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jchaz -> RE: The Diplomats Thread (6/7/2008 1:23:03 AM)
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Whew! What a night!! You talk about CAMPMEETING!! It got started with Dr. Jerry & Little Jan (with Woody Beatty) singing some of their fan favorites, including "On My Mother's Side", "Pour It On", "Come And Dine" and of course, the one that got everyone teary-eyed, "I Firmly Promise You", complete with Brother Wendy's distinctive voice on the last chorus. Jan is without a doubt, the sweetest, prettiest and classiest lady that has ever graced a SG stage. I enjoyed a nice conversation with her. We even talked about colaborating on a special project in the very near future... but we're not telling anymore about it... just yet! Next up, The Mighty Kingsmen set the stage afire with their trademark Southern Style Quartet singing. Of course, they did a few classics, like "Beautiful Home", but the best part was when The Spirit fell while they were singing "When God Ran". I'm actually kinda liking them with the tracks. I know...I know... Don't get me wrong, I love a live band as good as anyone, but really, they can still get it done with the tracks, too. We had a awesome time with the guys afterwards. You need to ask Mrs. Rita about Huggy's bottle of sleeping pills. (Hint: Not for the squeemish stomach. THEY STINK!!) Again, The Diplomats won the crowd over from the first strains of Dottie Rambo's famous "The Holy Hills Of Heaven Call Me". The crowd demanded another helping of Joe Brown singing "Lonesome Road". Once again, he delivered. Low notes were served, seats were rattled, and smiles abounded. Then, without much warning the Wind of The Holy Ghost swept through as they sang several encores of "When I Got Up". People were on their feet praising the Lord, and several people were shouting! Mrs. Rita, too, was blessed and she did a little shoutin', herself. Jimmy joked, "Ya'll better look out over here on this side. If she takes off, she's liable to wipe out that whole section!" I just love to see them get high in The Spirit! They segued into another male quartet set featuring the legendary Les Beasley. I think he sounded better tonight than I've heard him in 30 years. He said he enjoyed singing with CoCo, Jimmy & Joe as much as anyone that he has EVER performed with. Former Diplomat pianist Lamar Newton played for this group. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better.... IT DOES!! Karen Peck & New River hit the stage, and... let's just say it like it was... IT WAS ON!!!! "Last Night", "I'm Saved", and "Gonna Get Up" hit the spot dead on. I had to leave the building for a few minutes to take an emergency call, but when I came back in, the place was rocking with "Four Days Late". That Campmeeting atmosphere was still lingering heavy. It was SO good, that I don't even remember what else they sang, but I know KP sang a moving solo out in the crowd, and gave a prayer request and testimony about their mother's recent illness. Of course, they did an encore of "Four Days". they left the audience wanting more. After a short intermission, all the singers gathered on stage and we were blessed with such favorites as "Glory Road", "God Walks The Dark Hills" and "There's Just Something About That Name". It was good to see the various conglomerations and the sincere camaraderie of each group. (Pardon the spelling... it's 1:15 am) Eva Mae LeFevre was in the crowd tonight. Dr. Jerry recognized the fact that he, she, Les and Little Jan were SGMA Hall Of Fame honorees, and that soon, another person present would be enshrined there.... Mr. Ray Dean Reese. What a great honor to get to visit with each of these legends one more time. Robert & Carol York, Mr. Scripture and Rebecca11368 were in attendance. Maybe some more of you, but right now, I'm not thinking to clearly! I'm wore out from laughing at Corey, Phillip, Haorld, Rita, Karen and "Herschel". I'll quickly tell you that tonight was 'Pick-On-Karen-Peck-Night". Phillip Hughes and Jesse really had her going. Jesse was acting like he was... er... um... (how do I say this diplomatically, no pun intended)... well, he was acting like he was a few French Fries short of a Happy Meal." Phillip told KP that "Herschel" just LOVED her hit song, "Hey", and that she should dedicate it to him from the stage. This went on ALL night, and right before the concert was over, I think she finally figured out that she had been HAD! It was SO funny. If I were Phillip, I'd watch my back. As The Hayes Family sings, "There WILL be a payday someday!" Then everyone got to messing with Mrs. Rita (who had a WEAK stomach. It was even MORE funny!! Ain't it FUN to be a CHRISTIAN???? Well, I gotta go. I've got a chiropractic appointment in a few, short hours. Oh--- Right before I go. I ask you to PLEASE remember our buddy, Tony Dykes of The Greesons when you pray. Many of you saw where he'd been given a terrible report on the status of his cancer diagnosis. But we serve a God that can and will heal. We're all claiming victory over this. Please band together with us when you talk to The Father. Love to all, JChaz
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