Brumley Sing takes Missouri by storm
LEBANON – If the first Brumley Sing is any indication, this Mid-Missouri city has become the long-term home of one of the nation’s largest Southern Gospel Music events.
Approximately 30,000 fans packed the Cowan Civic Center on the evenings of Aug. 2, 3, 4 and 5 to hear 30 groups, individual singers and comedians at the 38th Annual Brumley Gospel Sing. The response by fans and hospitality extended by the citizens of Lebanon prompted Bob Brumley, event organizer, to announce on Aug. 3 that the Brumley Sing will return to the same venue in 2007.
“The community itself has been so outgoing,” Sam Allen, Lebanon’s community service director told The Lebanon Daily Record Aug. 3. “We’ve had people from 38 states and five Canadian provinces here and I’ve had people stop me and put their arms around me and thank us for having this event here in Lebanon. It’s been the entire community backing this event.”
The Brumley Sing is named after the legendary songwriter Albert E. Brumley, whose publishing company continues to operate in Powell under the direction of his son, Robert. Albert Brumley penned approximately 700 songs including gospel standards like I’ll Fly Away, Jesus, Hold My Hand, Turn Your Radio On, I’ll Meet You in the Morning and If We Never Meet Again. Requests to use Albert Brumley songs are still received from the Hollywood movie industry, Pop, Country and Gospel Music fields.
The Brumley Sing began in 1969 in Springdale, Ark., and was held for 33 years at the Parsons Rodeo Arena.
“We just wanted to move to an inside venue,” said Robert Brumley, adding nothing but praise for the Cowan Civic Center and the citizens of Lebanon.
Among the more than two dozen Southern Gospel groups performing were: The Lesters, The Florida Boys, Dixie Melody Boys, Greater Vision, The McKameys, Chuck Wagon Gang, Palmetto State Quartet, and The Kingsmen.
For information on the 2007 Brumley Sing go to www.brumleymusic.com or call 1-800-435-3725.