You know, I really love the fans of Southern Gospel music. They are an eclectic bunch, to be sure, but for the most part, they're just plain good people.

I always get a chuckle when I hear a fan tell an artist "I'm your biggest fan," mostly because I've already heard that about 20 times earlier in the evening.

But what also makes me smile is that that statement causes me to recall what one fan told me about three years ago when we were discussing the late Glen Payne and the late George Younce. Now, just how did he phrase that...

"Yeah, me and George Payne were best buddies, I tell you. We'd known each other for 40 years."

Maybe you had to be there, but that struck me as so funny that night—and it still does. I realize that man probably just ran the names together or he just made an honest mistake.

But to have known each other for 40 years, you'd think he'd have the name right.

In any case, I think it's great that fans want to have a personal connection with the artists. And because of that desire, fans want to know all they can about their favorite singer or musician.

I wonder, however, how many fans can tell me the middle name of "their best bud?" Put on your thinking cap, grab a pencil and a piece of paper and get ready for this little test. I'm going to give you the names of 15 favorite Southern Gospel music personalities. I'll also supply the middle name for each—you just have to match them.

I'll share the answers in a week or two, but when you're finished, send your completed list to danny.jones@singingnews.com. I know some of you will get everyone of them matched correctly—but the rest of you, well, uh, er...might want to spend a little more time with your friend!

BTW, be very careful...some artists might be using their middle name everyday instead of their first name.

As You Know Them

1. Ivan Parker

2. Kim Hopper

3. Mark Bishop

4. Brian Free

5. Mike Holcomb

6. Sheri Easter

7. Jeff Stice

8. Sonya Isaacs

9. Steve French

10. Debra Talley