Tonight (Thursday, January 5), I attended a Bill Bailey concert in the hometown of the famous Vidalia Onion, Vidalia, Georgia. About 1000 people turned out to hear Brian Free & Assurance, the Perrys, the Kingsmen and the Florida Boys.Tomorrow, the same line-up (and me) will be at Westside Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL.

The Kingsmen sang with heavy hearts tonight as they have experienced the sudden loss of one of their close friends - and the husband of group secretary Wendy - Dr. Bruce Bartlett. Bruce, who participated in many Singing News Golf Tournaments in recent years, passed away Wednesday night after suffering a sudden massive heart attack. According to Ray Reese, Bruce and his family were watching the Rose Bowl on TV, and without any warning at all, Bruce slumped over in his chair and left this life.

One second here, next second there.

You might want to let the reality of that sentence sink in.

My path crossed with Bruce only ocassionally, so I can't say we were close friends. However, Bruce never failed to offer a smile and warm greeting to all he met. Though the quartet was still dealing with the shock of Bruce's death, there was no doubt that Bruce is exactly where he's always wanted to be and that satisfying knowledge will get them through the next few days.

Speaking of the Kingsmen, the addition of Tony Peace has brought a spark of energy to the quartet. Tony's emceeing the program, calling the songs and providing a solid baritone vocal. In fact, I overheard a few comments tonight from audience members that more or less inferred that the Kingsmen may be on their way to returning to the "powerhouse" stage group that made them a legend in Southern Gospel circuit. To say such a thing at this point is probably premature, but I agree with what several members of other groups on the program tonight said as they watched from the wings - a little more time to gel, and this version of the Kingsmen is going to be a hard group to follow.

Brian Free shared with me some songs from his group's upcoming release. One word: strong. Okay, maybe two words: very strong. Another thing to note: Brian is featured on this recording probably less than any other previous Assurance release. In talking with Brian tonight, I could tell he is completely cool with that and to be honest, Brian was showing the signs of a proud "father" watching his "sons" shine in the spotlight.

The Perrys, well, were the Perrys. It was routine night for them: the emcee introduced them, the group walked out and staked their claim on the platform. I know that sounds very commercial and even secular, but the fact remains the group is riding a pinnacle right now and what they're doing on stage works - and it works well.

Then, there are the Florida Boys. I know some people don't consider them the leading quartet they were in the 60s and 70s, but you know what? The group, as a whole, is singing probably better than ever before. Pay close attention to them the next time you see them in concert. You might develop a whole new respect for them.

As I mentioned earlier, the package moves to Florida for Friday. And since I'll be right there with them, that means it's time for me to get a few hours of shut-eye. Hopefully, I'll be able to post another diary entry this weekend.

In closing, don't forget to say a few prayers for the Bartlett family and the Kingsmen. They'll certainly appreciate it.