Dixie Echoes Still Cranking it Out

Check out the Dixie Echoes' bass vocalist's blog at www.cajunbass.blogspot.com

One of the things I love about coming south is that you can always find a radio station that plays southern gospel music. A mainstay of Southern Gospel is a group that has been around since the early 1960s called, 'The Dixie Echoes.' Below you will find a review by James Hales of the Dixie Echoes' latest recording, and, from what I am hearing it is one of their very best.

But first, a bit of history.

Gospel legend J.G. Whitfield, who at one time was the most successful promoter and businessman in Gospel Music, founded the Dixie Echoes a few short years after leaving another Gospel group he formed, The Florida Boys. I have written a couple of articles on the Florida Boys, which you will find in The Liberty Sphere archives. Once the Florida Boys were established as a successful group, Whitfield left the road and devoted time to developing his music promotions business.

However, Whitfield found that he missed the road. Thus, he formed the Dixie Echoes, which has featured some of the greatest voices in Gospel Music through the years. As an anchor for the group, Whitfield tapped the young and talented Dale Shelnut to be the lead vocalist. Shelnut was an immediate hit with audiences, and this propelled the Dixie Echoes to prominence. They were chosen as one of the featured groups on the weekly national television program, 'The Gospel Singing Jubilee,' which for 18 years could be seen in every major television market in the country.
The Florida Boys hosted this program, and they shared the spotlight with program regulars, the Dixie Echoes, and the Happy Goodman Family.

When J.G. Whitfield decided to take his growing gospel concert promotions to New York City in the early 1960s, he decided that the venue would be Carnegie Hall. Thus, the very first ticketed Gospel Music program to be held at Carnegie Hall was promoted by Whitfield, and featured The Florida Boys, the Dixie Echoes, and the Sego Brothers and Naomi, who were fresh off their wildly successful million-selling single, 'Sorry, I Never Knew You.'

During the late 60s, once again Whitfield decided to leave the road to devote all of his time to his explosively successful promotions business. The Dixie Echoes continued to grow in popularity during these years with the lineup of Coy Cook on tenor, Dale Shelnut on lead, Joe Whitfield on baritone, and Ken Turner on bass.
Later, when Cook left the group a young tenor by the name of Larry Ford joined the group. Ford's impeccable vocal technique catapulted the Dixie Echoes to the top, and at one point they could fill any auditorium in America.

Tragedy struck the group in the early 1980s, however, with the untimely death of Dale Shelnut at the age of 48. At this point Dale's son, Randy Shelnut, took the reigns of the group and continued with the rich tradition of four-part male harmony.

Today many critics claim that the Dixie Echoes have the best sound they've ever had since before the days of Dale's death. Tracy Crouch is the bass vocalist, who, by the way, has become a new friend of The Liberty Sphere, Randy Shelnut sings lead, Randy's son, 'Scoot' Shelnut, sings baritone, and their new tenor is Dallas Rogers. Stewart Varnado, an extraordinary pianist, provides the accompaniment.

The following is James Hales' review of the group's latest recording. Be sure to visit Tracy's website for more information at:

www.cajunbass.blogspot.com

Begin republish of review:
The Dixie Echoes have a long and illustrious history in Southern Gospel Music. Though many people have passed through the ranks of this quartet, I don't think they have had a more solid sound than with the collective they have today. Consisting of Randy Shelnut on lead, his son Scoot Shelnut on baritone, Tracy Couch singing bass, newest member, Dallas Rogers doing tenor and Stewart Varnado on piano, these guys definitely have it together vocally. This was my first introduction to the voice of Dallas Rogers, and I am deeply impressed. He's a cross between Archie Watkins and Don Thomas (former tenor for the Florida Boys in the early 80s) and he has a big voice and he is all over this recording.

The classic, IF JESUS IS THERE starts things off and really showcase some great precision singing by the guys. In fact, there are a couple of other tunes on here that really do an excellent job of doing that; and those songs UP TO THE HOUSE OF PRAYER and OLE BROTHER NOAH are true highlights of the recording.

One of my favorite songs by the Dixie Echoes is the golden oldie, PRAISE THE NAME OF GOD and it was great hearing this song revived, as was another wonderful classic, I WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ANYMORE.

I was glad to see a couple of my all time favorite quartet numbers included and the guys do a good job with WELCOME HOME MY CHILD and NEW BORN FEELING before slowing things down for THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY and the Albert E. Brumley classic, IF WE NEVER MEET AGAIN. Ending much like it began, AFTER THE SUNRISE closes out the recording with a resounding finish.

For the most part, the arrangements on these songs are pretty simple, but showcase some first class singing. With 10 songs, the total time for this recording clocks in at exactly 24 minutes, so it's a pretty short recording, and it's over before you know it. The tracks are pretty basic, but well done. I am waiting for the Dixie Echoes to really come out with a big recording. It's been a few years since they've had a big song, and while it won't be found on this recording, this is definitely one to add to your collection and one that fans like myself will listen to and enjoy over and over again.

Personal Favs: IF JESUS IS THERE; UP TO THE HOUSE OF PRAYER; PRAISE THE NAME OF GOD; WELCOME HOME MY CHILD; THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY

Review by: James Hales