Down Home Gospel (#433)
As
we all know, Southern Gospel music owes much gratitude to radio - and
yes, I know there are some programs (stations and DJ's, as well) that
could use some work. But the fact remains that a lot of us cut our
Southern Gospel teeth by hearing our favorite artists on the radio.
But
TV has also played an important role in introducing people to the
latest songs and artists. "The Gospel Singing Jubilee" and "The Dixie
Caravan" were two "biggies," influencing the lives of many. Several
other regional programs enjoyed huge viewing audiences, too.
Today,
Bill Gaither's programs are viewed nationwide through various outlets
and other entities, like INSP and The Gospel Music Channel, are
featuring Southern Gospel on a regular basis, too.
At the
core, however, are many programs that are viewed only on a regional, or
even just a local, basis. There are several that come to mind, and over
the next several months, we'll occasionally talk about one of those
programs.
To get us started is "Down Home Gospel," a program
that has been on the air since 1993. Aired on WGGS-TV (Channel 16,
Greenville, S.C.), this program is hosted by Billy Rainey (founder of
the program - and a bit of a local Southern Gospel music celebrity
himself) and Shane Thompson.
Billy is a Christian businessman,
devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was raised in a nurturing,
loving family who loved the Lord, loved the church, loved each other
and loved good Southern Gospel music. Billy recalls that growing up he
didn't know the word "television" and never dreamed God had a future in
broadcasting for him.
He began his career in 1975 in the sales
department. Billy says that it all began when he was home watching TV
and tuned in TV-16. He believed in what he heard and what he saw. He
made a trip to the station, offered his services, and thus began a
successful journey.
In early 1976, Billy introduced a program,
"Gospel Star Time" broadcast live on Saturday nights which became the
forerunner of "Down Home Gospel." The program featured Billy and a
variety of co-hosts, such as Billy's beautiful wife, Delores. "Gospel
Star Time" became so popular that it expanded from 30 minutes to 90
minutes.
Today, "Down Home Gospel" is a program where viewers
can enjoy Southern Gospel music from both nationally-recognized and
regional artists each Saturday evening.
Shane Thompson joined
Billy as co-host in 2004 and has gained quite a following for himself,
especially with the younger audience. The chemistry mix with Billy and
Shane was apparent from Shane's first appearance on "Down Home Gospel."
Shane carries on the family tradition. He is the grandson of Jimmy and
Joanne Thompson, the station's owners and pioneers in Christian
broadcasting. His father, Gene Thompson, was Billy's co-host for
several years.
Shane has great respect for Billy and values
him as a mentor and values the opportunity of being on the program.
Shane says, "if you're gonna have an idol, you can't find a better one."
Billy
and Shane have been privileged to have many Southern Gospel legends as
guests on the program. One of Billy's fondest memories is the day James
Blackwood and Ken Turner were his co-hosts and shared stories of their
years in gospel music. On another occasion, the Inspirations performed
live in the studio - a departure from the videos that are the normal
fare.
Billy says, "Everyone loves it when Tony Greene comes to
town as viewers never know what antics he will be up to. Jerry Goff is
always a favorite. And, we had an especially sentimental visit when
former Palmetto State Quartet vocalist Jack Pittman (Greenville, S.C.'s
own son) came by the studio. The list of celebrity friends and music
industry colleagues that visit is endless."
Billy and Shane invite artists to send their latest video recordings (DVD or Beta SP) to:
Down Home Gospel
WGGS-TV
P.O. Box 1616
Greenville, South Carolina 29602
"Down Home Gospel" is aired on WGGS-TV on Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.WGGS-TV Staffer Townie Sloane contributed to the information provided in this blog.
(Left to Right): Shane Thompson, recent guest Charlie Burke, Billy Rainey