At first glance, this photo may appear to just be "another old quartet photo." But upon closer inspection, you'll find a group that had more talent than many think should be allowed.
But first, for the geographically-challenged among us, the structure you see in the background is the Parthenon - not the one in Athens, Greece, but the full-scale replica that was built in Nashville, Tennessee. So if you think that this version of the Oak Ridge Boys ferried their bus across the Great Pond, take the time to visit one of Nashville's historic landmarks the next time you're in the area.
Anyway, it is believed that this photo was taken around 1963-1964; the exact reason has long been forgotten. Standing left to right are Willie Wynn, Jim Hamill, Tommy Fairchild, Herman Harper and Smitty Gatlin. Gospel music historians will argue that this particular version of the Oak Ridge Boys was one of the best, albeit short-lived. Jim Hamill was with the group for about two years, leaving in July 1964. Wynn and Fairchild are still with us; the rest have moved up a little higher.
Considering the fact that I was born in 1966, it is pointless to say that I never heard this group live. BUT, I have heard recordings from that era, and I'm familiar with other work by everyone in the photo. With that said, it had to be good.
At the Singing News office in Boone, N.C., there are literally thousands of old photos like these. There are enough "PR" shots to string a line from New York to Los Angeles and back. (OK...I admit that might be a stretch, but you'd think there was enough to do that if you had turned over a couple of the filing cabinets, too). There are also countless photographs that fans have submitted through the years. Believe me, there are some real jewels to be found.
Because time has a way of clouding memories and forgetfulness is more common than we'd like to admit, Singing News is in the process of digitally preserving photographs like this one so that the history of Southern Gospel music will live on for generations to come. In fact, Jerry Kirksey is determined that before he breathes his last breath, every person in every photo will be identified, and all of those photographs will be available for the fans' enjoyment in some form or fashion (in other words, a searchable database).
If you think that's a huge task, you are 100% correct. It's an on-going process that never ends as more and more photographs turn up. At this point, we think Jerry will have to live to the year 2189, and he'll only make it IF he doesn't take a day off.
But there's always room for one more photo. If you have some great old pictures like these and would like to share them with others someday, we'd love for you to send us a copy. Naturally, any identification you can offer on the people who are in the photos would be appreciated.
To many of us, finding these old photos is like finding a box of pictures of a long-lost cousin. They're part of the Southern Gospel family, and as a result, a part of the family of anyone who enjoys this music. I'm looking forward to seeing the photos you'll send our way.
In the meantime, Jerry's going back to the photo library. We'll slide his dinner under the door.
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PS. Special thanks to Jeff Harper at The Harper Agency for providing this photo. The late Herman Harper is Jeff's dad - and what a bass singer he was!
