2023 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
SUE DODGE
Sue Dodge
Inducted in 2023
Over five decades of singing gospel music in nineteen nations of the world only begins to tell the story of Sue Dodge. She has received four Dove awards for “Best Female Vocalist" and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame with The Speer Family in 1998, and now, individually into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2023. Her national and international radio and television appearances include "In Touch" with Charles Stanley, The 700 Club, TBN, and of course she is a regular on the Gaither Homecoming Program. Sue was awarded the "Living Legend" award by Christian Voice Magazine in 2022.
Sue’s ministry crosses all denominational lines and includes such notables as First Baptist Church Atlanta with Dr. Charles Stanley, The Church on the Way with Dr. Jack Hayford, The Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York with Pastor Jim Cymbala, and the historic Moody Church in Chicago. She has sung in some of the world’s most prestigious halls such as Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Aberdeen Music Hall in Scotland, Westminster Hall in London , Carnegie Hall in New York City and a guest appearance on famous The Grand Ole Opry where she shared the stage with Garth Brooks and Martina McBride. Singing to ten million people in India, a few thousand in Indiana, or a few hundred in Iowa, Sue has the remarkable ability to touch people of all ages. After hearing her rendition of God Bless the USA, President Ronald Reagan, with tears in his eyes, said, “Young lady you leave me speechless.”
With the tender lyrics of a worship medley, the majesty of the great hymns, the triumph of a great anthem or songs of the common man, Sue has the ability to connect with a wide variety of audiences and venues. She is as comfortable and effective in a women’s retreat as she is in a concert, a mega-conference or a Sunday morning church service. A repeated phrase Sue hears is, “You are one of the most effective soloist we have ever had,” and “You are one of the most enjoyable artists we have ever worked with.” Perhaps that is because Sue has stayed rooted in the local church as a pastor’s wife for over 40 years in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC. Sue and her husband, Amos, celebrated 50 years of marriage in February of 2024. They have one married daughter, Tara, a son-in-law, Travis Goodman and three amazing grandchildren, Sydney, Madeline and Grant.
She shared, “I always want to let people know that regardless of their circumstances or situation that God loves them like no other and that HE is always faithful to provide exactly what we need, when we need it!”
DANNY FUNDERBURK
Danny Funderburk
Inducted in 2023
One of the most distinctive and beloved voices in all of Gospel music is that of Danny Funderburk. For more than 47 years, people across the country have fallen in love with his incredible talent, as he performed with The Singing Americans, Perfect Heart, Mercy's Way, and most notably, the prestigious Cathedral Quartet.
Born April 13, 1954, Danny was raised in the rural town of Hemby Bridge, North Carolina. He is the son of a pastor, Bill Funderburk and mother, Betty Jo Funderburk. Danny is married to Shelley Funderburk, and he is the proud father of three beautiful children, Dana, Jason, and Derek, and stepdad to Matthew and Rebekah. Danny and Shelley have one grandson, Gavin and two granddaughters, Peyton and Aubrey.
Danny began his career in the 1970's when he sang tenor for a group called the New Revelaires. He continued as part of that group until 1980 when he joined the Singing Americans. He became better known in the industry in 1983 when he was approached by George Younce and Glen Payne to join the Cathedral Quartet to become their tenor singer. While with the Cathedrals, Funderburk recorded "I've Just Started Living" and "Somebody Touched Me" which became two of his biggest hits. Funderburk remained with the Cathedrals until 1989 when he started a group called, Perfect Heart. Later he joined other groups like Silent Power and The Royals. In 1995, he once again rejoined the Cathedrals for one of their Reunion projects. In 2007, he joined former Cathedrals members now with Legacy Five, Greater Vision, and the Mark Trammell Trio for a look back at the history of the Cathedrals and a group of tribute concerts. Funderburk is also a producer for Son Sound Music Group in Bessemer City, North Carolina.
Despite suffering four strokes and a heart attack several years back, Danny is feeling strong. He says, "I know God has touched my body. He's not finished with me yet."
NORMAN HOLLAND
