Monthly Articles

Crossroads Chronicles

Crossroads Chronicles - Oct 04

More Than Just A Memory

I always thank God for safe journeys. Not only my own, but those of family and friends whenever they travel long distances and return home safely.

For many of us, hurricanes Frances and Ivan were constantly on our mind during NQC week in September. The former storm, named after a lady but definitely no lady, had just dumped her watery load on Western North Carolina days before we left for Louisville causing great flooding and doing millions of dollars worth of damage. While in Kentucky, the latter-a guy named Ivan (who bore no resemblance to the singer we love with the same name) pounded the land of my birth once more. This time, fatalities were caused by the rushing flood waters. It was hard to be away, but thank God my people were safe and sound when I finally arrived home September 19th. I praise Him for that.

In spite of the havoc and uncertainty caused by the storms, it was one of the best times I ever experienced at the National Quartet Convention. A combination of things led me to this conclusion.
Number one, I ate twenty of those large ice-cream cones that cost a small fortune. No, not really, only had one, but it tasted so good! Mainly, I think it was extra good because Louie Wilson of Calvary Construction Company went to the food court with me and insisted on paying for it. Being the good Christian I try to be, I let Louie shell out his money for my sugar rush.

Seriously, it was sharing Louie's company for a few moments that made the ice-cream cone so special. Which brings me to a broader point-being with the artists we work so closely with throughout the year is a bright spot of NQC week for record company people. I believe it's the same way for Rhonda and Theresa at Daywind, Kim and Joy at Sonrise, Beverly and Theresa at Zion, Beth at Spring Hill, Suzanne at Airplay, Jeff at Heritage, Shane at Lighthouse, Rick at Rick Hendrix Company, Zane at Journey, and all the others. There are a host of great promoters and independent record companies operating today. We take great pride in supporting the ministries of the artists we represent, and in doing a good job for them.

I also got to spend a little "supper table time" with Mark Bishop one night and Reggie Saddler another. I love those brothers, what they do, the way they do it. It's a true blessing to be part of their support group. And it provides another fringe benefit…Reggie paid for my dinner! In fairness to Mark, I already had it the night I joined he and Steve Perkins who were sitting at a table with Kelly Nelon Clark and some of her crew. Otherwise, I might have gotten a free meal out of the Bishop-man, too. I'm kidding, of course. Or am I? Hmmm.

Another bright spot for me was hanging out with my new buddy, Ty Gilpin, the latest addition to our Crossroads radio staff. Ty has taken to song promotion like a duck to water. It's a joy working with him, and we even did a little picking while sitting around our hotel room. Ty's a great mandolin player and I beat on the guitar sometimes. We may get a bus, but more than likely we'll stay on the phones. Which leads me to bright spot # 3.

One of the best parts of NQC, and I sincerely mean it, is getting to spend a little time with the people who play the music Crossroads produces. It's always fun to visit with our radio friends. Month after month, year after year, they spin and chart the songs we release on our monthly airplay samplers. The deejays make the hits happen, but most importantly-they take the message of hope and encouragement to the people who need it daily. I know because I'm one of those people. I desperately need all the Gospel I can get and all the edifying words I can hear and retain. This world is a fiercesome place. The devil is prowling around seeking whom he may devour. We thank deejays for what they do. They are appreciated beyond my ability to convey.

Now I'm going to reminisce about a very special event we had on Wednesday afternoon of convention week. At the invitation of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher and his Executive Director at the Governor's Mansion, Mr. Kenny Bishop, Crossroads was able to host a # 1 party honoring four of our artists at the state's official residence. The artists we gathered there to honor were: The Talley Trio, The Kingsmen, Palmetto State Quartet, and Mark Bishop. The event was made most memorable because of their presence.

Also present were the songwriters who composed the number one hits-Darryl Williams, Rebecca Peck, David Jenkins, Tim Lovelace, Chris Binion, Terry Wilkins and Mark Bishop (he's like that Clark Kent-Superman thing, writer and artist are one and the same). Unfortunately, "Jesus Saves" co-writer Stephen Hill was not able to attend.

Donna Rogers and Sandi Duncan-Clark of U.S. Gospel News came. Maurice Templeton, Jerry Kirksey, and Danny Jones of Singing News Magazine had prior commitments and couldn't make it, but were there in spirit as was Ed and Jeff Harper of The Harper Agency. Faye Shedd, who books the Talley's, graced one of the tables. A number of other industry support people came. The folks from Sonrise Christian Voices were there. Last but by no means least, a number of deejays from all over the U.S. who were in Louisville for NQC made the short trek to Frankfort to help us celebrate.

Wednesday September 15th, 2004 rendered a beautiful "the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home" afternoon. The Governor's Mansion is located in a quiet section of town, just across the street from the Kentucky State House. The elegance of this magnificent yet unpretentious stone dwelling, its well-manicured grounds, the historical significance of the location, but most of all-the Christ-like love and warmth radiated by everyone in the room made the gathering more than just another Kodak moment. This is a good place to insert the names of all my Crossroads compadres who were present and helped make the day so special-our COO of Sonlite Records, Chris White; Senior V-P, Scott Wagner; Marketing Director, Christy McHan; and Radio Promotions Assistant Manager, Ty Gilpin.

We were officially welcomed by Kenny Bishop, who then gave us a little background on the mansion. Kenny was followed by our company leader, Chris White's greeting to everyone on behalf of himself and Crossroads General Manager, Mickey Gamble. Mickey wasn't at NQC due to the extensive flood damage hurricane Frances caused to his home in North Carolina.

Finally, as Director of Radio Promotion, I had the honor of presenting a plaque to each artist. They made touching comments, particularly Mark Bishop, who spoke with great pride of his brother Kenny's accomplishments and his ability to rise to an exciting new challenge in the political world. Afterwards, we adjourned to a nearby dining room to fill our plate with delicious hors d'oeuvres and light desserts prepared by the Governor's staff. But all too soon the reception ended and it was time to leave.

Ronnie Morrison, an Irish deejay who flew across the Atlantic to attend NQC with his brother David, remarked, "This is a memory I will treasure and keep for a lifetime." His words were made even more eloquent by his Irish lilt. I'm certain Ronnie's feelings were shared by everyone.

In closing, Crossroads Music would like to publicly thank Kentucky Governor, the honorable Ernie Fletcher, and particularly, Mr. Kenny Bishop, for making this wonderful day possible.

Your gracious hospitality and our time at the Governor's Mansion made this the most memorable convention week ever.