In the world of Southern gospel music, where the male quartet has always dominated the scene, it has been unheard of for a trio to be named the fans’ favorite group. Until now.
At last year’s National Quartet Convention, the Booth Brothers were chosen as group of the year in the annual Singing News balloting. “It’s the first time a trio was chosen group of the year,” said Michael Booth when we caught up with him recently at the Gaither Family Fest in Gatlinburg, Tenn. “It was a surprise. Being a trio we certainly didn’t expect this. There used to be separate categories for trios and quartets, but now it’s combined.”
The group has been nominated in nine categories for this year’s Singing News Fan Awards. And this spring Ronnie Booth was named male vocalist of the year in the Southern Gospel News Music Awards.
The Booth Brothers aren’t new to gospel music. Raised in a singing family (father Ron Booth Sr. sang many years with the Rebels, Toney Brothers and Stamps), Michael and Ronnie Booth, along with their father, founded the group two decades ago.
Ron Sr. sang with the Booth Brothers for 10 years before deciding to leave the road. Michael and Ronnie tried a couple of different combinations on the third part before settling on Jim Brady to round out the trio.
“He’s been a shot in the arm for us,” Michael said. “He fits in so well and gives us the combination we want.”
The Booth Brothers’ meteoric rise to the top has been the result of a combination of things, Michael said, Brady being one factor. “God has blessed us, obviously,” he observed. “And getting on the Gaither tour has blessed us as well. It’s given us a lot of exposure.”
It has also helped having an inside connection with one of the premier songwriters in the field. Michael is married to the daughter of Mosie Lister, an original member of the Statesmen Quartet when they were organized in the 1940s. It was one of his songs, the spirited “Still Feeling Fine,” that caught the attention of Bill Gaither a few years ago.
“He called us,” Michael recalled, “and five days later we were recording on one of the videos.”
The legendary Jake Hess, who sang with Lister in the early Statesmen days, also worked with the Booth Brothers to help perfect their performance, Michael noted.
The Booth Brothers turned on the Gatlinburg audience with “Still Feeling Fine,” even drawing an ear-to-ear grin from poker-faced Gaither sound technician Rory Rigdon. They reprised the number that took the industry by storm a couple of years ago, “Ask the Blind Man, He Saw It All.” And the Group is equally at home with slower numbers such as their classic “Look for Me at Jesus’ Feet.”
Brady also has been doing some writing for the group. Michael noted that nine of the 11 songs on their newest recording are his.
Michael Booth, blessed with a keen sense of humor, provides the group’s comedy relief. “I do the jokes, and I get picked on,” he related. “I learned a lot of that from Bill Gaither.”
In the whirlwind of life on the road, Michael admits he’d like to slow down a little in the future. “We’ve been busy recording and touring,” he explained. “We’d like to bring our boys on the road and let them help carry the equipment.”
For now, the Booth Brothers will continue to enjoy the popularity they have among gospel music fans as they present their high-energy presentation on stages across the country.
Jim Bailey’s column appears on Sunday. He can be reached by e-mail at jameshenrybailey@earthlink.net.
Columns
Related Photos
Discussion
JIM BAILEY: Family tradition for Booth Brothers
- Columns
-
-
Verna Davis: Church and state — separation or silence?
It’s time we realize, as Charles J. Chaput says, that “exiling religion from civic debates separates government from morality...That road leads to politics without character.” It’s time we realize that it’s time to speak up. The future of our country depends on our doing just that.
-
Heather Bremer: Can Smith cash in on another Big Willie Weekend?
After yet another four-year break, Will Smith once again ventures into waters of the summertime box office with today’s debut of “Men in Black III.” Luckily for Big Willie, it’s the first weekend in ages that won’t be ruled by “The Avengers” … probably.
-
Susan Miller: Looking for a summer vacation vocation
Summer vacation is often a synonym for summer vocation, particularly for teenagers.
-
Jim Bailey: Amazing races keep things lively for family in May
Used to be when you spoke of a race in May, the Indianapolis 500 came to mind. For our family this year that will be an afterthought.
-
Primus Mootry: The Great Divide continues in the U.S.
Last Saturday, at a South Carolina GOP fundraiser attended by a thousand people, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., labeled President Barack Obama as the most “divisive figure in modern American history.” Sen. Rubio is certainly entitled to that opinion, but that’s all it is — an opinion.
-
Emmett Dulaney: Today’s actions hurt tomorrow
I have no recollection of why, but for some reason when we were kids my brother could not stand Catfish Hunter.
-
Bill Stanczykiewicz: Managing disagreements can be teens' gifts for Mom and Dad
New research suggests that teenagers who are allowed to disagree with their parents are more likely to resist negative peer pressure and avoid dangerous behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.
-
Scott Underwood: Good news plays role in journalism
The refrain from readers is almost constant in the careers of serious community journalists: You guys print too much bad news and ignore the good news.
-
Charo Boyd: Social Security serves wounded warriors, families
It’s an American tradition to pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces each Memorial Day — especially honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
-
Maureen Hayden: Readers say it best in response to column about primary
In a recent column, I posed a question about why only 19 percent of Indiana’s 4 million voters cast a ballot in the May primary. I promised not to chastise anyone who would ’fess up to not voting.
I’ll keep part of the promise: I won’t do the scolding, but will let someone else heap on a bit of shame. - More Columns Headlines
-
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
