to a wonderful evening. By the way, the words in the final song were “If we never meet again, this side of heaven, I will meet you on that beautiful shore”.
Please make plans to join us for the 2009 Reunion. If it is the Lord’s will, we will reunite and sing His praises, on November 13 and 14, 2009. Please mark your calendar and watch the web page, for details of the exciting events the group is planning.
Be sure to check our photo Gallery, filled with pictures from this landmark evening.
