Comments on: The Ruppes, RIP http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music Tue, 22 May 2012 19:23:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: Sheree Jennings http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-1256763 Sheree Jennings Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:18:59 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-1256763 You might want to take a look at the group now!! They sound pretty good!! You might want to take a look at the group now!! They sound pretty good!!

]]> By: Cindy Farris http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-1248508 Cindy Farris Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:20:52 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-1248508 Gee...so OK...all of these posts are old news. I just happened upon this site as I was listening to lots of music this morning...The Ruppes/Sisters included. All I can is WOW! So much criticism wrapped in the disguise of "love"???? One person quoted the old adage "if you can't say something good, then don't say it" I totally agree! Who of you have that much God given talent! And if you do...you want people saying the same things about you? Mercy! Just kills my soul when I see and hear things like this! Gee…so OK…all of these posts are old news. I just happened upon this site as I was listening to lots of music this morning…The Ruppes/Sisters included.
All I can is WOW!
So much criticism wrapped in the disguise of “love”???? One person quoted the old adage “if you can’t say something good, then don’t say it” I totally agree!
Who of you have that much God given talent! And if you do…you want people saying the same things about you?
Mercy! Just kills my soul when I see and hear things like this!

]]> By: victoria http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-1213811 victoria Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:22:15 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-1213811 I grew up listening to the Ruppes and Lord Song. I was older when Lord Song came out, or when Kim joined rather, but they were always such a blessing. It is sad that they arent together anymore, but I beleive that the work that God is doing through Val, Heather, and Kim is absolutly amazing. I love their songs. I get glory bumps everytime I hear them. I think the negativity in some of the posts on this webiste is kind of immature. Quite a few of my friends got saved listening to their songs on the radio. I thank God for the ministry that the Sisters have. I grew up listening to the Ruppes and Lord Song. I was older when Lord Song came out, or when Kim joined rather, but they were always such a blessing. It is sad that they arent together anymore, but I beleive that the work that God is doing through Val, Heather, and
Kim is absolutly amazing. I love their songs. I get glory bumps everytime I hear them. I think the negativity in some of the posts on this webiste is kind of immature. Quite a few of my friends got saved listening to their songs on the radio. I thank God for the ministry that the Sisters have.

]]> By: jack http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-1080430 jack Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:55:11 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-1080430 Blake, the Ruppes was members at my church i have heard them sing a lot thanks you sir. The world MONEY. Blake, the Ruppes was members at my church i have heard them sing a lot thanks you sir. The world MONEY.

]]> By: Dr. Alan M. Hutchens http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-981360 Dr. Alan M. Hutchens Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:00:55 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-981360 I first heard the Ruppes in the late 1980's, and then only on radio and on record (remember records?). Their singing of Evangelist Tom Haye's songs was remarkable. (That's why I'm remarking!) I could hardly sit still in the car, when I heard the Ruppes singing "The Truth Remains, He's Coming Again." Their rendition of "Put That on My Account" certainly put the Gospel in the story of Onesimus in a clear and evangelistic light. The Ruppes went on to record many more of Brother Hayes's music. In the 1990's, I was privileged to schedule the Ruppes to sing in a couple of churches where I served as music director. I began to know them quite well, I think, and was always especially welcomed whenever I attended their concerts. In fact, the last concert to which I was privileged to take my dad, before his passing in early 1998, was a late-1997 Ruppes concert. Brenda had called earlier that week, and had begged (not that she had to beg) me to be there. I'll always remember that evening with fondness. One song, which few seem to choose to remember, but which is my all-time favorite Ruppe song, was actually a Rambo song from the 1970's. The Ruppes titled one of their Dawn projects "Until He Comes," and featured (along with another couple of Tom Hayes's songs) Dottie Rambo's much-overlooked composition. They sang "Until He Comes," with no soundtrack, and with Brenda at the piano, in the first concert which one of my churches booked with them. I cannot express what that performance meant and means to me. How the Lord ministered to me through that performance! Thank the Lord that I have that concert and that performance on videotape. These were and are real people who face real issues in life with the grace of our Lord. I confess that I was not following any Gospel groups to any degree during the past few years. And, I also confess that, when the Ruppes became Gaitherized and left their distinctive Southern Gospel sound, I lost much interest in the Ruppes' music. During this time, Brother Leo became ill and passed away. I was not there for them, as I should have been. Sister Brenda has always referred to me merely as "Preacher." That may be because she has trouble remembering my exact name. But, I prefer to think that she has sensed in me a love for the proclamation of the Truth. I failed this family as "Preacher." I wish Brenda, Steve, the girls, and their families all the best which the Lord has for them. Such Holy Ghost anointing coupled with professionalism in performance is rare. A group will often have one or the other, but rarely both. Let us not be paralyzed by the past, even by the Ruppes' past. Let us trust that our Lord will use them in even greater ways, even if He chooses to use them in different ways than He has in the past. I first heard the Ruppes in the late 1980’s, and then only on radio and on record (remember records?). Their singing of Evangelist Tom Haye’s songs was remarkable. (That’s why I’m remarking!) I could hardly sit still in the car, when I heard the Ruppes singing “The Truth Remains, He’s Coming Again.” Their rendition of “Put That on My Account” certainly put the Gospel in the story of Onesimus in a clear and evangelistic light. The Ruppes went on to record many more of Brother Hayes’s music.
In the 1990’s, I was privileged to schedule the Ruppes to sing in a couple of churches where I served as music director. I began to know them quite well, I think, and was always especially welcomed whenever I attended their concerts. In fact, the last concert to which I was privileged to take my dad, before his passing in early 1998, was a late-1997 Ruppes concert. Brenda had called earlier that week, and had begged (not that she had to beg) me to be there. I’ll always remember that evening with fondness.
One song, which few seem to choose to remember, but which is my all-time favorite Ruppe song, was actually a Rambo song from the 1970’s. The Ruppes titled one of their Dawn projects “Until He Comes,” and featured (along with another couple of Tom Hayes’s songs) Dottie Rambo’s much-overlooked composition. They sang “Until He Comes,” with no soundtrack, and with Brenda at the piano, in the first concert which one of my churches booked with them. I cannot express what that performance meant and means to me. How the Lord ministered to me through that performance! Thank the Lord that I have that concert and that performance on videotape.
These were and are real people who face real issues in life with the grace of our Lord. I confess that I was not following any Gospel groups to any degree during the past few years. And, I also confess that, when the Ruppes became Gaitherized and left their distinctive Southern Gospel sound, I lost much interest in the Ruppes’ music. During this time, Brother Leo became ill and passed away. I was not there for them, as I should have been. Sister Brenda has always referred to me merely as “Preacher.” That may be because she has trouble remembering my exact name. But, I prefer to think that she has sensed in me a love for the proclamation of the Truth. I failed this family as “Preacher.” I wish Brenda, Steve, the girls, and their families all the best which the Lord has for them. Such Holy Ghost anointing coupled with professionalism in performance is rare. A group will often have one or the other, but rarely both. Let us not be paralyzed by the past, even by the Ruppes’ past. Let us trust that our Lord will use them in even greater ways, even if He chooses to use them in different ways than He has in the past.

]]> By: Dr John Collins http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-973584 Dr John Collins Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:33:07 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-973584 I do not know Avery but I would greatly differ with his conclusion that Brenda is not soloist material. Brenda and her husband, Steve Hurte, were just at my church. Brenda sang two songs and I am sure along with all who were there would also say that she is soloist material. As Christians our responsibility to the Lord Jesus is to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters and not tear them down. Whatever and wherever the Lord takes Steve and Brenda I know He will use them in a great way. Read Deuteronomy 1:38 where Moses tells Israel to encourage Joshua. Deuternomy 3:28 Encourage and strengthen him. This is our responsibility to our Saviour. I find it hard to believe and understand that the Lord would lead another Christian into a ministry that would intentionally tear another Christian down. As I said before we are to encourage one another and not discourage one another. Pastor John I do not know Avery but I would greatly differ with his conclusion that Brenda is not soloist material. Brenda and her husband, Steve Hurte, were just at my church. Brenda sang two songs and I am sure along with all who were there would also say that she is soloist material. As Christians our responsibility to the Lord Jesus is to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters and not tear them down.
Whatever and wherever the Lord takes Steve and Brenda I know He will use them in a great way.
Read Deuteronomy 1:38 where Moses tells Israel to encourage Joshua. Deuternomy 3:28 Encourage and strengthen him. This is our responsibility to our Saviour.

I find it hard to believe and understand that the Lord would lead another Christian into a ministry that would intentionally tear another Christian down. As I said before we are to encourage one another and not discourage one another.

Pastor John

]]> By: Blake http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-967540 Blake Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:16:42 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-967540 JL, all I can say is WOW. I think the old saying "If you can't say something good, don't say nothing at all" would apply well to your SOAP BOX section. I know these folks personally and I can say with 100% certainty that both Sisters & LordSong are wonderful ministries. They are touching lives through the wonderful music they sing. The Ruppes are special people that live what they sing and know how to sing at the same time. These ladies are in touch with God in a special way. I believe that never in the history of Christian music has there been a ladies trio that can match The Ruppes (Sisters). Yes you have a right to your opinions, but please remember, by voicing them on a format like the internet you are exposing it to a lot of other people. Somebody here may be that next soul that hears the gospel through song at a Sisters or LordSong concert. As Christians we are to lift each other up...not tear them down. JL, all I can say is WOW. I think the old saying “If you can’t say something good, don’t say nothing at all” would apply well to your SOAP BOX section. I know these folks personally and I can say with 100% certainty that both Sisters & LordSong are wonderful ministries. They are touching lives through the wonderful music they sing. The Ruppes are special people that live what they sing and know how to sing at the same time. These ladies are in touch with God in a special way. I believe that never in the history of Christian music has there been a ladies trio that can match The Ruppes (Sisters). Yes you have a right to your opinions, but please remember, by voicing them on a format like the internet you are exposing it to a lot of other people. Somebody here may be that next soul that hears the gospel through song at a Sisters or LordSong concert. As Christians we are to lift each other up…not tear them down.

]]> By: JL http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-877679 JL Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:02:14 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-877679 I just saw LS & Mark Lowry at Bear Creek in Bryant IN. Great night of fun, good entertainment, and ok music. LS did very little, as Michael ran the sound. Sisters sort of stole the show. They do have marvelous blend and can deliver a song is a powerful way. Kim has a beautiful voice, I especially enjoy her higher range. Heather is the JD Sumner of female singers, yet has a nice upper range also. Valerie has an awesome soprano voice. I'd like to see her take on some songs that "sore" into higher places though. SOAP BOX - ok, I've had enough hair tossing, and ear monitor hooplah to last a lifetime. Kim and Heather drew so much attention to their hair and monitors I though I had been transported to the 1970's Charlie's Angels. Then, before they ever went off stage, as they were turning around, they start playing with the receiver pack attached to their backsides - looked as if they had major wedgy issues. If I may editorialize for Jack, I too wondered about going the "way of the world." IMO, Kim was inappropriately flirty with Mark. Heather was consumed by advice from her nutritionist. HOWEVER, Valerie was so genuine, on stage and off. She conducted herself in such a sweet, personal, Christian manner, her demeanor is very impressive. I bought LS and Sister's new cd's. I will keep Sister's because I liked 2 songs. I will give the LS cd away to my friend who doesn't care for SG music, as this LS cd certainly is contemporary. Props to Stan Whitmire - awesome pianist. I could do with the Gaither trax and him playing melody in octaves. He is one of the best and should ditch the background orchestration! Finally, Mark is a great comedian, vocalist, and entertainer. I shouldn't be so critical - I'm sure these folks have led tons of souls to the Lord, and more so than myself. But I'm fearful of the direction of their music. Another CD like this latest one, and I'll not buy them anymore. I just saw LS & Mark Lowry at Bear Creek in Bryant IN. Great night of fun, good entertainment, and ok music.

LS did very little, as Michael ran the sound. Sisters sort of stole the show. They do have marvelous blend and can deliver a song is a powerful way.

Kim has a beautiful voice, I especially enjoy her higher range. Heather is the JD Sumner of female singers, yet has a nice upper range also. Valerie has an awesome soprano voice. I’d like to see her take on some songs that “sore” into higher places though.

SOAP BOX - ok, I’ve had enough hair tossing, and ear monitor hooplah to last a lifetime. Kim and Heather drew so much attention to their hair and monitors I though I had been transported to the 1970’s Charlie’s Angels. Then, before they ever went off stage, as they were turning around, they start playing with the receiver pack attached to their backsides - looked as if they had major wedgy issues.

If I may editorialize for Jack, I too wondered about going the “way of the world.” IMO, Kim was inappropriately flirty with Mark. Heather was consumed by advice from her nutritionist. HOWEVER, Valerie was so genuine, on stage and off. She conducted herself in such a sweet, personal, Christian manner, her demeanor is very impressive.

I bought LS and Sister’s new cd’s. I will keep Sister’s because I liked 2 songs. I will give the LS cd away to my friend who doesn’t care for SG music, as this LS cd certainly is contemporary.

Props to Stan Whitmire - awesome pianist. I could do with the Gaither trax and him playing melody in octaves. He is one of the best and should ditch the background orchestration!

Finally, Mark is a great comedian, vocalist, and entertainer.

I shouldn’t be so critical - I’m sure these folks have led tons of souls to the Lord, and more so than myself. But I’m fearful of the direction of their music. Another CD like this latest one, and I’ll not buy them anymore.

]]> By: Blake http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-869028 Blake Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:15:26 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-869028 Jack, it is obvious you have never seen Sisters in concert. You have never felt the spirit so thick as when they sing & minister. God is using their ministry to change lives and win souls for his glory. In my opinion, they sound BETTER than they have ever sounded and are able to reach a wide variety of audiences with their incredibly versatile style. I am a little confused by what you mean by "gone a little to the way of the world"? Please elaborate. Jack, it is obvious you have never seen Sisters in concert. You have never felt the spirit so thick as when they sing & minister. God is using their ministry to change lives and win souls for his glory. In my opinion, they sound BETTER than they have ever sounded and are able to reach a wide variety of audiences with their incredibly versatile style. I am a little confused by what you mean by “gone a little to the way of the world”? Please elaborate.

]]> By: jack http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-854320 jack Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:41:46 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-854320 To me there is no Ruppes with out Brenda. Looks like the sisters have gone a little to the way of the world. To me there is no Ruppes with out Brenda. Looks like the sisters have gone a little to the way of the world.

]]> By: mary e. http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-517143 mary e. Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:31:20 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-517143 i disagree with your opinion of mrs. brends voice. there will never be a better song than redemption domplete. i disagree with your opinion of mrs. brends voice. there will never be a better song than redemption domplete.

]]> By: penny yoder http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-124605 penny yoder Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:49:53 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-124605 it's now September and when I go to Lordsong's web-site it still has all of the old info from last year! I am a big big Lordsong fan! I've been listening to the Ruppes forever, but found I only enjoyed the songs where the the "girls" were the focus. (as much heart as Brenda has, her voice and style just don't speak to me at all.)I am so excited about the new nmix with the 3 sisters! It seems like since Lordsong has traveled with Mark Lowrey, they just don't make any effort to produce new music, or make cd's! I am ready for a new Cd, and an updated web-site! I like Mark, but let's hear more of those awesome voices and harmony of Lordsong!! it’s now September and when I go to Lordsong’s web-site it still has all of the old info from last year! I am a big big Lordsong fan! I’ve been listening to the Ruppes forever, but found I only enjoyed the songs where the the “girls” were the focus. (as much heart as Brenda has, her voice and style just don’t speak to me at all.)I am so excited about the new nmix with the 3 sisters!
It seems like since Lordsong has traveled with Mark Lowrey, they just don’t make any effort to produce new music, or make cd’s! I am ready for a new Cd, and an updated web-site! I like Mark, but let’s hear more of those awesome voices and harmony of Lordsong!!

]]> By: Pat Avery http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-17566 Pat Avery Fri, 11 May 2007 20:56:21 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-17566 The Ruppes are special people that live what they sing and know how to sing at the same time. Brenda is a lady in touch with God in a special way. I believe that never in the history of SG has there been a ladies trio that can match The Ruppes. The wonderful thing about all of this is the family loves and supports one another in this time of change. I think it is also refreshing to see a group make a change without making some lame excuse. This is just a natural transition. By the way Leo Ruppe is doing very well and he and Brenda are looking forward to traveling together just the two of them. It is that time in their life. The Ruppes are special people that live what they sing and know how to sing at the same time. Brenda is a lady in touch with God in a special way. I believe that never in the history of SG has there been a ladies trio that can match The Ruppes. The wonderful thing about all of this is the family loves and supports one another in this time of change. I think it is also refreshing to see a group make a change without making some lame excuse. This is just a natural transition. By the way Leo Ruppe is doing very well and he and Brenda are looking forward to traveling together just the two of them. It is that time in their life.

]]> By: Chuck Peters http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-16133 Chuck Peters Wed, 09 May 2007 11:31:58 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-16133 So,.. if Daniel hears about it before someone reports it.. it is no longer news? So,.. if Daniel hears about it before someone reports it.. it is no longer news?

]]> By: scchick http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-15969 scchick Wed, 09 May 2007 01:31:14 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/05/07/the-ruppes-rip/#comment-15969 Man, I can't believe I won't get to hear the Ruppes in concert. I can still remember the first time I ever heard "Under His Wings." I was in the car and I had to pull over because the harmonies were so beautiful that I was weeping from sheer auditory ecstasy! I mean I really believed at that moment that those voices together in that configuration must be as close as we'll ever hear to angel choirs on this side of heaven. So I am bummed BIG TIME. They just seemed to have something unique amid all of the other family groups of Southern Gospel. I hope that the new group of husbands and sisters and others does well but ah, to hear "Under His Wings" live... Man, I can’t believe I won’t get to hear the Ruppes in concert. I can still remember the first time I ever heard “Under His Wings.” I was in the car and I had to pull over because the harmonies were so beautiful that I was weeping from sheer auditory ecstasy! I mean I really believed at that moment that those voices together in that configuration must be as close as we’ll ever hear to angel choirs on this side of heaven. So I am bummed BIG TIME. They just seemed to have something unique amid all of the other family groups of Southern Gospel. I hope that the new group of husbands and sisters and others does well but ah, to hear “Under His Wings” live…

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