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A poster on the Singing News forums asked if Stewart Varnado had bought the group. Yesterday, Varnado replied:

In August of 2007, Randy sold half of the Dixie Echoes to me, and the other half to his son Randy Jr. So, I’m NOT the sole owner. Wish so many of the older group names going away when the senior members retire, Randy thought it was best to pass the torch now, so that the Dixie Echoes can continue for many years to come. Our 50th anniversary is just around the corner, I’ve now been with the group 10 years, Randy Jr. has been here 19 years, and we plan on carrying it on as long as the Lord intends!

This sort of long-term plan is too often lacking in our genre, so it’s commendable to see succession plans being made (hopefully) years in advance here.

Six years ago, N’Harmony disbanded when lead singer Shane Dunlap became the original lead singer for Signature Sound Quartet. They just announced that they are returning.

The lineup of the new N’Harmony is lead singer Shane Dunlap (N’Harmony and Signature Sound) is Tenor Brent Mitchell (Mercy’s Mark), Baritone Chris Whitaker (Won by One and Crystal River), and Bass Will Van Wyngarden (Journeymen Quartet). Dunlap said, “I have been thinking about a return for along time, but I wanted to find the right guys with the same exact goals. Every single guy in this group has their priorities in order.”

They are finishing a project of Southern Gospel favorites and will begin touring in mid-October. Clips of the group can be heard at www.myspace.com/nharmonyquartet.

Greater Vision sent off tenor Jason Waldroup in style Saturday, putting together a concert in his hometown as his farewell concert with the group.

Here are some video highlights, including some from the final song of the night, “God Wants to Hear You Sing”:

The group also brought Jacob Kitson on stage to sing one song, “Little is Much”:

The Perrys sent out a press release announcing that Bryan Elliott will be their new pianist:

The Perrys have announced that Bryan Elliott, of the Anchormen (and formerly, the Palmetto State Quartet), will be their new pianist, effective Friday, August 8, when the group appears in Conway, Arkansas.

Tracy Stuffle says, “We’re thrilled to have Bryan on board. We’ve literally watched Bryan grow up in Southern Gospel music, and fans across the country know that he is one of finest pianists on the road today.”

The Anchormen’s Tim Bullins, says, “The Anchormen certainly wish the absolute best for Bryan and his family. This is a great opportunity for him, and I’m very happy for him - and the Perrys! Bryan’s a super pianist and a super young man!”

Jason Waldroup’s thirteen-year tenure with Greater Vision ends Saturday night, with their concert at First Baptist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. Jacob Kitson, their new tenor, has been with them for several weeks, and will perform his first full concert with the group on Wednesday.

In true Greater Vision style, the group is introducing Jacob via an online photo gallery. Greater Vision’s is probably the most extensive photo gallery online, at least among major Southern Gospel groups, and it looks like they won’t be missing a beat with Jacob.

One photo in particular caught my attention. For all those wondering how Jacob’s height–speculation has it he’s taller than Jason Waldroup–will affect Greater Vision’s concert staging, this picture is worth a thousand words:

Much like Frank Seamans, who in 2005 or so decided to leave Legacy Five but changed his mind several weeks later, Legacy Five pianist Tim Parton changed his mind and decided to stay with the group.

In a press release distributed last night, Parton apologized for the confusion: “I’m sorry for causing confusion…that was not my intent. I appreciate the group giving me the opportunity to continue serving as their pianist.” He said that he is working on balancing his schedule, and looking forward to continuing with Legacy Five.

Legacy Five just distributed a press release announcing that pianist Tim Parton will be leaving the group “to pursue other interests.” He will leave once a replacement is found.

Tim Parton stated that he “enjoyed filling in for Roger Bennett during his illness and was glad to stay on board after his death,” but that he got to the point where he had to choose between touring and other musical opportunities. (This could involve producing, since he has been involved in producing albums before.) He thanks Legacy Five fans “for welcoming me and accepting me into the Legacy Five family.”

Scott Fowler thanked Parton for helping through “a rough transition” with “humility and class.” He added, “There isn’t an unkind bone in Tim’s body. He’s one of my favorite people and all the guys will miss him but we wish him all the best.” Fowler will be auditioning pianists and can be contacted at scottfowler@legacyfive.com.

Parton is the second pianist to leave a major Southern Gospel group this week, Matthew Holt’s departure from the Perrys. The particularly weird feature is that both are top 5 nominees in the Singing News Fan Awards. Voting on the final round has ended, so this will not affect the vote. However, Singing News may not choose to count votes for Holt and Parton as being valid; their policies aren’t entirely clear on that point.

Everyone knew Roger Bennett would be a difficult and nearly impossible act to follow. Tim Parton did well under the circumstances, quietly supporting the group from the background rather than trying to duplicate Bennett’s on-stage charisma. His year and a half as the group’s official pianist (with several months spent filling in previously), though more or less an interlude in the group’s history, will go a long way toward letting the group’s third pianist bring his own set of shoes to fill.

Chuck Peters of Southern Gospel Reporter caught up with Matthew Holt, whose last date as pianist for the Perrys is coming up shortly, and asked the questions we were all wondering. Highlights: He’s leaving on good terms and still counts the group as his second family, and he will continue songwriting with Joseph Habedank. The full interview is here.

Yesterday afternoon, an anonymous individual posted comments on several blogs that pianist Matthew Holt had left the Perrys. (I didn’t approve the comment left on mine.)  The official announcement came out last night; Holt will be leaving the group after this weekend’s concerts. The press release states:

The award-winning Perrys have announced the departure of their pianist of four years, Matthew Holt. Group spokesman, Tracy Stuffle, says, “Life is a series of seasons and this group has been blessed to enjoy Matthew’s talents for a fantastic seaon. He’s a very fine pianist and an even better young Christian gentleman, husband and father. We know great things are in store for him and we fully support him in his decision to slow down.”

Matthew will be departing Southern Gospel road life to become the Assistant Director of the Renaissance Music Program at Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn., the west Tennessee community where Matthew makes his home with his wife, Lindsey, and their son, Fletcher. His last tour with the Perrys will be July 24-26.

The Perrys will announce the name of their new pianist within the coming weeks.

The press release doesn’t mention any open audition call, but with a piano player (Troy Peach) already on the bus as their bus driver and sound man, they shouldn’t be hurting in the interim until a new player is announced.

Coomer Cove notes an interesting discovery occuring during his search for LordSong concert dates. He came across a website for a group called Sisters, which appears to be LordSong without Michael Lord. They currently have more concert dates listed than LordSong. (LordSong only has two multi-day private events listed currently.)

They have released an album, and the sound clips seem to indicate that it’s a mixture of progressive tracks and more traditional Ruppes numbers.