Sunday Festival - Ron Gunter

Sunday Festival

Ron Gunter
Jewel Records - Cincinnati, Ohio - LPS 258
Queen City Album - Cincinnati, Ohio
11215

From the back cover: One side two, I invited my sister Patti, and a group of vocal artists to add a touch of variety to the album. Included are singer - friends Karen Angel, Milda Croswait, Tammy Olive and Audie Weber.

This is a one of those rare albums by a group of people who just wanted to make a record for the fun of it. They didn't seem the least bit concerned about crafting a sound that would fit into gospel audio trends of the day.

The results aren't good, bad or ugly... just crazy fun.

Talking About A Good Time - Bobby Grove

Talking About A Good Time
Bobby Grove
Oak Records LP 170
Queen City Album - Cincinnati, Ohio

10732

I've blogged a number of Bobby Grove albums here in The Gospel Barn. I resist pitting the quality of one artist against another, because all artists offer something special to the art form. But out of all the local artists I've blogged, Grove's recordings consistently offer the highest or most "commercial" quality sound. Meaning, I think Grove had the best chance out of all the local artists, working during the time period, of reaching a wider audience if he had found a home on a label.

It is interesting to note mention of The Bobby Grove Record Club on the back cover. Apparently Grove was producing an album every 60 days during this time as part of this promotion.

But what may be of most interest is that Grove is still active, unlike so many of his peers, and held on to his stock of records. You can still purchase actual vinyl from him through his website: http://www.bobbygrove.org/catalog_LP.html

Bobby Grove Sings: "It Was For You"

It Was For You

Bobby Grove Sings: "It Was For You"

Cover: Dan Quest

Oak Records - Hamilton, Ohio

King Records - Cincinnati, Ohio
KING 831

*Due to the somewhat rough condition of my copy, you will hear some skips in the recording that I have attempted to digitally smooth out. Most of the play through, however, makes for a good listen.

From the back cover: The story of Bobby Grove is typical of many of our up and coming Sacred singers of today. He had his start in the backwoods of Kentucky and his childhood was one of strict and thorough religious training. Bobby Grove was gifted with a musical talent and seems destined to take his place among some of the country's most popular singers of Country-Sacred music. This is Bobby Grove's first album and we present it with a great deal of pride. We believe he has a future and that his many fans will welcome his first record release. Rather than dwell on Bobby Grove, the individual, we felt it best to let him tell his own story in his own words:

"I was born in the little coal mining town of Worley, Kentucky, but was still a small boy when my folks moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where I grew up and had about the same childhood that most poor boys have. My father and mother were good to us children and I know that Dad worked hard for us, but it seems we could never get ahead. My father was a fiddle player and the leader of a hillbilly band and worked in night clubs seven nights a week.

"I did not have much interest in music until I went into the Army where, after a couple of months, I started playing the guitar. I was shipped to Korea and didn't have much time for music until after the cease fire when I was assigned to an all-soldier show which toured the Far East for about a year. After my discharge from the Army, I received a long distance call one day from a fellow who had been in the Army with me, saying he had a job for me in Chicago working as a comic on a kiddie TV show. I went to Chicago but they didn't find me very funny, however, that lead to my getting a job on WLS National Barn Dance as a singer. Shortly thereafter, on a visit back to Ohio, I met the most beautiful girl I had ever seen – Fayette Boggs, and three months later we were married. We returned to Chicago but things were not too good so we decided to come back to Cincinnati where I got a job as a disc jockey on WZIP where I stayed for three years. One morning while doing my show I felt pains in my ankles and at the end of my broadcast I could not get out of my chair. The doctor told me I had rheumatoid arthritis and I was almost paralized for about a year. I was told to forget about the music business as I would never be able to play again because of my nerves. With the help and encouragement of my wonderful wife, I finally was able to get around some and got a job singing seven nights a week in a night club where I worked every night of the week for three solid years. I took sick again and while in the hospital, Reverend Merle Vaughn visited me. I started going to Reverend Vaughn's church and one night I felt God tug at my heart and I went down to the old fashioned altar and prayed through. Sometime later I started evangelizing. My wife and four little boys had to sacrifice a lot and finally we lost everything we had. I couldn't find work since all I had ever done was play music and no one seemed interested in an ex-musician. When hope was almost gone, God sent a man – Reverend Johnny Carter to help me. If it had not been for his inspiration and guidance, I would probably still be singing in a night club somewhere . . . I had reached the point where my cross seemed too heavy to bear. He took me with him wherever he went to preach and in just a few short months I had a house full of happiness and well-being. I put the music in my heart into songs and recorded a package of gospel records. Johnny helped me sell enough to get me back on my feet and if it had not been for Johnny this album would never have been recorded .... he encouraged me when no one else seemed to care. Thanks to Reverend Johnny Carter, I am now working hand in hand with Jesus.

"I sincerely hope that this album will be a blessing to someone and if you are walking down the same lonely road that I have traveled I hope there is a song in this album that will turn your thoughts to Jesus. If you will call on Him, I am sure He will answer. If you would like for me to come and sing at your church, you can contact me at P.O. Box 37, Harrison, Ohio." – Yours truly, Bobby Grove

Beggar To A King

I Saw God

Ain't No Grave Gonna' Hold My Body Down

Only A Whisper Away

They Were Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill

He Made Me Free

Prayer Bells Of Heaven

When He Reached Down His Hand For Me

It Was For You

Peace In The Valley

Beacon In The Night

Known Only To Him

Legend Of The Dogwood Tree

The King And I

Cup Of Loneliness

Led By The Master's Hand

Amazing Grace - The Kings Quartet 4

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace
The Kings Quartet 4
Cardinal Recording Studio CR KF 100

The Kings Four Quartet worked out of Charlestown, Indiana.

Sweeter Gets The Journey - The Synan Family

Oh Come, Angel Band

Sweeter Gets The Journey
The Synan Family
Benson Sound Studio LPS 115

The Synan Family worked out of Richmond, Virginia. They recorded this album in one night while stopped on tour in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The jacket image was taken at The Will Rodgers Flower Garden in Oklahoma City.

Because He Lives - The Ambassador's

Because He Lives
The Ambassador's
Rose Records LPR 710
Rite Record Production - Cincinnati, Ohio

Sorry, no sample. Sadly, the record found inside the jacket wasn't the Ambassador vinyl.

The Ambassador's worked out of Middletown, Ohio.

Living In Canaan Now - The North Family

The Lighthouse

Living In Canaan Now (Full Album)

Living In Canaan Now
The North Family
Artist Records - Cincinnati, Ohio
720603

The North Family worked out of Mt. Orab Ohio.