Gospel Music – Luegra

Two Cherished Songbooks

I have two small songbooks that I absolutely treasure. I have had them for years now, and have more than served their purpose for me when researching old-time Gospel songs. I wouldn’t let go of either of these for any money. They both come from the publishing house of Albert E. Brumley & Sons of Powell, Missouri. For those of you who don’t know, Albert Brumley was a songwriter and song collector, much in the vein as A.P. Carter. Some of the most famous and popular Gospel songs come either from his pen or his desk, including “I’ll Fly Away,” “Jesus, Hold My Hand,” and “Turn Your Radio On.”

The first book we’ll look at is Albert E. Brumley’s America’s Memory Valley (orange cover). Back over 20 years ago when I was still playing in the roots-rock/alt-country band Gravel Train, the drummer Mark Kaster gave me this songbook because he knew that I had a strong affection for old-time music. The book contains about 50 folk and country songs from the 1920s through 1950s that were performed by popular acts of the time, including The Carter Family, Bill Monroe, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Uncle Dave Macon. There is also some wee bits of history, either about the song or folk and Gospel music in general. Albert’s father, William Brumley, is seen playing the fiddle on the cover. I can remember around the time that Mark gave me the book, I was working as a proofreader at an advertising agency. One of my co-workers used to perform in Branson, Missouri with Albert’s son, Albert Jr. I showed her the book, and she got very emotional because she remembered both Alberts, as well as performing a number of these songs on stage with Albert Jr.

The other book, the one that I really cherish, is Albert E. Brumley’s All-Day Singin’ and Dinner on the Ground (black & white cover). This contains the musical notation for my favorite Brumley song, “Turn Your Radio On.” I have always loved John Hartford’s rendition, and have wanted to learn the lyrics to perform it (hopefully some day). While this booklet has a lot less songs than the other, they are all Gospel related, which always sound wonderful when a bluegrass band or old-time music ensemble performs them. The other charming thing about this booklet is that it includes a number of recipes for dishes that were popular for Sunday “dinners on the ground.” Back in the early to mid 20th century, many Protestant-based churches would have these picnic-style get-togethers where members of the congregation would prepare food for a potluck lunch, and the preachers and deacons would provide some words of faith while everyone sat on the ground and ate. Many times songs such as those included in the booklet would be sung by the attendees. It was a good, clean time to spend a Sunday afternoon.

A quick Google search shows that a few copies of All-Day Singin’ can still be found at Amazon or on eBay, as well as other Brumley publications. Most seem to be reasonably priced, so it may be worthwhile to pick up a copy, if only to see how people entertained themselves way back when.

With the advancement of society due to technology, it seems that such events are not as popular as they were 50-100 years ago. The youth of today are much less interested in getting together with others for religious outings, and the elders have become apathetic in encouraging the young to a faith-based lifestyle. Western society seems to slightly ridicule its religions, only referring to them when it seems necessary, such as Christmas or Easter, or when convenient, such as the few months following 9/11. While I am a devout Roman Catholic, I show no disdain for other denominations, as well as other faiths such as Judaism or Islam. However, I remember the many church picnics and get-togethers when I was a kid, and that connection seems to have disappeared for the most part. I can only hope that there is a change in that attitude, and it not happen because of a tragic event. Singing old-time Gospel songs does an amazing thing to your heart and soul.

Chew on it and comment.

2023 Michigan Old-Time Fiddle Contest/Sister Servants/Christian Youth Singers

Two weekends ago was the 2023 Michigan Old-Time Fiddlers Contest at the Applefest in New Boston. There were only four participants, and when I saw Trae McMaken (last year’s winner) seated near the stage, I knew that he would be this year’s winner as well. The guy is THAT good!

The contest was held later in the afternoon, which did see a bit more people in the audience than in previous years. There are also the problems with scheduling. First and foremost, the contest always goes on after the performance by the local middle school orchestra and choir. Every year, that performance always runs over because they go on late due to poor organization by the school music director. Thus, the contest began about 30 minutes late, and as expected, the blues/rock cover band scheduled to go on after the contest decided to start setting up some of its equipment during the contest.

It is sad that this old-time fiddle music is not as appreciated here in Michigan as it is in other parts of the country. I have preached about Michigan’s fiddle and music history many times, but it seems that very few people outside of the actual musicians care about it. I am glad to see that the Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association has gotten some interest from young musicians recently for the scholarship awards. We have awarded one more student some scholarship money since I last wrote about it (https://luegra.design.blog/2023/08/06/sembma-scholarships-part-2/). I was hoping to see a new young fiddler at this year’s contest, but the four contestants were older fiddlers that have participated a number of times.

We can always hope for next October! In the meantime, if any of you know of any young fiddlers (or banjo players, or mandolin players, or acoustic guitarists) playing bluegrass or old-time music, be sure to send them to the SEMBMA website and have them fill out a scholarship application (https://smbluegrass.org/scholarships/).

As many of you know, I am moving out of my house and moving back into my folks’ house as they both have passed away. I have sold the house and will be completely out by November 1st. So every day I have been grabbing a box or two and shipping it back to my new homestead. Yesterday, while in Hamatramck at a stop light, I noticed a group of young people (about eight) on the corner singing standard Gospel songs like “Rock of Ages” and “Amazing Grace.” They were from a Christian youth group connected with Living Waters (http://www.livingwaters.com/). It was extremely strange, as Hamtramck has become a highly populated Muslim community, and of course, tensions due to the Hamas attack on Israel recently has gotten a lot of people on edge. But there they were, being brave, singing old-time Gospel tunes and holding signs requesting looking toward Jesus.

It warmed my heart to see that. While I am a devout Roman Catholic, I have always loved the songs that early bluegrass Gospel brought forth. On my way back down the street, I saw that they were still singing, so I went to the local store, picked up some soft drinks, and gave it to them, letting them know how beautiful the singing was. They were friendly, and while they started to try to get me to be a part of their organization, I felt obliged to let them know of my faith in Catholicism and that my parish was a few blocks from where we were.

Seeing young people so motivated by their Christian beliefs, and what is more to be standing in an area that could prove to be hostile, was extremely moving, Then again, Jesus was not set on preaching to the believers, but to preach to those that were straying from the Lord and help them see the light.

I end this blog with a video that my friend Sister Clare Marie of the Sister Servants of the Eternal Word sent me. I mentioned this group in previous blogs (https://luegra.design.blog/2020/08/07/nuns-performing-bluegrass-and-diversity/ and https://luegra.design.blog/2021/12/04/715/). These wonderful ladies stay in my heart always.

Chew on it and comment.