A Tribute To The Legend

Hovie Lister

BORN: SEPTEMBER 17, 1926; DECEASED: DECEMBER 28, 2001

Hovie Lister was, by all definitions of the word, a legend in southern Gospel music.  Hovie was just a young man of 21 when he began to organize the group that would become the Statesmen Quartet.  That same group became the measuring stick for all of the groups that followed in southern Gospel music and very few have ever achieved the excellence of the Statesmen Quartet.

The Statesmen were organized in Atlanta, GA in 1948.  Hovie was particular in the group members that he wanted for his new group.  He wanted the best that were available but he also wanted individuals that were dedicated to the Lord.  The original group chosen by Hovie consisted of Mosie Lister (no relation to Hovie) singing lead, Bobby Strickland singing tenor, Bervin Kendrick singing baritone and Gordon Hill singing bass.  While this is not the group that made the Statesmen name famous, this is where it all began.

The best lineup for the Statesmen is something that Gospel Music Historians love to debate.  For the most part the general consensus seems to be that around 1953 is when the Statesmen were at their best.  The group personnel at that time consisted of Hovie Lister still leading the way and being joined by Jake Hess singing lead, James "Big Chief" Wetherington singing bass, Doy Ott singing baritone and Denver Crumpler singing tenor.

The Statesmen had many personnel changes over the years but somehow Hovie always seemed to be able to replace whoever left and just keep going on!  The Statesmen were responsible for such classic songs as "Happy Rhythm"," O What A Savior" and countless others. 

Another Of My Heroes

Has Gone Home

BORN: FEBRUARY 22, 1930; DECEASED: APRIL 12, 2005

When my phone rang early Tuesday morning, I had no idea I’d hear one of the most heartbreaking messages since my Dad went home to be with the Lord. My friend called from Ohio and told me that one of my dear heroes in Southern Gospel music had gone home to be with the Lord. George Wilson Younce passed away about 3:30 AM on Tuesday morning, April 12^th. Tears rolled down my face.

My memories of George Younce go back to his days with the Blue Ridge Quartet. Our family loved attending the “all night singings” in the south and the Blue Ridge Quartet was one of the headliners. Then I grew up and George moved on the awesome Cathedrals and my admiration for this giant grew.

I joined the staff of a Gospel trade magazine in 1982, and George was among my first featured artists. From the beginning, he treated this green-horn journalist with the greatest respect; as if I were a seasoned veteran.