Hosted by Phil Cross, this is a showcase where writers are invited to share the stories behind their songs and then their songs are sung. This was the first NQC writer’s showcase I have attended and it was the highlight of the NQC for me.
First up was Jim Brady and he remarked how his song is probably the only Southern Gospel song ever written that includes sweet iced tea! (I’m sure he’s right!) The name of the song is “Welcome to the Family.” The Booth Brothers sang this very fun song.
Phil talked about Southern Gospel music and its impact on the world. Phil emphasized his belief that the most important part of the song is the message! He encouraged us to listen closely to the words of the songs presented.
Next up was The First Baptist Church of Atlanta Choir (FBC Choir), directed by Rodney Brooks. Not only did they look terrific, but their sound was wonderful! They were backed up by the church’s orchestra and what a treat. They sang a medley that included “Let the Rocks Keep Silent.”
Mitchell Jon, formerly with Three Bridges, sang “He Is Mine,” backed up by the FBC Choir. It was absolutely wonderful! And when you’re really concentrating on the words, this song will knock your socks off!
Dianne Wilkinson talked about her song, “Safe on the Glory Side.” She said that after she finished writing it, she sang it for Mark Trammell and watched his eyes “light up.” Mark told her he would “break her legs” if she sang the song for anyone else! He wanted it for his group. Even though Mark “pretends” he doesn’t like the song when the Trio sings it, it is obvious that the entire group really “gets” this song!
Rebecca Peck introduced her song, “His Life for Mine.” It was wonderfully sung by the Talley Trio. It has very powerful words.
The Johnson Family came to the platform next. This “Family” group includes a Dad and four daughters. Their harmony was great as they performed “All Who Honor Me.”
Tommy Moseley, a man who is disabled and is in a wheelchair, sang an appropriate song, “I Will Stand.” He has an absolutely beautiful baritone voice and his testimony in song was very touching!
Legacy Five sang “I’ve Been Changed.” Great song and Glenn Dustin does such a wonderful job!
Brian Free & Assurance sang “Praying Man.”
In introducing his song, Ronnie Hinson talked about how he grew up close to the ocean, but he didn’t like the ocean. One day he saw a young man in uniform coming home from a tour of duty. He remembered looking at the young man in awe and admiration. The next day he found out the young man had been killed in a drowning accident. That’s when he wrote “The Lighthouse.” Ronnie sang the song and it was a very tender moment!
Tracy Dartt (The Dartts) wrote and the group performed his song, “Let Me Be a Rock”
The FBC Choir sang “Who Can Satisfy My Soul Like You?” Absolutely beautiful!
Mark Bishop sang his song, “Workin’ for Me,” that talks about how when you do something for others, you’re working for the Lord! Loved the song!
By this point, there had been many deeply emotional, touching moments in the program and many people were wiping tears from their eyes. Phil quipped, “If your eyes don’t leak, your head will swell!” Loved it!
Mallory Ledford, a 12-year old young lady, sang an unbelievably beautiful a cappella rendition of “Amazing Grace.” She continued to change keys to a higher key on every verse. It was a flawless performance and the audience was very hushed in awe!
Gary Casto and Barbara Huffman introduced “Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin.” Then Kim and The Hoppers sang it.
Next up was Greater Vision singing “My Name Is Lazarus.” That song always gets the audience involved.
The FBC Choir sang “I’ll Fly Away,” The Schaffers sang “Amazing Love,” and the Webbs sang “Bells of Heaven.”
One of the youngest writers was Scott Inman. He talked about how Dianne Wilkinson had helped him in his song-writing endeavors and he encouraged new writers not to be shy about letting others hear their work. Scott said, “If God gives you a song, let people hear it!” Then Triumphant Quartet sang his first song, “Hey, Jonah,” (co-written by Dianne Wilkinson).
Rodney Griffin took the stage to talk about his new song, “It Pays to Pray.” About 14 years ago he met his wife. His wife’s father was unsaved and would not go to a church for anything….Not a funeral…. Not even their wedding. Many times through the years, Rodney tried to witness to him, but he was not receptive. Rodney stated that he has prayed for his father-in-law every day for these 14+ years (that’s over 5,000 prayers). His F-I-L became ill in the Spring of this year. It was at his lowest point that he realized his need for salvation and turned his life over to the Lord and was saved! The awesome thing is that Rodney WROTE THIS CELEBRATION SONG TWO MONTHS BEFORE his F-I-L’s conversion! Then, Greater Vision sang the song.
The FBC Choir sang “Get On Your Feet” and had everyone on their feet! Great song!
The Kingdom Heirs sang “What We Needed” which was written by Dianne Wilkinson.
At this point, Phil gave a heart-felt tribute to Dottie Rambo and the Pffeifers played and sang “He Looked Beyond My Faults.” Wonderful tribute!
The Hemphills sang Joel Hemphill’s “I Forgive.”
Daniel Crews sang Gerald Crabb’s song, “Through the Fire,” backed up by the FBC Choir. Beautiful!
Twenty years ago, doctors recommended that Jennifer Barton (a member of the audience) terminate her pregnancy. She left her doctor’s office and went to her car. She sat in her car and listened to Southern Gospel music, specifically the song “There’s a Miracle In Me.” After listening to the song, Jennifer went back into the doctor’s office and told him NO! A picture of her 20-year old son who is training to be Navy Seal was shown to great applause! Then The Greenes sang the song. We’re also praying for a miracle to be in Tony as he battles kidney failure!
Joseph Habedank was saved at 4 years of age, and says that he always wanted to sing, but that he has also been given the opportunity to write music. He quoted the scripture to “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Then the Inspirations sang his song, “The Rose Arose.” Beautiful!
Paula Stefanovich, writer of such great songs as Yahweh and Jerusalem, sang her song, “Behold the Lamb.” Clearly, Paula felt every word of the song as she sang it.
Phil introduced Elmer Cole as his mentor and hero. Elmer has not been to NQC for 30 years, but came to this one! Jim Brady and FBC Choir sang his song, “Ten Thousand Years.” It was wonderful!
Mosie Lister was driving his car from Atlanta to Macon, GA when he penned the song, “Where No One Stands Alone.” It was beautifully sung by The Crist Family, a group with seven members (4 ladies, 3 men). It was absolutely incredible.
Kyla Rowland introduced her song with a story about her “whiny, doubting-Thomas Aunt Lillian, who says her husband “appeared” to her 6 months after his death and told her that “crossing” is exactly as the Bible says it will be. The Perry’s then sang, “Holy Shore.” What a wonderful finale to this showcase!
Final thoughts – It is amazing how when you are NOT concentrating on the group that is singing, but on the words, how life-changing the words to these songs are. I was especially grateful that Phil Cross had encouraged us to listen to the words as the most important part of the song! Because of this, I believe we really “HAD CHURCH” during this showcase. I encourage everyone reading this review to pre-order the DVD and watch it for yourself! I guarantee you will be blessed.
I do have one suggestion of how to make this type of session even better. That would be to introduce each writer by name, with the song name and with the group or artist that sang the song. This would definitely help newer SG fans.
Here’s a video for you of some of the groups that performed in the showcase. This is really just a teaser but an official DVD will be available from Phil Cross and can be pre-ordered here.
—- Co-written by Donna Hefner and Diana Brantley
I enjoyed concerts from the Kingdom Heirs and Paid In Full at the Showstreet Palace. I have seen the Kingdom Heirs several times at their home at Dollywood but this show was different than the others. Steve French was sick so Andy Stringfield did double duty by singing the baritone part from the piano. Arthur Rice was great as emcee and the performance went without a noticeable hitch. 
I was especially glad to get to see Paid In Full. They’re a trio from New Albany, Mississippi, and were the winners of the Horizon Award at NQC in 2007. Bradley Littlejohn (baritone) and Lance Moore (lead) have been singing together in this trio for over 17 years (they started in high school!) and about 18 months ago, Brock White joined the group as tenor. I really like their sound, style and song selection. Of course, in a 30-minute concert they couldn’t sing all of my favorites, but they did sing quite a few of them. 
