The 2007 SGMA Hall of Fame Inductees

Being the resident history writer for Southern Gospel News, I suppose I'm expected to comment on any additions to the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame...so, since they've chosen their class of 2007, I will!

By and large, the SGMA has done a fine job of honoring those who have contributed most to the tradition of gospel music over the years...I can't quibble about very much that they've done(or not done).

Well, maybe a little...such as taking so long to put obvious inductees such as Bill Shaw and Joe Roper in, and missing their chance in 2005 to put Neil Enloe in!(OK, so I'm a little prejudiced on that last one!):-)

But overall, the SGMA has done a fine job of selecting and honoring the individuals who have been the largest contributors to the "southern" gospel music tradition. And this year is no exception...so one by one, I will comment on each new member, and I hope you'll see why each person was chosen.

ROGER BENNETT-A key contributor to the final years of one of the very best groups in the genre, the Cathedral Quartet, plus the key figure in continuing that tradition with one of today's finest quartets, Legacy Five, as well as being an outstanding representative of gospel music both on and offstage(especially for his courageous battle with cancer), and being one of gospel music's best musicians for many years, Bennett is a worthy addition to the Hall. It is particularly good of the SGMA to honor him so while he still is present for such recognition.

ANTHONY BURGER-One of the all-time great pianists in gospel music history(with both the Kingsmen and the Gaither Homecoming cast), Anthony was one of the most tireless and popular examples of gospel music at its' best. His tragic and premature early passing has robbed the gospel music world of any further contributions from one of its' all-time most talented individuals, so why waste time waiting to give Anthony his due for his immense contributions to the genre? I'm glad he's going in this year.

JOEL HEMPHILL-Proving that good things DO come from Fresno, CA,...Hemphill was the patriarch of one of the most talented family groups in gospel music, in addition to being one of gospel's greatest writers in the late 20th century. Such gospel standards as "I'll Soon Be Gone" and "He's Still Workin' On Me" will always keep the name Joel Hemphill at the forefront of contributors to the gospel music heritage, as it should be.

LOU WILLS-HILDRETH-Not a name that automatically falls from the lips of every gospel music fan, few have been greater all around contributors to the gospel music tradition than this very classy lady. From her involvement with her famous Texas family group, to her pioneeering TV efforts, to her work with the Bill Gaither Organization, few have been involved with the breadth of the gospel music outreach than Lou Wills-Hildreth. I've always advocated honoring the labors of workers like this in the gospel music tradition, and I'm glad the SGMA is doing it with Lou.

JIMMY JONES-An integral member of some of gospel music's greatest groups(The LeFevres, the Rangers, and the Deep South Quartet), in addition to being one of gospel music's finest writers, Jones embodies in every way what the SGMA Hall of Fame should be all about. His "Poetry Corner" segments on the old "Gospel Singing Caravan" are still fondly remembered to this day.

DAVID REECE-Younger gospel music fans might not know Reece too well, but they should. A suprememly talented musician, arranger, and manager, Reece not only kept the name of one of gospel music's most colorful groups intact(the Rangers), but he was one of the finest entertainers ever to grace a stage. His ability to create laughter and joy for singers and audiences alike makes him a most singular and outstanding contributor to the gospel music tradition. It's about time Reece finally got his due, and entered the SGMA Hall of Fame.

JAMES SEGO-Another very funny man, Sego was the guiding force behind the Sego Brothers and Naomi, one of the finest family gospel groups of the 1960s. Sego brought much of what Reece brought to gospel music, minus the arranging skills, but plus the addition of his legendary wife Naomi! Sego was a very popular gospel music personality of the 1960s, and it's good to see him in the Hall.

ARCHIE WATKINS-One of the most distinctive tenors in gospel music history, Watkins has been one of the most popular and univerally respected singers in the industry for his entire 43-year singing career...all with the Inspirations! As the Inspirations are unquestionably one of gospel music's greatest groups, and keepers of the quartet-style singing tradition most all gospel music lovers(including this writer)cherish, and since the group's founder and manager Martin Cook has already been recognized, so the key singer in the long history of the group should also be put into the Hall of Fame. The Inspirations are one of gospel music's all-time most popular groups, and Watkins has been their most popular and identifiable member...it only follows that Archie Watkins should enter the SGMA Hall of Fame.

There. My thoughts on the class of 2007. Maybe someday, the SGMA will stop overlooking Enloe and give him his just due as well...but until then, I can certainly be content with the current membership...and its' newest members.

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