Published: June 30, 2009 11:45 am      

Gospel Harmony Boys show

Quartet will perform July 11 at area church

RUSSELL — One of the most distinctive gospel groups in the business will perform at 7 p.m. July 17 at the family life center of Plaza Church of the Nazarene.

The group, from Huntington, will appear with Dove Award winner Jon Darin Rowsey and the Joy Jones Family.

Known for performing diverse styles as well as their intricate harmonies and modern versions of old gospel favorites, the Gospel Harmony Boys have been presenting concerts across the country and in Canada since 1952, performing at churches, auditoriums, fairs and festivals. They are one of the longest-existing gospel groups in history and celebrated their 55th anniversary last year.

Longtime member Clacy Williams said the show in Russell will be a mixture of music.

“There are some songs we just have to do every program because folks expect and request them if we don’t,” Williams said, adding one of those is “Grandma’s Graduation Day,” about his grandmother’s memorial service.

“We always try to do a few of the very old hyms as well as some new songs that are weritten in the Southern gospel style that we have grown to love over the years.”

Williams said there are special reasons the Gospel Harmony Boys have been so long-lived.

“The group has been blessed throughout the years with men who have been truly blessed with God-given talent and a sincere desire to serve Him through gospel music,” Williams said. “And though 36 men have been associated with the organization in the past 57 years, each of them have shared those same valutes.”

The quartet was the first to be featured on national network television and were recently inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in Dallas. The group’s founder, Harold Lane, will be inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in October.

The group is ready to release a new album. Williams said he hopes it will be available at the July 17 concert.

The group has recorded 42 albums and several 78s, 45s and videos, Williams said.

Seating is limited and admission is only $7. Jack Hanks, who is promoter of the show, said the program would be of interest to those who enjoy good vocal music, not just fans of gospel.

“They have always had some of the best vocals around,” he said. “If you want to hear good arrangements and good harmonies, you would enjoy this show.”

The church is at 400 Diederich Boulevard.