|
Dixie sound comes to fair |
|
Monday, 27 July 2009 |
By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
Spreading the eternal message of Christ, the “Dixie Melody Boys” help to kick-off a series of public performances as they take the stage under the 9th annual Auglaize County Fair Gospel Tent at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3.
Following a performance by local gospel quartet “Just Us” Aug. 2, the “Dixie Melody Boys” are second in line to perform during the week-long event alongside others in the line-up including youth group “Soul’d Out Quartet,” “More Than a Show,” “The Pfeifers,” “Hoosier Harmony” and “The Isaacs.”
“This will be the first time the ‘Dixie Melody Boys’ have performed as part of the Gospel Tent,” Gospel Tent Secretary Barbara Knoch said. “Tom (my husband), Audrey (my sister-in-law) and myself saw them perform last year at a quartet convention held in Louisville, and we thought they were just terrific and might be a group local and area residents would enjoy seeing perform this year.”
After struggling several weeks to reach the forefront quartet of southern gospel music group’s publicity director, Knoch said she was finally able to book and schedule the group hailing from North Carolina to perform at the Gospel Tent.
“They sure were a hard group to reach and schedule to perform since they are so busy and currently out on the road touring,” Knoch said, “but, I was glad they were able to squeeze us in.”
After having his name remain synonymous with gospel music for 40 years, Ed O’Neal joined the “Dixie Melody Boys” in 1961 and became the group’s owner and manager a few years later. During the past four and a half decades, the “Dixie Melody Boys,” led by O’Neal, have enjoyed tremendous success. Their success includes a Grammy nomination and numerous fan award nominations from “The Singing News Magazine,” southern gospel music’s leading fan and trade publication.
In the realm of personal achievement, a highlight of O’Neal’s career came in September 2000 when he swas named recipient of the Marvin Norcross Award, the highest honor presented at The Singing News Fan awards ceremony each year. He was presented the award in recognition of his long-time service to his community, as well as the southern gospel music industry.
Additionally, in October 2004 O’Neal was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed each year to gospel music legends.
Over the years, the “Dixie Melody Boys” have been featured on such popular television programs as The Ralph Emery Show and Primetime Country.
They have appeared at Carowinds Theme Park, Six Flags Over Georgia and Dollywood Theme Park. Southern gospel radio stations nationwide consistently fill the airwaves with the music of the group composed of manager O’Neal, lead vocalist Rob Shelton, tenor Jonathan Price and vocalist Steven Cooper. Throughout the past four decade, hit songs have flowed their way in bunches. In fact, they have enjoyed more than 20 Top 40 hits, including eight Top 10 releases.
With a goal of delivering a first-class performance filled with excitement, energy and lots of great traditional southern gospel music, Knoch said the performance to be held by “Dixie Melody Boys” is one that Auglaize County residents shouldn’t miss.
“We hope that people who attend the Gospel Tent really enjoy the ‘Dixie Melody Boys,’ ” Knoch said. “In the past they have seemed please with the groups the committee and I have selected to perform and I imagine many residents will know them since they are firmly established in their place at the forefront of southern gospel music. I’m sure they will be great and will put on an unforgettable show.”
|
|
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 July 2009 )
|
