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Spotlight finally shines on Norah Lee Allen

John Herndon 6 Comments
Bowling Green native Norah Lee Allen, whose career as a background vocalist at the Grand Ole Opry spanned more than 40 years, sings during the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Oct. 28, 2022.

Gospel roots anchored Opry vocalist on road to Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

RENFRO VALLEY, Ky. — It didn’t take long for Norah Lee Allen’s father to see he had special talent in his family.

“My father was in a quartet. He could tell we were musically inclined, so he formed a trio and we traveled for around 17 years,” Mrs. Allen recalls. “We traveled around to seven or eight different states. We didn’t travel as much until I was a little older but we sang at churches, revivals, concerts and wherever we could.”

The Stuart Sisters, based in their hometown of Bowling Green, became one of the most popular regional gospel singing groups around during the 50s and 60s. They recorded their own EPs and grew to be as busy as they wanted to be.

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Opening doors in a Grand fashion

John Herndon 1 Comment
The Isaacs perform at Coffmania in Danville, Ky., on August 28.

Isaacs humbled by Opry invitation, see another opportunity to share the gospel

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

(First of two parts. Coming soon, The Isaacs talk about their latest album, “The American Face.”)

The Isaacs had no idea that August 10 would be a night that would change their lives forever. 

None. There was no clue that a special night would be elevated to the realm of extraordinary.

And there was certainly no indication that the most coveted invitation among Nashville musicians would be theirs before they left the stage that Tuesday evening.

And almost three weeks after being asked to become the newest members of The Grand Ole Opry, there was still a sense of wonder in their voices. 

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