When I began to write “The Gospel Music Corner” I said that not only would the feature be about groups and artist but also about folks who had made an impact on the gospel music industry. This week’s feature is without question about one person who has impacted the gospel music industry nationwide, as well as the upstate, as much if not more than any other person. This person is Charles (Charlie) Waller, “The Grand Ole Gospel Man.” Charlie is one of the more colorful people in Southern Gospel Music. He loves traditional Southern Gospel Music and works tirelessly to promote and preserve it. Charlie was born in 1948 (a very good year) in Waynesboro Mississippi. Today he divides his time between Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Georgia.
The Grand Ole Gospel Reunion will be in Greenville again this year. The date for this year’s reunion is August 14th through the 16st.
Charlie’s background is well-rounded in the gospel music field. He began as a DJ in New Orleans and while there promoted his first concert in 1971. He formed the Southern Gospel Music Association of Georgia in the late 70’s. Today Charlie is on the advisory board of the Southern Gospel Music Association and was very active in the opening of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Charlie is the executive producer of the Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame induction ceremony at Dollywood and is also the executive director of the Southern Gospel Music Association and Hall of Fame.
If the above were not enough to keep Charlie busy, he also put together The Florida Boys Quartet. As most of you know, the Florida Boys announced their retirement about 2 years ago so Charlie is caring on the name. If you would like to have the Florida Boys at your concert or event please contact me.
I could not do an article about Charlie without a reminder about the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. The exciting part about this year’s event is that it will be back in Greenville, the place where it all begin in 1988.
You can go online at www.grandolegospelre
union.com or call 864-421-3889 to order tickets and packages of the many events surrounding the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. Make plans to attend and as always you can contact me at 864-979-9626 or 864-895-
1287 about tickets or any other comments or questions. Hope to see you at this year’s reunion.