Feature Articles

Doyle Lawson

This year marks your 30th year of recording Bluegrass music. How have things changed since you first started?

This is actually my 41st year of recording...30 years of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.  Without a doubt, the recording facilities and high tech equipment are the biggest change. In the early days, we couldn't record on multiple tracks as we do today. We recorded everything at the same time, on only one track. If someone made a mistake, we all had to start over. Of course, if the mistake wasn't obvious, they would just leave it and go on to the next song. You can't know the many times I got so furious and frustrated, especially if it was my mistake. But one thing it did do was get you well prepared to make a record. All in all, it's much easier now.

You recently scored your first #1 hit on Southern Gospel radio. After so many years of releasing music to Gospel radio, what was that kind of accomplishment like for you?

Having a #1 hit song on Southern Gospel radio was something I never thought would happen.  Having a song that touched so many people in a special way, coupled with a recording company (Crossroads) that believed in me and believed in the song, that made it happen. It really wasn't my doing. To God be the glory, for all good things come from Him.

If someone goes to a Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver concert, what can they expect to hear and experience?

We try to have something for everyone to enjoy, and hopefully our shows will help take their minds off the everyday problems that might be wearing them down. I hope that we will sing a song or two that will be uplifting for them

What songs have meant the most to you over your career?

There have been so many but here are a few that come to mind...

"On the Sea of Life" was on my first gospel album and it was an instant hit with everyone. I think that song and the album it was on turned the corner for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and allowed me to continue.

"There Is a God" has ministered to so many people.  It has helped lead them to Jesus Christ. People have told me first-hand that the song has been the catalyst that led them to accepting Christ as their Savior.

In the troubled times we are experiencing here in the USA and all over the world, people are looking for something unshakable to hold on to. "Help Is On the Way" assures us of God's power and points us in the right direction. So many folks have told me that this song came at a time when they needed help, and it reminded them of where that help comes from.

You've gotten to share the stage with a lot of great people and sing in front of thousands of individuals. What has been your proudest moment in all of this?

It's true. I have shared the stage with many people throughout my 46 years in music. In the 1960's, when I was young and just getting started, I was in awe of the stars of music I got to be around. I have shared the stage with actors, politicians, and authors. I once stood back stage with a President just before he went out to speak. I was with Senator Robert Byrd, a mountain fiddler from West Virginia, who was the Senate Majority Leader at the time. He loves to play his fiddle! I am so grateful that God has allowed me the privilege to do these, and many other things. Without Him, I can do nothing.

Who would you love to work with that you haven't gotten the chance to yet?

Oh, there are lots of people I would like to work with. I talked with Brenda Lee a while back about doing a gospel project with her. Unfortunately, we could never get our schedules to mesh up. It would be fun to work with Travis Tritt. I hear that he really likes Bluegrass and our styles would be an interesting combination.  Willie Nelson would be interesting to work with. He pursues his career fairly independently, and I guess people think that about me, too. I have done several videos with Bill Gaither, and those were so much fun that I know I would like to hit the concert trail with him and his group.

What has God been teaching you lately?

We are living in uncertain times, and it's easy to feel anxious about the world situation. As children of God, we have nothing to fear. Read the Bible...things are unfolding just as He said they would.

What's next for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver?

We have a brand new Bluegrass CD out. "Lonely Street" just hit the stores last month. I look toward pulling together a new gospel project. We hope to have one ready to go early in 2010. We are also hoping to do a new Christmas CD. Probably not this year, but maybe next. I am intent on being the best I can be, safe and content in the knowledge that God is in control. He always opens the right doors for me.

Visit Doyle Lawson at http://www.doylelawson.com