I really didn't plan on addressing the top news stories of Singing News' 37 years again for a while, but I've been covered up with e-mails regarding the death of Glen Payne and it's failure to appear on the top stories list. There is one thing in common with all of them and that is: everyone is stunned that practically no one thought of it until after the fact.
So, in order to wrap up this topic, I'm going to share some of the readers' comments today. As you'll soon see, Glen Payne and his life still impact us even after his death nearly seven years ago...
This is my first letter to any part of the Singing News. I had to agree with you about Glen Payne. I never had the previledge to meet Glen, but I was and still am a great admirer of this wonderful Christian man. He is still a great inspiration to me in my Christian walk and my witness for God. I just wanted to share the affect this man had on me personally.
My wife and I were in the Smokies and I turned the TV on in our room and much to my shock were the words Glen Payne has passed away. I felt like I had lost a dear friend, even though I never had the chance to meet him. I will, though, one day in heaven.
Richard
Surely it was a sad day when Glen Payne left our midst to join the heavenly choir. He was a really great singer and a good man. Being from Texas didn't hurt, either. Seems that many folks don't know much about singing or singers west of the Mississippi.
We are many and well trained from The Stamps Music Schools. I heard about Glen when I carried my family to the Stamps Quartet School in 1963-64, and I finally heard them in person at Lufkin, TX, years later. There I heard Glen say " If you can sing, you don"t need all of those instruments. But, of course, they cover a lot of errors if you can't sing." I replied my agreement with him.
Opal
I cannot believe that the passing of Glen Payne was not mentioned. I am in shock. Yeah, I think that would redo the final list of big stories and would probably be number one. Mr. Payne was in very good health until he got liver cancer. So, the cancer and passing were more of a shock because of his good health. Not to mention, we lost one of (in my opinion) the best lead singers ever known in any genre of music.
Paula
Glen Payne's death was indeed a shock to us and a great loss to Southern Gospel Music. My husband and I went to see the Cathedrals in Tyler, Texas in August just before Glen went in the hospital. Glen Payne is my husband's all time favorite lead singer. This definitely should be included in any list of things that changed the music world.
Dora
Danny, I noticed right away Glen Payne was not in the top ten. I promoted Glen, George and the Cathedral Quartet for over twenty five years and I never met two finer men.
Billy
You're right! I had the same reaction. I can't come up with a reason we all overlooked Glen. We knew he had cancer so we weren't surprised he died although it was earlier than we expected. My surprise was the announcement that he had cancer and the extent of it. I just don't understand why no one mentioned that story.
Charlotte
Yes, it deserves a place on the list. It happened so close sequentially to the Cathedrals' retirement, though, that the two could be placed together on the list...i.e., the death of Payne and the retirement of the Cathedrals.
Daniel
I, too, was wondering why Glen hadn't made the list. Glen was the first I recall crossing over. I remember the day well. We had gotten to see the Cats for the first time, just six months or so prior to his death. What a classy man Glen Payne was.
Glen's passing was the most memorable for me. What added to the memory, was the testimony he left after all those years.
I agree with you that the death of Glen Payne should have been on the list. This is the first time I have written, but I had thought about Glen Payne when I was reading the lists.
My husband and I attended the Cathedral Farewell Concert in Birmingham, AL, the night that Glen died. I will never forget the night. It was an emotional time, but like a memorial service to him. The Cathedrals showed what they were all about when they were on the stage that night and kept their composure.
Lela
In my opinion, Glen Payne's death would definitely be in the top list of news events that has had an impact on the SG industry. However, I don't see how one can limit the list to ten although, I understand why it was done. There have been so many of the Southern Gospel greats that have left us over the past few years. Not only George, J.D., Jake, Rex, Vestal but also Glen, Howard, Sam, Rusty, Jack Toney, Rosie, Hovie, Big Chief. I could go on and on. Suffice it to say all of these, and more, had an impact on SG and there absence has an impact, also. They all left voids that cannot be filled and set standards the new generations has to live up to.
As for Glen Payne, I sing with a Southern Gospel quartet and we close every sing with what became his signature song, "We Shall See Jesus." Yes Mr. Payne, indeed We Shall See Jesus. And folks, if you look close you will see Glen Payne standing close by.
Toby
