James Wetherington "Big Chief" | Part 1 of 3 | Gospel Music History

James Wetherington "Big Chief" | Part 1 of 3 | Gospel Music History | On the Couch With Fouch

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For the first time I sat down with a child of a popular artist in gospel music history. One of the most popular groups in gospel music was the Statesmen. So many people remember Hovie Lister and his amazing quartet. They were innovators and were truly stars! For over two decades the bass singer for that group was James "Big Chief" Wetherington. In this episode I get the opportunity to sit down with Diana Helton, Chief's daughter. She shares stories about Chief and the Statesmen. She also shows me several memorabilia pieces that are in her home. You'll love this piece of gospel music history. This interview was so long that I had to break it down into 3 parts. Here is part 1.
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Пікірлер: 15

@bobhancock8974 4 жыл бұрын

My favorite genre of music has always been gospel, and I have great admiration for anyone who can sing. I had to drop out of the choir at my church a couple years ago because of a physical disability, and I still miss singing for God. I never had a solo voice, but I love singing the bass part. That is the voice God gave me. have been a fan of the Statesmen along with the Cathedrals. In more recent times I have learned to love the Gaither Gospel Quartet. Good Christian music always lights my fire and sometimes when God shows up and shows off, tears flow freely. That's my two cents worth. Thanks for reading my comments.

@stratmanjoe 4 жыл бұрын

Being born in 1952, as a young kid I used to watch Heavens Jubilee every Sunday morning on Nashville television. Though I didn’t know Chief’s name at the time I remember wanting to be able to sing like he did. His charisma and presence was over the top and to me the best bass singer I had ever heard. He was a treasure and thanks to KZfaq I can go back in time and reminisce as I listen and watch the incredible performances that he left along with his legacy. I just wished I had know him. Truly the epitome of bass singers.

@alexgfer123 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks my friend for interviewing the family of our great gospel heroes,,,,this is an incredible new project,,,pls continue doing this,,,hope to see more family members of George Younce, Glen Payne, Rogert Bennet, JD Summner and many more, excellent project,,,greeting from Chile!

@dilnecarvalho6675 Жыл бұрын

Estive no Chile a 15 dias atrás, fiquei triste pq não consegui ouvir nenhum quarteto, sou do Rio de janeiro, já estive com o quarteto decision e san tiago gospel aqui no brasil.

@ronbolender4843 4 жыл бұрын

What a great interview, Matt. I well remember being at NQC, as an almost 24 (on Oct 24) year old along with my twin brother Dave (our father passed away 3 weeks later) and a friend from Toronto Canada, the day/year that "Big Chief" passed away (Oct 3, 1973). We arrived at Ellis Auditorium in Nashville that evening to hear people talking about his passing, it was a real shock. We loved going to NQC and seeing/hearing groups like The Statesmen, The Blackwood Brothers, The Oak Ridge Boys and so many others and would always be present (front row seats) when groups came to Massey Hall in Toronto. I think that was the fourth or fifth NQC we had been to in Nashville. Since then I have been to many more NQC's and other SGM events. I will always remember "Big Chiefs" class, charisma, character and charm. He truly was a great bass singer.

@rdzuidema 4 жыл бұрын

When she says that Big Chief almost got the part of Tony the Tiger and said that he knew the guy, I think she was talking about Thurl Ravenscroft (1914-2005). He provided the voice for Tony from 1953 until his death in 2005. So that 52 years.