Ever notice how time flies? I don't mean it casually be-bops along. I mean it flies. When we were all growing up, the clock on the wall moved along at such a slow pace that we just knew we'd never make it to 18. But once we hit 30, it stomped on the accelerator.
As I write this, I have the July 1994 issue of Singing News next to me. And just to show you how time gets away, let's look at where the people found in that issue are found now...
Cover Feature: Bishops. The group retired in 2001 and the four featured on the front have moved on to other things. Steve Perkins (bass player and sometimes vocalist) now has his own successful artist management company, Crown Communications. Kenny Bishop is working for the Governor of Kentucky. Kenneth "Pappy" Bishop is enjoying staying at home, teaching Bible study at various churches and, in his words, piddling around in the garden. Mark Bishop is still going strong, with a solo career that has exceeded his expectations already. The group's landmark recording, Chapter X Live, was released in July 1994.
Gold City is found on Page 3. In the group are Tim Riley, Doug Riley, Mark Trammell, Jay Parrack, Mark Fain, Steve Lacey and Garry Jones. You know where Tim, Doug and Mark are. Jay's just resigned from the group, Garry's formed Mercy's Mark Quartet, Mark Fain is a much-in-demand studio player and Steve Lacey has his own ministry, still singing some from his home base in Alabama.
The Perrys have a full page ad on page 23. Members of the group then were Tracy and Libbi Stuffle, Barry Scott, Nicole Watts and pianist Tracey Phillips. Tracy and Libbi are still at the helm of the Perrys, Barry sings with Bluegrass legend Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Tracey is a nationally-renowned piano instructor (she's also a great studio player) and Nicole got married, last name is now Jenkins and she has her own solo career.
Page 24 announces that Amy Lambert has resigned her position with the Greenes. After five years with the trio, Amy launched a solo career, wound up marrying Jeff Templeton (of Templeton Tours fame) not too long after that and is now the proud mother of two children.
One page 77, there is a full page, full color ad for a new group, who was announcing their Fan Awards nominations for Horizon Group of the Year, Song Of The Year, Horizon Individual and Favorite Songwriter. At the time of that ad, the group had only released one radio single and frankly, was blown away by the response.
The group? Phil Cross & Poet Voices. The song? "Jesus Built A Bridge." Vocalists of Poet Voices at that time were Phil, tenor Dale Brock and baritone Howard Stewart.
Nowadays, Phil has re-organized the group after retiring a couple of years ago, Dale has his own solo ministry and Howard is enjoying the life of a retired person!
Now, let's look at where some of your favorite artists were in July 1994:
Jonathan Wilburn (currently with Gold City) was singing with his parents in the Wilburns. Also in the group at that time was current Palmetto State Quartet baritone Tony Peace.
Brian Free & Assurance was a trio, with Mike LeFevre (who currently lives in Gainesville, GA, has a really good part-time group, Mike LeFevre & One Voice) and Kevin Price (a youth minister who's moved out west somewhere).
The Inspirations' vocal line was Archie Watkins, Ronnie Hutchins, Eddie Dietz and Mike Holcomb. Archie and Mike are still there and even though Ronnie and Eddie have "retired" from the group, it's as though they've never left because they often sing as fill-ins and appear on many of the quartet's reunion dates.
Jeff Chapman was singing bass with the Anchormen. He's now with the Kingdom Heirs.
Finally, the Top Five songs in July 1994 were (in order): "Arise" (McKameys), "Just Go By" (Carroll Roberson), "Jesus Saves" (Cathedrals), "I Hold A Clear Title" (Perfect Heart) and "Safe Now" (Kingsmen).
I think I'm going to go lay down now. I'm feeling pretty old.
