Comments on: How would the Kingsmen be received today? http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music Wed, 23 May 2012 10:00:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: Dorothy Reitz http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-212581 Dorothy Reitz Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:48:18 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-212581 we will miss Jim too , just wondered how old he was? we will miss Jim too , just wondered how old he was?

]]> By: Singing Lessons » Blog Archive » How would the Kingsmen be received today? http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-195545 Singing Lessons » Blog Archive » How would the Kingsmen be received today? Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:56:28 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-195545 [...] You can read the rest of this blog post by going to the original source, here [...] […] You can read the rest of this blog post by going to the original source, here […]

]]> By: Mike McIlwain http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-177546 Mike McIlwain Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:56:23 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-177546 Thanks, Dean, for bringing up Big Jim's stints in other groups. I have an album of the Rebels with him singing lead. He does a great job on "I Know That I've Been Born Again." His singing with the Oaks on "Hide Thou Me," "How About You," and "One of These Mornings" is full of the usual Big Jim passion and vitality. Does anyone know what years Jim sang with the Rebels? Thanks, Dean, for bringing up Big Jim’s stints in other groups. I have an album of the Rebels with him singing lead. He does a great job on “I Know That I’ve Been Born Again.” His singing with the Oaks on “Hide Thou Me,” “How About You,” and “One of These Mornings” is full of the usual Big Jim passion and vitality.

Does anyone know what years Jim sang with the Rebels?

]]> By: Dean Adkins http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-176831 Dean Adkins Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:47:20 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-176831 Although it hasn't been mentioned in the posts thus far, Jim Hamill did some great singing with the Rebels (both stints). I know there are some who think some of his best singing was when he was with Rebels, Oak Ridge & Blue Ridge (and let's not forget Melodymen, Senators, Weatherfords, Watchmen, Foggy River Boys) Although it hasn’t been mentioned in the posts thus far, Jim Hamill did some great singing with the Rebels (both stints). I know there are some who think some of his best singing was when he was with Rebels, Oak Ridge & Blue Ridge (and let’s not forget Melodymen, Senators, Weatherfords, Watchmen, Foggy River Boys)

]]> By: GB http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-174508 GB Sun, 28 Oct 2007 06:00:43 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-174508 To honor Jim and Eldridge, I thought the Kingsmen name should have been retired. There will never be another Kingsmen, period. To honor Jim and Eldridge, I thought the Kingsmen name should have been retired. There will never be another Kingsmen, period.

]]> By: Charlie Sexton http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-171736 Charlie Sexton Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:51:41 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-171736 MattG, You're right. The Perrys are masters at mimicking the Goodman sound, but the closest thing you'll see right now to The Gargantuan Goodmans AND The Klassic Kingsmen would be a concert by The Dynamic Diplomats. They sing with from the heart; they are truly funny; they are sincerely spiritual; and they do, like Martin Cook says, sing "Big and Loud"! They are a class act! Let me just say it this way, when Mama Diplomat (aka: Miz Rita) opens up her vocal instrument, Sister Vestal pours out! The Dips are quickly becoming that group that every promoter wants on their concerts but that no group honestly wants to to follow! MattG,

You’re right. The Perrys are masters at mimicking the Goodman sound, but the closest thing you’ll see right now to The Gargantuan Goodmans AND The Klassic Kingsmen would be a concert by The Dynamic Diplomats. They sing with from the heart; they are truly funny; they are sincerely spiritual; and they do, like Martin Cook says, sing “Big and Loud”! They are a class act!

Let me just say it this way, when Mama Diplomat (aka: Miz Rita) opens up her vocal instrument, Sister Vestal pours out!

The Dips are quickly becoming that group that every promoter wants on their concerts but that no group honestly wants to to follow!

]]> By: chuck stevens http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-168614 chuck stevens Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:35:10 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-168614 I miss the Kingsmen of the 80's and 90's. Hamill was a master on stage. Parker was too much of an announcer for the most part, he had done some radio in his time. I heard he was driving a tour bus for somebody, anybody know of his wehreabouts? they still had the Kingsmen sound after Hamill, just not the great stage presence. I haven't seen them in about two years, Frank Arnold does not bring them through Oklahoma anymore. I miss the Kingsmen of the 80’s and 90’s. Hamill was a master on stage. Parker was too much of an announcer for the most part, he had done some radio in his time. I heard he was driving a tour bus for somebody, anybody know of his wehreabouts? they still had the Kingsmen sound after Hamill, just not the great stage presence. I haven’t seen them in about two years, Frank Arnold does not bring them through Oklahoma anymore.

]]> By: thom http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-168598 thom Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:08:22 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-168598 #27 - Derek: Me too, the Kingsmen of the 90's is the group I remember. Hamill is still the Best. #27 - Derek: Me too, the Kingsmen of the 90’s is the group I remember.

Hamill is still the Best.

]]> By: Derek http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-168423 Derek Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:12:44 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-168423 I believe Jim Hamill was/is a rare gem in SG. I'm in my early 30's so I never experienced the Goodmans or the Kingsmen of the 70's. I did experience the Kingsmen of the 90's...about the time "Wish You Were Here" was riding high and KingsGold was at it's prime. I can tell you that I've never experienced anything like Jim Hamill. What I always loved was you never knew what he was going to call next...or who he would call on to sing something they might not have ever sung before. It was enjoyable to watch him give the hand signals to the band to go another round or cut it off. In fact, I even use some of the same hand signals today when leading the choir at my home church. I know there are those who didn't care for some of his stage antics (i.e. giving his coat a sling and kicking at it as it left his hand) but pound for pound (LOL...I couldn't resist) I believe he ranks among the best when it comes to lead singing and leading a group on stage. Unfortunately, it's just not the same without him. Parker Johnathan was pretty good and learned well, but he was no Hamill. I believe Jim Hamill was/is a rare gem in SG. I’m in my early 30’s so I never experienced the Goodmans or the Kingsmen of the 70’s. I did experience the Kingsmen of the 90’s…about the time “Wish You Were Here” was riding high and KingsGold was at it’s prime. I can tell you that I’ve never experienced anything like Jim Hamill. What I always loved was you never knew what he was going to call next…or who he would call on to sing something they might not have ever sung before. It was enjoyable to watch him give the hand signals to the band to go another round or cut it off. In fact, I even use some of the same hand signals today when leading the choir at my home church. I know there are those who didn’t care for some of his stage antics (i.e. giving his coat a sling and kicking at it as it left his hand) but pound for pound (LOL…I couldn’t resist) I believe he ranks among the best when it comes to lead singing and leading a group on stage. Unfortunately, it’s just not the same without him. Parker Johnathan was pretty good and learned well, but he was no Hamill.

]]> By: Matt G. http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167921 Matt G. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:50:06 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167921 25 makes an interesting point. I think the comparison comes from the energy and "three chords and a cloud of dust" performance style that both groups had. To my ears the Goodmans didn't start to go country till the mid 70s when they started adding the twangy string sections to their studio recordings. The earlier Goodmans (in concert that is) with Howard at the piano, Bobby on bass, and Ernie Maxwell on guitar didn't really have that country sound to my ears. They seemed to have the more traditional sound then. 25 makes an interesting point. I think the comparison comes from the energy and “three chords and a cloud of dust” performance style that both groups had. To my ears the Goodmans didn’t start to go country till the mid 70s when they started adding the twangy string sections to their studio recordings. The earlier Goodmans (in concert that is) with Howard at the piano, Bobby on bass, and Ernie Maxwell on guitar didn’t really have that country sound to my ears. They seemed to have the more traditional sound then.

]]> By: Ben Harris http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167546 Ben Harris Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:30:22 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167546 It seems to me that many are comparing the sounds of the Goodmans to the Kingsmen. I don't think they were anywhere close in style as the Goodmans were country music with gospel lyrics and the KM were traditional quartet, but with a three chords and a cloud of dust drive. On another note, during this time period a group I was with at the time hosted the Oaks. When they came on stage roughly half the audience got up and walked out. Seems the folks didn't want to hear them do "Good Hearted Woman, in love with a good timin man" which is one of the songs they did that evening. It seems to me that many are comparing the sounds of the Goodmans to the Kingsmen. I don’t think they were anywhere close in style as the Goodmans were country music with gospel lyrics and the KM were traditional quartet, but with a three chords and a cloud of dust drive. On another note, during this time period a group I was with at the time hosted the Oaks. When they came on stage roughly half the audience got up and walked out. Seems the folks didn’t want to hear them do “Good Hearted Woman, in love with a good timin man” which is one of the songs they did that evening.

]]> By: Matt G. http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167529 Matt G. Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:12:37 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167529 #21 - I'm with you! I'm 22 and I've been a huge fan of the Goodmans since I first got into southern gospel many years ago. I've just recently got into the Kingsmen of the Hamill era, and love them! Don't get me wrong, I love the polish of the groups like the Statesmen and the Weatherfords, but there's something about that "let it all hang out" style that gets me. I too would give anything to witness either group live in their prime, especially the Goodmans with Howard at the piano. I think this a niche in southern gospel that isn't being filled right now. Would a group like that ever reach the stardom of the GVB or EHSSQ? Who knows, but I personally don't think that's the most important thing. Of all the groups I've seen live, I would have to say the Perrys come closest to this. I've seen clips of a live performance by the Diplomats, and they seem to have a bit of that style as well. #21 - I’m with you! I’m 22 and I’ve been a huge fan of the Goodmans since I first got into southern gospel many years ago. I’ve just recently got into the Kingsmen of the Hamill era, and love them! Don’t get me wrong, I love the polish of the groups like the Statesmen and the Weatherfords, but there’s something about that “let it all hang out” style that gets me. I too would give anything to witness either group live in their prime, especially the Goodmans with Howard at the piano. I think this a niche in southern gospel that isn’t being filled right now. Would a group like that ever reach the stardom of the GVB or EHSSQ? Who knows, but I personally don’t think that’s the most important thing. Of all the groups I’ve seen live, I would have to say the Perrys come closest to this. I’ve seen clips of a live performance by the Diplomats, and they seem to have a bit of that style as well.

]]> By: thom http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167188 thom Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:52:04 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167188 RK summed it up in post #17. I remember as a child when the Oaks "went country" how astounded and dissappointed many people were. Jim Hamill was the best Emcee ever -and- a great singer to boot. To me "The Goodman's" were always in a league all their own. To my eyes and ears they could do no wrong on stage. RK summed it up in post #17. I remember as a child when the Oaks “went country” how astounded and dissappointed many people were.

Jim Hamill was the best Emcee ever -and- a great singer to boot.

To me “The Goodman’s” were always in a league all their own. To my eyes and ears they could do no wrong on stage.

]]> By: Oldtimer http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167146 Oldtimer Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:38:53 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167146 # 19 - I am glad to see the kindly refrence to Hamil. I have spent a lot of time defending Hamil to Hamil-bashers (and they are legion!!) From the time Hamil joined the kingsmen until mid 80s there was not a lead singer who could touch him. I am not talking about the theatrical stuff - I mean controlled, (dare I say it) disciplined lead singing. Go back and listen to "Say a Prayer for Me," or "I Owe it All to Him," or what I think is his greatest reocrding, "He'll be to You." The guy could out-Ivan Ivan in his day. I know that he could be tough on you - I was playing the piano for one of his end of the concert all group sing alongs and I did a key change he did not ask for in "Just a Little Talk with Jesus." He was neither pleased nor impressed with my decision and did he ever let me know it. And I wear that chewing like a medal today - it is really a great memory. But he is also a gentleman. I have seen his heart as we have shared meals or visited before or after a concert and he loves people. And as great as Hovie and George were (who I consider the only rivals he had as emcee) no one could run a stage like Hamil. Now that that rabbit has been thouroghly chased and killed, back to the topic at hand... # 19 - I am glad to see the kindly refrence to Hamil. I have spent a lot of time defending Hamil to Hamil-bashers (and they are legion!!) From the time Hamil joined the kingsmen until mid 80s there was not a lead singer who could touch him. I am not talking about the theatrical stuff - I mean controlled, (dare I say it) disciplined lead singing. Go back and listen to “Say a Prayer for Me,” or “I Owe it All to Him,” or what I think is his greatest reocrding, “He’ll be to You.” The guy could out-Ivan Ivan in his day. I know that he could be tough on you - I was playing the piano for one of his end of the concert all group sing alongs and I did a key change he did not ask for in “Just a Little Talk with Jesus.” He was neither pleased nor impressed with my decision and did he ever let me know it. And I wear that chewing like a medal today - it is really a great memory. But he is also a gentleman. I have seen his heart as we have shared meals or visited before or after a concert and he loves people. And as great as Hovie and George were (who I consider the only rivals he had as emcee) no one could run a stage like Hamil. Now that that rabbit has been thouroghly chased and killed, back to the topic at hand…

]]> By: Not Ernie Haase http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167110 Not Ernie Haase Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:42:07 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/10/20/how-would-the-kingsmen-be-received-today/#comment-167110 I wasn't born in the 1970's so I can't fully appreciate the Kingsmen (and the Kingsmen of today are a sorry excuse for the original version) or the Happy Goodmans, but as a 20-something person, I love putting in their greatest hits cd's today. I would give anything to be able to have seen them both "live" during their prime. I wasn’t born in the 1970’s so I can’t fully appreciate the Kingsmen (and the Kingsmen of today are a sorry excuse for the original version) or the Happy Goodmans, but as a 20-something person, I love putting in their greatest hits cd’s today.

I would give anything to be able to have seen them both “live” during their prime.

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