The 2006 SGMA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is now a bright moment in gospel music history. Again Charlie Waller outdid himself with this wonderful presentation.

The near sell out crowd was privileged to hear some of the finest in gospel music as the pioneers of gospel music were honored in a very timely celebration of their careers.

Dollywood opened its doors to the gospel music faithful at 10:00. At 11:00, the singing in the park began with groups such as the Talleys, Booth Brothers, Southern Sound, and Crystal River. This was a great start to a wonderful day. The enthusiastic crowd loved the singing in this outdoor setting.

The awards ceremony began promptly with a wonderful video presentation from Mr. Waller’s private collection. As the crowd entered Celebrity Theater, they were treated with the sounds of the Statesmen, Blackwood Brothers, JD Sumner and the Stamps, along with many other voices from gospel music past.

Although there were ten individuals scheduled to be inducted into the hall of fame, there was one name that was kept a secret until the ceremony was held. Maurice Templeton has been instrumental in the formation of the SGMA Hall of Fame. Many times, Mr. Templeton has been nominated for the SGMA Hall of Fame, and each time he as asked to have his name removed from the nominations. This time, without his knowledge, the SGMA Board of Directors voted to enshrine Mr. Templeton into the SGMA Hall of Fame.

After this surprise induction, the program resumed with the other inductions. Jerry Goff was the consummate emcee, intertwining funny stories with his introductions. Here are some comments about the inductees and the folks that honored them.

Bob Jones was a pioneer in bringing gospel music to the west coast. He spent several years in the Stamps organization and then moved to the west coast where he formed his own group, the Songfellows. Mr. Jones and the Songfellows performed "Mansion Over the Hilltop" in tribute to this great gospel music legend.

One of the most humble individuals in gospel music is pianist Charles Key. He spent his entire gospel music career with the Harmoneers Quartet. Mr. Key played "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus" for the crowd. He recently recorded an instrumental CD for his many fans.

The Rangers Quartet was the first quartet to make a living on the gospel music circuit without the aid of the backing of a music company. Their manager, Vernon Hyles, was inducted into the Hall of Fame this year and the Gaither Vocal Band did a tribute for Mr. Hyles with their hit "Journey to the Sky." His son, Donny, accepted the award for his father.

Henry Slaughter, pianist extraordinaire, was the next inductee. Henry spent time with several major groups including the Weatherfords and the Stamps-Ozark Quartet. He was instrumental in forming Jake Hess and the Imperials. Mr. Slaughter played "Faith Unlocks the Door" for the appreciative crowd.

Two former members of the Harmoneers Quartet were inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame on October 12^th. Wallace "Happy" Edwards spent his entire professional career with the Harmoneers. He was always the center of attention of the Harmoneers with his marvelous sense of humor. He was also a fine tenor. His wife accepted the award for her late husband. The Florida Boys did a tribute for Edwards with a Harmoneers signature song "Moving Up to Heaven" complete with many key changes and modulations.

Professor Jim Goff presented the James D. Vaughn Impact Award to Bob Brumley. Mr. Brumley is a respected individual in the gospel music community. This humble man is most deserving of this award.

Charles Waller always wants to entertain his audience. He presented a great commercial for Black Draught laxatives for a cute interlude between the presentations.

Mary Tom Speer-Reid was the next inductee. The Talleys did a lovely job singing "Sweeter Each Day" in tribute to this lovely member of the Singing Speer Family. Mary Tom joins the other members of the Speer Family in the SGMA Hall of Fame. Her acceptance speech was very sincere and understated . . . a fitting remembrance of her gospel music career.

Southern Sound did a marvelous job singing "When They Ring Those Golden Bells" in tribute to Jack Pittman. Many folks know Mr.Pittman as a member of the Palmetto State Quartet. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the first Grand Ole Gospel Reunion.

Wally Varner was the consummate performer, having spent time with many of the great quartets of his day including the Melody Masters, Revelaires, Homeland Harmony, and Blackwood Brothers. His piano techniques were second to none and he was an excellent song writer. Pianist Jeff Stice donned Wally’s trademark white suit and red bow tie to perform "Bell of Joy Keep Ringing" in tribute to his mentor. Wally’s wife, Polly, accepted the honor for her late husband.

Gerald Williams is one of the finest bass singers in gospel music today. He and several former members of the Melody Boys Quartet proved that fact as they did the tribute number for Mr. Williams, "I’m Free Again." Jonathan Sawrie, Mike Franklin, and Jeremy Raines joined Gerald Williams on stage to perform their tribute to their mentor. Mr. Williams is one of the kindest and most humble men in gospel music. His acceptance speech only served to justify that fact.

The Chuck Wagon Gang donned cat eye glasses and red stage attire to honor Sister Rose Carter-Karnes. As they sang "Higher," you could sense the presence of Sister Rose in their midst.

SGMA president Steve French came on stage to thank all who attended the performance and to honor those that were inducted into the hall of fame. He then thanked Charles Waller for his hard work and dedication. Mr. Waller was rolled out in his wheelchair to the delight of the crowd!

A final award was presented to Liz Autry for her two years of service to the SGMA Hall of Fame. Liz has performed near miracles with her dedicated work to the SGMA Hall of Fame. She will be truly missed in Pigeon Forge.

It was great to see so many legends in the audience at the awards ceremony. I can’t attempt to name them all, but I had the occasion to visit with Bill and Gloria Gaither, Melvin Klaudt, Ed and Genny Wallace, John Rulapaugh, Ron, R.W., and Donna Blackwood, Calvin Newton, Laverne Tripp, Wayne Shuford, Eddie Broome, Ronnie Booth, Earl Galloway, Duane Garren, "Little Jan" Goff, and so many others. I was thrilled to see so many in the gospel music in attendance.  Forgive me for any of you I may have missed.

I asked Bill Gaither about his thoughts concerning this program. He said, "This was a wonderful experience to see this legends honored as they should be. I was thrilled to see my close friends Henry Slaughter, Happy Edwards and Charles Key honored for what they have done for this music that we all love. I am so thankful to have a setting to show their impact to the gospel music community. I am pleased to know that their families are able to see the impact they have had on the lives of so many people. I am so thankful to Charlie Waller for all his hard work in this endeavor. Mr. Waller has done marvelous works as the Executive Director of the SGMA, and this program is just a small example of the great works Charlie has done to further the legends of gospel music."