The Chuck Wagon Gang

06/24/09 09:06 PM

The Chuck Wagon Gang once again rolled into Norman Park this past Saturday, June 20th. Their first stop was Stan and Robbie Whitman's home, where everyone one enjoyed a summer barbeque that included all the trimmings. It was an enjoyable afternoon of fellowship and preparation for the evening's concert. While many concert goers return year after year to this annual event, there are always a large host of folks who attend for the first time. This year was no different. A crowd of nearly 750 filled the auditorium, anticipating a great evening of being blessed and uplifted by hearing their favorite songs of the Chuck Wagon Gang. They were not disappointed.

Dave Emery, manager, emcee/guitarist/bass singer, welcomed the crowd and encouraged them to thoroughly enjoy the couple of hours, as they would be taken on a trip down memory lane. Memories of mom and dad listening to the old battery powered radio, or the record player in the home, would become vivid as the familiar songs of yesteryear would be performed by the third generation Chuck Wagon Gang. The striking similarity of the sounds, tones, and styles of the original Gang is uncanny as Julie Hudson, soprano, Penny Greene, alto, and Stan Hill tenor, blend together with Dave to recreate the distinctive and beautiful four part harmony of the most popular Gospel singing group of all time. Les Butler of Nashville, TN added to the original sound of the group by playing the mandolin and acoustic guitar. Joe Rotton of Spartanburg, SC, played the bass guitar. Now in their 73rd year, the group intends to continue this great legacy, preserving for all of us, the music we love so much.

The event this year held some surprises. The Gang welcomed long time member and co-owner of the group, Shaye Smith, her husband, Andy, and their two sons, Benjamin and Noah to the festivities. Shaye joined the Gang on stage to sing some of her signature songs. The highlight of her performance was her dedication of 'I'll Meet You In The Morning' to her long time friend, Robbie Whitman. Robbie and Stan have brought the Chuck Wagon Gang to Norman Park now for four years. Robbie's suffering from Parkinson's has made it a real challenge for her to help her husband organize, promote, and pull of the concert year after year. She has a sweet smile and an undeterred spirit. She insisted on being at the door to hand out this year's program and greet everyone who came to the concert, even though she would have to do so from a wheel chair. Her love and dedication for the Chuck Wagon Gang is only matched by their love for her and Stan. During Shaye's performance, Robbie could be seen standing throughout the duration of the song, with a gleam of deep appreciation in her eyes. Shaye's current priorities of raising two young sons, have required her to spend more time at home than being on the 'road' allows. She has been teaching choral music in High School in Kings Mountain, NC. She says that she enjoys choral teaching very much, but dearly misses filling her grandmother Anna's shoes at the alto position, a position she proudly filled for so many years.

Joining Shaye and the Gang for the first time in several years, was Melissa Kemper, and her husband Jamie, from Groveton, TX. Melissa was the soprano for the group for four and a half years, and traveled extensively during that time. Her clear soprano joined with Shaye's alto on some of their favorites, as they stepped into Julie's and Penny's positions. For many who had followed the Gang during Melissa's and Shaye's time with the group, it was a tremendous treat to once again hear them sing together, along with Stan and Dave. Of course, many commented after the concert how similar the different combinations of the group sounded. All of it was so reminiscent of the original group. Melissa, like Shaye, has young children and a husband who needed her attention. It was a difficult decision, but a correct one, to come off the road in 2005.

The current group, Dave, Stan, Julie and Penny are always thrilled to share the stage with their predecessors and hope that it will work out for next year. Anyone who missed this year's exciting concert, needs to plan to come next year. Maybe there will be another mystery guest. The concert will be held at the GA Baptist Assembly, Norman Park, June 19, 2010. For more information, you may call 229-985-3375.