Was George Younce the Best?
Was George Younce the greatest bass singer of all time?
In a word, yes.
I am finding that some of the most insightful posts in Southern Gospel right now are coming from The Inquiring Mind. In a recent post, he makes the case against George being the greatest. With all due respect to one of the most knowledgeable Southern Gospel historians out there, let’s look at some of his arguments.
First off is that people who think of Younce as the greatest haven’t heard the other great bass singers:
And leaving aside the obvious talents of great bass singers such as Arnold Hyles, Jim Waites, and Aycel Soward, does anyone seriously believe that Younce was the superior talent to men such as JD Sumner, London Parris, Jay Simmons, Herschel Wooten, Bill Lyles, Jim “Big Chief” Wetherington, Herman Harper, Bob Thacker, Armond Morales, Noel Fox, Billy Todd, Doug Jones, Gerald Williams, Brock Speer, or even Chalmers Walker?
Perhaps some of these men…but certainly not the majority of them. I would be willing to wager that most of the supporters of the idea that Younce is the greatest of all never even HEARD of most of those men. What basis, then, does someone have for making such a claim without the ability to make a fair comparison?
I can’t speak for others who perceive Younce as the greatest, but I know that as for myself, I have heard and have songs, albums, or CDs in my collection featuring the bass voices of Arnold Hyles, Jim Waites, J.D. Sumner, London Parris, Jay Simmons, Bill Lyles, “Big Chief” Wetherington, Herman Harper, Bob Thacker, Armond Morales, Billy Todd, Gerald Williams, and Brock Speer. I’m not positive I have heard the others mentioned, although chances are I have.
So I think I have the ability to make a fair comparison.
Inquirer1 does make an interesting point in that Younce was not recognized as the greatest when he was at the top of his game in the 1960s and 1970s.
When Younce really entered gospel music’s “big leagues” and joined the Blue Ridge Quartet in the late 1950s, he was in one of gospel’s most popular and visible quartets, and yet, despite his voice being at its’ arguable best, no one even thought of Younce as among the very best basses. The names mentioned most in that regard were JD, Chief, Morales, even Parris(from some!), but Younce was never ever regarded as the best. This despite the fact that he could probably do what he’s so adored for today as well(if not better)than he could at any time. He just was not seen in that light.
That is a valid consideration, but it is worth remembering that becoming the “greatest” isn’t something that happens overnight; it is a verdict rendered at or after the culmination of a lifetime on the road.
Having said all that, why do I believe George Younce was the greatest bass singer of all time?
I believe that the greatest bass singer is the one who best connects with his audience, whether on stage or on record. And in that regard, I believe that George Younce was the complete package.
Until his last years, he could rattle the floors with a double low A-flat. And on the very next song, he would sing a melody in a range which bass singers normally leave to the baritones or lead singers. He knew how to read a crowd like few others and did a masterful job emceeing concerts. And his recitations had an emotive quality that would still send chills down the backs of his fellow group members, who heard him do them every night.
And then, when the concert was over, many are the stories of the little kindnesses he showed to his many fans, young and old, who were waiting for a chance to meet their hero.
So why do I believe he was the greatest? It wasn’t because he was the lowest singer ever. He may not have been the most musically talented, either. Quite possibly, other bass singers were even more entertaining. But George Younce connected with the hearts of his listeners in a way that few have equaled and none have surpassed.
Blame it on whatever you like! Fact is, my reason is simple enough: I have no interest in any secular music. 
(jealous pout)
Comment by JIM (October 16, 2006, 9:53 am)
No doubt Younce was a great bass. But JD Sumner could out sing him, equaled him in the narratives, and connected with the audience just as well. Plus, he wrote hundreds of songs and is responsible for a lot of the innovations in SG. You compare Younce’s live performances to recordings of the others. I saw most of those names live, which is the only way to compare, and while Younce was one of my favorites he wasn’t on a par with Sumner.
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Comment by A.B. Kendall (October 16, 2006, 11:09 am)
Wow…somebody commented on my page. Thanks! Appreciate the compliments. Take care n ttyl.
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Comment by Dean Adkins (October 16, 2006, 11:46 am)
But how many of those that you “write off” have you seen in a live in-concert setting? You mention ability to connect with the audience – a difficult comparison to make without being a part of the audience. Even a video of a live set is not the same as being there.
I agree with Inquirer.
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Comment by Inquirer (October 16, 2006, 3:51 pm)
Thanks for the mentions, Daniel…I appreciate them!
But don’t you think that if it was so apparent how great Younce was, people would have noticed it well before he was on top of the industry with the Cathedrals? The things you cite Younce doing were done just as well(if not better)by a lot of the names I cited…perhaps that’s why audiences of the 1950s and 1960s didn’t notice Younce as much.
Keep in mind that Younce and these other bass singers were onstage in the same concerts with Younce night after night, and if audiences then noticed what they say they did years later, they never said so. Furthermore, none of the other singers noticed all that either, though they did respect Younce for his talents.
And most of the qualities you cite in Younce as being special to him weren’t. London Parris’ low A-flats were far more authoritative than Younce’s. As Jim said, JD could sing everything Younce ever sang, and he was also well known for moving audiences with his recitations, as did Big Chief and the often overlooked Bob Thacker. Even Younce’s vocal quality was far surpassed by singers like Aycel Soward and Armond Morales.
Those are my opinions, but I’m willing to wager that people who heard these other gentlemen extensively would be more in agreement with me than disagreement.
Again, Younce was a very good singer…but to say he was the best ever is a bit of a stretch, especially when most of the people who say that have no basis to make a comparison.
By saying that, I don’t mean you, Daniel, because at least you make the attempt to hear as many different singers as you can. But all of us, to one degree or another, tend to gravitate to those who we heard the most, and first.
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Comment by Daniel J. Mount (October 16, 2006, 4:15 pm)
Inquirer, thank you for stopping by and commenting. It is true that George Younce was not on top of Southern Gospel in the 1950s and 1960s. But let me ask a question: When the Big Chief stepped on stage in the late 1940s as the bass singer for the Melody Masters Quartet, would his peers or his fans have thought of him as the best ever?
I don’t know how you would answer the question, but I would answer it “no, probably not.” Big Chief did not really become legendary until he was with the right combination of voices.
And by the way, I agree wholeheartedly with your final comment: “But all of us, to one degree or another, tend to gravitate to those who we heard the most, and first.”
You know that I have a love for Gospel Music history. The Cathedrals got me hooked on Southern Gospel music, so even if the day comes when I acknowledge another bass as the best, I have to admit the Cathedrals will always have a special place in my heart.
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Comment by Inquirer (October 16, 2006, 4:39 pm)
To answer your question, Daniel…no, I don’t think people were calling Big Chief the best ever that early on…but I must remind you of something.
The Statesmen were formed under much different circumstances than were the Cathedrals. Hovie Lister wanted to assemble a “supergroup”…the best singers he could find. Once Jake Hess joined, he suggested to Hovie that they get Big Chief as well…for his reputation was growing even then, and Hess, JD Sumner, and others all thought Chief was the kind of singer Hovie wanted…and it turned out, he was.
The Cathedrals were formed to be the house quartet for a major church, and Younce was chosen on that basis. They had no ambition to be #1 in the gospel music business, they were just trying to form a good group. Younce fit that bill as well.
As it turned out, both men were perfect for their groups…it’s hard to imagine anyone else singing bass with either group.
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Comment by Tom (October 16, 2006, 9:32 pm)
Daniel,
Both you and Inquirer are engaged in an excellent debate, and I think both of you have made some well-nuanced arguments and counterarguments.
But I’m a bit curious how you might distinguish between naming “the best” and naming one’s “favorite.” Do you see those as different categories, such that it would be possible to name a different person for each?
And how would the category of “who do you believe to have been the most popular of all time?” fit in with the categories of “best” and “favorite”?
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Comment by Jared (October 16, 2006, 11:46 pm)
I don’t know why people think JD Sumner was so great. Sure, he could get real low, but he was breathy and it just severely lacked in richness and fullness that makes a bass singer great, in my opinion. If I had to illustrate this point, I’d have to liken Tim Riley’s low bass voice to a tuba-like brass instrument, while JD Sumner just sounds like somebody who has been smoking for 50 years when he gets really low.
Personally, when looking at vocal sound alone, I believe Tim Riley is the greatest bass I have ever heard. Forget about emcee work or connecting with the audience, and all that other stuff. It’s like Tom said, you really turn this into a discussion about who your “favorite” bass singer is when you start bringing up such things like that into the mix. In my opinion, Riley is vocally the most impressive bass I have ever heard because he has such a rich and full sound to his low pitches that JD certainly didn’t come close to having, and Younce couldn’t quite match.
I am not the historian that the two of you fellows are, and I have not heard a whole lot from the other singers that have been mentioned. I’m only speaking based on what I have personally heard.
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Comment by Earl (October 17, 2006, 12:26 am)
There is no question about it George Younce is the best bass singer to ever to come along in Southern Gospel Music. He knew when to hit the low notes, but most of all knew when and how to blend with the rest of the guys. Most bass singers today just want to Boooarrrrr in the “special microphone” and see how low they can get all through the song.
In my opinion, Jeff Chapman (Kingdom Heirs), Jeff Pearls (Kings Herald), and Burman Porter (Palmetto State) are the finest bass singers singing today that can carry on the legacy that George left them.
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Comment by Dean Adkins (October 17, 2006, 12:31 am)
Jared,
I wonder if you are familiar with JD’s work with the Sunshine Boys and stint with the Blackwood Brothers as well as his early Stamps years. Some of the comments you made are those I have heard before from those who are only familair with JD’s latter years – a far cry from his younger days. BTW, JD isn’t my pick for best.
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Comment by Daniel J. Mount (October 17, 2006, 5:28 am)
Dean,
I don’t know about Jared, but I do have at least two dozen pre-Stamps J.D. records. If he had continued singing that way throughout his career, I believe I would have rated him differently. As it is, I still believe he was one of the best.
Tom,
I think that George Younce may well have been the favorite, and some other bass, even perhaps one unheard of, may have been the best musically. You are right, it can be confusing to try to distinguish different terms. I think it all comes down to the question of what makes someone the best.
It would be fascinating to know the total number of records and videos the Statesmen sold as compared to the total number of records, CDs, and videos the Cathedrals sold (in addition to the Gaither Homecomings in which they were star performers).
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Comment by Sheldon (October 17, 2006, 6:09 pm)
Wow – big subject and one of my favorite ones. I was a huge Cathedrals fan starting in the late ’70s with Kirk and Mark, but I would have to say while George was one of my favorite people in SG and the best emcee I have seen I have never ranked him as the best bass singer. George was certainly better on recordings in the 70s and 80s then when I finally had the privilege of hearing him live in the late 90s. George’s last 5-10 years were tough for me to listen to because he had lost the breath support to sustain a note longer than a few beats, he was wonderful at getting the most out of what he had left.
Of the bass singers I have heard in concert –
Low notes with no end – JD Sumner, even towards the end of his career he would put more on key low notes in a song than most basses put in a concert.
Biggest Voice – Tim Riley, his low C’s and B flats would fill a building like no one I’ve ever heard.
Range and flexibilty – Gene MacDonald, listening to Gene’s rendition of “When They Ring Those Golden Bells” in concert was one of greatest bass leads that I have ever heard.
Consistent Pitch – tie Tim Duncan, Jeff Pearles — I’ve never heard either of them hit a sour note.
I never heard Armond Morales, Big Chief, Arnold Hyles, Aycel Soward or many others live but of all the “old” basses the one who impressed me the most on recordings was Bill Lyles, not thunderously low but an incredibly precise singer with a smooth voice.
The “greatest” bass singer ever?? Of those I’ve heard – I’ll go with Gene MacDonald.
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Comment by Tommy (October 17, 2006, 10:49 pm)
Trying to say who the “greatest bass singer ever” is like trying to say what the greatest hymn or gospel song ever written would be. There is too much personal preference that goes into the mix. I have read all of the above and in part agree with most of it. But there are other really great basses that could also be touted as GREAT. Where is Noel Fox, Herman Harper, John Gresham. These guys were fabulous!
I personally had such a fondness for George Younce – his singing, humor, testimony, emceeing, etc. He was a great man, in my estimation, not just a great bass.
I believe JD, in his early years, took bass singing to a different level. He is always the first person I think of when I think of a Gospel Bass Singer. Yet there are so many others who are great in their own right and in the eyes of their own fans, that it is nearly impossible to say “Who the greatest bass singer ever” is.
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Comment by Jared (October 18, 2006, 12:37 am)
Dean, I probably am not familiar with those earlier recordings. All I have heard is what they have played on XM Enlighten channel 34 in the last 7 months. I guess it’s possible that they primarily play later recordings. So I’m not gonna argue with you on the point that he was much better in the younger years, because I don’t know if I have heard those older recordings.
Sheldon, I agree that Gene McDonald does have an exceptional range. I was at NQC during the “Bass Singer Competition” (which really wasn’t a competition, but more of a showcase of some of today’s SG bass singers), and at the end they made a traditional SG quartet with 4 of the basses for one song, and Gene sounded surprisingly well as the tenor.
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Comment by Jim E. Davis (October 18, 2006, 2:59 am)
Never had the opportunity to hear the early guys sing except on records but I would have to vote for Tim Riley. Didn’t pay much attention to bass singers until I heard him singing with the stellar Gold City of the early 80’s.
Loved George Younce, but more for his big heart and audience communication. What set him apart from the rest? He was in the ultimate group of the 90’s and no one could compete with – as Daniel mentioned above – the complete package which included Glen Payne and the gang. Not to mention the most elaborate platform of the century created by Bill Gaither and a video camera. Only the angels really know…they are hearing them sing side by side all the time!
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Comment by JJS (February 15, 2007, 11:03 pm)
Crispness, rhythm as no other bass has had, recitation as none other, range – whether high or low with no thin areas, percision in hitting the notes, tone, inflection, control, volume, interpretation that fit the message of the song, durability, innovation, stage presence, congeniality and looks – Big Chief was the complete package. Few, if any other basses, could have swelled and tapered a lyric in keeping with a lead like Jake Hess, much less stay up with him and mirror his phrasing the way Jim Wethrington did. Listen to all Statesmen recordings (from the early 50s through the mid 60s), and when it fit, he not only could lay down the low notes (What a Day That Will Be, When My Soul Takes Its Flight, Where Could I Go?, etc.), but he could enunciate while doing so. Most, if not all, current basses that have a true exposure to the last 50 years of SGM will tell you Chief is the benchmark. Younce was great – maybe the third or fourth best. Sumner was fun but lacked so much of the above qualities of the Chief. Not only do the pioneers deserve due credit, but remember their equipment (live and in the recording studio) was inferior to what groups have today. Pearles is fine. Riley has some of the Chief in him. Porter has pretty good rhythym and shows respect to the Chief by mostly staying with his interpretation when he sings his signatures songs. Buy, hey, I am thankful for the great music that basses have embellished through the years that shows why trios never quite have it – unless it is a ladies group. Above all, it is for God’s glory and not man’s, as we all know and as the truly great basses have told us in song.
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Comment by QN (September 13, 2007, 9:56 am)
Tim Riley, Big Chef, Jeff Pearles, David Hester, and (the most underrated and unrecognzed talent in bass singing today. Also the best of all of these mentioned in this theread)
BIG JIM STEWART
He’s like Tim, rattles the building with a very rich, full tone. Yet Jim’s like JD with depth. His version of “Rainbow Of Love” maks JD seem an amateur.
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Comment by ken (November 9, 2007, 9:07 pm)
i like younce for his singing and clarity of his bass notes– some guys have the ability to talk really low and sing loww notes, such as sumner and lest we forget the great paul downings? but their voices didn’t project with clarity as younce , who may not have the lowest voice but clean.
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Comment by GORDON D FRENCH (March 2, 2008, 4:57 pm)
As a Southern Gospel Quartet fan from waaaaay back in the days before amplification, and a retired Gospel Music DJ, I have heard, in person and via other means, most all of the “Great Basses.” I could never attempt to name “The Greatest,” but my all time favorite was Berl Strevel with the Blue Ridge. “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” was and will remain the number one song on which he led as far as I am concerned. I sure do miss those old timers.
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Comment by marvin nave (May 9, 2008, 8:07 pm)
nobody sang lower than J D Sumner, but in the area of smoothness you must go with Armand Morales. Not to forget Richard Sturben, of the Oaks and Stamps, never overlook Paul Downing, one of the lowest, smoothest and best loved bass singers ever.
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Comment by marvin nave (May 9, 2008, 8:13 pm)
Also Tommy, kudos to the Noel Fox mention. His vocals on the Oaks album (Light) were maybe as good as it ever gets
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Comment by marvin nave (May 9, 2008, 8:15 pm)
I will love the Chief til the day I die
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Comment by B. Donal James (May 20, 2008, 5:23 pm)
All wonderful bass singers with special attributes noted only to each one. However,I’d like to add on that is rarely mentioned, but those who knew him will vouch for him – Fulton Nash, formerly with the WEatherfords. Actually Earl tried to hire him when Armond joined the ranks as I understand. Fulton is one, of not the smoothest bass and a phenominal ‘blender’ – as highly required by the Weatherford sound. This is also not to mention his recitations which, by the way were some of the best rendered – especially, “Heaven’s Sounding Sweeter”. Earl left the concert arena’s and sung mostly in churches, thus perhaps why Fulton isn’t included in many accolades as others.
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Comment by Ed Hollingsworth (June 10, 2008, 9:14 pm)
While I am not a bass, I have been singing gospel music for almost 55 years. I have heard and listened to all of the bass singers in this article. Some of them, are very good and some are just okay. I won’t go into that.
There is no doubt in my mind that George Younce was the greatest bass I’ve ever heard. JD Sumner was known for his ability to sing lower than just about anybody. However, musicians can tell you that he was frequently sharp and his sound was sometimes muddy. George Younce had what I like to call nice round notes. I never heard him sing off key once even in the last years before his death.
There were other basses who were more popular at times but lets face it, at different times, different sounds are popular. But fron=m a musicians standpoint, Grorge Younce was always musically far superior to most of the basses out there.
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Comment by thomas anderson (June 17, 2008, 12:26 pm)
George Younce was the best bass singer from mid 70’s until the late 90’s when his health started to fail him. George could do more than just hit the low notes, he could flat out sing. J.D. didn’t have the voice George did. Although Tim Riley doesn’t solo as well, he is a close second. Tim Riley hit the low notes with as much power and clarity as anyone and his voice blended in with the others beautifully.
I think Gene Mcdonald is the next best bass out there today. Armon Morales was smooth and was part of a group Glen Payne said may have been the best ever. I think George and Riley liked the Big Chief as well as anyone. One can argue George may not have been the best ever, but I think he was the best during a certain period. I also think Noel Fox was a great bass who could sing who should have stayed around longer.
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Comment by thomas anderson (July 20, 2008, 6:13 pm)
Gene McDonald, Jeff Chapman, Eric Bennett, Mike Holcombe, and Jeff Pearles stand out from most of the bass singers out there today. I forgot to mention Herman Harper as one of the greats in my last post.
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Comment by Mark Cates (August 22, 2008, 7:57 pm)
I will have to agree with the writer of this column when it was written some two years ago. His last paragraph sums up George perfectly. George will always be on top for me. George tought me much about the whole package traits.
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Comment by M. K. Gatewood (September 12, 2008, 5:32 pm)
Through the years, whenever I’ve heard a professional asked for his “all-star” lineup, there would be various names mentioned for the different parts; almost always, when the bass was chosen, it would be the Big Chief.
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Comment by James C (September 24, 2008, 9:55 pm)
IMO All these guys were awesome in their prime like JD with the Blackwoods, London Parris with the Rebels,George with the Cats,Chief with the Statesman,Herman Harper with the Oaks and so on,,,, Ive loved to hear bass singers from an early age and I think as mentioned above all had their time in the spotlight as the “best”. I still am amazed though at the quality and smoothness of Herman Harper and equally London Parris during the early sixties. If you can watch the videos on youtube i would highly recommend it as it is WONDERFUL to see these old videos, Its very sad that most of the GREATS are no longer with us.
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Comment by Haley (October 1, 2008, 6:33 pm)
I haven’t had the privilege of hearing all of the bass singers mentioned, but of the ones I have heard George Younce is my favorite. And it is entirely possible that it’s because my earliest memory is him singing “The Laughing Song” on the Homecoming Kids “I’m Something Special” tape. I think he was definitely one OF the best ever, but I think that to name a “best ever” is not only difficult but impossible. None of has heard all the bass singers that ever lived, so we can’t make a real decision. And everyone has different qualities they appreciate. For pure lowness, yes J.D. Sumner had George beat. But George was, in my personal opinion, easier to understand. Of today’s basses, Tim Duncan is my favorite. Although, Josh Turner (who is actually a country singer) has a great, smooth voice…
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Comment by thomas anderson (November 22, 2008, 9:19 am)
The inquirer stated in a previous post that when the cathedrals were looking for a bass they were only looking for someone to round out a house quartet for a major church, not a #1 quartet.
While they were a group for a church the talent assembled was as good as any quartet anywhere. George Younce had performed for some notable groups before joining the cathedrals and was offered a job by the blackwood brothers shortly after joining the cathedrals. The blackwood brothers were a great group and they obviously recognized George’s talent despite inquirer’s suggestion that George was not considered one of the top bass singers. Also, J.D. could sing everything George did but just not nearly as well. J.D. was deep but his singing ability was nowhere near George’s. The inquirer also mentions Armond Morales. A great bass but to suggest that he was much better than George is quite an overstatement. I personally preferred George.
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Comment by Daniel J. Mount (November 22, 2008, 9:21 am)
I’ll back up #31 on one historical statement he made – I have also heard from reliable sources that George Younce turned the Blackwood Brothers down in the mid-60s to stay with the Cathedrals.
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Comment by Amy Rogers (November 22, 2008, 2:26 pm)
I think that was in their book.
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Comment by Jim (November 23, 2008, 10:50 pm)
Younce’s ststements like, “I am all ready and packed to go” have made a great impact on his listeners. He is the greatest. Not just his voice but all his truthful words and pleasent attitude makes him the greatest.
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Comment by Ken (December 15, 2008, 4:58 pm)
I must first qualify by saying that “Chief” Wetherington was my uncle and that I have spent over 44 years in professional Gospel Music myself.
I have had the pleasure of seeing, listening , and sharing the stage with all of the above mentioned bass singers. I was personal friends with J.D., Jake, Younce and some of the others being discussed. My input would only be to say that there is no such things as the “best” bass singer ever. Each of these men contributed their very lives to a common goal of attempting to sing the best Gospel music ever heard.
I know for a fact that Tim Riley’s favorite bass singer ever was the “Big Chief” and that “chief” spent many night long sessions tutoring his buddy and pal, George Younce.
I was there with my Aunt Liz when Chief died, and over heard J.D. say, “Let’s face it”. “Chief” was a bigger influence on our craft than any other individual”. “He looked better going for a note than anyone else did when they hit it”.
I think that one could only say that certain entertainers may be better at one segment or more of what they do for a career, but not “the best”.. Also, whoever said that George was the best emcee has never seen Hovie Lister at work……………..Great discussion.
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Mary McCall Reply:
August 19th, 2009 at 5:45 am
I have been looking up each name listed in the various entries here and listening to them on YouTube. I agree that it’s hard to compare bass singers. They are in groups that focus on different things. My favorite and IMO the best of all was Big Chief Wetherington. He is copied to this day by many of the above mentioned. Who can blame them? He influenced even J.D. Sumner. He could have been the “rock star” of his day! He was great looking, moved well, and could rock a song! This isn’t to say the others can’t – I enjoy them, too- but there will never be another Big Chief!
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Comment by Angie (January 7, 2009, 6:34 am)
I have not read all the entries posted but I would like to leave a comment of my own. I have to agree. There is no “best” bass singer, they all have their on qualities. Now like myself I have always loved bass singers the lower they go the better I like them. I would have to say my FAVORITE one will always be Rex Nelon of the Nelons then Mike Holcomb of the Inspirations. I love listening to any of them, the guys of old like the “Cheif” and George. I also love to listen to ones today like Tim Duncan with Signature Sound and Aaron Mccune of Gold City. My family thinks it is funny when I can be listening to the radio and know the group singing by the the bass singer.
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Comment by The Totton Linnet (January 29, 2009, 4:22 pm)
I love listening to the oldies on u tube, like Angie I think I could tell most groups by the bass, although some of the tenors were pretty distinctive too. Love Big Chief, London Parris for smoothness and body as well as ennunciation, surprised Rex Nelon only got one mench, he had those qualities too.
G.Y. has got to be runaway for his banter line to J.D. ” …J.D. there ain’t nobody I wouldn’t rather hear sing than you…”
They all served the Lord and blessed His people, my humble opinion? Big Chief with London a close 2nd.
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Comment by Aman Offaith (February 18, 2009, 12:06 am)
I would never want to hurt any other Christian brother or sister, but I do have a strong opinion about groups that have followed a similar path as The Cathedrals.
I’ve had the opportunity to see The Hinsons, The Florida Boys, The Happy Goodman, Bill Gaither’s Vocal Band, and precious gospel singers like these. Its been marvelous from each one of them. The difference with any ministry; truly; is the annointing of the Holy Spirit from the Living God. From being a preacher’s son its so obvious when any gospel ministry is spending their time in prayer. With out knowing them personally its obvious to me that The Cathedrals spent time with God, and also had the annointing of the Holy Spirit. Its easy to discern this when a person has got the baptism of The Spirit him or herself. You all have great points, but from many years of listening to different ministries its obvious which ones have spent time in prayer.
The Cathedrals had spent that time.
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Comment by James Moore (April 7, 2009, 7:24 pm)
It’s true that George Younce was a wonderful bass, and a great emcee who could connect with his audience especially in the role of emcee, and I’m not taking anything away from his singing. James S. “Big Chief Wetherington had it all, great timing, knew his music, the ability to know each man’s part. rhythm-which is un-surpassed, showmanship-where he is un-equaled, low voice-actually lower than people usually heard him sing, this I know personaly because I was going to an auditorium where the Blackwoods and Statesmen were appearing and being a little late when arriving outside the building-I heard a bass singer sluring a bass note very low, and I thought-that’s J.D.Sumner, well when I got inside I saw Big Chief onstage. And I also wittnessed how Chief could hold an audience in the palm of hand when he did the recitation “The Common Man” at the NQC.
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Comment by Red Ryder (April 17, 2009, 6:29 pm)
As a teenager, I loved gospel quartets and sang bass in local quartets. When the Blackwoods and Statesmen changed the whole face of southern gospel, I was there, in person, taking it all in and loving it. — The Statesmen and Blackwoods were a package, always appearing together. The Blackwoods would appear first and warm up the audience and the Statesmen would go on next and sing until the end of the night. Hovie Lister, the greatest showman, would work the crowd into a fever, much like a rock concert of today. — JD was easily the lowest voice of the age but he did not have great harmonics and did not blend into the group. It always sounded like “JD and the Blackwoods.” His voice could vibrate the seats but it never sounded like an integral part of the quarted. I loved JD and wished I could hit the low notes like he could. — But I loved Big Chief more. He could not hit a double low C on his best day. But he could hit all the notes in all the music he ever attempted to sing. His voice had great harmonic quality. He could sing high up in the baritone range and it still sounded like full-blown bass. Most of all, his voice blended perfectly into the group. There was never any sense that he wanted to be more important or better heard that the rest of the group. — JD considered Chief the best bass singer in the business. He considered the Statesmen the best quartet in the business. His public statements made that clear. — So, who is the best bass? If you want to be entertained by sub-low sounds, then JD or Tim Storm. If you want to hear a great voice blended with three other great voices, then Chief wins by a clear margin. — I love them all. Most nights, the last sound I hear before sleep is from the Statesmen, Blackwoods, or Rangers. I consider Chief to be the best bass quartet singer of all time. — Thank you for allowing me to give may historical observations.
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Comment by Ken (May 5, 2009, 3:20 pm)
George Younce was undeniably a great bass singer. Was he the greatest? That’s a good question. Personally, I think he had a better voice than J.D. Sumner. J.D. could certainly sing lower than George, but he lacked George’s tone quality and annunciation. George had a smooth, sweet voice that was pleasant to the ear. J.D. had a really nice voice in his younger days, but it got pretty gravelly as he got older.
In short, I agree with those who think Big Chief Wetherington was the greatest bass singer of all time. I didn’t become acquainted with his music until several years after his death, but I still get goose pimples when I listen to him. I would rank Younce a close second to Chief, though.
Has anyone here mentioned Brock Speer? I think he was one of the most underrated bass singers of all time. By the time he appeared on the Gaither videos, he had gotten on in years and was past his prime. In his younger days, though, he could hold his own with the best of them.
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Comment by L. Godwin (June 26, 2009, 1:26 pm)
I grew up in Southern Gospel music during the 50’s and 60’s and lost interest as the older singers/musicians started to pass on. Vocally speaking as far as bass singers go, nobody has the resonance, smoothness and ability to blend like Armand Morales. J.D. will always be the one with the lowest range. Burrel Strevel had a clarity in his lowest notes (b flat a, g ) that others didn’t. London Paris had power to burn and a good low range but not always big and full, nobody, but nobody was nor is a showman like Big Chief. Noel Fox had class and blended well with the Oaks and a good bass voice.
The best all around bass singer in my opinion sang with many, groups and did over 200 characterizations for Disney. He was the ONLY Tony the Tiger for Kellogs from 1954 to present and his name was Thurl Ravenscroft. His voice, whether speaking or singing was so resonant yet crisp and clear like noone else I’ve heard in my 56 years of living.
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Comment by J. Lhotka (September 21, 2009, 3:57 pm)
I have heard most of the bass singers mentioned on this page and agree with alot of the points that have been made. I feel that while the older generation may have set that standard for what we have come to love, the bass’s singing today have taken this standard to a whole new level.
The best bass singer in my opinion is Eric Bennett. This guy is smooth and low. Great rip and solid down to an Eb below low C . He also has an exceptional ability to sing the lead part and connects with their audience every time. Jeff Chapman, Gene MacDonald, and Christian Davis are other great examples of this new era of Southern Gospel Bass Singers. All the old time bass singers in heaven have got to be proud of this new bunch of singers carrying on their traditions.
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Comment by J. Lhotka (September 21, 2009, 4:12 pm)
Oh and by the way, great blog! I love these . . .
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S. Thompson Reply:
October 4th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
As someone above suggested, there is no “best ever”. It’s all a matter of opinion. It’s whomever suits your ear and your eye. I became an avid southern gospel quartet fan in 1958 and have seen most all of the top groups in the years since. I’ve seen all of the bass singers in my ranking below, most of them multiple times. I have not seen nor heard Tim Riley so I can’t say about him. Here are my favorites and how I would rank them……
1. Jay Simmons Best ever. Could sing low with good, crisp tones, could sing higher melody and knew how to “sell” his part. I saw him in person many, many times.
2.George Younce, Gene McDonald, Richard Sterban, Eric Bennett, Gerald Williams and Big Chief. I saw George with the Blue Ridge & The Cathedrals, saw Gerald many times, the Statesmaen several times and the Oaks several times.
3. Mike Holcomb, Cecil Stringer, London Paris and Billy Todd. I’ve seen Mike and Billy several times and Cecil many times.
4. Noel Fox, Rex Nelon, Brock Speer and Herman Harper.
A distant 5th. Buddy Liles, Burl Strevel, Bob Thacker (all air)
A distant last. J.D. All air, no quality, no good crisp tones.
My opinions pertain only to their bass singing, nothing personal.
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Comment by S. Thompson (October 5, 2009, 8:56 am)
As someone above suggested, there is no “best ever”. It’s all a matter of opinion. It’s whomever suits your ear and your eye. I became an avid southern gospel quartet fan in 1958 and have seen most all of the top groups in the years since. I’ve seen all of the bass singers in my ranking below, most of them multiple times. I have not seen nor heard Tim Riley so I can’t say about him. Here are my favorites and how I would rank them……
1. Jay Simmons Best ever. Could sing low with good, crisp tones, could sing higher melody and knew how to “sell” his part. I saw him in person many, many times.
2.George Younce, Gene McDonald, Richard Sterban, Eric Bennett, Gerald Williams and Big Chief. I saw George with the Blue Ridge & The Cathedrals, saw Gerald many times, the Statesmaen several times and the Oaks several times.
3. Mike Holcomb, Cecil Stringer, London Paris and Billy Todd. I’ve seen Mike and Billy several times and Cecil many times.
4. Noel Fox, Rex Nelon, Brock Speer and Herman Harper.
A distant 5th. Buddy Liles, Burl Strevel, Bob Thacker (all air)
A distant last. J.D. All air, no quality, no good crisp tones.
My opinions pertain only to their bass singing, nothing personal.
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Comment by thomas anderson (November 13, 2009, 11:56 am)
How can a person who has heard all the singers mentioned in the above post and is an avid southern gospel fan not know who Tim Riley is or not have heard him. In the 90’s Riley and Younce were the basses that were mentioned when it came to who was the best out there during that time.
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