Tag Archives: Oak Ridge Boys

Gary McSpadden

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Gary McSpadden & LouGary McSpadden began his gospel music ministry in Lubbock, Texas, as son of the pastors of the Assembly Of God Church, Reverend and Mrs. Boyd McSpadden. His first professional singing was with Bob Wills & The Inspirationals of Fort Worth, a popular Texas male quartet. Gary’s next move up the gospel quartet ladder was as a member of the famous Statesmen Quartet. Gary married his Texas sweetheart, Carol,on the stage of the National Quartet Convention with Reverend Hovie Lister officiating. Gary was a member of the Oak Ridge Boys for a few years. When Jake Hess formed his “all-star” Imperials in 1963, Gary McSpadden was part of this legendary quartet.

Gary had returned to Fort Worth to co-pastor a church with his father, when the call came from Bill Gaither to join the Gaither Trio. In the years Gary sang with Bill and Gloria Gaither, and also as an original member of the Gaither Vocal Band, this Texas gentleman’s popularity rose to enormous new heights in Christian music. Later in life, Gary hosted television shows seen on TBN, FamilyNet, and other networks. He died on April 15, 2020.

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