Introducing Chuck Minear
Chuck
Minear sang his first concert with the Cross Road Quartet on Sunday, July
22 at the San Bernardino Nazarene church. As you may recall from our
last newsletter, Chuck took over the baritone part from Dave Larsen, who
retired from the group.
The hard work Chuck put into learning a lot of songs on short notice was evident, as the quartet didn't miss a beat. It was nice that Chuck's wife Karen and parents Chuck and Madeline were in attendance at his debut. He certainly did them proud! We just finished our second concert yesterday (July 30) with Chuck, and we are looking forward to seeing how God will use this version of the Cross Road Quartet.
Chuck grew up around gospel music. His father owns a recording studio and he spent many an evening listening as many men and women of God came through, recording their music. His mother also got him singing at an early age. Some of his earliest memories are watching the great singing being recorded for Evangelist Dr. Stephen Olford or in the studios of the Haven of Rest Quartet. Most of Chuck’s ministry has been solo over the years, although he did sing with the Regents Quartet for time. Chuck has spent the last few years as worship leader at the Whittier Church of God in Whittier, CA and sharing his love for the Gospel and music at venues all around California. Chuck is a teacher for Downey Unified School District and has taught and sung in Japan and Great Britain. Chuck is an avid traveler and photographer.
Welcome, Chuck!
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Remembrances This past month, Lois Gibbons (July 12) and Bob Jones, Sr. (July 27) passed on to their eternal rewards. Lois
Gibbons was a passionate supporter and producer of gospel music in
Southern California during the '70's and '80's. In 1985 she
published the "Gospel Music Roundup" newsletter, promoted the "High
Desert Gospel Sing" in Victorville, and produced a gospel music radio
program on KAVC in Rosamond, CA for four hours live on Sunday nights.
In the '90's Lois moved back to her home state of Louisiana and kept
the radio program going on KDVM/KDPC. Lois passed away in
Alexandria, LA on July 12, 2007. Bob Jones, Sr. is truly a gospel music legend, having been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2006. From his early days with the Stamps Quartet to his founding and continued singing with the Songfellows quartet since the 1950's, Bob Jones, Sr. was truly an inspiration. Bob Oliver said he was "one of the nicest people I've ever met and one of the few people, that I know, who deserved respect from all he had contact with. I will miss him." Bob Jones, Sr. was honored with a standing ovation at the WSGMA concert this past May. The picture at the right is of Bob Jones, Sr. and his wife Ava at that May celebration (courtesy of Peggy Wimberly). A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, July 31 at 10 am at the Bloomington Church of the Nazarene. Our loss is heaven's gain. Surely the families will appreciate your prayers. |
