Haskell Cooley (image from www.haskellcooleyfamily.com)

I recently had the opportunity to interview Haskell Cooley, who played piano for the Cathedrals from 1974-1979. Listen in to this fascinating conversation!

Daniel: When did you first become interested in Gospel Music?

Haskell: All right. I was raised up in church, hearing the old hymns of the church, and hearing how beautiful the melodies were and still are. My mother was a piano player for the church. I became the piano player when I was twelve years old; she turned it over to me. I just grew up, and that’s all I ever knew. There was a lot of quartet signing going on at the church where I attended. I tried to lead songs when I was six, seven, or eight years old. I was leading the songs! You know, they’d have a singing in the church, and people would come up and lead a song. Of course, I couldn’t use my hands like a director would, but I’d get up. It was the way I was raised.

Daniel: You started playing piano for church at age twelve. What age did you start playing piano?

Haskell: Well, we got a piano at home when I was nine years old. I started beating on a piano – I wouldn’t say playing – and learning at nine.

For the full interview, click the “read more” button!

Coming next Monday: A CD Review of Here We Are Again!

We have featured interviews with Ernie Haase three times before—December 2006, April 2010, and January 2011. So when we had the chance to interview him this time, we skipped the background questions and dove right in!

Daniel: Your last recording of (mostly) new songs, Dream On, came out over three years before this one. Well, to be precise, 3 years, 3 months, and 10 days (not that anyone has been counting)! Why did you wait this long?

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Ernie: Yeah, we did wait a while, and that was done on purpose. And the main reason was, we needed time to find the right songs and to write the kind of material that Signature Sound needs. We’re coming into our own, ten years after we started this group. I feel we laid the foundation, and now, on this record, the Here We Are Again project, you’re going to hear the heart, the soul, and the musicality of this quartet.

We released a tribute record, and we did that strategically at that time to buy us more time to write the songs. And I really, really, feel – well, I don’t feel, I know – these songs, because I had a hand in helping write eight or nine of them, were born out of a lot of questions, a lot of fear, a lot of pain, a lot of loss, and some victories. All those times are embodied in this new record.

The bottom line is this: If we feel it, we’ve experienced it, we’ve lived it, on stage, we’re not going to have to try to sell anything. And it’s going to entertain the hearts and minister to the spirits of the people who come to our concerts.

So I guess you could say, we’re hoping that it was worth the wait!

Daniel: I understand that you wrote eight of the album’s twelve songs. If I’m not mistaken, that’s a higher ratio than on any previous quartet album you’ve been a part of recording. Has songwriting become a higher priority for you in these last three years?

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Ernie: Yeah, writing the songs was a higher priority for me.

I can tell you, and this is the honest truth, and I’ve thrown the evidence away, so you’ll have to take my word for it, I started writing at about 15 or 16. My goal was to write about 100 songs every year. I had folders and folders of songs – none of them you would ever hear!

When I joined the Cathedrals, I continued to write. I had a little bit of success.

But I just think it’s written into the fabric of the universe: We do need each other. When I get into the room with certain people that I trust, people that know my heart, and start knowing my stories, and know what I’m going through, songs just start pouring out.

So now more then ever, I guess as I’m getting more reflective, to be able to share from the stage what has gotten me thus far in my walk of faith… So, yeah, it was a risk. Honestly, I’m not my own favorite writer. But I have surrounded myself with some great writers, and I have a total confidence that they would not have let me leave the room with something that they weren’t proud of.

To read or listen to the other eight questions and answers, click the post title or the “read more” button!

Past the Press Release is an interview series featuring a new member of a professional Southern Gospel group. It’s a chance to look past the standard “excited to be here” press release comment and learn a little more about them. Meet Liberty Quartet’s new lead singer, Doug Wiley!

Doug Wiley

Daniel: Your parents introduced you to Southern Gospel; what groups did you grow up on?

Doug: I grew up listening to the Statesmen, the Hinsons, and the Happy Goodmans. I also remember loving to hear the Downings and Blackwood Brothers.

Daniel: Did you grow up hoping to be a singer? If not, at what age did that interest arise?

Doug: I wanted to sing as early as I can remember. Whenever I could, I would hold a concert in my living room and sing to the audience (the couch). I was the only one in the room at the time, but that didn’t stop me from giving it my all. I would try and mimic Ronny and Kenny Hinson, Rusty Goodman, and, of course, Jake!

Daniel: Did you have any voice training? What other preparations did you make for what you do today?

Doug: I have had no formal vocal training, although I would daily go through my father’s albums and listen to different people and try my best to sound like them. I would listen to Elvis, then switch to Ronnie or Kenny Hinson, then maybe try some EngleBert Humperdinck. I figured if I could get any of their qualities, then I could sing anything. The bottom line is that if I have any talent at all vocally……I owe thanks to God!

Daniel: How did you get involved in Southern Gospel?

Doug: When I was in my early 20s, I ran across the Southmen Quartet and met Gary Casto, who now has Tribute Quartet. We became friends and I later joined the quartet. I owe a lot of thanks to Gary for remembering me when they needed a lead singer. 

Daniel: You have sung with several other groups – Southmen Quartet, Mercy Road Trio, and the California Melody Boys. What were some highlights from your time with those groups?

Doug: I loved traveling full time with the Southmen. I made a lot of friends and learned a lot about Southern Gospel and what makes it work.

One of my dear friends and wonderful soloist, Nathan Young, and I, along with Daymon Qualls, who I also sang with in the California Melody Boys, formed the Mercy Road Trio. It was like singing with my brothers, and I was blessed with my time with them. While still with Mercy Road, I went to a California Melody Boys concert and fell in love with their sound. Five months later, they called and I was quick to join them as their tenor. I have had so many wonderful times with all of them and will never forget all the good times.

Daniel: Any non-musical hobbies?

Doug: I love to golf! I used to be pretty good, but don’t have a lot of time now to play. I love sports and more sports and am very competitive. I’m also a big reader. I love a good book.

Daniel: Do you have other musical interests besides singing, like songwriting or playing a musical instrument?

Doug: I have written a few songs and am currently working on a few more. I plan in the future to set more time aside for it. I love to try and play the guitar and the piano…..but have no idea what I’m doing! I play a mean Ipod though!

Daniel: Neat! I’ve heard the “play the radio” line, but this is the first I’ve heard someone update it to the modern era! What is your favorite Liberty song? What are your favorite hymns and Southern Gospel classics?

Doug: At this point, I would have to say “God’s been Faithful” off our new album. Every direction I turn, God has answered a prayer and has provided what was needed. Along the same line….I love “Great is thy Faithfulness.” I love almost anything the Hinson’s did. I could hear the “Light House” 20 times a day and never get tired of it. 

Daniel: I saw from the press release that your family is above average. Could you tell us about your family?

Doug: I have a large wonderful family. My wife Angela and I have 5 children. Hannah – 6 years, Madison – 12 years, Alyssa – 12 years, Grayson – 15 years, and Mariah who is 19. They are all a blessing and I couldn’t have asked for better children.

We were scared earlier this year when Madison was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and was dangerously ill. Once again, our Faithful God stepped in and has had his hand on her. We ask for your prayers for healing.

My wife has been such a support and friend to me as we make this move to Idaho to join Liberty.

Daniel: Thank you!

Past the Press Release is an interview series featuring a new member of a professional Southern Gospel group. It’s a chance to look past the standard “excited to be here” press release comment and learn a little more about them. Meet the Kingsmen’s new lead singer, Bob Sellers!

Bob Sellers

Daniel: How did you discover Southern Gospel? What groups first captured your interest?

Bob: I was pretty much born into gospel music. My mother (Helen’s) side of the family was very musical. They were raised in church and she sang duets with her sister, Brenda, on local radio. I have been hearing Mom sing and play at the piano all of my life. She has no musical education and plays by ear. She’s always been able to hear a song one time and sit down and play it by ear. Her sister Delois was in a really good regional quartet for many years. She wrote a lot of their material and had songs published in various hymnals.

My very first memory of quartet singing, however, came from my father Robert’s side of the family, and a group called The Challengers. My great-uncle Tiny Hickman played guitar and sang baritone. I remember going to Saturday night sings of theirs that were packed out. Earl and Linda Mashburn were in that quartet as well and would go on to form a full-time group called The Mashburns (now disbanded).

As for professional quartets, I’d heard several groups, including The Kingsmen as a young person, but didn’t fully appreciate it. It wasn’t until I was probably 16 or 17 years old at a small Methodist church in my hometown of Gordo, AL when I became totally addicted to the quartet sound. An older J.D. Sumner and The Stamps appeared that night and I thought I’d never heard singing that low or that high before.

From that point on I began to buy every Southern Gospel CD I could, and I still love it just as much today.

Daniel: Have you had any voice training, or other preparations for what you’re doing today?

Bob: I’ve never had any type of formal training. When I was a kid singing with my mom and sister, she typically sang the melody and put us where we needed to be. At the time, I didn’t even know it was harmony, but I know that those years, along with the ability God gave me, are what really enhanced my ear for harmony and blending. I’ve always tried to study some of the best, as well…not only how they sing, but how they connect to the audience.

Daniel: I understand you’ve been with Capstone Quartet since 2004, and are its manager and emcee. Did you sing with any other groups before Capstone?

Bob: Capstone is the first group I ever joined. Their lead singer was called to preach, and I knew the owner (Joe Brown) a little. He probably didn’t even know I sang then, but I’d created a rough demo using a CD burner and my church’s sound system, and had given him a copy sometime earlier. Long story short, he gave me an audition and I was there for most of 8 years.

We averaged 80 to 100+ dates a year, which in addition to working a 40-50 hour per week job helped prepare me for full-time ministry. I became the owner/manager mainly through attrition, but I took our group as seriously as anything I’d ever done.

Daniel: Have the remaining members of Capstone announced yet whether they will be carrying on the group?

Bob: Very recently, we all sat down to discuss Capstone’s future. I committed my support in whatever the other guys wanted to do. Our bass singer had already resigned just a few weeks earlier, and as we had learned from past experience and with no serious replacements in mind, it would have been a daunting task just to replace one key member, much less two. What we all agreed that we didn’t want to do was bring in singers just for the sake of keeping the group together who, whether from a talent or ministerial perspective, would cause the quality to drop off.

The more we talked, the more we all felt that it was God’s timing to disband the group after 19 years. It was a difficult decision for us, and our last appearances on December 18th were very emotional.

Daniel: When did you first become familiar with the Kingsmen? What are some of your favorite past Kingsmen albums and singers? What was the first Kingsmen lineup you saw live?

Bob: I don’t remember precisely when I first experienced The Kingsmen. There was a Sunday morning gospel show on radio when I grew up that played all the great quartets, and The Kingsmen were always among my top two favorites (along with The Cathedrals). I loved their style and energy most of all. My first vivid memory of seeing them live was at The University of Alabama at the “Firemans Singing” that was held there annually. The lineup during that time would have included a full band, but the member I remember most is Big Jim Hammil. I was amazed at how Big Jim could take the audience in the palm of his hand, say whatever he wanted and make them laugh, cry or shout seemingly at will. And I also remember how far his suit coat would fly when he threw it and how he’d sometimes “knock” the rest of the group off the front of the stage for their finale. Ha.

Daniel: The press release introducing you mentioned that the first song you recall singing in your church with your mother and sister was “A Place Where the Hungry are Fed.” Now that your voice has changed and matured, do you still have the range to sing it? Is there any chance the Kingsmen might bring it back? (It’s a long-time personal Kingsmen favorite!)

Bob: I still love the song, “A Place Where The Hungry Are Fed”. I can sing it, but I’d hate to try to hold that note out and walk back and forth across the stage for 5 or 10 minutes (seemed like it!) like Arthur Rice did.

As to whether The Kingsmen will pull that one back out, I have no idea, but that was Arthur’s signature song. No one else will ever be able to make it theirs, and shouldn’t attempt to, in my opinion. Good Lord willing, I’ll have a signature song of my own one of these days.

Daniel: Put that way, I’d have to agree with you! What are some of your other all-time favorite Kingsmen songs?

Bob: As to other favorite Kingsmen songs of mine, it’s really a mixed bag. I love ballads, but I love the “3 chords and a cloud of dust” sound, too. Some of my favs from the past are:

• Child, Child
• Inside The Gate
• That Lovely Name I Hear
• Wish You Were Here
• Healing Stream
• Beautiful Home
• Look For Me at Jesus’ Feet
• All of them!

Of the newer ones, I really love “That’s All I Need”, “God Knows”, “That’s When I Knew It Was Him” and “Loving Shepherd, Gracious God”. My favorite recordings would have to be the ones that were cut live such as Big ‘n’ Live, Chattanooga Live, et cetera.

Daniel: Could you tell us about your family?

Bob: God has blessed me with a wonderful family. I married my middle/high school sweetheart, Kansas, in 1998. Two years later our first girl, Corley, came along. We had another girl, Ellie, in 2003 and our son, Will, was born in 2005. My wife is absolutely my soul mate. I could have searched the world over and never found someone more Godly, sincere and supportive of me and my ministry, not to mention beautiful! She’s a 6th-grade teacher in Gordo and is heavily involved in our home church. My wife and kids are the joy of my life and I try to cherish every minute I have with them.

Daniel: I understand that you’re an Ordained Deacon, serving Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Carrolton, Alabama. Could you shed some light on why deacons are ordained in your church, and what ordained deacons do?

Bob: My home church, Faith Free Will Baptist in Carrollton, AL was founded in 1978 by my grandfather, Paul Sellers. He pastored there until succumbing to cancer in 2000.

Shortly thereafter, I was ordained as a deacon. At that time, I was not traveling and felt the need to take on more of a leadership role in the church. Our deacons oversee the day-to-day operations of the church, which at that time consisted mainly of helping to locate a new pastor and constructing a fellowship hall. A couple years ago, I asked to come off the active deacons list, simply because I was no longer able to devote the time necessary to do the role justice.

Daniel: Any non-musical hobbies? Have you had any careers outside of music?

Bob: Outside of music and my family, hobbies of mine include college football and basketball, photography, computing, camping and anything involving the great outdoors. I have a bachelor’s degree in Finance from The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and spent 17 years as a Commercial Lender before trading my loan calculator for a microphone. I was the first person in my immediate family to obtain a 4-year degree, so I’m very thankful for it. If I didn’t sing for a living, however, my next profession of choice would involve photography.

God bless.

Daniel: Thanks, and God Bless you, too!

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan recently launched a solo career. He also recently started performing with a new group, Canton Junction; a recently posted video of the group circulated so quickly that it picked up over 9,000 views in two or three weeks’ time.

Daniel: It has been four years since the last time I interviewed you for this site (September 2007: http://www.southerngospelblog.com/archives/543). Since that interview, your eight years on the Signature Sound bus have come to an end. Looking back, if you had to pick one moment that most made you say “I can’t believe this is actually happening to me,” what would be that highlight moment?

Tim: Looking over to Bill Gaither patting me on my back saying, “You’re good, you’re good.” I just could not believe I was actually on stage and singing alongside THE Bill Gaither and the Vocal Band!

Daniel: One of the first questions which will be on readers’ minds: How is your health? Due to the mini-stroke a little over a year before you came off the road, there had been some concern over your health back in January.

Tim: I’m so glad you asked me this question. I have heard and read the rumors that circulated after my departure from Signature Sound as being health related. Now, once and for all, I want to say that in NO way was my health an issue. I did have a TIA in June 2009. I was in the hospital for several days, where they ran every medical test they could to see if something was wrong with me. But, there was nothing wrong! It was an isolated incident that the doctor believes came from my recent overseas flight. I was then and still am in great physical health!

Daniel: Your first solo recording comes out next week. Could you shed some light on how you picked songs, and which bass-singing heroes you were honoring with the songs you picked?

Tim: The bass singers I tried to honor on this project are Tim Riley, J.D. Sumner, London Parris, Rusty Goodman, and George Younce. The songs I picked are songs that go back to my childhood, that I sang in church and listened to for many many hours on my dad’s record player. That is where I formed the desire for good southern gospel music. These particular songs were ones that stood out from all the other more popular songs these great men sang.

Daniel: Of any vocal part in a quartet, bass singers typically have the biggest challenge carrying a solo recording and doing solo concerts. How do you plan to compensate for that? Does your past experience singing lead come in handy?

Tim: I started out singing lead, so my focus was on becoming a good singer, not a “bass” singer. When I started singing bass, my voice teacher, London Parris said “Son, you have to be a good singer first. Being able to hit a low note is nothing if you don’t know how to sing.” And that is the most truthful statement I’ve ever heard! My CD isn’t a typical “bass” solo CD. I chose songs that varied in vocal range—I didn’t want to do your typical dragging the bottom notes on every song.

I never even considered doing any solo dates, because I thought bass singers just couldn’t do it. But I’ve realized, after recording this CD, it can be done!

As far as my “solo career”: I am not looking to be a full-time solo singer. I am a quartet man to the bone, so, my main focus is Canton Junction, but I will be doing some solo appearances at concerts from time to time.

Daniel: On “I Will Be Here”—is that really you, in a lead register, or is it a guest vocalist?

Tim: It is really ME! It is a song I have always loved lyrically, and my wife and I had it played at our wedding. We celebrated our 20th anniversary this year, and I wanted to do that song because it says what I feel about her. Before tracking, I was singing at the piano with my producer. He picked the key and I said, “Let’s see how it would sound a whole step lower.”

He said, “No, let’s keep it in this key.”

I said, “Well, how about a half step lower.”

And he still said, “No, keep it in this key!”

And I said, “Ron, I don’t think I can physically do this.”

And he said, “Oh, yes you can, and you will.”

And sure enough, when the day came to record it, I did it and I was shocked that I had that kind of range! I am very proud of this song; I’m glad I did it!

Daniel: Video clips have started circulating of a new group called Canton Junction, with Matt Hagee singing tenor, Aaron Crabb on lead, Michael Sykes on baritone, and you singing bass. How did the group come about?

Tim: I was at the Gaither video taping of the Tent Revival. Michael Sykes came to me and was asking me what I was doing these days; I said, “I’m not sure, I’m just praying for God’s direction.”

He began to tell me about his work in San Antonio with Cornerstone Church and Difference Media and that they had a trio that consisted of Matt Hagee, Aaron Crabb and himself; he asked me if I would like to come down to Texas and just sing at church one Sunday. I did, and it was a hit!

After several phone calls, prayer, and discussion with my wife I accepted the postion and that’s when Canton Junction was born!

I am so thrilled to be a part of this group. You couldn’t ask for better people to be associated with and I look forward to an awesome time!

Daniel: Michael Sykes recently posted on Facebook that a recording and concert dates are in the works. Will the recording feature hymns and classics or new songs?

Tim: Both—hymns and classics and new songs.

We will be touring a limited schedule due to other obligations of the group members. Aaron is the Worship Director at the church, Michael is running the studio at Difference Media, and, of course, Matt is assistant pastor at Cornerstone Church. So, that leaves me open to doing some select solo appearances from time to time. But my main focus is Canton Junction.

Daniel: Will the group only be available for a small handful of dates each year, or will you do a more active touring schedule?

Tim: We will be doing as many dates as we can possibly fit in, but, overall, it will be a limited schedule.

Daniel: What are the best ways for your fans to keep up with your solo touring, and your concerts with Canton Junction?

Tim: For the time being, they can go to my website, www.timduncanonline.com, and sign up for my mailing list so they can keep up with updates about me and Canton Junction!

Thanks for your time interviewing me and I look forward to talking to you again!

Daniel: And, likewise, thank you!

Last Friday, I reviewed the Browns’ new CD, Now. I offered high praise for “My Child is Coming Home,” calling it the “best song the Browns have recorded to date.” I was trading emails with Browns member Nick Trammell, who co-wrote the song with his father, Mark Trammell, before the review went up. He shared the following about the song:

Nick: I wrote it after hearing the story of Tony Greene’s passing. I heard he had friends and family around his bedside preparing to say goodbye, and singing him in to Heaven.

When I thought about that, I started thinking about what was going on those same few moments in Heaven preparing for him to come home. I get chills every time I hear the song and think about it.

Just a little something to visualize about next time you listen to it!

DJM: Thank you, Nick! 

It is not often that I say this, but this is one of the year’s absolute must-buy songs. You can find it individually on iTunes and eMusic, and the whole CD on the Browns’ website.

Note: I conducted this interview a year ago. Gold City’s album, which has been delayed for a year, is now set to release in a few weeks. 

About a year ago (now two years ago!), I posted an interview with Dianne Wilkinson; one highlight was her account of her first experience writing with Joseph Habedank, writing a song called “Footprints on the Water.” This song has recently been cut by Gold City, and here’s the other half of the story, from Joseph:

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For a transcript, click the “more” link.

Have you ever tried to emulate Ernie Haase and Signature Sound’s choreography?  Sam (11), Jayme (9), and Caleb (8) Garms have often been seen around the Garms home practicing EHSS choreography moves after watching movies such as “Get Away Jordan”.  

On September 8th, 2011, the Garms Family attended a Signature Sound concert in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and the Lil’ Adventurers (the LAs) had the opportunity to talk with Ernie Haase about the group’s choreography…and even learn a few of the moves!

Here is a photo gallery:

We very much appreciate and thank Ernie for his time and his graciousness to share so candidly with three lil’ adventurers (who were so nervous they could hardly speak, let alone move! ).

To read a transcript of the video, click more.  

Nate Stainbrook has confirmed that Craig West is leaving Gold City at the end of the week. In a mini-interview, here, he quotes Craig as coming to grips with the fact that two days per week at home wasn’t enough to raise his ten-year-old son.

There is no word yet on a replacement.

Here is an interview and some in-the-studio footage from Promise’s vocal day for their self-titled debut CD (reviewed here):