From humble beginnings in the late 1950's, Naomi Sego and the Segos have been traveling up and down the highways and byways of the world, proclaiming that there is joy in serving the Lord. Best known for such songs as “Is My Lord Satisfied with Me”, “Sorry I Never Knew You”, “Hallelujah Square”, “One Day at a Time”, “It'll Be Different the Next Time”, “Wake the Town”, “Leave it All to Jesus” and countless others, this group has seen many mountain-tops and have walked through many valleys, but yet through it all they continue to share with anyone who will listen, the joy that can be found in serving the Lord.
Marking 46 wonderful years of singing, Naomi & the Segos have released a brand new recording on Morningstar Records and produced by Eddie Crook aptly titled, “There is Joy.” . Consisting of Kasey Kemp, Caleb Cowan, Ken Johnson, and of course, Naomi, the group is extremely excited about this new recording, especially Naomi. With an underlying theme of joy, Naomi says, “ Every song on this new recording has a message of joy. We wanted to remind people in song that there is JOY in serving our Lord. After 46 years of ministry, and me being 74 years old, I want people to know I still have joy in my heart and I want to share that wonderful joy with everyone I meet.” Several of the songs on this recording are very special to Naomi. In glowing tones she remarks, “I love all these songs! I think if I were to pick a few of my favorites, they would be "He's Alive" because it reminds us of his resurrection power. Then there is the song "There'll be Joy” because it helps us keep our focus on his eternal promise. Our latest song to radio, " Almost Home", is a great song too . Our good friends Colbert and Joyce Croft wrote this song. The message in "Almost Home" is yet another one of joy, reminding us as Christians, that each step we take is another one closer to our eternal reward. When you get in touch with that thought, that the Lord is preparing an eternal resting place, it just has to fill your heart with joy!”
One of the songs that the group is really enjoying these days is a re-make of an old Sego's classic called, “The Joke.” Originally recorded over 35 years ago and written by the late W.R. Sego, the song has been a joy for the group to resurrect. As Naomi says, “Kasey does such a good job on the song and it goes over great in concert. It has a great message that people are identifying with and they love it! It surprised us a few months ago when we started getting requests for it all of a sudden. The boys finally dusted off an old record at the office and listened to the song. At the request of many fans, and the boys insisting on it, we decided to re-record it and I'm sure glad that we did.”
This new recording is the first recording of newly recorded material put out by the group in nearly 3 years. When I asked Naomi what she hoped to accomplish through this new recording, she said, “From the industry and fan standpoint, I wanted to get something new and fresh out on the radio. I also wanted to showcase my boys Kasey and Caleb. They are such talented kids who need to be recognized and this was a great way to do it. I'm not looking at retirement anytime soon and this new CD was a way to express my feelings of the great joy I have about what I'm doing.” As mentioned earlier, Eddie Crook produced the new recording and Eddie used to travel and play the piano for the Sego Brothers and Naomi in the mid to late 1960s until he joined the Happy Goodman Family in 1970. Naomi says of Eddie, “I just love Eddie and it was so great working with him again. Back when he used to travel with us, he headed up our band, now he heads our recordings. He is very talented, and did a great job on our new recording. While we were in the studio working on the tracks, we would gather around the piano to work on a song and I could not help but think of the old days when Eddie was with us. Eddie was an asset then, and his craftsmanship and friendship are truly a blessing to me still today!”
It seems that lately, there had been an influx in the popularity of Naomi and the Segos. Even Bill Gaither has realized the rich musical legacy found in the music of Naomi & the Segos. Last year, the group was invited to perform with the Homecoming crew in Greenville, South Carolina. Naomi recalls that night with great fondness, “That night was so much fun! The crowd responded so well to what we were doing, and we just had a great time doing it.” Gaither was so impressed with the group, that they have just been added to the bill for the Homecoming concert in Atlanta, Georgia at the Arena at Gwinnett Center on April 29 and Naomi hopes all their friends will come out and support this event.
After 74 recordings and over 45 years of singing the gospel, you'd think it would be time to rest on one's laurels and enjoy retirement. But not Naomi, as she already has said, retirement is just not an option, but rather, she continues to be amazed at how God continues to bless her and the group. “I never thought I would ever be in this at all,” Naomi says. “When I started singing, it was on a fill-in basis, nothing full-time. When I made my debut on the Sego Brothers TV program in Macon, Georgia back in the late 1950's, little did I know how God would use that to shape my future. Year after year, I have been amazed at where God was leading me. Now, at 74 years old, I still stand in awe of the fact that God has blessed me with good health and the desire to go on. Every day is a new adventure…new problems, new victories, new memories. We look forward to each new place the Lord has opened up the door for us to visit this year, and all the new people we will meet. But most of all, we look forward to sharing our JOY with folks all across the country in hopes that we will be a blessing, and help lead someone to Christ.”
After all these years, Naomi has found that there is still joy in serving Jesus. It's more than a song to Naomi; it's a testimony of faith. There is more to this life than just mere temporal happiness, but there is a greater joy that this world just cannot give, it's a joy that only serving the Lord can bring and it will sustain us for life!
You can find out more about Naomi & The Segos by visiting their website, http://www.naomisego.com
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/31/2005
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 24
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I've been a fan of Naomi for years. The new group includes one of my dear friends, Kasey Kemp. I'm proud of you man. Keep singing for Jesus.
Just saw the group last night in Marion, IL at the Illinois State Quartet Convention. I also had the privilege of mixing audio for them last weekend. They're not only great singers, they're great people to be around. I'm glad to be able to call them my friends. Go see them whenever you get the chance.
I have known Naomi for a lot of years. She's had a lot of ups and downs but never once have I seen her loose her desire to sing for Jesus. The guys she has in the group now recognize that although humble,she is definitely a great lady, and I appreciate them for that. I wish the group nothing but blessings!
James, what a lovely article. I have followed, and loved Naomi for years. Kasey and Caleb are, in my opinion, the best since the Sego Brothers and Naomi. I have never heard a sound as close to the original group as this. The JOY recording is awesome, and I can't wait for your next one. I pray nothing but God's best for you.
We (HEARTS OF FAITH) have had the privilege of singing with Naomi & the Segos the last couple years and they are ALWAYS a blessing. She has to be one of the humblest people in the SG industry! She has never forgotten her beginnings and she is always so encouraging and kind to those singing with her and those in the audience. She truly is a "lady" in my book. The sound is still great and I hope she'll be around for many more years to come!
My husband and I went to see The sego's and Naomi many, many years ago when her husband and family members were in the group. They were great then and great now. Naomi just has a special talent when it comes to singing gospel. I could listen to her for hours. A couple of years ago she was in Thurmont at a church there. She may have aged a few years but that voice never changes. My husband Bob and I just adorn her and her music. Just keep up the Lord's work. God Bless1 Janet & Bob
I first met Naomi and the guys when they visited me in my studio at WTRM in Winchester,Va.I quickly found out that these people were the real deal.I've enjoyed the relationship that we've carried since.No doubt about it,if there is anybody that deserves a second round of popularity it's Naomi.I wish you guys all the opportunity in the world.I think that if other artists would pay a little closer attention to the way these artists handle themselves,this industry would be a little more respectable.God Bless Naomi and the Segos.Your Friend- Tim Bates
I've been a fan of Naomi & The Segos for years. And although I've not been to one of their concerts in quite some time, I look forward to hearing them at my local church, First Assembly of God, Warner Robins, Georgia in April sometime.
James, you said "It's more than a song to Naomi; it's a testimony of faith." As one who has known Naomi since the age of eight years old, and as a former tenor singer with her group, I can attest to the profound truth of this statement, and I couldn't agree with you more. You are right on time and right on target with this feature on Naomi & The Segos.
I have seen Naomi and the segos 3 times since last Sept. 11 and in my opion they are one of the best groups today.I dont compare yesteryear with today. But the lord was there in all 3 services and got a blessing hearing the older music revised.Thank you Naomi and the Segos for obeying the Lord and allowing him to work in your music.God bless and keep you safe along your journey.
I just seen Naomi and the Segos last week in Revival here in town. Naomi Has still got it and Kasey is a very annointed Preacher. Caleb is a very great vocalist and also my grandson (LOL)also. I love the New Joy recording Especially the Joke. (HA HA HA).
James, thanks for the great article about Naomi & the Segos. I saw them for the first time just a couple of months ago in my home church. They were absolutely a blessing! They are very talented, very humble, and such a joy to talk with.
Naomi is the best female gospel singer I have ever heard. She feels every song she sings - she is truly a spiritual lady singing for the Lord. I love her not only as a fellow child of God, but as a cousin. She is special in my book and always will be. God Bless Naomi and the Segos. Thanks for writing about their wonderful talents.
i appreciate naomi kasey and the gang we have used them in severasl events around here in conjuction for the radio satation they are always a huge concert draw ,and well requested on our radio station we especially enjoy playing one of her recent songs'' seeds i have sown ''a great testimony to the gospel music legacy of miss naomi
after hearing her music and watching her on tv for many years ,i finally got to know miss naomi
It is great that you, James has written such a nice article about a group that deserves so much recogonition for all the great work that they do. I appreciate Kasey for his great concern about the sick and lost souls besides his job as being a great singer. Also I appreciate Caleb, as a very young man dedicating his life to the Lord's work. He is a great singer also. Sister Naomi is a fantastic lady and it is so great to recogonize her work. She is a great friend and a wonderful Christian lady. I never tire of her great singing. My prayer is that the Lord will bless her, Kasey and Caleb and that they will be able to continue on for many, many years or until the Lord comes.
What a joy Naomi Sego is! My son [Matt Runnels] sang with her for a brief, but enjoyable time around 1999-- 2000. We were pastoring in Mathiston MS. at that time. She has helped a LOT of young people in southern gospel. I pray that she, along with Eva Mae Lefevere live and sing till Jesus comes!!! God bless.
I have known Sister Naomi for many many years. She is a faithful trouper for Jesus!! She is like family to me. Being from Cook County and raised here. I know her sisters and her husbands James family all my life. I thank God she is still able to carry the Gospel and has a fine Group even today they were in Tifton,Ga. just a month ago and she is still a very humble and loving person. I'm glad I'm in radio now and can be able to introduce her to people everywhere as one of the Queens of Gospel Music from the state of Georgia. She needs to be in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in my opinion. Your article is great and may God Bless Naomi and the Segos!!!
The First Lady Of Gospel Music-No Voice Can Come Close To Naomi Sego.Anointed and Sincere in God's Work.
I have had the priviledge of working in concert with Naomi and the Segos many times and have sang with Naomi when she had a group member resign. Her dedication to the ministry is unwavering and the guys she has with her now are doing an excellent job. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to working with you again in June.
I am so proud to know Naomi and the Segos as wonderful singers, and great friends. James, thank you for such an informative article on a very worthy group. Naomi, Kasey, and Caleb, I love you all so much and thank you for your dedication. Naomi, thank you for 46 years. Boys, thank you for being so good to that wonderful woman of God.
Go Caleb! You make Clay KY proud!
Someplace in the 1960's and 1970's Naomi Sego was a close nominee to Vestal Goodman for the GMA Dove Award "Female Vocalist of the Year." I thought she won the award a time or two. Maybe not. Could someone do some research? She was deserving of the award.
Sister Naomi has blessed me for many years! My family lived on Third Street in Macon, Georgia when Sister Naomi sang in her Father-in-law's church when she was a young lady. I can see her in my miond's eye as she sang, shouted and praised the Lord!
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