Usually when I write an entry for Danny's Diary, I can make a reasonable guess at how much written response the post will generate. (I guess that's what two years of writing this journal will do to you!) But for the entry "Appearing Tonight Only-The Statesmen and Gold City," I completely missed the mark.

I've receieved dozens upon dozens of e-mails about this entry. A lot of those e-mails centered around one group or another, but a lot focused on the general comparison of today and "back then." Here's a look at what several readers had to say...

As for the great quartets of today, wow, I don't know where to begin. I think in 50 years (if we are still here), we will be talking about the Inspirations. They are so awesome. They don't have to use comedy routines to keep the crowds entertained. They just simply minister with their singing. I also think another powerhouse quartet that will be talked about in 50 years is the Triumphant Quartet. I think they will be the next Cathedrals. And of course, everyone will still be talking about the Cathedrals.

That's my opinion.

Paula

I won't be around 50 years or even 25 years from now. There are some good groups now, but I am thankful that I was there to see the groups that "wrote the book" on how it should be done. The young kids have some big shoes to fill. The hard work has been done for them.

Betty

Thank you for your recent diary...it's really getting alot of talk on the net. The Down East Boys have a loyal following, (which I am proud to say I am one and so is my mom), and I am happy that others are seeing their true talents and good hearts that each of them have. We have spent almost the entire weekend with them. (Homecoming Friday, Saturday in Henderson, NC, and this afternoon in Roanoke Rapids) and they are tops every time they sing for the Lord. I think these guys have and will bring many folks to know the Lord as their personal Savior. We love your magazine (which we always renew through DEB) and enjoy the website too. Thanks for letting others hear about our favorite group of guys!

Cyndi

I enjoy reading your stories and you are right on with the groups in todays music, Brian Free and Assurance is one of the best and of course what can you say about Ray Dean and the Kingsmen but class all the way. I attend the convention faithfully every year just to see what will change and how gospel music will influence others with all the new arrangements and styles. I am also very much in favor of having groups to our church in the Louisville area and we try to accomodate as often as possible.

Wes

To your comment about the Down East Quartet being one of the most underrated quartets, I agree with you and would like to add two more groups to that list - the Cumberland Quartet and Southern Sound.

Buena

I know that people will be talking about the Inspirations for many years to come. As you said in your article, the people pack in to see them night after night.I know the reason is due to them as presenting themselves as Christian gentlemen that truly live what they sing. God has richly blessed them for that and I know that He will continue to do so.

Penny

No way can you compare groups of today with the older groups...The older singers learned to read music and sing. Today's groups just learn to play tapes and fake it. In the past the musicians knew how to accompany and did not take over. So much is lacking in today's groups. I enjoy the Melody Boys Quartet and Ed O Neal 's Dixie Melody Boys because they can sing and appeal to folks in East Texas. The old songs are so much better than the new songs, too.

Opal

There's no question that the Florida Boys will go down as legendary. They already are...they're just still on the road and going to it. I would also include Gold City and the Kingsmen as in the "already legendary" category.

The Dove Brothers, Signature Sound, and Triumphant will become greats if they can last and keep up producing concerts as good as they are now.

Daniel

I think, without question, The Inspiritions will be numbered among the all time greats. Their 40 plus year history speaks for itself.

Jim

I think the Kingsmen and Gold City will definitely be there, as well as The Dove Brothers and Triumphant. I have not heard Brian Free and Assurrance in person so I can't comment on them. The Kingdom Heirs are excellent as is Palmetto State, and they may be there as well. The Forida Boys have been around long enough with some well recognized (rightfully so) names that they will be remembered for a long time.

Paul

I think we will definitely be looking back in 30-40 years and talking about Brian Free & Assurance as being one of the "greats" of this day. They have undeniable talent, and a "classiness" that some quartets strive to achieve for years and never quite manage. In addition to that, they are the sweetest guys I've ever had the honor to know. That combination of talent, class, and humility is what makes a group one of the best.

Nancy

I was around during the "heydays" of the Statesman/Blackwood Brothers era and went to hear them in person a lot of times. Therefore, I think I can compare "apples to apples." Granted, they were the best groups around then, but in my opinion, Triumphant Quartet surpasses them with their great harmony and class. They are so spiritual and dedicated to doing a great job every time they step on a platform. I think Triumphant is the greatest of the greats!!

Vera

Like you I cannot really make a comparison of the "old" quartets to the "new" quartets but there is some great talent out there today. Which brings me to the main point of my reply. You mentioned the Down East Boys and how they are the most underated quartet out there. Let me give a BIG AMEN to that one. You want power...check, tight harmonies...check, great songs...check, excitement...two checks. They really do have it all. And above all else, beyond a shadow of a dought these guy are real. They walk in the Lord daily, they know of whom they sing. No record contracts, no booking agents, just willing hearts ready to serve. A cover and feature article would be in my opinion appropriate and maybe overdue. Also it would be helping out one of the best Southern Gospel ministries out there today. I know, for I have been ministered to.

Brian

Here are my fantasy concerts.

#1 the 1974 Happy Goodmans and 2006 Hoppers

#2 The 1960's Blackwood Bothers and Greater Vison/Gerald Wolfe

#3 The 1960"s Oak Ridge Boys an Ernie Haase/Signature Sound.

I would pay good money to see these combinations.

Kevin

Since I've been a Brian Free fan for almost 24 years, I definitely think Brian Free and Assurance will still be considered one of the all-time best quartets in 2045!!! I'll only be 81 years old then, so if the Lord tarries, I'll still be going to see Brian in concert!

These guys have it all......amazing talent, stage presence, spiritual depth and wonderful personalities! I pray they will still be ministering on stage for many years to come since they've made such a difference in my life already!

Sandy

Without doubt, Inspirations will be there. I agree that Triumphant will be there.

Cecil

I was either not old enough or didn't have opportunities to see the Statesmen/Blackwood in their heydays to form an opinion on them.

I think in 50 years we will still be talking about the Cathedrals and what a standard they set. In my opinion, there will never be another group as noteworthy as the Cats. They had it all - good material, great presentation, the best emcee ever, and on and on.

The Happy Goodman Family will never be forgotten. They too had great material and stage presence and who could forgot Vestel's voice and Howard's piano playing. Even during Vestel's health battles, they never missed a step with Johnny Cook who was loved by everyone. Even though I missed Vestel, Johnny had such a powerful voice that the transition seemed flawless. Just think of one of today's groups being without their most prominent member and finding a replacement, such as the Dove Brothers without McCray or the Perrys without Libby or Brian Free and Assurance without Brian. Quite a feat for the Goodmans.

Another group who I think will still be talked about are the Inspirations. They have their own style - country or mountain gospel if you will, but they are accepted on any stage with any other groups. The fact that they began with a school teacher and his students singing locally and grew to prominence and full time is intriging. Also the number of years they have sung and so few members. No group can match that.

We are still talking about the Speers and the impact they had on southern gospel and they haven't sung in years. I'll never forget Mom and Dad Speer and the boys. For me personally, the LeFevres are noteworthy. Their TV program, The Gospel Singing Caravan, was responsible for my love for southern gospel. I watched it on TV everytime it was on long before I ever knew about concerts.

Last but not least are the Perrys. They are just reaching their potential and I think will be remembered for their many hit songs and also the transition from an all family group and 2 men, 2 ladies to 3 men and Lib. They tribute to the Goodmans is right on target.

Charlotte

Of course, I think that Brian Free & Assurance will be one of the greats of this era but I also think that Legacy Five will be up there as well as Gold City.

Elaine

Feel free to contribute your comments. I look forward to reading your e-mails.