The History of Brumley Music and Gospel Concerts & Festivals
After a Co-Op meeting in Vinita, OK in 1968, Albert E. Brumley and J.D. Sumner talked about the need for a gospel singing event in the Ozarks. After searching for a venue the only place big enough for what the two envisioned was the Parsons Rodeo Arena in Springdale, AR. Albert E. Brumley and two of his sons, Bob and Bill, promoted the event in August 1969, and the Brumley Sundown to Sunup Sing was born!
2010 Brumley MusicFest™
History
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The 3rd Generation of Brumleys
The Brumley Sing started as a one-night concert and featured the top southern gospel acts of the time. It was the largest outdoor gospel event, known as the “Granddaddy of Gospel Sings”.
The concert moved indoors to Fayetteville, AR in 2001, and for the last four years, Lebanon, MO has been proud to be the host for the Brumley Sing, which celebrated its 41st event in 2009, and has grown to four nights plus two matinees, and draws people of all ages from around the globe.
In addition to the big Brumley Gospel Sing, the Brumley family and Powell, MO previously hosted the Hill and Hollow Folk Festival, from 1969 to 1993. Right in the middle of “Memory Valley” next to the river that ran alongside Albert Brumley’s home, folks would bring their lawn chairs and listen to three days/two nights of blue grass, Grand Ol’ Oprey, and gospel music, from top artists and local performers alike. The Hill and Hollow also served as one of the earlier “arts and crafts” festivals, with crafters offering canned goods, word work and furniture, paintings, and other classic memorabilia.
Keeping the tradition and family business going strong, Bob’s daughters Elaine and Betsy -- the next generation -- are excited to be bringing great entertainment with that Brumley quality fans have come to love BACK to Arkansas and the four-state area. We look forward to seeing you at the Brumley MusicFest!
The Dixie Echoes at Cowan Convention Center
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Requests from the Hollywood movie scene, Pop, Country and The Gospel Music fields are received almost daily for use of Albert E. Brumley songs. Recent recordings of "I'll Fly Away" include: Ronnie Milsap, Crystal Gayle, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Kanye West, Jars of Clay, and Alison Krauss, Aretha Franlkin (Princess Diana Tribute Album), Wynonna & Gary Chapman (for the movie, "The Apostle"), The Bellamy Brothers. In addition, many other great Brumley compositions have been recorded by such artists as: Elvis, The Oak Ridge Boys, Boston Pops Orchestra, The Supremes, Ray Charles, Statler Brothers, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans just to name a few.
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons”
“O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
“The Apostle”
“Fly Away”
(All Angels)
