The Blue Ridge Qt. was formed in Dallas, Texas in 1946 as a part of the Stamps organization. Shortly thereafter, the group moved to Raleigh, NC and then Burlington, NC before moving to Spartanburg, SC. The BRQ remained in Spartanburg for the rest of their career. They were noted as having the "sweetest singing this side of Heaven".
In the early years, the personnel changed a great deal until the team of Elmo Fagg (lead & manager), Ed Sprouse (tenor), and Kenny Gates (baritone and pianist) got together in the early 1950's. Burl Strevil was the bass singer for a while, and was later replaced by George Younce. This core group remained together for many years. The group hired Jim Hamill as baritone and later hired Bill Crowe. Crowe remained with the group until they disbanded.
When George Younce joined forces with the Cathedral Trio, Burl Strevil returned to the BRQ. Burl remained with the group until his death. Shortly after Strevil rejoined the group, Fred Daniel replaced Ed Sprouse as the tenor. Interestingly enough, Strevil and Daniel spent many years together in the Sunshine Boys. They brought several of the Sunshine Boys' hits to the BRQ.
When Elmo Fagg retired in 1969, Laverne Tripp joined the group as lead singer. His songwriting skills and intense delivery brought a new appeal to the group. They experienced some of their finest moments with the personnel of Fred Daniel, Laverne Tripp, Bill Crowe, Burl Strevil, and Kenny Gates as the group adapted a more "country" sound.
A number of personnel changes occurred in the 1970's. The quartet added a band, and began to sing country music in addition to their gospel songs. Burl Strevil had a massive heart attack and died in the late 1970's. The group disbanded shortly thereafter.
They were the first gospel group to record for Decca records. They recorded for several major labels, and were the first white group on Gotham Records. The were also the first professional gospel group to perform in a Catholic church. They recorded for Sing and Skylite in the 1960's, and were a major artist for Canaan in the 1970's. The BRQ released over 100 albums. They were instrumental in forming the Gospel Singing Caravan with the Lefevres, Prophets, and Johnson Sisters. Other former members include Otis Forrest, Don Seabolt, Norman Allman, Gary Timbs, David Reece, and "Tiny" Jack Taylor.
Kenny Gates, Bill Crowe, Fred Daniel have been a fixture at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. They have been joined in the past by Ed Sprouse, George Younce, Norman Allman, and Donnie Seabolt.
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Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 10/01/2002
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Category: SG History 101
Comments: 80
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I remember seeing the BRQ at Indianapolis at the Cadle Tabernacle at an all night sing in the 60s. With them was the Blackwoods, Statemen,and the Oak Ridge Quartet. It was a great night and I got to see what was to become some of the Giants of Southern Gospel Music.
I had the privilege of meeting the BRQT in late 1954 booking them for my high school class.We hit it off and shortly I
Thank ya for a great story
Corrections to BRQ information
Re: Corrections to BRQ information
What was the date of Burl Strevel's death?
Thanks for a great article. Sometimes it is difficult to agree on the exact dates for Gospel group changes. I dug up a late 1973 or early 1974 article from Good News, a publication of the Gospel Music Association. The article says Strevel was business manager of the group and one of the partners (with Tripp, Gates, Crowe and Fred Daniel who had retired to manage the group's office affairs). It said Strevel joined the group on June 27, 1947. In 1956, he left for 8 years but retained his partnership. The article says Crowe had been with the group 12 years which means he joined in 1961 or 62. Tripp joined the group on Jan. 11--four years ago, which would have been the beginning of 1969 or 1970. Gates joined the group in 1949 and remained with them except for a period of 18 months.
THAT WAS A PRETTY GOOD ARTICLE.THE BRQ WAS THE FIRST PROFESSIONAL GROUP I EVER SAW.I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT THEY DID NOT SING COUNTRY MUSIC UNTIL THE LATE 1970'S.ALSO ELMO RETIRED FROM THE ROAD IN 1969 AND THAT IS WHEN LAVERNE CAME ALONG.FRED DANIEL LEFT THE ROAD IN 1972 TO MANAGE THEIR OFFICES AND WAS REPLACED BY DONNIE SEABOLT AT THAT TIME.FRED WENT BACK ON THE ROAD WHEN LAVERNE LEFT AT THE END OF 1974.I AM FRIENDS WITH A FORMER MANAGER OF A LOCAL GOSPEL GROUP THAT DID ALOT OF DATES WITH THE BRQ AND HE TOLD ME ONCE THAT THEY DID NOT COME ANY NICER THAN BURL STREVEL.I HAVE ALSO BEEN CHATTING FROM TIME TO TIME WITH KENNY GATES WHICH HAS BEEN ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF NOT ONLY THIS PAST YEAR BUT MY LIFE.THANKS AGAIN .DWAYNE GARWOOD
Thanks for all the BRQ info! I "discovered" the BRQ in the mid-70's and they have become one of my all-time favorite groups. I like a lot of the country-style gospel they did at that time, but my first choice is the smooth sound they had in the years when Elmo was with the group. And what a voice he had! Quite possibly the best lead singer ever! I've had to really scrounge around to find their earlier stuff. I wish it was more widely available so that more of today's gospel fans could hear Southern Gospel at its best!
I am trying to find recording dates for several of their Gotham releases. Anyone know about "Satisfied", "Living in Gloryland", "Hold On Brother", or "The Glory Special"
Jim.... I wish you had left your email address so I could contact you personally. Here are my educated guesses:
Am I correct in my memory that Red Mathis was at one time a member of the Blue Ridge Quartet? I met he and his wife in East Hatford Connecticut and were friends with them for awhile. They moved away and I lost track of them. Again, was he a member and, if so, does anyone know how to contact them?
You are certainly correct! Sorry, but I don't know how to contact him.
Unless my memory completely fails me, Red Mathis was employed at the Spartanburg County Courthouse as a security officer, I haven't seen him there for at least the last several months. If he's still with us, he is living in Spartanburg SC and as of a year ago when I saw him there (could be longer) was still quite a character! It's great to read so many nice things about the Blue Ridge and my father, Burl. I'm happy that there still people around that remember what a wonderful person he was.
Concerning the BRQ singing some country music as well as gospel, my Dad has a reel to reel recording of the BRQ from their TV show (somewhere around 1969-70. We lived in Virginia during that time and could get their program. On my Dad's tape the BRQ were singing "Angels Watching Over Me", "YEs, I know That I've Been Born Again" (a great one that someone should cover), and Merle Haggard's "Mama's Hungry Eyes". I remember hearing Laverne Tripp say on the Gospel Greats radio program that he enjoyed his solo ministry a little more because he felt it was more of a minstry. He implied that the singing of country music made the group's focus more entertainment oriented. He was not putting the quartet down, he was just making an observation. So it does seem that the BRQ were singing some country music; however, they only sang songs with themes that would be considered postive country today.
i had the pleasure of hearing the blue ridge many times in washington pa. when i was around 14 or so. they were the nicest people i have ever met. i got to talk to them many times. burl had my school picture was the nicest person i ever met. it broke my heart when he passed away. i hope his family is well. i missed hearing their wonderful voices.
The Blue Ridge Quartet were another classy quartet and one of my all time favorites. Burl Strevel was another classy Bass Singer and a fine Gentleman and I still miss Him not being in our presence today. The Quartet, had a colorful history and had quite a number of "Elite" singers and musicians that were a part of the BRQ. I sincerely hope, that their memory will constantly be in folks minds for many more years to come as they did do the "Sweetest Singing this side of Heaven"!.
MIKE,THAT IS A TREASURE THAT YOU HAVE WITH THAT REEL TO REEL RECORDING.I GREW UP WATCHING THE BRQ EVERY SUNDAY MORNING AT 7AM ON OUR LOCAL TV STATION.WONDER IF THERE IS A WAY TO PUT THAT ON CASSETTE OR CD?TRACY,GOOD TO KNOW THAT YOU KEEP UP WITH THE OLD BRQ FANS.I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT IF YOUR DAD WAS ALIVE TODAY HE WOULD HAVE A GROUP AND STILL BE SINGING.I JUST SAW LAVERNE TRIPP THIS PAST WEEKEND AT OUR LOCAL FAIR AND WHAT A NICE CONCERT THAT WAS.WHEN HE SANG "AFTER CALVARY" I STARTED TO TEAR UP.IN CLOSING,GOOD TO KNOW THAT THIS GROUP IS NOT FORGOTTEN.I THINK THAT A SOME OF THESE GUYS DESERVE SOME HALL OF FAME CONSIDERATION.DWAYNE GARWOOD
The Blue Ridge Quartet's classic Movie "Sing A Song for Heaven's Sake" has it totally been forgotten?. Nothing has been mentioned about it!. It did not win any Academy Awards or such..but none the less, it was a good one!.
Please elaborate further, that's the first time I've ever heard of a movie. When was this? I never heard my Daddy speak of it either....very interesting. I got so emotional reading all of the messages about my father....I feel blessed and privileged that he was a part of my life for 19 years. I'm happy that others have fond memories of him also.
TRACY,THAT MOVIE WAS FILMED IN 1964 OR 65 .IT WAS A FEW YEARS BEFORE MY TIME AS I WAS BORN IN 1969!IT WAS ABOUY A LITTLE BOY WHO DID NOT WANT TO GO TO A CHURCH THAT WAS HAVING A GOSPEL SING.THAT WAS THE PLOT IN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES OF THE FILM.THEN THE MOVIE WENT TO THE CHURCH.THE PREACHER IN THE MOVIE WAS PLAYED BY MERLE KILGORE.THE MOVIE WAS NOT STRICTLY A BLUE RIDGE FILM AS MANY OTHER GROUPS SANG AS WELL INCLUDING THE BLACKWOOD BROTHERS,STATESMEN,JD SUMNER AND THE STAMPS,THE IMPERIALS,LEWIS FAMILY AND A FEW OTHERS.ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO THE SINGING NEWS RAN AN AD AND I HAVE A COPY OF THE MOVIE ON VHS.I CANT REMEMBER WHERE I ORDERED IT FROM.EACH GROUP ON THE FILM SINGS 2 SONGS.DWAYNE GARWOOD
Tracy,
Tracy, I would like for you to email me privately at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) I certainly would appreciate it..Thanks..Tommy D. Mayo
The movie "Sing A Song For Heaven's Sake" was released in 1966 by Marathon Pictures and was the first feature lenght Gospel Singing Motion Picture ever filmed..it starred the Blue Ridge Quartet, Statesmen, Blackwwod Brothers, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, Imperials, Oak Ridge Boys, Lewis Family, Rangers, Gospel Echoes, Klaudt Indian Family, Doris Akers, Los Quatros Latinos, Swanee River Boys, Gospel Chorale Singers along with Billy Grammer, Merle Kilgore and "Red Foley". It did have a great story plot and plenty of singing!. I cherish my copy, even today!. Maybe the Southern Gospel Music Industry could produce another one..might would be a great marketing tool for today!!.
Didn't HOMER TANKERSLEY sing with the Blue Ridge Quartet for awhile or was it another quartet? Again this is back in the 50's I'm referring to.
I remember the BRQ singing all the time in the 1070's @ Eldrige Park in Elmira, NY.. I just loved hearing them sing.. I cant believe 2 of the members are now with the Lord. Although, they did GREAT work for him.. And you guys are doing a good job at letting us remember them. Are they still singing? Or are they just selling the records? :thumbsup:
I FIRST MET THE BLUE RIDGE QUARTET IN 1969 AT ONTELEE PARK IN NEW TRIPOLI,PA.I LOVED THE GROUP FROM THE START. WE FOLLOWED THEM UNTIL THEY PARTED. THEY WERE GREAT AND ISURE DO MISS THEM. WE DONT GET TO SEE ANY GOSPEL GROUPS AROUND HERE ANY MORE.
My father was killed in a car accident when I was 21 months old. When I reached 5 years old, my mother listened to the BRQ all of the time. I wanted a new daddy so desperately that I would look through catalogs and ask her to "buy" certain men for my daddy, but the man I wanted most was Laverne Tripp! My mother said she tried and tried to tell me that he was already married, but I didn't seem to care! I have been trying to find out whether any of the albums with Laverne on them was ever recorded on CD. Can anyone help me? :thumbsup:
Wow !!! Just happened to be browsing and came across this site. I was a member of BRQ during the early 70's. I was part of the band, The Mark Four. Later I got to sing a little also, Mr. DJ was my signature song. I just feel very good as I sit here reading some of the comments from folks around the country that remember so much. I grew up in Spartanburg and they were always my heroes. Burl Strevel was and still is (other than my dad) the greatest guy I have met during my life. He was like a father figure and mentor all in one for all of us younger guys that came along during that era. Donnie Seabolt is still one of my closest friends and I still talk occasionally to Crowe and Gates. Gospel music is not what it was back in the days, but the memories of that era still brings a smile to my facewhen I think about them.
LIKE GEORGE COLLEY I JUST HAPPEND TO FIND THIS SITE.WHAT A BLESSING TOREAD SO MANY NICE COMMENTS ABOUT THE GREATEST GROUP OF GUYS I'VE EVER KNOWN.I HAD THE HONOR OF SPENDING ALMOST 2 YEARS ON THE ROAD WITH THEM.FROM 1976 TO 1978.AFTER MY FAMILY GOT TO BE FRIENDS WITH THEM,THEY INVITED ME TO SPEND THE SUMMER ON THE ROAD WITH THEM,WELL THAT TURNED OUT TO BE ALMOST 2 YEARS.I FIRST SAW THE BLUE RIDGE IN 1969 AND FROM THAT CONCERT ON MY LIFE WAS NEVER THE SAME.THEY BECAME MY HEROS AND 35 YEARS LATER THEY STILL ARE. WHEN I WAS ON THE ROAD WITH THEM THE GROUP CONSISTED OF BURL STREVEL (THE GREATEST MAN I'VE EVER KNOWN),BILL CROWE,FRED DANIELS,DONNIE SEABOLT,KENNY GATES,LARRY ORR,STEVE BOYD,GEORGE COLLEY OR BLAINE BUCY AND ERNIE FOX OUR BUS DRIVER.I AM SO BLESSED BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE HERO'S AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY MY HERO'S BECAME MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.LIFE ON THE BUS WAS ALWAYS ALOT OF FUN.EVERYBODY WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT AND THERE WERE TIMES WHEN WE EACH HAD OUR MOMENTS BUT NOBODY WOULD EVER DARE SAY OR DO ANYTHING TO ONE OF US BECAUSE IF THEY DID THEY WOULD HAVE A BUS LOAD OF GOSPEL SINGERS TO DEAL WITH.THERE IS NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT THE BLUE RIDGE.I STILL TALK TO KENNY,BILL,AND FRED FROM TIME TO TIME.THEY CAN TALK ABOUT THE BLACKWOODS,STATESMEN,SPEERS,AND THE REST OF THEM AND THEY WERE GREAT BUT THE BLUE RIDGE WILL ALWAYS BE A HEAD ABOVE THE REST AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED.I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANY OTHER FANS AND FRIENDS.
LIKE GEORGE COLLEY I JUST HAPPEND TO FIND THIS SITE.WHAT A BLESSING TOREAD SO MANY NICE COMMENTS ABOUT THE GREATEST GROUP OF GUYS I'VE EVER KNOWN.I HAD THE HONOR OF SPENDING ALMOST 2 YEARS ON THE ROAD WITH THEM.FROM 1976 TO 1978.AFTER MY FAMILY GOT TO BE FRIENDS WITH THEM,THEY INVITED ME TO SPEND THE SUMMER ON THE ROAD WITH THEM,WELL THAT TURNED OUT TO BE ALMOST 2 YEARS.I FIRST SAW THE BLUE RIDGE IN 1969 AND FROM THAT CONCERT ON MY LIFE WAS NEVER THE SAME.THEY BECAME MY HEROS AND 35 YEARS LATER THEY STILL ARE. WHEN I WAS ON THE ROAD WITH THEM THE GROUP CONSISTED OF BURL STREVEL (THE GREATEST MAN I'VE EVER KNOWN),BILL CROWE,FRED DANIELS,DONNIE SEABOLT,KENNY GATES,LARRY ORR,STEVE BOYD,GEORGE COLLEY OR BLAINE BUCY AND ERNIE FOX OUR BUS DRIVER.I AM SO BLESSED BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE HERO'S AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY MY HERO'S BECAME MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.LIFE ON THE BUS WAS ALWAYS ALOT OF FUN.EVERYBODY WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT AND THERE WERE TIMES WHEN WE EACH HAD OUR MOMENTS BUT NOBODY WOULD EVER DARE SAY OR DO ANYTHING TO ONE OF US BECAUSE IF THEY DID THEY WOULD HAVE A BUS LOAD OF GOSPEL SINGERS TO DEAL WITH.THERE IS NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT THE BLUE RIDGE.I STILL TALK TO KENNY,BILL,AND FRED FROM TIME TO TIME.THEY CAN TALK ABOUT THE BLACKWOODS,STATESMEN,SPEERS,AND THE REST OF THEM AND THEY WERE GREAT BUT THE BLUE RIDGE WILL ALWAYS BE A HEAD ABOVE THE REST AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED.I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANY OTHER FANS AND FRIENDS.
I am a life long fan of BRQ.My family...the Sheltons used to be regular guests on their syndicated TV show.Burl was a true gentleman and i have fond memories of all the guys in the group at the time.Kenny Gates is one of the most underrated pianist in souther gospel!In the 70"s my family toured w/the BRQ and i saw them through the eyes of an impressionable young kid...i have a love for southern gospel music because of them and as a member of a quartet today i try my best to hold myself to the standards that were laid before me.I know George Colley...he was an excellent bass player as well as his singing!My best to you George!
BTW....George,i loved your dad AND your mom.They were great people! They loved the Lord and are a true testimony to my heart.
My father, Dale Brooks, wrote a song that the BRQ recorded. The name of the song was "I'd Like To Hear My Name". I would love to find a copy of that song. Our album was lost in a move many years ago. If anyone knows where I can get a copy of the song or the album, please let me know.
My address didn't post. It's .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Thanks again, and God bless!
REALLY GLAD I FOUND THIS SIGHT.LIKE I SAID BEFORE I FIRST SAW THE BRQ AT SHORTY LONGS ONTELAUNEE PARK IN 1969 AND FOLLOWED THEM UNTILL THEY STOPPED. THERE SHOULD BE MORE GOSPEL GROUPS TODAY LIKE THEM, UNFORTUNATELY WE DONT GET TO SEE ANY AROUND HERE. MY FRIEND RUTH STEVENS STILLTALKS TO BILL SO AT LEAST I GET TO HEAR HOW HE, KENNY AND BILL CROWE ARE DOING. SHE ALSO KEEPS IN TOUCH WITH DONNIE. IM SURE ALOT OF YOU REMEMBER HER DAUGHTER FAY [SHE WAS IN A WHEEL CHAIR] WELL SHE PASSED AWAY 3/12 WEEKS AGO AT THE AGE OF 63. THEY WERE TRUE BLUE BRQ FANS. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE GREAT SOUNDS OF BURL STREVEL AND THE GREAT BRQ. PAT BUSS
Hey y'all! Rodney Hoots who sings w/Mended Wings sang tenor w/the Blue Ridge in the late 70's.
Just stumbled into this site! I recall my Mom and Dad taking all of us to a huge, all day anniversary celebration BRQ concert at The Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling, West Virginia. this would have been in the Mid 70's or thereabouts. I seem to recall clips from the movie being shown, and Fred Daniel joining BRQ on stage for a bit. I was a bit young, but I recall a wonderful time was had by all in attendance! I was curious if anyone else recalls attending that show?
Just want to thank you all for this website. Like a few others wrote, I just now stumbled across it. It brought back so many great memories. Pat (Long) Buss, I also first saw the Blue Ridge at Ontelaunee Park. I was probably somewhere around 13 or 14 years old at the time. I remember the nights we'd be there till midnight as they kept singing and singing. The fans yelling "More, more" not wanting them to stop. My family and I continued to follow the Blue Ridge for many years. It was very neat to read a comment from George Colley. Me, being the young girl that I was at the time, always liked George (I definitely remember "Mr. DJ") and Blaine Bucy before George, but my favorite was Steve Boyd. I had the biggest crush on him. I remember he always took the time to talk to me at every concert, and that would just make my day. Does anybody hear anything about him anymore? I have a tape of a Blue Ridge concert from Ontelaunee Park. I believe it was around Christmas time, indoors. I still every once in a while pull it out and listen to it. Brings back so many great memories. I've gone on to become a fan of the Gaithers and have been to several Gaither Family Homecomings, but no one will ever be able to fill the shoes of the Blue Ridge Quartet.
Leonard "Red" Mathis attended our church (Converse Baptist) for a couple of years. He moved his membership a couple of years ago. I am not sure where he attends now, but I still see him in the community on occasions. I always counted it a privilege to sing in the choir with him during that time.
I just discovered this site a short time ago. Ever since I met the BRQ in the early '70's I've always thought they were the best. Saw them the first time at Wheeling, WVa (at the Jamboree). They came up to Unionport Ohio and put on two of the best concerts ever. In the early '90's my wife, daughter and I attended a Southern Gospel music reunion in Spartanburg, S.C. and I was reintroduced to Bill Crowe. I'm interested in any sheet music they may have used, as I would like to have our church choir sing some of the songs they sang. The only sheet music I could find so far is "Happy Tracks".
I am Interested in info about Burl Strevel. Does anyone know about his family or place of burial? How many albums did he pesonally record? How many groups did he sing in/
Can anyone tell me where I can get the sheet music for "One Step", its one of the songs the BRQ sang on one of their albums. I have it on cassette; but when i recorded it off the album (years ago) I didn't write the name of the album on the cassette.(and don't have the albums anymore). thanks
I have been a friend of Leonard "Red" Mathis and of his sweet wife, Jeanette, before she died. He still lives in Converse, S.C. I have been tryng to urge the Gaithers to have him on their show. Not much success yet. I did set up a 3-way phone call with Eva Mae LeFevre which they both enjoyed. I think we need to start a write-in campaign to the Gaithers to encourage them to contact Red. He would like to join them for a concert or two. His son is a minister in Japoan and after contacting him via email, he said he would love to have Gaithers come to Japan. Gaither's contact person said they have put the information in Mr. Bill Gaither's hands. Anyone want their address or phone number? Red is 84 now. My husband and I love him dearly and he truly deserves and needs this recognition.
I noticed there is alot of interest in getting Red Mathis on a Gaither Homecoming video.That would be great but I think we should take that idea a step further.Kenny Gates,Bill Crowe,Fred Daniel,Donnie Seabolt and all of the Mark Four Band are alive and well so why not get most or all of those guys on as well?Let us also not forget about Laverne Tripp who is the only writer to write and record 3 consecutive #1 songs,I Know,That Day Is Almost Here,and After Calvary.By the way if I am not mistaken the only Tripp song ever done on a Gaither video was I Know.If thats the case which I think it is,Mr.Gaither might want to start featuring some of these other groups that were popular like the Blue Ridge,Jerry and the Singing Goffs,and the Thrasher Brothers just to name a few.It is my opinion that the Gaither videos have lost there edge since the homegoings of the legends like JD,James,Hovie,Jake,Rosie,Brock,Rex,Howard and Vestal,Glen and so many more. By featuring some of these other groups it may very well renew a career or two.Look what the videos did for Jake Hess.Just thought I would throw this out for discussion.Sincerely,Dwayne Garwood
The address for the Gaithers is
I just got off the phone with Red Mathis. He'd love to hear from anyone who remembers the old-time BRQ. A lot of the facts here are not quite accurate. Here's what he just told me. V.O Stamps wanted to start a new quartet. William Cunningham and James Smith were sent to Raleigh to lay the groundwork. Shaw Island and Wayne "Rosie" Roseberry left the school there in Dallas to go to Raleigh and join the others. On the way from Dallas to Raleigh they stopped at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Spartanburg and spoke to Red Mathis about joining their group.It was at a quartet convention on a Sunday night. Red was singing with another quartet and working at a cotton mill. He jumped at the $35.00 a week they offered him and went to Raleigh. Monday night they sang on what he thinks was WRAL radio station. He thinks that was Dec. 1945. The group was started in 1946 as The Stamps Blue Ridge Quartet. When Elmo Fagg joined it and took it over in '50, he dropped the Stamps name. The original group was the above mentioned names. It changed many times.
Anyone wanting Red Mathis' phone number or address write me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). He has given me permission to share it.
I enjoyed your article about the BRQ and my late husband, Burl Strevel. I just wanted to correct the spelling of Burl's last name (Strevel). I saw that Carol corrected the date of his death, November 12, 1981, a great loss not only to his family but the gospel music industry. The BRQ was never the same from that day until its demise. The old saying that everyone is replaceable certianly did not apply to Burl in my life or the life of the BRQ.
This site has not been very active lately. I posted my email address the last time I wrote this list so that people could contact Red Mathis if they wanted to. Only one person contacted me and then when I checked later they stated they had not contacted Red. I know time goes by fast and sometimes our best intentions get pushed to the back burner. I've had no luck with the Gaither organization. Red has a son in Japan who is a minister in a big church there; and has offered to invite the Gaithers. I contacted the Gaithers and they said they would 'love to go to Japan' but still no word from them about inviting Red to join their 'homecomings.' So please help me make a friend's day. Drop me an email so I can give you Red Mathis' phone number or address. Just being contacted by former friends or fans can make his long, lonely days a bit brighter!
I first saw the BRQ at Omaha Technical High School in the mid-to late 60's and would watch them on TV in the AM before leaving for Sunday School. I owned many of their albums (LP's) and when I retired from my second career in 1986, went into the DJ business as a "Personality." I instituted a Sunday AM Gospel Music program on which I utilized the BRQ music an awful lot. My favorite was when, once monthly, I would feature a whole hour of Great Bass singers. You already know who was the favorite. I would lead off with Burl singing "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" in that great old southern style. I only wish I had access to their music on CD as I was forced to get rid of my vast record collection when I moved to this retirement community with our limited space. I told my listeners that Though
my family and i have know the Blue Ridge since from 1966 to the present . my dad donald perdue has all the there albums and i would like to here from Fred Danials and Donny Seabolt and Bill Crowe and kenny Gates and the rest of the band . I keep in touch with Lavern Tripp. They are stiil the greats quartet to sing gosple music..
I read where u said Burl Stervel die in the early 1970s he die December 31 1981 because my mom was just out of the hosp. and i lost my grandmother in may of 1981, and Tom Parnell told at gosple sing he at the in Mansfield Ohio and he told and didnt want to belive because Burl and where very close friends and he my favoite bass singer and still is to this day and i called Fred Danials on new years in 1982 and he said it was true , i was shocked and couldnt belive it but he is up the singing in the lords choir
Burl Strevel died November 12, 1981 - I know, he was my husband
twyal strevel he may have been ur husband but i knew burl for 13 years and was very close like granddaughter and he was like my grandfather because when i lost my grandfather in oct. 23, 1975 burl was there for so i know more about him then u do he was very caring man and there wont be another like ever i miss him to this day and he will always be part of my heart he was my faviote bass singer and is still today. so if dont like this thats ok because burl and i will see each in heaven because he up there singing bass in thelord choir.
Does anyone have Donnie Seabolt's current address? I'd like to send him a card thanking him for all the years of inspirational gospel singing while I was growing up.
Hey does any body remember the drummer from 1971 to 1975? What was his name....
Very good article. One of the original BRQ members Everett Payne passed away on Feb 8, 2007. Everett was the baritone with the group when it was in Raleigh, Burlington and Spartanburg. He's the good looking thin dark haired one in the early pictures.
I JUST WANTED TO SAY HI TO EVERYONE OF THE BRQ FRIENDS AND FANS OUT THERE. I TRAVELED WITH THEM FOR ALMOST 2yrs. IN THE LATE 70's. THEY WERE AND ALWAYS WILL BE MY HERO'S AND FRIENDS !!!!!!
Hi folks,
I was very pleased to find this site. My father was the original tenor singer for the BRQ when they were part of the Stamps orginazation. If anyone remembers him, Leonard "Red" Mathis, he is now in the Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson, S.C. and still sings once in awhile at the church services. Watching him and BRQ gave me base of Southern Gospel which I now use in my music ministry.
I grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania, and I first saw the Blue Ridge in 1973 - I was 9 years old then. I remember going with my grandparents almost every weekend to see them perform. Several people mentioned Ontelaunee Park, and I KNOW I was there at least 5 or 6 times every summer to see the Blue Ridge. I dreamed of someday being up there on stage with them. What a thrill it was for me when Donnie had me sing along to "A Kid's Song." My brother Jon is now a drummer for a living, and an interesting side note, is that his first drum set was purchased from Steve Boyd (the black one with "Blue Ridge" on front, before he got the pretty blue ones) I also saw the name Ruth Stevens, and I am certain that she was at least acquainted with my grandparents, Anna & Warren Wilson. My memory says it was Ruth who let us know that Burl had passed away. While I lost my grandparents in 1995 & 1997, I have many fond memories, and they are enhanced by listening to my over 100 Blue Ridge albums. Many of these I inherited from them, and the rest I have located over the last 10 years on eBay. I credit much of who I am today, to the faith inspired by the Blue Ridge & their music.
JEFF,
burl strevel was my grandpa. i never knew him but im guessing hes a nice guy. my aunt and my mom loved him. my mom was thirteen when he died i think. i really dont know that much. well thank you for your time.
I Have Seen The Blue Ridge Quartet Many Times.I Really Enjoyed Them. I Have Most Of Thier Records/Wade
Thanks to everyone for the nice thoughts of my dad. He loved singing and his fans. He use to say he would die singing, because that's what he loved. He died Nov 12, 1981 at the end of a concert, at the age of 53. Gosh I still miss him so.
Just happened to be browsing and found this site. I played for the BRQ for twelve years. It is so nice to see that there are people out there that still think about us. The funny thing is that we still think about them also. I miss the group now just as much as I did in 1985, and also miss all the people I got to know. Thank you all for remembering. Please feel free to e-mail me. Steve Boyd
This message is for Stephen Boyd. Steve I am Burl's daughter and I would love to talk to you. Please contact me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
I read a good article in your blog.
leverne tripp used to sing with the brq and I was wanting to know where and if I could find somewhere to get cd remakes of their albums?My sister first introduced me to them when i was young and i have recently been trying to find songs that they sang
My Dad, Leonard "RED" Mathis was an origianl member of the Stamps-Blue Ridge Quartet. He is living now in Anderson, SC at the veterans nursing faciity. He just turned 89 and doing pretty well. My Mom passed away in 1996. He instilled in me the love of Gsopel Music, especially Quartet Music. Today I continue to sing gospel music and I am a missionary in Okinawa, Japan
ELMO AND JACK TAYLOR LEFT THE LONE STAR QT. TO FORM THE BLUE RIDGE QT IN1945
I would like to thank all those who remember "Red" Mathis, the original tenor the BRQ. Should you be interested in contacting him, please feel free to e-mail me and I will give you his address and phone number. He will be 90 in September.
I have the misfortune to inform you all that "Red" Mathis, former tenor of the BRQ passed away in his sleep at 4:15AM on June 19, 2010. From all of us in his family we thank you for remembering him. At least he got to spend Father's Day with our Mom in Heaven.
I suppose that in the timeline of the Blueridge my husband and I were fans of the more recent group. Bill Crowe, Jim Woods, Bo, Steve Boyd, Roger Golden, Gary, Mac and, of course my Randy. We had some wonderful times and often reminice about "the good old days". I would love to hear from any of the old gang.
As a small time quartet promoter in NW PA in the late 70's I have worked with several groups most not as well know as the BRQ I want any who may be reading this to know that the BRQ always treated me better than any group I promoted, Elmo was always so easy to work with and made it fun! Fred, Elmo, Bill & Burl were also very friendly and helpful, Even when I was part of an audience that I had no connection with they recognized me and Burl always gave me an album. Best of all being an aspireing singer I was greatly honored when the BRQ backed me up on "I Wouldn't Take nothing for my journey now. Thanks for the great memories, Jim
THIS IS TO STEVE BOYD AND DEBBIE BURL'S DAUGHTER I THOUGHT ALOT OF OF DAD AND WE WHERE VERY CLOSE , WHEN I MY GRAND FATHER PASSED AWAY IN 1975 UR DAD WAS THERE FOR ME AND HELPED ME GET THOUGH IT AND WE WHERE VERY CLOSE FRIENDS PLEASE CONTACT ME I WOULD LIKIE TOOGET KNOW U AND STEVE I REMEMBER WHEN U PLAYED FOR BLUE RIDGE AND U CAN BOTH GET HOLD ME AT .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) OR WRITE TO ME AT 1007 SOUTH MAIN STREET , WILLARD ,OHIO 44890 OR CALL ME AT 1-419-951 -6373
I remember the BRQ like it was yesterday. I first saw them in Fowler, Ohio not sure of the year. I fell in love with this group and after the show I talked to Burl and he gave me a list of upcoming dates. I went home and told my mother that she had to go see them. I had several of their albums, until my partents passed away. It was the best years of my life that I spent going to see them. They made a great impact on my life. I miss the days of listening to their music with my mother. Thank you to all the members for some of my best memories from my teenage years!!!!!!
i am in plymouth ,ohio i would like to here george colley because i rember the blue ridge i grew with them singing and was everywwhere4 they where if they close for us to go see and i remember playuing the bass u reall y great and burl was like a grandfather to me he was there for me
I couldn't believe when I found this site. I first saw the Blue Ridge Quartet at Hershey Park in Hershey PA when I was 14 years old with my parents. I have been a fan since that day and always will be. I remember them also at Ontelaunee Park in Pa. We went to every concert there was in Eastern PA and once went on the road with them out to Canton, OH. They also came to my sweet 16 birthday party after the concert in Wind Gap, PA. Will never forget that party!! I have so many fond memories of them and miss them very much. Feel free to email me anytime about this great band. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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