Tag SGMA Hall of Fame

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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A talk with Greater Vision’s Rodney Griffin

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Rodney Griffin draws a laugh during his remarks at Gerald Wolfe’s induction into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame on Sept. 24. From left are Donna Wolfe, Gerald Wolfe; Joseph Habedank, Griffin, Scott Fowler of Legacy Five (behind Griffin) and Jon Epley.

Somerset native reflects on career, explains one of newest songs

By John Herndon, Kentucky Sings.com

It was fitting that Rodney Griffin was chosen as one of the speakers during the portion of the ceremony when Gerald Wolfe was officially inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame last week.

And it wasn’t surprising that Griffin punctuated his talk with some tears as he talked about his friend, mentor and, yes, boss with Greater Vision for the last 26 years.

“I cry very easily,” Griffin smiled as we talked shortly after the ceremony at the National Quartet Convention. “I always have, especially when I am talking about something so dear to me as a friendship. Gerald and his family were standing right there behind me, so it got to me and I got emotional.” Continue reading “A talk with Greater Vision’s Rodney Griffin” →