Just received a Myspace bulletin from Ernie Haase & Signature Sound that Dottie’s bus was hit by a storm, either last night or this morning, and she and her bus driver were killed. Very shocked right now. Please keep the family in your prayers….

Update: I’m extremely shocked at this news. Mrs. Rambo was certainly an SG legend and will be sorely missed. I’ve enjoyed hearing tunes she penned such as “The Holy Hills Of Heaven Call Me” and “He Looked Beyond My Faults.” I have not read the book Driving Miss Dottie, but in light of this unfortunate event, I am going to try to get a copy.

Once again, please keep the family in your prayers at this time.

Further Update: Press release from Singing News:

BOONE, NC(Singing News) – Singing News has confirmed that legendary singer/songwriter Dottie Rambo was killed in an early morning bus accident. Early reports indicate that the accident was weather-related, and that several other passengers aboard the bus were also injured. The family was notified early this morning that the accident happened near Mt. Vernon, Missouri. Manager Larry Ferguson is still unconscious and has two broken legs.

Updated Information from Missouri authorities:

At 2:19 a.m.,Missouri State Troopers responded to the accident that took place on I-44, two miles east of Mt. Vernon, Missouri. According to the Troopers’ report, the 1997 Prevost Dottie was traveling aboard ran off the roadway, struck the guard rail and an embankment. Dottie was pronounced dead at the scene by Lawrence County (Mo.) Coroner Don Lakin at 4:20 a.m.

Aboard the bus were Dottie’s product manager Christopher Barnes, Larry & Judy Ferguson, their children Pierce and Christian, and driver Ronnie Meadows.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

© 2008 Singing News

A while ago, it was announced that Josh Feemster, Chris West, and Chris’ brother Craig were forming a new SG quartet. A tenor is yet to be announced, but here is a video of them singing “I Can See The Hand”, with Brent Mitchell filling in on tenor:

Artist(s): The Imperials

Venue: Heritage Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA

This was my first opportunity to see The Imperials live. I have both their self-titled release and their Back To The Roots, which won the SoGospelNews Fan Awards Album Of The Year not too long ago. For any skeptics as to how well the “younger Imperials” are carrying the torch for the Imperials name, I encourage you to catch a concert with these guys. You won’t be disappointed!

A rough songlist:

It’s A Beautiful Day (Great way to open up the concert.)
No Shortage
First Day In Heaven
He Touched Me
We’ve Got A Great Big Wonderful God (The guys’ current radio single, and a very catchy tune!)
He’s Everything To Me
Water Grave (This song went over tremendously well. Baritone Jason Morales and bass Ian Owens played electric guitar and bass guitar, respectively, along with the track, and it was awesome! I believe it was David Bruce Murray who reported that when the guys did this song at the SGN awards, it got an even better response. It’s definitely some edgy Southern Gospel music, which I guess can only be described as “Southern Gospel Rock!”)
Wrap My Arms Around The World
Because He Lives
Praise The Lord
Arise My Love (One of my personal favorite songs by this group, and a great way to close the concert, leaving the crowd wanting more.)

Final Thoughts: The Imperials have always been on the cutting edge of SG, and even though the crowd seemed nervous/surprised (perhaps they were expecting a different Imperials?), they warmed up after a while. Awesome concert, and definitely on my “must-see” list next time they’re around.
Also, props to the guys for having their hearts in the right place. Many groups are all about the show, but these guys are very ministry-minded, and the night focused around a theme of God’s love and redeeming grace.

As most of you know, it was announced a few months ago that Jason Waldroup will be leaving Greater Vision after a 13-year time in the group, a remarkable statistic given today’s ever-rotating lineups. Thanks to the Singing News website, here is some new info on Jason’s future plans:

MORRISTOWN, TN(Press Release) – Beginning in August, Jason will be pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Bible at Louisiana Baptist University. Upon completion of his Bachelor’s Degree, he will become a student of the Luther Rice Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, he plans to finish his Master’s Degree program there.

Jason will be studying to become a Music & Worship Pastor, which will give him the opportunity to influence the music of the Church, as well as teaching people to become more committed and serious about their relationship with Christ, and their responsibilities as members of His family

This past Sunday, Pastor Larry Maddox and the congregation of Central Baptist Church in Katy, Texas (near Houston) unanimously extended an invitation for Jason to join the staff of the church as their Music and Worship Pastor. He will begin his ministry there on Sunday August 10. Since much of Jason’s time will be consumed with studying, his wife, Missy, will be assisting him with his responsibilities at the church.

Many people are not aware of Missy’s extensive background in church music and studio production, so she will be a tremendous asset to both Jason and the Music Program at Central. We are thankful to God for His leading and His provision during this exciting time of transition.

I think Jason would fit well as an MoM. His musical talent will surely be missed in SG, but God has led him to a new area with which to use it!

Hello all; sorry about the absence of posts lately, but SG news has hit a long dry spell!

I’ve noticed that there are several projects coming out this year that I’m highly anticipating. I hope I can get my hands on all of them.

1. Legacy Five has a new one coming out sometime soon. The project will be entitled God’s Been Good, and will feature the song of the same title that Tim Parton sings at every Legacy Five concert. Another song I can’t wait to hear is “Hello After Goodbye”, which Jim Brady wrote shortly after Roger Bennett’s funeral.

2. Gold City has two projects on the way: Moment Of Truth and Classics Vol. 2. These will be the first to feature newcomer Bruce Taliaferro at lead.

3. The as-of-yet untitled debut release of an as-of-yet unnamed quartet consisting of a not-yet-selected tenor (which may have been selected and I haven’t heard about it), Josh Feemster at lead, Craig West at baritone, and Chris West at bass. This will definitely be a stellar group! I wonder who they’ll get to produce their first album… Garry Jones, perhaps?