LCJ CONCERT UPDATE (A BRIEF JOURNEY THROUGH TIME)
Lake Country Jubilee Updates
LAKE COUNTRY JUBILEE
CONCERT UPDATE
OCT. 16, 2023
A BRIEF JOURNEY THROUGH TIME!
Since the arrival in Texas in 1924, and especially since 1936, when the Stamps Quartet started broadcasting on the 50,000 watt Dallas radio power house KRLD, the D/FW area was considered the #1 gospel music market in America! With the Stamps Quartet School of Music, their daily radio broadcasts, their songbook publishing empire, and their local concerts, they became a major presence in this area. And, in 1936, the Chuckwagon Gang, a family group of who, had left as life of traveling farm workers, and had become very popular in Lubbock radio, moved to Fort Worth. There, they brought their smooth mixed quartet harmonies to WBAP, another 50, 000 watt powerhouse. Rather than the traditional piano, the Chuckwagon Gang used an acoustic guitar as their musical accompaniment. So, they complemented the Stamps Quartet, rather than competed with them. And, 1936 was the year my family, who were “sharecropping” farmers, got our first battery operated radio! So, we were able to hear all these events- first hand!! They became a part of the fabric of our lives! And yes! I remember the events of 1936- vividly!!!
With time, changes would come, starting with the death of Virgil Stamps in 1940, and his replacement with younger brother, Frank Stamps. He passed away in 1965, and soon these pioneers were just a part of history. But, “Promoters”, such as W.B. Nowlin, as well as others, kept the music flowing! Then, in 1991, my late wife, Jean, and I, started Lake Country Jubilee. And, in the first 28 years history of Lake Country Jubilee, we devoted our lives to bringing greatest talent to our loyal fans!! And yes, Lake Country Jubilee carried the gospel music banner high! Our 5 radio signals covering a population of about 15 million, our 23 year 24/7/365 presence on the internet, and now on the “Cloud,” is unique to Lake Country Jubilee. The Performing Arts Center in Terrell is “the best” venue! Plus, you, our loyal fans are famous- nationwide. Ask any artist at NQC!!
In 1994, I tried to bring in The Cathedral Quartet. But, they were not accepting any “new” promoters. Age, and health, was causing them to reduce their concert schedule. In their era, they were “The Pillar” upon which gospel music rested! No other group was close. Their retirement would leave a huge “hole” to be filled. I set out to identify new talent to fill the void! But, I thought that “one pillar” wasn’t a good business model. I thought “four” would be a better model. Fortunately, we had just discovered the Booth Brothers, and their unique sound. They were selected as Pillar #1. Kim Greene gave the Hoppers a new sound I thought would endure. I selected The Hoppers to become Pillar #2. In 2001, a new quartet- now Triumphant Quartet was formed. They earned being Pillar #3. The Collingsworth Family became Pillar #4!! At this time, only the Hoppers had a “national” following! With the Cathedral Quartet’s retirement in 1999, these four “Pillars” first identified at Lake Country Jubilee, emerged to lead gospel music into the new era! For the next 15 years, these four Pillars dominated the Fan Awards! One of the “Hallmarks” of Lake Country Jubilee has been identifying new talent! Almost every major new group that has formed during the last 30 years was first introduced to Texas audiences at Lake Country Jubilee!!!
But, TIME MARCHES ON! And, with Jean’s passing, and my advancing years, if Lake Country Jubilee was to continue to lead the way into the future, new leadership would have to be identified. The National Quartet Convention stepped forward with a vision of a bright future. Then, came Covid 19- after only one concert! But, with the resources of the NQC, and the hard work of Clarke Beasley, all 12 scheduled LCJ Concerts were presented during the 2year lock down period! Only Lake Country Jubilee accomplished that feat!! Now, more than ever, your regular attendance, as well as the Church Groups, are still important going forward. Let’s keep D/FW the #1 gospel music market in America- STARTING NEXT SATURDAY!! MORE LATER!!