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Duane Allen’s induction into SGMA Hall of Fame an opportunity for ‘love to bloom’

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Duane Allen sings with the Oak Ridge Boys at the Kentucky State Fair in 2024. He has been the group’s lead singer since 1966 and will be inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame on Sept. 23. (All photos by John Herndon.)
Legendary Oak Ridge Boy to be celebrated by the music he loves most

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

The last time Duane Allen attended the National Quartet Convention one certain guest was causing quite a stir with his presence.

“I remember Elvis was there and that was quite a commotion he was causing,” Allen said from his home in Hendersonville, Tenn., last week. 

When Allen steps into the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge Monday, there won’t be a commotion or an uproar – Allen would never want that – but there will be an excitement as one of gospel music’s greats of 50-60 years ago returns to his roots to be inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. 

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Leading listeners to God’s path

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Greater Vision sings at Sand Spring Baptist Church on Oct. 6, 2022. From left are Gerald Wolfe, Jon Epley, Rodney Griffin and Chris Allman.

Early detours led Rodney Griffin on road to SGMA Hall of Fame

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. – Once he tells his story, it’s hard to miss the irony of where the detours along career paths have led Rodney Griffin on his way to a place in the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame.

“I was trying to get into med school,” Griffin says, remembering his days as a student at Berea College. “As I got into my studies, I saw that my grades were not going to be the straight A’s that are required to get into medical school. Those people were brilliant that I was in class with. “I thought I had better find something else because that is just not my thing.”

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