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The Bell Singers: News

Bell Singers' Pre-Anniversary Celebration!! - October 30, 2009

Don't Miss It!!

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - 6:30 p.m.

Bishop Otis Davis & The First Baptist Church
Presents The Bell Singers' Pre-Anniversary Celebration!!

First Baptist Church
831 Alabama * Earle, Arkansas
Bishop Otis Davis, Pastor

~~~Featuring~~~

First Baptist Church Choir
AGB 1&2/Hayti, MO
The Gospel Consolators/West Memphis, AR
The Barnes Singers/Earle, AR
Rev. Danny Bell & The Quartet Boys/Memphis, TN

M.C.: Sis. Diane Burnett/Lady Dee of Memphis, Tennessee
Devotion by Minister James Branch, Jr.

For more information call: Denise Brownlee 870-225-9368
Website: www.bellsingers.com

Bell Singers' Big 36th Anniversary!!! - October 30, 2009

Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

Freedom Bible Baptist Church
4720 Boeingshire at Shelby Drive
Memphis, Tennessee
Rev. Leo Patton, Pastor

~~Featuring~~
Chunky & The Boys/Helena, AR
The Appointed/Memphis, TN
The Supreme Harmonettes/Olive Branch, MS
The Traveling Stars/Memphis, TN
The Mighty Kings of Harmony/Memphis, TN
Special Guest: The Cork Singers/Greenville, MS
And another Surprise Guest! But you have to be there to see who that is!!

Don't Miss It!!

$12.00 At Door Only!!!

M.C. Bro. James Chamer of 1240 WAVN
Dean of Gospel & Stellar Award Winner

For Further information call 901-679-7720
www.bellsingers.com

Great News! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website!! - September 30, 2009

For the month of September we had a total of 62,015 to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

Happy Birthday Mrs. Dora Bell! - September 21, 2009

Today is Mrs. Dora Bell's Birthday! She is the Founder of the Group and the Lord Blessed her to turn 83 on this day! Some Family and Friends took her out to Catfish Cabin! We had a wonderful time! Happy Birthday Mother!

Stella Alexander's Birthday! - September 20, 2009

Today is Stella Alexander's Birthday! Hope you had a very Happy And Prosperous Day! Love ya! Happy Birthday!!

Linda Ellis Birthday!! - September 5, 2009

Today is Linda Ellis' Birthday! Hope you had a Happy and Blessed time! We Love you! Happy Birthday

Great New! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website!! - August 31, 2009

For the month of August, we had a total of 103,746 to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

The Bell Singers Live Video Recording!! - August 18, 2009

First of all, I want to give God the Glory, the Honor and the Praise! For allowing the Bell Singers Live Video Recording on Saturday, August 15th to be what it was to the Bell Singers and all who attended. We had an AWESOME time in the Lord. It wasn't just a video, it was Praising and Worshipping going on in that place! The Spirit was HIGH! There was a few technical problems in the beginning, but we soon Prayed and Praised them away!

We hit the floor hard on the first half, with a song entitled "Sit Down with Jesus", we were fired up and ready to go! We were dressed in Black with reinstones down the front of the dress. We did a total of six songs on the first half. The Holy Spirit was just flowing all over the place! I couldn't hardly get through the songs because of the anointing that fell on that place! WOW! It was a Blessing to have my little brother, the Rev. Danny Bell of the Memphis Harmonizers as one of our guest. He and our mom, Mrs. Dora Bell sung a song together and my oh my, if you wasn't there, you should have been there to witness that, the spirit was all over the place. He also sung a song with my sister, Linda which closed out the first half in a BIG Way.

The second half was just as anointed, you just have to see the DVD upon it's release! We were dressed in purple. We hit the floor with "So Glad I Got My Religion in time!" And from there, WOW, to the end it was ALL GOOD! We did a total of 5 songs on the 2nd half. One song that really got the anointing flowing on the 2nd half was entitled "I've never lost a friend, I've never had, because I've Got Jesus and that's enough!" I'm still a little tired and still drunk from the spirit, it still hits me, even on today when I think back to Saturday night, WOW! There was a lot that went on, just can't think right now, maybe someone else who was there can elaborate a little more. If you were there, let us know what you thought about it!

I would like to say to my Gloryland family and suporters that I did get a chance to see, I want you to know that I truly thank you for coming out to support the Bell Singers! Dr. Ella Mahmoud, Sarah Hall, Lonnie Tucker, Elder James & Ella "Cookie" Fuller, Mama Tena Mebane Alexander, Vanessa Knowles, Representatives from the Rhythm of Gospel, Lee Bullock-Brown, and so many, many, more! WE THANK YOU! You just don't know how good that made us feel to see your smiling faces out there! Special thanks to the Dean of Gospel, Bro. James Chambers, Rev. Melvin Rogers of the Memphis Harmonizers, and The Appointed of Memphis Tennessee who did a Tramendous job as the opening act, they had the people on there feet! Thanks guys!! The Souvenir Books were just great! Thanks to all who purchased an ad or just gave a donation, WE THANK YOU! All in all, I give the Bell Singers LIVE Video Recording a 9.5! Yes I do! I would give it a 10, but I'm in the group! (Smile)

We would like to give Special Thanks to all who helped to make this Live Video Possible: Mr. Willie Artison, CEO of Sacred Love Records; Mr. Larry Clark of LC Memphis Multimedia Productions; Mr. Roy Hughes of Hughes Entertainment, Mr. Archie Love; Mr. Willie Douglas; Mr. Derrick Jackson, Moonshine Lighting, Rev. Danny Bell; Henry Peoples, to all the Bell Singers and Musicians for getting through all the rehearsals and the attitudes! (Smile)! To The Bell Singers' Booster Club, what would we do without you! We love you dearly! To Dr. "J" Anderson of 1600 AM WMQM; Mr. Stevenson Clark "The Lil Prince of Gospel" of 1240 AM WAVN; Delsa "Fireball" Flemming of 1340 AM WLOK and the Dean of Gospel, Mr. James Chambers of 1340 WLOK for all your support. To all of our family members and to all of you who purchased an ad in the Souvenir book! It was most appreciative! To Joslyn Rivers, Toiann Leach , Peggy Lawson and Earlene Hunt for the last minute touches in helping to put the souvenir book together. Thank you so much! To all the Promoters and Announcers who came from many parts of United States and who took time out ot come and see about the Little Ole Bell Singers. We thank you! God Bless all of you! We Love you!

Great News! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website!! - July 31, 2009

For the month ofJuly, we had a total of 93,479 to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

Bell Singers-Female Group of the Year! - July 13, 2009

Bell Singers WON Female Quartet Group of the Year this past weekend at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards in Pine Bluff, Arkansas!! July 10-12, 2009.

To God Be The Glory! If you missed the Rhythm of Gospel Awards in Pine Bluff Arkansas, you missed a Well put together Classy Event! It was AWESOME from the Friday Night Banquet Honoring 10 Great Pastors, to the Quartet Showcases, Pre-Awards Reception to the GRAND Finale, IT WAS GREAT! Hats off to the Visionaries and staff for a job well done!

Thanks to all of you who voted for The Bell Singers! We Won! What you say! All the Female groups in this category were FANTASTIC! We take nothing for granted, we give GOD THE GLORY, THE HONOR AND THE PRAISE!! This great event was taped for television and will be aired at a later date.

If you voted for us, THANKS AGAIN!! God Bless ya!

Pat
www.bellsingers.com www.myspace.com/bellsingers

Great New! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website!! - June 30, 2009

For the month of June, we had an all time highest total of 102,159 to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

LIVE Interview - KCEP FM 88.1 - June 14, 2009

Pat Artison had the opportunity to do a LIVE Radio Interview with Ms. Alice Tugwell Godmother of Gospel on today at 3:30 Las Vegas time/5:30 Memphis time. It was a pleasure talking with her. We talked about where the group is headed now and about my mother Mrs. Dora Bell, who is the founder of the group. We talked about the Bell Singers' upcoming LIVE Video recording. She played the song "God is Wonderful' from our latest C D. Ms. Tugwell is a joy to speak with. We first met her in AL at the AGQC convention about 2 years ago. Looking forward to seeing her again real soon.

LIVE Interview - Cinncinati, OH 88.3 FM - June 10, 2009

Pat Artison had the pleasure of during a LIVE interview with Evangelist Kim Walker "The Singing Evangelist" on WAIF 88.3 FM in Cinncinati, OH this moringing at 8:15 a.m. We had a glorius time! She is very nice and friendly made me feel right at home. We talked about what's going on with the Bell Singers, our latest CD, my mother, the founder of the group-Mrs. Dora Bell and the upcoming LIVE VIDEO Recording of the Bell Singers. And found out that their is a great possiblity that Cinncinati OH will be in the house! Also found out that Cinncinati loves our entire CD but espcecially loves these two cuts: "God Is Wonderful" and "God Is Good". It was a great interview, looking forward to meeting and speaking back to the Singing Evangelist real soon!

Happy Birthday Joetta Watkins!! - June 1, 2009

Today is Joetta's Birthday!!!

Great News! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website!! - May 31, 2009

For the month of May, we had an all time highest total of 127,943 to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

Happy Birthday Pat Artison!! - May 21, 2009

Today is Pat's Birthday!!

Great News! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website!! - April 30, 2009

For the month of April, we had a total of 75,517to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

Happy Birthday Toiann!! - April 27, 2009

Today is Toiann's Birthday!!

The Bell Singers' LIVE VIDEO RECORDING!!! - April 14, 2009

The time has finally come!

Sacred Love Records
Presents
The Bell Singers'
Live Video Recording!!

Saturday, August 15, 2009 - 6:00p.m.

Greater Evangelist Faith COGIC
3415 Millbranch
Memphis, Tennessee
Superintendent Dudley Lewellen, Pastor

Admission: FREE!!!

Mark Your Calendars! Make Plans to Attend! We would be delighted to see you there!!!

www.bellsingers.com www.myspace.com/bellsingers ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We will also have a Souvenir Booklet to commemorate this great occasion!! If you would like to place an ad in the booklet you can call Pat Artison at 901-292-7875 or email me at patriciaartison@yahoo.com

The cost for the ads are as follows: (With or without picture)
Full page - $50.00
1/2 page - $35.00
1/4 page - $20.00
Business Card - $10.00
Patron - $5.00

Deadline for the ads will be July 31st!

Don't forget! Mark Your Calendars for the Bell Singers' LIVE VIDEO RECORDING - Saturday, August 15, 2009!!!

Will list designated hotel information real soon!

Great News! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website! - March 31, 2009

For the month of March, we had a total of 86,307 to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

Great News! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website! - February 28, 2009

For the month of February, we had a total of 77,150 to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

Great News! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website! - January 31, 2009

For the month of January, we had a total of 88,817 to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

Bell Singers at AGQC 1/21 - 24, 2009 in Birmingham, AL - January 30, 2009

The AGQC was off the hook as usual and it was GREAT!!! This is the 3rd year in a row that the Bell Singers has had an opportunity to attend. The Theme was: Come to the Well and Drink! It was a struggle getting there but we made it and thankful for it! WOW! Where do I began, we arrived on Wednesday afternoon. We attended the Wednesday night services, which was female night on which the Bell Singers were scheduled to sing. There was just a sweet spirit in that place as always and there was an actual well on the stage and during the services everyone who wanted to had an opportunity to drink from the well and was ministered to by Elder Stewart himself.

Thursday morning we attended some classes which were very informative. I attended Deacon Watts Class on Independent Record Labels and received some very informative information and names of books and telephone numbers that are a must have and I am definitely going to take advantage of this information. The Bell Singers were blessed to minister in song on the Promoters and Announcers luncheon on Thursday afternoon along with Bob Holloway and the Southern Sons. We were blessed to have my mom, Mrs. Dora Bell of 82 years old and still looking good, to come with us this year along with my brother, Rev. Danny Bell-lead singer of the Memphis Harmonizers. He rendered his musical abilities on the lead guitar for us and my oh my did the Lord use him in a mighty way at the luncheon on that guitar! Our other musicians, Rev. Manuel Somerville and Rev. Calvin Hopson was in the spirit as well, along with one of the Selvy’s musicians on keyboard and one of Bob Holloway’s musician on keyboard as well. What a time we had. The food was great ! The service was great! We really enjoyed ourselves but the highlight of the evening to me was the Round Table Discussion Elder Stewart had with the great Roscoe Robinson! For a man of his graceful years, he has a memory of a teenager. He gave us history beyond belief. I really enjoyed him. Thursday night concert was just great everybody came to minister in song in a powerful way. The Bolton Brothers, one of my all time favorites was in the house! When they hit the stage they don’t play and you can really feel the anointing.

Friday night we attended the nightly concert and it was just great! Some other groups that I can remember who sung on either Thursday or Friday night were: The G4, Bob Holloway & the Southern Sons, The Selvys, Legendary Jeff Brown & The Sunset Travelers, Luther Barnes , Paul Porter was in the house, Sensational Nightingales, The Heavenly Kings, The Douglas Singers, The Victory Travelers out of Chicago! Wow! Those Douglas Singers are some hard hitting ladies I really enjoyed them! The highlight of Friday night was the testimony of Mr. Jo Jo Wallace of the Sensational Nightingales! His testimony was so powerful , everybody was soooo quite you could hear a pin drop and it was like he was looking right at Jesus as he spoke.

Saturday night was the closing musical ceremonies with such groups as: The Bell Singers, The Selvys, The Douglas Singers, The Heavenly Kings, The Victory Travelers and others. It was good to see Pat Boga, Sarah Hall, Tyrone Lindsey, Bridgett Shelly and sooo many others. It was just so much that went on I’m sure I left off some people and some groups names and some highlights but you just have to be there to get the full picture. Start making plans for next year now; you don’t want to miss it. Will have a few pictures posted on our website real soon!

God Bless you!
Pat Artison
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
2009 AGQC Complete Report
by agqc » Sat Jan 31, 2009 2:09 am

17th Annual AGQC Convention – January 20-24, 2009

Held at More Than Conquerors Faith Church in Birmingham, AL

Theme: “Come to the Well and Drink” – John 4:14

▬ Tuesday, 1/20/09 (Opening Night) ▬
The Word for the night was brought by Pastor Gerald Austin from New City Church of Birmingham, AL. He spoke on the importance of quartets, them taking their rightful place, and being a foundation.

▬ Wednesday, 1/21/09 (Women’s Day) ▬
Attire: All White

The morning was kicked off with Praise and Worship from The Selvys of Earle, AR.

DAY EDUCATION PROGRAM – WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
• The Women’s Division was led by Pastor/Evangelist Renita Allen- Dixon of Tallahassee, FL who discussed the theme “Come to the Well and Drink” – not coming with your cup full; come empty.
• The Men’s Division, led by Apostle Jesse Selvy, Jr. of Earle, AR, talked about accountability for our men – being examples.
• Evangelist Mary J. Tillman of St. Louis, MO headed up the Radio Announcers’ Division. She spoke on how to make the announcer more effective, exciting, and electrifying, in an ethical manner.
• Grant Funds were addressed by Joey Brackner of Birmingham, AL. He gave information on the eligibility and availability of grants for gospel artists and how to obtain them in each state.
• Roscoe Robinson of Birmingham, AL and Eric Sharper of Valdosta GA/St. Louis, MO taught Voice Arrangement: quartets, trios, harmony, melody, chords, and the different parts in male and female groups and choirs.
• The Get Your Business Straight: Legal Seminar was headed up by Attorneys Etta Kay Hearn of Baton Rouge, LA and Peggy Brown of Atlanta, GA. Copyrighting songs, royalties, insurance, retirement, W-4s, 1099s, and filing taxes were discussed during that seminar.
• Deacon Shumpert Watts of Bronx, NY/Louin, MS represented the Independent Record Companies, educating participants on copyrighting, BMI, and royalty checks.
• The workshop Breath Control for the Vocalist, taught by Marcus Dunning of Childersburg, AL, trained on correct breathing, breathing techniques for better health, cleaning sinuses, and breathing for sleep apnea.

A Panel Discussion/Q & A Session followed all of the workshops.

NIGHT SERVICE
Masters of Ceremony were Sarah Hall of WNLA 1380 AM in Indianola, MS and Evangelist Mary J. Tillman of WFUN 95.5 FM in St. Louis, MO.
Praise and worship was brought by The Olivia Camp of Rochester, NY.

The line up for that night included:
• The Deltaires of Bessemer, AL, a group who took you back to the true quartet sound by singing acapella: “One Day As I Was Walking”, “Can’t Nobody Love Me Like Jesus”, and “Talking about That Man from Galilee”.
• Ms. Kathaleen Simmons of Pineville, SC with “I Am Redeemed”.
• Indiana R. Norfleet of Indianola, MS, an up and coming artist whose repertoire consists of traditional and contemporary music centered to all audiences, performed Snippets of “Closer to the Lord”, “Cries of a Sinner”, and “I’m So Glad He Came Into My Life” from her new CD entitled “Cries of a Sinner”, to be released in February of this year. She also sang “I Can’t Do without You Lord”.
• The Bell Singers of Memphis, TN, a family group that has been singing for over 35 years, came with “Wait on Jesus” and “God is Wonderful”.
• Pastor Renita Allen-Dixon of Tallahassee, FL: “Wait on Jesus”, “I Need a Drink”, and “Breath on Me”.
• The Selvys of Earle, AR: “You’re Worth It”, “God’s Will is What I Want”, “On the Lord’s Side” – sang by the mother of all the Selvy children, Johnnie Selvy, “Pass Me Not”, and “Dry Bones”.

That night, people drank from the well for revelation of who they are in Him.

▬ Thursday, 1/22/09 (Men’s Day) ▬
Attire: Black & Red

DAY EDUCATION PROGRAM – WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
• The Women’s Division, led by Pastor/Evangelist Renita Allen Dixon of Tallahassee, FL, spoke on everyone being of one spirit.
• Apostle Jesse Selvy, Jr. of Earle, AR spoke to the Men’s Division about accountability for the men and them imparting into others – releasing what they’ve received or becoming stagnated.
• Evangelist Mary J. Tillman of St. Louis, MO, on behalf of the Radio Announcers’ Division, discussed radio announcers’ diction, attire, working in their church home, and knowing their competition.
• Thomas Cain of BMI in Nashville, TN explained what BMI is all about, the 1999 Copyright Law, alternative sources for music licensing, the CSAC, and artists’ understanding their value – knowing what they’re worth.
• Independent Record Companies were represented by Deacon Shumpert Watts of Louin, MS/Bronx, NY. He talked about independent meaning not being controlled by others and the things an independent artist will need: a name, a business plan in order to get money, and a radio station to get your music played. He recommended the book “Everything You Better Know About the Music Industry”.
• Ronald Kidd & Roderick Mack of Birmingham, AL taught on Finances, Retirement, and Investments: how to support yourself when the singing stops. They discussed what artists can do today that can help them tomorrow: getting in touch with the right people, self employee pensions, IRAs, and Roth IRAs.
• Luther Barnes of Rocky Mount, NC spoke on Production and Project Success: proper production, being in order, being able to transfer a song to CD, putting enough time in your music to stand up to major artists. The quartet industry cannot continue to be left behind.
• During the seminar on medical consideration for the vocalist, Dr. Ross Gardner, ENT of Birmingham, AL taught basic head, neck, and throat anatomy, acid reflux, burping, heartburn, sinus drainage, cancer – the types and how you get it, sore throats – how they come & how to get rid of them, and what makes you snore.

A Panel Discussion/Q&A Session followed the seminars.

PROMOTERS & ANNOUNCERS TRIBUTE LUNCHEON AT THE BETHESDA LIFE CENTER
Elder George W. Stewart opened the luncheon with prayer and a little advice to artists on dealing with announcers and promoters.

During the luncheon, the Bell Singers of Memphis, TN sang “So Glad”, “Good to Me”, and “I’ll Wait Right Here”.

After the Bell Singers sang, a jam session with the Bell Singers’ musicians ensued. The Spirit of the Lord filled the place as everyone moved into a praise break: doing the Twist to untwist everything the devil had wound up in their lives, pulling down their blessings from heaven, clapping for victory, and a guitar praise for finances.

The Southern Sons of Memphis, TN also performed “Everything Will Be Alright”, “Lord, Hold My Hand”, “Lord, Have Mercy on Me”, and “I’m Going Home”.

This luncheon ended with a roundtable discussion featuring the legendary Mr. Roscoe Robinson, former original member of The Five Blind Boys of Alabama and Mississippi, discussing his childhood, his influences, and his gospel career.

NIGHT SERVICE
Evangelist Sarah Hall of WNLA 1380 AM in Indianola, MS and Evangelist Mary J. Tillman of WFUN 95.5 FM in St. Louis, MO remained the Masters of Ceremony.

Praise and worship was brought by The Selvys of Earle, AR.

The showcase lineup for that night and the songs performed included:
• Deacon Roland McCarr & The Gospel Travelers of Savannah, GA with “Lord, I Thank You” and “Eternal Life”.
• The Hobbs Brothers of Mendenhall, MS: “Matthew 16:26” and “I Love Him”.
• The Heirs of Harmony of Grand Rapids, MI: “I Still Remember” and “Who?”.
• Nathan Bartell of Ashburn, GA: “Let Me Still Away” and “The Lord Will Work It Out”.
• Men On Fire of Andrews, SC, is a gospel group that had been singing as the Traveling Echoes about 40 years ago. After advancement and encouragement, they emulated a name of wisdom: Men on Fire. They came with “I’m So Glad”, “Only Believe” (tribute to Rev. Claude Geter), “Let’s Get Closer” (tribute to Tommy Ellison), “I’m Gonna Stay under the Blood” (tribute to Rev. Slim Hunt), and “High and Lifted Up”.
• Greg Delaine & Brother To Brother of Orlando, FL: “This Joy I Have” and “99 1/2”.
• Roscoe Robinson of Birmingham, AL (AGQC Hall of Fame Inductee): “God Bless America/Hold On” (tribute to the President of the USA).
• Fresh Anointing of Wingate, NC: A fresh, new group from the Carolinas that has been ministering for 3 years. They are in the process of recording their first CD. “Already Done Enough” and “Jesus Died”.
• The Douglas Singers of Chicago, IL: “I Don’t Want to Run This Race in Vain” and “Yes”.
• The Heavenly Kings, Jrs of Chicago, IL: “Standing in the Need of Prayer”, “I Will Trust in the Lord”, and “Sinner Man”.
• The Bolton Brothers of Hattiesburg, MS have multiple recordings, including Live in Mobile I & II, Revival in Atlanta, and soon to be released Standing Together Again. All of the brothers, who are ministers and pastors sang “Sho Need Him Now”, “Over Yonder”, “He’s Real”, “If I Couldn’t Say a Word”, “If You Move, I’ll Fall”, “Somebody Need a Touch”, and “I’m Running”.
• George Dean & the Gospel Four of Memphis, TN closed out the night with “One More Blessing”, “Blessing Me”, and “My Friend is Jesus”.

Elder George W. Stewart called up all singers in the house to form one big choir singing “Amen” as a closing song with various artists leading. The night ended with prayer and the call to discipleship.

▬ Friday, 1/23/09 (T-Shirt Day) ▬
Attire: T-Shirt and blue jeans

The spirit of the Lord couldn’t wait to come into Friday’s proceedings. Worship started early morning in the registration room with God speaking He is more than enough and willing to do exceeding and abundantly above all that we can ask.

Worship continued in the sanctuary, led by Jessica Selvy-Davis of the Selvys of Earle, AR.

Before the workshops began, there was altar call, prayer, and drinking from the well.

DAY EDUCATION PROGRAM – WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
• Elder George W. Stewart, Director of the AGQC, led the workshop on Strategies for Group Success/Management/Booking. He taught on seeking God to know your ministry and who you are called to – asking God for your uniqueness, writing what you feel instead of what people want you to say, and there being only one leader for a group.
• Pastor/Evangelist Renita Allen-Dixon of Tallahassee, FL led the Women’s Division in a discussion on artists having someone spiritually minded in/for their group and coming to the well empty to receive information and revelation – not coming filled with what you know.
• The Men’s Division, headed by Apostle Jesse Selvy, Jr. of Earle, AR, talked about being connected and letting what God gave you flow and having clogs in your group that may need to be cut off/fixed so it can flow.
• Darrell Luster of Durham, NC discussed The Changing Music Industry. He talked about how there are not very many stations around that play straight quartet music, and how artists need to work on good songs and production so quartet music can get into major retailers like major artists. The music industry is changing, and quartet has to change with it by writing good songs and producing a good product.
• Music Arrangement was taught by Eric Sharper of Valdosta, GA/St. Louis, MO. He discussed how artists have to be educated about what they’re doing and walk it out. His class rallied together and created a song.
• Don McKenzie of Smyrna, GA discussed What Everyone Should Know before Going into the Studio, including preproduction, song selection, arrangement, choosing a studio, production recording, mixing, overdubbing, and mastering. Artists have to put money and time into their craft.
• The Production and Project Success Seminar was headed by Luther Barnes of Rocky Mount, NC. He talked about how the quartet industry has been left in the dust. The quartet industry needs the right production and quality material; putting out a bad production hurts the entire quartet industry. Before coming out of the studio, compare your project to that of a major artist. Be excellent in all things that you do.
• Evelyn Turrentine-Agee of Detroit, MI discussed Establishing an Independent Record Label: one of the first things needed is legal representation. She talked about the importance of taking care of your business if you want some money and how to get out of the place where you make big bucks for others but don’t see the benefits and profits for yourself.
• Attorneys Etta Kay Hearn of Baton Rouge, LA & Peggy Brown of Atlanta, GA led the Get Your Business Straight: Legal Seminar. They shared information on how to protect your name – making sure no one else can use your name, protecting your song through copyrighting, having a group structure, paying taxes, establishing a bank account, and setting aside money for retirement.
• The Your Safety Net: Insurance workshop, headed by Tophia Crowley of LaGrange, GA, discussed health and life insurance – taking care of your business in the natural and how the AGQC is working on a plan to offer insurance benefits to members.
• Tracy Haynes of Birmingham, AL led the seminar on How to Prepare for the Camera. He shared how there are limitless ways to get into the music industry now with the internet. He taught that in order to make a good video to be seen: be on, be coordinated, good presence. He also suggested calling your local TV station to market yourself; be persistent.

Following the seminars was the Panel Discussion/Q&A Session.

HALL OF FAME AND AWARDS LUNCHEON AT THE BETHESDA LIFE CENTER
Elder George W. Stewart opened the luncheon with a welcome and prayer. He also shared a little history about the Jefferson County Sound, the history of quartet groups, and their names.

This luncheon was dedicated to the memory of Margaret “Babe” Allison.

Ms. Alberta Price of Birmingham, AL read a poem dedicated to radio announcers.

The Selvys of Earle, AR and The Sensational Nightingales of Durham, NC rendered selections during the luncheon.

NIGHT SERVICE
Masters of Ceremony again were Evangelist Sarah Hall of WNLA 1380 AM in Indianola, MS and Evangelist Mary J. Tillman of WFUN 95.5 FM in St. Louis, MO.

The night service started with the baptism of the group Fresh Anointing of Wingate, NC. All group members: K.C. Leak, James Tillman, Xavier Chambers, Jonathan Houston (bass), Rodney Tillman (drums), and Tremaine Miller were baptized as an outward show of an inward statement.

Praise and worship was rendered by The Selvys of Earle, AR.

The line up for the night:
• The Harmonizing Echoes of Chesapeake, VA: “I Don’t Believe He Brought Me This Far” and “I Just Want to Be Real”.
• Curtis Joyner & 5:16 of Wilson, NC: “Whatever It Is”, “Jesus Will Fix It”, and “Present Situation”.
• Determined of Norwood, GA: “I’ll Run” and “Give It Up”.
• The Mighty Sincere Voices of Navasota, TX: “Good To Me” and “When I Get in Glory”.
• Great Wind Sounds of Trumpets of New Britain, CT: “Blessed”, “Sweet Revival”, and “No Gift No Greater Than God”.
• The Southern Sons of Memphis, TN: “Oh, Lord I Need Your Help” and “Tell Me How Did You Feel When You Came Out of the Wilderness?”.
• Rev. Al & Pashion Lewis of Birmingham, AL: “I’m Still Loving You”.
• Rev. Dr. Ruth Singletary & The Soul Converters of New York, NY: “The World Don’t Like Me”.
• Sensational Nightingales of Durham, NC: “Standing at the Judgment”, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”, “Burying Ground”, and “Saints Hold On”.
• The Original Sunset Travelers of Memphis, TN: “Deep River” and “Hide Me in Your Bosom”.
• Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires of Rocky Mount, NC: “He’ll Do Just What He Said”, “The Other Shore”, “It’s Good to be Here”, “It’s Your Time”, and “You Keep on Blessing Me”.
• Damon Little & Nu Beginning of Baltimore, MD: “Grace” and “Do Right”.
• The Williams Singers of Indianapolis, IN: “Wretch” and “Amazing Grace”.
• Deacon Reuben Burton & the Victory Travelers of Chicago, IL: “Newborn Soul”.

The night included
A TRIBUTE TO LOST GOSPEL LEGENDS:
Rev. Claude Geter, Michael Cook, Tommy “Superstar” Ellison (The 5 Singing Stars), Rev. Howard “Slim” Hunt (Slim & The Supreme Angels), Julius “Bud” Norfleet (The Norfleet Brothers), Ira Tucker “Chairman of the Board” (Dixie Hummingbirds), Chalmers “Spanky” Alford (guitarist), Dillard Crume (Soul Stirrers), and Edgar O’Neal (O’Neal Twins).
AGQC AWARD PRESENTATIONS:
FRED WILLIAMS HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Deacon Bobby Scott

JOE LIGON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Spirit of Memphis, who performed “By and By”

DOROTHY LOVECOATS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
JoJo Wallace

2009 CARROLL/ALFORD MUSICIAN AWARDS:
Recipients included such musicians as Spencer Taylor III, Val Alexander, Bethsheba Small, Roy Barnes, and many, many others.

The news was also shared that the AGQC is establishing a museum and collecting memorabilia from artists.

Altar call, drinking from the well, and prayer followed the artists. God’s healing power moved in the place as everyone declared they were healed. Staying in the flow of worship, Pastor Renita Allen-Dixon ministered through the song: “I Need a Drink”.

The night ended with the call to discipleship and a closing prayer by Elder George W. Stewart.

▬ Saturday, 1/24/09 ▬
Pastor/Evangelist Renita Dixon of Tallahassee, FL brought praise & worship with “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”.

Elder George W. Stewart followed with prayer, the Word from God, and altar prayer.
NIGHT SERVICE
Masters of Ceremony for the night were Elder George W. Stewart and
Sarah Hall of WNLA 1380 AM in Indianola, MS.

Pastor Renita Allen-Dixon of Tallahasse, FL and The Bell Singers of Memphis, TN came with praise and worship.

The lineup for the final included:
• The Great Wind Sounds of Trumpets of New Britain, CT: “Won’t Be This Way”.
• The Bell Singers of Memphis, TN: “So Glad” and “You Gotta Go Through”.
• Deacon Reuben Burton & the Victory Travelers of Chicago, IL sang “Beautiful Gates”.
• The Heavenly Kings, Jrs of Chicago, IL came with “If It Had Not Been for Jesus”.
• The Douglas Singers of Chicago, IL performed “Stumbling and Falling”.
• Mighty Gospel Travelers of Dayton, OH “On the Other Shore”, “He’ll Make a Way”, and “When He Calls Me”.
• Men on Fire of Andrews, SC “Bright Crown” and “He Will Come”.
• The Selvys of Earle, AR “Power of the Lord”.
• Damon Little and Nu Beginning of Baltimore, MD “Shoes”, “Straddle the Fence”, and “Race”.

The night also involved:
TRIBUTE TO ALL AGQC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Many gospel greats were honored including Margaret “Babe” Allison (Gospel Angelics), Spencer Taylor (The Highway QCs), The Sensational Nightingales, Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Tommy Ellison (The Five Singing Stars), The Williams Brothers, The Soul Stirrers, and many, many more.

2009 AGQC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
SULLIVAN & IOLA PUGH OF THE CONSOLERS
- Mr. Sullivan Pugh was unable to accept the award in person due to illness, however, he did accept via telephone.
- James Satterfield sang “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me” as a tribute to the Consolers
- Mr. Pugh’s godson, Andre Williams, graciously accepted on behalf of the Consolers.

Elder George W. Stewart called all groups and musicians of the night to the stage for a final group song, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee’s “God Did It” to end the 2009 AGQC Convention. The convention ended with a final drink from the well, the call to discipleship, and a closing prayer.
agqc

Great News! Viewing of The Bell Singers Website!! - December 31, 2008

For the month of December, we had a total of 86,829 to view our website! Thanks a bunch!!

Vote for The Bell Singers of Memphis, Tennessee!! - December 19, 2008

Hello Everyone! The Bell Singers has been Nominated by the 2009 Rhythm of Gospel Awards in the Category of: FEMALE QUARTET GROUP OF THE YEAR! Please go in and cast your vote for "The Bell Singers" for Female Quartet of the Year! We would really appreciate your vote. Go to: www.rhythmofgospel.com click on ONLINE VOTING and CAST your vote! Don't forget to forward this email to all your email buddies. Thanks!



Pat
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