Cybergrass Bluegrass Music News: Ed Hill Among 2009 Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees

BMNN wrote: on Nov. 12, 2009:
Ed Hill

Performer Ed Hill of Hermitage, Tenn., originally from St. Louis, Mo., attended his induction into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame at Dollywood recently in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Baritone singer Ed Hill currently performs with the Stamps Quartet.

"The minister's son started singing at 15 with Humble Hearts, and later the Prophets Quartet. Ed and The Prophets become regulars on the "Gospel Singing Caravan" television series," said Charlie Waller, SGMA executive director. "After Ed retired The Prophets, he joined Hovie Lister and The Statesmen and later with J.D. Sumner of the Stamps Quartet." Ed, along with The Stamps, was a permanent member of the Elvis Presley Show until Presley's death in 1977, he said. For those who ever heard the words "Elvis has left the building," it was Hill’s voice that said it again and again.

Greater Vision, with Mark Trammell standing in for Gerald Wolfe, performed "The Lighthouse" to honor Hill. Dr. Jerry Goff welcomed Hill to the stage as SGMA board member Earl Eleton inducted him as the two brought the placing of the medallion around his neck with a bit a comedy.

"I want to first thank the Lord for allowing me to live a life in which I got to do what I love - to sing Southern gsospel music," Hill said. "I hope everyone will make the same best decision as I did to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour. That is the one important decision you can make in your life. God bless you and thank you very much."

The other 2009 SGMA class of inductees are Neil Enloe, Harold Lane, Don Light, Bill Lyles, Elizabeth "Lady" Mull, Billy Todd and Charlie Waller. Country Music Hall of Famer Barbara Mandrell received the James D. Vaughn Impact Award at the event.

The Southern Gospel Music Association is a non-profit organization that maintains the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame, the only facility honoring this genre of music, for the historic preservation of the accomplishments of the music and its people. Museum hours match those of Dollywood. Donations are tax-deductible. Individuals and businesses may donate to assist with honoring inductees with special bronze plaques that are displayed in the Hall of Fame. For more information about the museum or its inductees, visit www.sgma.org.

Seed Newsvine

Copyright 1992-2010 by CYBERGRASS® CYBERGRASS® is a Registered Trademark. All use and rights are reserved. No part of this site may be copied or reproduced in whole or in part without express written authorization from CYBERGRASS®. Derivitive works prohibited.