I had the awesome privilege the other day to witness history in the making. I was watching the rebirth of the The Prophets Quartet with Ed Hill, one of the best Baritones to ever grace the stage of a gospel concert. Gathered in a small studio in Brentwood, TN were some of the greatest icons in Gospel Music as well as some of the greatest studio musicians you will find anywhere. As a young man I sat in many audiences mesmerized by the singing of these giants in our genre. Sitting in this session, I knew I couldn’t pass the chance to do an interview.
Reforming the Prophets was an idea that had rested in back of the mind of Ed Hill, but he never gave much effort to getting it off the ground until his Pastor, Johnny Minick, casually brought up the idea to Ed. That sparked a yearning in Ed. He called his close friend and former roommate, Bill Baise, who sang with Ed for many years as tenor with the JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet.
To Ed’s surprise, Bill had been thinking the same thing, except that he thought it would be some sort of version of the Stamps that would reform. They both felt that this was something that God was about to be in the middle of, and they wanted to be a part of it. Ed, Johnny, and Bill were becoming very excited this new venture, but the Prophets were a quartet and you can’t have a quartet without a Bass singer. Ed just happened to sit in a pew at church across from phenomenal Bass singer, Hovie Walker, every week. Well it didn’t take a genius to see what God was doing, and Hovie became a part of the team. In the meantime, they had figured out that Johnny is a pretty talented piano player and would fit perfectly with them when they needed live music. Now the only thing missing was a powerful Lead singer.
It just so happened that Johnny Minick knew of a man with a great Lead voice, but had no experience singing in a quartet. Ed and Johnny thought that there would be no harm in talking with this man. They had no idea that he had dreamed of singing with a quartet. This “newcomer” had classical vocal training and has sang and preached all across this country to thousands of people. Paul Jackson, was ready to step up to the plate as Lead singer for the reformed Prophets Quartet. The group is now complete.
All of these men, famous in their own right, have been to places in music that most of us only dream of. They can easily say, “been there, done that." Almost in unison they emphasized that their goal this time around is Ministry. They’ve worked at the highest level of professionalism, but their goal now is to reach as many souls as they can for the Lord. Their new motto is that they “not just be called Prophets, but be Prophets”. An interesting fact that Ed included was that he formed the Prophets and sang with them from 1959 to 1973, but wasn't saved until 1978. Ed says, “That’s why the Prophets will be different this time.” They all want to take their past experiences and reach outside the walls of what has traditionally been done. They are looking to minister in churches, concerts, fairs, and any other place they can get their foot in.
While they intend to do some old Prophets material, they are anticipating a new direction in their music. They want to stress the professionalism for which they are so well known.
Ed Hill formed the original Prophets, then went on to sing with the Singing Americans, the Statesmen and the Stamps. Bill Baise sang with the Smitty Gatlin Trio and the Stamps. Hovie Walker sang with Willie Wynn and the Tennesseans, the Thrasher Brothers, formed the Singing Americans, sang with the Statesmen and the Classic Imperials (Classic Voices). Paul Jackson ministered to and sang to thousands across this nation as an evangelist. This is success waiting to happen.
An interesting fact that Ed included was that he formed the Prophets and sang with them from 1959 to 1973, but wasn't saved until 1978. Ed says, “That’s why the Prophets will be different this time.” Ed also says that while he was struggling on what name to use for the group, his wife insisted on him using the Prophets. Ed is smart enough to listen to a Godly woman.
I couldn’t resist asking Ed, Bill (who both worked with Elvis) and Hovie (who worked with Leon Russell), what they learned from working with such successful secular artists. They all said….. "Professionalism." Their desire is to use that professionalism and give it to the Lord.
I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see what is going to happen with the rebirth of this great group.
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Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 01/01/2007
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 34
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I cant wait to hear them sing. I hope we find out their schedule pretty soon. It would be an honor to be at their first concert.
I can't wait. We had the honor of having Ed at our church on New Year's Eve and there is not a finer gentleman in SGM. And considering the raw deal he got from the Stamps, you really, really want to see this project succeed. And there is no reason it will not.
Some of my most cherished classic SGM records were recorded years ago by the Prophets. I'm thrilled that the group is reformed for ministry.
It's good to see The Prophets back on the road again after all this time. Hope to see you soon guys!
Fantastic is all I can say! Congratulations to you-all this has to be a great sound. Ed is so solid, Bill is one of the best ever and Hovie is as good as they come and knowing these guys, Paul must be as good. I just hope that Three Bridges will get to work with you-all in concert real soon!!!
Elliot that is so kind of you. I look forward to meeting you and the other guys in Three Bridges.
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog
I can't wait to hear these guys. I know Hovie Walker well and I am honored to call Him a friend. I know that The Prophets are going to be a Jam up and Jelly Tight Quartet! They will be Awesome I'm sure!
I remember Hovie Walker When he sang bass for The Thrasher Brothers.I hope they cut a new cd soon.
As J.D. used to say "I CAN'T WAIT"
Skull 
I was priviledged last night to sit in a service where Bill Baize was singing and preaching. Wow, he can still hit those high notes with ease and power. I can't wait for this CD to come out. BTW, not only is he still a great Tenor singer, but the man can evermore preach too.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
We watched the Prophets EVERY Sunday morning and our 4 year old son Larry was just enthralled by them. He would sit right in front of the TV. He started singing Southern Gospel songs when he was 4 years and 1 week old in churches. He had the distinct privilege of singing at one of the Prophets concerts while they took a break when he was 4 years and 10 months old. Big Lou sat behind him and just shook his head. We got a picture made of Larry with them. It was a great night.
Wow Tena! What a touching story. I do hope that you and your family are blessed by the new version of our group. I can see we have a lot to live up to. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. I will make sure Ed hears this.
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog
Is there any way to be put on a mailing list for your concerts in or around Nashville? Antioch/Smyrna area?
The moment I heard that Ed had "retired" from the Stamps, I thought,"He should re-form the Prophets." At the same time, I've had both Ed and Bill Baize on my heart, although I didn't know why. That is what us Pentecostals refer to as "confirmation!"
Chris J. Becker
Cedar Rapids, IA
Tena...e-mail me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and I will make sure you receive information about our very first concert. I believe our management team is planning to have a "made for TV" Concert event in the Nashville/Smyrna area as
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog
I am quite sure that when the announcement about the reformed Prohets performing their frist concert comes out, you will see it on SoGospelNews.com
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
Thanks Deon. We enjoyed your group and also appreciate your time and effort for bringing Southern Gospel to us.
Can,t wait!! Where can we find your schedule?
Love in Christ,
Dennis Lay
Lead singer
River City Quartet
Dennis...our schedule will entually be posted at:
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog
Congratulations to all the "Prophets", especially Ed Hill. Ed is a "gem" in SGM, a wonderful friend, and a Godly man. I can't wait to see/hear him in a quartet once again! God Bless!
I remember being in concert with The Prophets during a concert/church tour in Kansas and Missouri, what phenonmenal talents these men had. I have always been a "fan" of Ed Hill and Bill Baize through the years and appreciate their kindness shown me. I have just recently become familiar with Hovie Walker's singing. It will be great to hear The Prophets sing again!
Congrats, ED! I am so happy for you and Bill. Go take the world by storm. I am so proud to have worked with you. Multiplied Blessings, Royce
I am looking for the sheet music or songbook with the words and music in it to the song mercy river sun g by the singing americans on one of BillTraylor's hymns of Our Faith cds. Please,please someone help!!!!!My wife is church organist and we need that music for altar calls. Thanks so very much
somebody help Lamont...one of you "old"
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog
I am so excited can't wait to hear them. The only one missing is Roy McNeal. Maybe he will come and sing with them. just hope it is close enough for me to attend. Gail Casteele
Fantastic Gail! Ed Hill and I can't wait to meet you. We to are excited to be bringing back The Prophets Qt. E-mail me at:
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog
I can't wait to go hear the Profits Qt sing and get there new CD. God Bless you guys.
I may be too young to have heard the
This is incredible. Ed and I started out with the same group..... The Lesters. (I was 9 and Ed and "Jerry Berry" were forming the Kings Men. I later(age 14) sang every year at Ed's fathers church (Feewill Bapt in N. St. Louis). I later 1978?? was honored to have Bill B. in our home and church.....then later sang with Hovie Walker with Coy Cook, then again with the Monitors. What a small world we live in...but praise God, they are still reaching out and probably in a more powerful way. WOW you have made my day. Gene Miller
The (original) Prophets Quartet were and still are my very special favorite group. I have new copies on cd of their albums and can't wait to here Ed's new group! Thanks for the post. Will go on my favorites list!!!
Ed Hill gave me the new CD and these guys sound awesome. Excellent work, gentlemen. I wish you Gods blessing. Bring forth the Word!
Royce Taylor
i'm so glad the "new" (1978) Ed Hill is once again with a gospel group. I am curious about a somewhatunrelated matter: What ever happened to Big Lou?
Sadly, Big Lew passed away several years ago
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
as well as I can remember Big Lew died in the 60's maybe 70's. If this is not true, then please someone correct me. Gail
Long time fan from j berry to now. Can't wait to hear them.
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