Southern Sounds From The North

About the Book

Historically the state of Ohio has maintained an active role in the promotion of southern gospel music. Many gospel artists, including some of the Nation’s finest, were either born, or lived a portion of their life, in Ohio. Development of these ministries and the events that have taken place along the way has become a valuable part of Ohio’s history. Over the past two years, desiring to preserve a portion of this history, I have completed extensive research interviewing gospel artists throughout the state. I then compiled this information into a unique collection of history to be shared with everyone. To help the reader more fully appreciate “life on the road” the stories of these gospel artists are presented within the context of eight road tours covering the entire state of Ohio. Travelling along on each tour we will experience a variety of emotions from laughter to frustration. At each stop we will learn some fascinating facts about the town and while in town we’ll stop by and visit with a few of those southern gospel artists and/or groups who claim the town as part of their heritage. Each tour will end with a short walk down memory lane as we view photos of those gospel artists whom we have just visited. So come on! Open the book, climb on board and prepare yourself for eight exciting tours across the great state of Ohio where we’ll meet some truly inspiring people. Hope you enjoy the book!

About the Author

Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1953, I grew up attending local storefront churches and listening to gospel music. While still in grade school, a lady who worked with my mother took us to our first National Quartet Convention where I became an avid fan of southern gospel music. Since 1977, I have been singing baritone with a local gospel quartet known as the Dayton Ambassadors. Historically the state of Ohio has maintained an active role in the promotion of southern gospel music. Many gospel artists, including some of the Nation’s finest, were either born, or lived a portion of their life, in Ohio. Development of these ministries and the events that have taken place along the way has become a valuable part of Ohio’s history. Over the past two years, desiring to preserve a portion of this history, I have completed extensive research interviewing gospel artists throughout the state. I then compiled this information into a unique collection of history to be shared with everyone. To help the reader more fully appreciate “life on the road” the stories of these gospel artists are presented within the context of eight road tours covering the entire state of Ohio. Traveling along on each tour we will experience a variety of emotions from laughter to frustration. At each stop we will learn some fascinating facts about the town and while in town we’ll stop by and visit with a few of those southern gospel artists and/or groups who claim the town as part of their heritage. Each tour will end with a short walk down memory lane as we view photos of those gospel artists whom we have just visited. So come on! Open the book, climb on board and prepare yourself for eight exciting tours across the great state of Ohio where we’ll meet some truly inspiring people. Hope you enjoy the book! Richard L. Doran