As I post this, J.G. Whitfield is barely clinging to life in a Pensacola, Florida, Hospital. According to family members, a blood clot has lodged in Whit's brain and there is nothing they can do. As you might have read on the Singing News home page, it's only a matter of hours.

Back in July of 2005, the diary entry you are about to read originally appeared as Whit was nearing his 90th birthday. Most Southern Gospel music fans are aware of Whit's contributions to Southern Gospel music, but not everyone - especially younger fans - has had the opportunity to spend time with this legend.

As we offer our prayers in this difficult time, here's a look back at that entry - and a look at the personal side of Whit...

(from July 2005)

For those of you who know J.G. Whitfield, you already know about the impact this man has had on Southern Gospel Music. Let me drop a few names here: Florida Boys. Dixie Echoes. The Gospel Singing Jubilee. The Singing News Magazine. Not bad for starters, is it?

Those type of things are what most people will always remember about "Whit." But there is another side of this legend that many people will not know about.

J.G. Whitfield has a heart of gold. The depth of the man's generosity may never be fully known, but suffice it to say there have been a lot of groups who have benefited greatly from Whit's kindness. Here's what I mean...

Back in the days when Whit was promoting Southern Gospel Music concerts across the nation, most of his concerts were bringing in sizable audiences. And as a result, everyone wanted to be a part of his events. He'd book a concert in a high school in some town and before he could get the posters printed, another group would be calling, trying to get on it - even if for just record sales.

Or what about this - whenever a group would have a last minute cancellation, chances are that Whit would get a phone call from a group asking for help. Most times, that group got on the line-up.

And Whit would pay them out of his pocket so they'd at least have supper money. Widening the spectrum a little bit, it's safe to say that JG Whitfield has helped many, many groups meet payroll when they didn't have a dime in the bank.

Scenes like that were repeated many times across the decades Whit was promoting. Even though he might have occasionally been taken advantage of, Whit's love was Southern Gospel Music and it's people. He would literally give you the shirt off his back if you had a need. If it is physically possible, Whit has probably given more away than he's ever had.

A few years ago, I asked Whit how much money he had paid out to Southern Gospel Music performers in his time. He looked at the ceiling for a minute and then looked back at me and said, ""I can't count that high." Then I asked him, "Any regrets?'

He smiled and said, "Not one."

Not many people can look back over their career and say that. And, for that matter, not many people can look back over their life and say that. But Whit can.

Needless to say, if it were not for J.G. Whitfield, a lot of people would never have known what Southern Gospel Music is. A lot of people who now earn their living through Southern Gospel Music would be doing something else. Whit opened many doors a long time ago - and they're still standing open, waiting for future generations to walk through.

In September, Whit will reach his 90th birthday. That alone is a milestone worth a round of applause.

But to be able to look back, see his success and know he has completely enjoyed the journey...

That's worth a standing ovation.