The Statesmen On Stage (liner notes)

The back cover of the album reads: One hears on every side about the enormous success of rock-and-roll shows - the mammoth crowds, the unbounded audience enthusiasm. Yet, in the face of this popularity, the fact remains that in the South rock-and-roll shows do not draw anywhere near as well as gospel sings Without the benefit of high-priced publicity or flashy promotion gimmicks, a good old-fashioned, all-night gospel sing will attract a crowd of eager thousands, sometimes with only a few hours' notice. Why? The gospel sing obviously offers qualities that the most professional entertainment does not. Those qualities are sincerity, comfort, guidance and deep spiritual values. The Southern sing appeals to people of all ages and in every income bracket; its music keeps a warm place in the affections long after the most popular songs have passed from the scene The foremost practitioners of gospel singing are, of course, The Statesmen with Hovie Lister. Since they were first organized just over ten years ago, The Statesmen have racked up more than a million miles throughout the nation, and every inch of those many miles is lined with admirers This album was recorded during an actual performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This great hall, which is the home of the "Grand Ole Opry," has played host to virtually every country and sacred artist of note. On this occasion, the big house was packed and the electric excitement that arose between The Statesmen and their thrilled audience is present in these grooves Here are sixteeen good reasons for The Statesmen's unprecedented success - musical messages that come directly from their hearts to yours