The Song Masters - The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference

From my vast gospel collection one of the most remarkable sounds in gospel music - The Song Masters, the late Joel Kelsey, Marcy Kelsey Beckett, and her son Dale Shipley -Perfect Heart former lead- anchor the group's usual five part harmony. Marcy's female baritone voice, blending with Dale, perhaps one of the best lead singers of all time, with exceptional arrangements, duets, switching parts, solos, they were truly song masters. Both Johnny Cook and Debra Talley got a boost from time spent singing with these dedicated singers. Their sound is unique. Settle back and just be blessed.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Song
• Masters
• Quartet
• southern
• gospel
• music
• inspirational
• vintage
• 1970's
• five-part
• harmony

[jok1958]

To all of you who have commented it makes my heart happy to know others who my father, Joel Kelsey. I am his oldest daughter and would love to hear more from all of you. He is truly missed everyday by my brother and sisters. Don thank you so much for posting these. It brought tears to my eyes when I opened what my sister had found. I long to hear his voice at times but one day I will hear it again. Thank you all.

[donsportal]

It was my privilege to have known your father, and be counted as a friend. I was in Bible College when I was introduced to Joel, Marcy and the group. I even auditioned once, to replace Johnnie ( the tall one in the middle of the picture), but I was closer to a baritone. They ended up hiring Johnny Cook - the rest is history. I often listen to this entire album and remember those great times. They would sing anywhere and do anything for anybody. Glad this posting blessed you!

[donsportal]

Again, as with another post on another of their songs, there will be more to come. Their records are out of print and hard to find. That's where people like me come in. I got to know them personally during the early '70's. Thanks to You Tube we can revisit their music. You may remember Dale Shipley, who is the son here singing the lead part, he was the lead singer with Perfect Heart during the '90's. Their material will be easier to locate. Thanks again.

[RoseGarden1994]

@jok1958 When I found this site on-line,I ws in tears.So many wonderful memories of your family.The first time I heard your Dad preach was at an old-time tent meeting outside McNeil,Mississippi.Then we went to First Baptist Church in Carriere,Mississippi many times during the 70s'.We came to know and love the group.I can still hear Bro.Joel,Marcy and Trudy in my heart.I have a record still of Bro.Joel preaching and a record of them singing.I still listen to them and my heart is blessed

[MegaShelby33]

They don't make music like this any more. I was raised on this type of music and I still love it today!! Thank you for the post!! If there is any more, would love to hear more!!

[gloria120304]

@jok1958 your dad and marcy, debbie, buddy blunkall, they came to our church in lebanon, ohio quite often for our revival services. Oh how their singing blessed me as a child. I also know Jack Schuler to . Oh bless you and your family, May God bless you so richly. Hearing them sing takes me back to some wonderful times in my life.

[JWOODS7535]

Love the Songmasters! We had them to come and do a couple of concerts at Southside Baptists Church in Martin, TN around 1970. Joe preached a revival for us. Those were great days. I had 2 quartets that I followed around West Tennessee during those days - The Songmasters from Milan and the Monarchs from.Jonesboro, Arkansas. Love to see them placed on youtube.

[amigamaria001]

Now that is tight harmony that you just don't hear anymore! wonderful

[uapdcop]

Now this brought back memories. My dad knew & absolutely loved the Song Masters.  Thank you for posting.

[MCDragonboi35]

You very rarely find music like this anymore. My parents have their records, I used to lay on the floor in front of the speaker and take my Sunday afternoon nap listening to The Song Masters and The Tommy Drewett Family, again thanks for sharing

[24kevinB]

They sing this so Beautiful. They testimony that is sang in this song is one that will never die. I thank God for being who He is.

[deb4kicks]

I grew up on the Song Masters. They would come to our church and we had some records. They had such an impact on my life. Thank God for them!

[W8NSVARRL]

Well Glory !!!!!  Yes what difference it can make. I have a very-very difference version of this song that will just rip your heart right out. Oh Lord what a Story I could tell every one of you. Thank You Lord for Calvary! For by his blood so shall I be saved! He spared my life three times. And I give my soul to Christ the Lord. Thank you for this version of the song.