News & Scoops

I was awakened yesterday morning with the news of Dottie Rambo's death. I can't even begin to explain the influence The Rambos. and Dottie personally, have had on me personally and as a musicain. As a young kid, the Rambos Trio introduced me (via TV)to mixed gospel singing with a vocal twist I hadn't heard (or noticed ) before. They sang a "meatier" type of gospel song, musically and lyrically. They would "swap" parts and I remember trying to figure out what they were doing! I looked forward to each show, with little Mrs. Dottie playing that huge guitar!

I bought their live album, produced in the late 70s, and the musicians they had influenced me greatly. As a steel guitar enthusiast, Johnny Cox's performance on that album was very inspirational. I can still hear that great music ringing in my ears!

Dottie's song writing collaboration with Gov. Jimmie Davis produced some of my favorite songs of all time. Again, as a musician, her songs were melodic and easily recognizable as instrumentals, a rarity these days.

Dottie's song, "I've Never Been This Homesick Before" moved many 1000s of people to think about eternity and is still one of her most requested songs. I heard 100s of folks, night after night, request that Mr. Bill Burns, of the Country Village Supper Club, sing that great song....with a rousing response every time! I had the awesome priviledge of playing steel there for 11 wonderful years, doing many of Dottie's songs.

Incidentally, the southern gospel quartet that I work with, The Providentials, just obtained mechanical licensing to record "I've Never Been This Homesick Before" for their upcoming album, "Can't Say Enough", to be released in June.

Mixed feelings......Ms. Dottie has gone thru so much adversity thru the years. I guess I would feel better if she hadn't died this way. But, the destination is the same either way. And, knowing Dottie, she wouldn't want to come back.

I miss her......but her music lives on....until the Lord comes......

Reggie Duncan (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address))

I never had the joy of meeting Dottie but I did see her in person a couple of years ago & what a night that was. However, she is now free of pain & face to face with her Lord whom she served so faithfully for so many years.

God is good all the time & all the time God is good. 

Elaine Harcourt

To the Rambo Family: I, too, lost my mother on Mother's Day (1991). I now cherish this day every year and use it as a special day to remember my mother and all the wonderful years we had. She loved Dottie Rambo's music and, as a result, I too love the music - Straight from God's heart to encourage His children. In time, I know you will be able to use Mother's Day as a celebration of your great and wonderful mother and grandmother. You are in my prayers.

I could not beleive what I was hearing when I got the news. The impact that Dottie had on lives with her songs will go on.She was a person that had many trials of which they all made her stronger and more humble giving her a great testimony in song. Her life in song will live on in a beautiful harmony of just how great his love is.