Our annual induction ceremony is now
history!
Am I glad? Yep!
Was it successful? Yep!
Was it great and wonderful? Yep!
Looking forward to next year? Yep!
I wish you all could have been here
for our "SGMA Day" at Dollywood! The weather
"almost" cooperated, just a little drizzle here and there.
However, the singing was great! Our attendees enjoyed performances
by the Dove Brothers, Dixie Echoes, Lesters and the Crist Family in
the Showstreet Palace Theatre. These performances were hosted by
Duane Garren, of Brumley Music, Jeff Chapman and Andy Stringfield
of
the Kingdom Heirs.
Fans were excited to see previously
inducted Hall of Fame members, Charles Key of the Harmoneers,
Ed
Wallace of the Sunshine Boys, Jack Pittman of Palmetto State
Quartet, Lou Wills-Hildreth of the Wills Family, Les Beasley of the
Florida Boys, Naomi Sego-Reader, Dr. Jerry Goff, and
Maurice Templeton.
The Celebrity Theatre was the venue
for the Induction Ceremony which featured the following artists
honoring the 2008 inductees.
Artist Inductee
Kingsmen / Ray Dean Reese
Triumphant / Polly Grimes
Dove Brothers / Fred Daniel
Booth Brothers / Squire Parsons
The Lesters / Herschel Lester
Florida Boys / Luther G. Presley
The crowd responded into thunderous
applause for each inductee as the artists each completed their
tribute song respectfully. The bronze plaques were unveiled on stage
as SGMA board members Les Beasley, Maurice Templeton and
Earl Eleton
presented accolades to each inductee or family member.
Lari Goss was unable to attend and
was the recipient of the James D. Vaughn Impact Award.
I salute the artists for their
willingness and dedication to perform for the SGMA’s annual fund
raiser. It shows you care about our heritage and the preservation of
it as well. You are to be commended.
Lastly, I thank our board members for
those of you who were able to put your business aside for this
special day. Our staff, DaLayne Pope, Mike Walter, Barbara Nowell,
Diane Taylor and Carol Madden for your dedication. To our volunteers
THANKS! We sure couldn’t have done it without you. Special thanks
to Dollywood for all your efforts and amenities.
If I missed you, THANK YOU TOO!
Charlie Waller
Executive Director
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