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Cynthia Clawson

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Cynthia Clawson receives her Hall of Fame plaque from Randy Wills, 2005

Cynthia Clawson was called “the most awesome voice in gospel music” by Billboard Magazine. Her singing career spans four decades and includes a Grammy and five Dove Awards. Cynthia is known through the entire nation (especially in Texas) for her award winning work with Buryl Red and husband Ragan Courtney. Her talent and love for gospel music has been heard in churches and concert halls world-wide, especially in recent years as part of the Bill Gaither Homecoming Series. One of many high points in her career came when the producers of the Academy Award winning movie, Trip To Bountiful featured her rendition of the gospel classic, “Softly and Tenderly”.

Cynthia was born in Houston and has a degree in vocal performance from Howard Payne Universityand she was awarded an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from Houston Baptist University in 1995. From her childhood days singing in the church that her father pastored and and throughout her years of accomplishment, Cynthia Clawson has truly been a “shining star” of Texas!

The Events page shows Cynthia’s vocal coach, Sarah Baker, from Howard Payne University receiving her TGMHF plaque.

Charlie Campbell

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campbellcEven though Charlie Campbell is known all across North Texas as a personable “down-home” radio DJ; having the largest Sunday morning listening audience for nearly three decades (KCBI-FM), his love for gospel music began as a singer. During his years at Louisiana College in Pineville, he was part of a gospel quartet that sang regularly on local TV and traveled to various churches and revival meetings. One version of that group was featured at the national Southern Baptist Convention in Chicago in 1957 – they introduced what was then a brand new song: How Great Thou Art.

As part of the original “on air” team for KCBI when it began in 1976, Charlie has blessed his many listeners by playing a wide range of gospel music. From the talented singers and pianists from First Baptist Church Dallas to the great gospel singers of all time like George Beverly Shea, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Glen Payne, he has promoted all styles of God-honoring Christian music. Charlie was also a favorite emcee and host for numerous concerts and special events, and has been a helpful influence on many local artists in all styles of Gospel Music.

Duane Allen

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Duane Allen with Lou Wills Hidreth

Duane Allen, born in Paris, Texas, and a member of the famous Oak Ridge Boys, was inducted into the Texas Gospel Music Hall Of Fame in April, 1990. Lou Wills Hildreth arranged for a “surprise” induction at an appearance of the Oak Ridge Boys on the Crook & Chase TV show in Nashville, Tennessee. Lou presented the plaque to Duane on camera, and he responded with an emotional appreciation, stating his love for gospel music and his fond memories of singing conventions and music schools with the Wills Family. He talked about making his first recording on Sword & Shield Records, owned by the Wills Family, with J. Howard Rogers and the SouthernAires Quartet of Paris.

“Duane Allen is a treasured friend, famous as a country music performer, but true to his gospel music roots. In 1998, the Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the GMA Hall Of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. I was there to share Duane’s joy. Later, when the Oak Ridge Boys appeared on the Gaither Homecoming video series, we welcomed them with great enthusiasm. Duane’s wife, Nora Lee, was there too! When I received an honorary Doctor Of Sacred Music from LBU, a letter of congratulations from Duane Allen was read. At Calvin Wills’ death in 2002, Duane Allen’s detailed letter of condolence and memories reminded us again of how he appreciates his early beginnings as a gospel music singer. We are proud of this “son of Texas” for his achievements in both country and gospel music.”
— Lou Wills Hildreth