Dennis Southerd
“Although we are all multi-faceted individuals, there usually seems to be a defining element in our lives. For me, that element has always been music. In particular, Vintage Gospel Music.”
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Dad introduced me to some of the greatest quartets of all time at a very young age. My young ears were awed by the near perfection that groups such as The Statesmen Quartet, The Speer Family, and The Imperials Quartet achieved. I always try to encourage grandparents and parents to share exceptional, up tempo Southern Gospel music (preferably that features live instruments!) with their kids and grandkids. So often, they do fall in love with it!
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A few years after my early exposure to Gospel Music, I came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior as a 7 year old child at an Anchorman Quartet concert in Fairfield IL. The beautiful sounds of the quartet music also came to have a beautiful meaning to me that wonderful evening.
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As the years have gone by I have become interested in a vast array of music. The music of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Al Green, The Eagles, Frankie Valli, and the great classical composers may join my beloved quartets on a playlist at any given time.
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Listening to this eclectic blend of talent-laden music enables my brother and me to employ the best vocal and instrumental stylings of multiple genres while arranging in preparation for our Gospel Messengers concerts. Even when doing something for relaxation I believe we should consider how the activity could, in some way, bring glory to our Redeemer!
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Other than listening to various types of music, my time is otherwise occupied by Bible studies (both for an MDiv program and personal enrichment), novel reading (with a preference for the classics), piano practice, arranging songs for our group, music rehearsals, exercising, watching baseball, attending concerts, and playing with our precious Labrador, Jake.