Hovie Lister & The Statesmen: An American Classic | 1995

[@JasPlun]

As a kid my parents did not take us to Church like they should have, but later on she began to go again and attended a little Assembly of God church in west, TX. During that time I remember her always listening to southern gospel and hearing it as a child it ministered to me in ways I had not known until later in life. Later in the early 90's Jesus finally found me and I surrendered my life to him and was born again. After I was saved I remembered how much I loved Southern Gospel especially the Happy Goodman family, but you could barely find any of it anywhere. The popularity had gone so low in that area you would just find a few here and there. I would buy up what I could find and listen to it daily and it helped me in my new walk with Jesus. I wanted more of it so bad, but it was hard to find much. When these Gaither videos started I was like a sponge taking in the water , but with music. I got to know many of these old singers I grew up hearing, but never seen before. It was almost like the Lord gave me a chance to experience what many of you experienced many years before I was born. I am so glad God used Bill to bring back Southern Gospel and introduce it to another generation of people. Loved Hovie every time they let him perform! If you ever wonder if what your doing for Jesus is doing anything you may be surprised because God's word and the work you put into it does not always manifest itself instantly, sometimes it may be years down the road somebody grasp what you were doing. So do not get weary in well doing for God always blesses his word and it never returns void it will accomplish what it was set to do even if it takes awhile.

[@charlespace7278]

My father would take me over to Asheville to hear the gospel groups sing in pack square. They were outdoor concerts. I was under 5 years old but I remember when the Statesmen were there it was standing room only. I would fall asleep on Dads lap listening to this group. Wonderful memories.

[@dilnecarvalho6675]

ometimes I wonder why God took Denver and Big chief so early, even more so that we have these videos, which only prove that they were the best, Big chief was the country of the bass, his limb, his charm enchants us today, Thank you Bill for bringing us these pearls. today is April 16, 2021, in the pandemic, you are my breath.

[@billsmith3195]

Bill Gaither. I have throughly enjoyed this reunion. Thank you for your never ending productions in the gospel music. God bless.

[@graciebentley1421]

I totally agree

[@graciebentley1421]

Thank you for singing the song I met the Master....I'm so thankful that I am His and He is mine.

[@JerryJones-n7t]

What memories, i love gospel music and all those pioneers that spent their lives so we can enjoy it forever!❤

[@thomasrichard890]

Outstanding.....what a blessing.....As a teen, listening to Hovie and the Statesmen propelled me into playing piano for a gospel quartet..... Half a century later....I'm still playing and singing their music.....to God be the glory...... From Canada.

[@graciebentley1421]

Bill and Gloria Gaither thank you so very much for all of the programs, videos and music that you have given to the world to enjoy. Much love and appreciation from 71yr old Gracie from Detroit Michigan

[@JerryPhillips-dt3ij]

ThAnks Mr gather

[@dr.donald]

The Statesmen profoundly influenced me in the '50s as a teenager and it was as Rosie sang, "O What a Savior," I surrendered to the ministry. Years later, they would come to my churches as the Master Five. They were not only the best quartet ever, they were men who loved Jesus and were so kind and encouraging to their thousands of fans. I am sure they are blessing the saints in heaven. We will see you soon Hovie, Jake, Rosie, Doy, and Big Chief!

[@joanncarroll4068]

Aqa

[@keithfaulk1354]

When I was about 10 years old my parents used to go to the all night gospel sing in Waycross Georgia every year.. I met and talked to Big Cheif one time for a few minutes and I will never forget it long as I live, RIP to them all !!❤❤

[@HollywoodGraham]

Probably the greatest gospel Group of all times...

[@robbyblack2699]

I haves watched every quartet and individual singer biography that Bill has put out, and I can tell you now, This one is the best of them all.

[@jlcclassof01]

Thank you so much for uploading this video to KZbin. I am at a point in my life that I need a lot of upliftment due to physical and mental problems. I grew up listening to Classic Southern Gospel Music and this really touched my heart. Hovie and my grandfather were the same age and I always felt connected to their generation more than my own.

[@JerryPhillips-dt3ij]

Bill wood you put on owhat a time with Mr hovie singing it thanks. Jerry

[@Bandikoi]

I remember sitting in the living room at 4 Way Grocery in Henderson, Tn in front of the console radio with a 78 rpm record player and a whole bunch of their records. I was about 10 at the time and still listening at 83 years young.

[@onekittyhawk63]

So many have stepped over the threshold. You all are dearly missed. Looking forward to seeing you again.

[@larrydewein401]

I've listened and followed the Statemen for over 60 years!

[@seahoss4548]

As a fan since childhood (now 78) this was SENSATIONAL!!! Thanks for posting. WOW!!!

[@truebluehead9587]

This was AWESOME!!!! Gaither is such a lucky man!!!!

[@paulshuler5512]

This was music at its best. Every person is very accomplished in what they did.

[@joanncarroll4068]

Qq

[@marianfernwood6945]

The first Homecoming video was my and my late husband's favorite. Your CD's carried me through his death, relocation from WV to TX and on to WY now, 04-13-21. I surely enjoyed all these songs and artists. Heaven on earth.

[@garrettbooth20]

Greatest Quartet/Band/Artists/Musicians singing about THE GREAT and PERFECT ONE!

[@richardcline1337]

I have loved the Statesmen ever since, as a teenager, I saw them in concert in my hometown along with the original Dixie Echoes. What a night! Big Chief, Jake Hess, Doy Ott and Rosie Roselle with Hovie Lister.....best quartet ever! They set the standard by which all others are measured by even today.

[@harrietbredehoft6578]

So many wonderful memoried! Thank you for posting this....

[@vilmacoken7167]

This video was so precious and encouraging. My husband and I will be married 66 years on Wed. but he is in a Nursing Home with dementia, so he won't understand much when I visit him. Thank God we will soon be together celebrating anniversaries in an eternal Home of forever peace. I was so impressed when Hobie shared of being in a deep place of discouragement, and it was your obedience Bill, in contacting him that drew him back into the loving arms of the Lord. We NEED each other!

[@shannonbradleyfisher3405]

As a young girl, the sweetest compliment I ever received was that I bounced around and played like Mr. Hovie. Oh, I can hold my own but Hovie Lister was of the elite. 63 now and going down memory lane. Letting the tears fall. So many i grew up with have gone on to be with the Lord. Thank you for posting these videos

[@greggriffin3422]

Hello! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!....Stay safe

[@AR-dm7ze]

Doy was a member of the church I grew up in during his latter days. His rich voice was as silk (he sang his solos there in his natural deeper voice). I can see him standing behind the pulpit singing "Where Could I Go?" so very beautifully. Sometimes he'd sit at the piano and accompany himself. He was also a local chiropractor. His son was a few years younger than I am and was my friend and his beautiful wife Mary was so poised and elegant. Wonderful memories. So handsome and kind. Like they said in this video "most underrated singer of all time". He was incredible. I also remember him standing and speaking one Sunday evening shortly after he'd been a pallbearer at Elvis's funeral and telling our church about it all. Such a precious soul. I miss these so much now.

[@robertsallee8158]

Thanks Bill, it’s good to hear some of these old great songs. I remember going with my family as a kid to hear the Statesmen’s Quartet in Ohio. Thanks again.

[@harrietbredehoft6578]

I just wish I could see them in concert one more time, singing Get Away, Jordan!

[@JD-ij5fi]

There was nothing like it before or since!!

[@CadillacL]

The Statesmen were WAY ahead of their time. They set a new standard for sure.

[@marianfernwood6945]

Also, Bill & Gloria, some of your songs were in my husband's funeral. Unforgettable.

[@glenguiney3698]

This story and historical music of Hovie Lister and the Statesmen Quartet came into my life at the perfect time and I could identify with Hovie and his time of so many hurts, failures, physical pains, anger, feeling that nobody cares (especially people of the Church and Faith, and most of all -feelings of deep disconnect with God!! At age 67 and having almost word for word the identical Christian bringing up-I have sadly almost word for word been experiencing those feelings about and towards people and wondering: “where is God when it hurts?”. BUT MY BEST CONNECTION TO HOVIE’S STORY IS THAT FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS STARTING ON EPIPHANY 2021-I HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH MY OWN EPIPHANY WITH GOD -AND A REBIRTH OF TRUSTING GOD FULLY THROUGH THIS WILDERNESS IF SUFFERING AND PAIN AND LOSS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND POSSE

[@glenguiney3698]

( continued)POSSESSIONS, ETC. Life is too short to hold a grudge-God will take care of everything “IN HIS TIME “! This Personal Epiphany has been, and continues daily to be a JOYFUL REBIRTH! I must add that it also like Hovie Lister’s experience , in that it has come about through the ministries of Bill and Gloria Gaither and there inspiration and obedience to God in producing and making available all of these videos and recordings!! Thank you Bill and Gloria AND THANKS BE TO GOD!!!! * One last comment regarding my connection to Hovie Lister: Growing up in West Lafayette, Indiana a d throughout my teens, I rarely ever missed a chance to travel to 60 miles to downtown Indianapolis (where I now reside) to the old CADLE TABERNACLE AUDITORIUM for the regularly scheduled ALL NIGHT SINGING CONVENTIONS where I got to hear and become familiar with all of thes different Gospel Singing Groups and Gospel Quartets!! Those usually ended around midnight or after and I became entwined in Gospel Quartet music all my life! My idol and mentor in learning to sing bass was none other than J. D. SUMNER! But an extension of the All Night Sings at CADLE TABERNACLE- and my most memorable occasion to hear Hovie Lister, was the one summer when we had about twice the number of Gospel Quartets and held a “literal All Night Sing the whole night long at the Bush Baseball Stadium ( home of the Indianapolis Indians Baseball Team)! It took place on a hot Saturday Night and ended with a Sunday Morning Sunrise Service ! I There were so many quartets, that I can’t remember all of them-BUT MY ONE BIGGEST MEMORY OF THAT NIGHT WAS THAT REV. HOVIE LISTER PREACHED AT THE SUNDAY MORNING SUNRISE SERVICE-and I shall always fondly remember him for a wonderful sermon that Sunday Morning back in about 1968 !

[@garyteague4480]

Great testimony

[@kwiringiradarlington8276]

We are still enjoying the old time memories

[@suziboggus5206]

Being one that was raised in Macon, Georgia, I never heard of this group. I was just a little kid then, but, I do believe if I had heard them sing, I would have been a fan from then on! I LOVE listening to them!!

[@greggriffin3422]

Hello! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!....Stay safe

[@hendrikjandeboer2551]

One of the best Gaither shows.

[@memphismaverick100]

I really enjoyed this, thank you 🙏

[@karolanderson3105]

Jake's big smile gets your attention they all have great personalities

[@CadillacL]

Whoa! I remember watching this in tv. I’ve been trying to find this, on KZbin, for years.. Thanks for posting. God bless.

[@eloisehannah6165]

Long time fan Remember well

[@tedwhitus]

I remember watching them on tv way back then. I have always liked them. They are sorely missed.

[@richmosley4307]

WHAT A BLESSING THIS HAS BEEN. THANK YOU BILL

[@leonamarshall7551]

This is extraordinary!

[@montalbull]

Thanks for share, this is so precious!

[@missylindsey7624]

I really like their songs.

[@BillVol]

One more...it's Jim Wetherington (no a). I make that mistake all the time! Thanks for linking this. God bless.

[@magdelenelouw558]

I. Love. Them thank. You Bill

[@toddhawk9921]

The best! No other quartet compares. Unfortunately, fans today have no idea how sharp The Statesmen really were.

[@kingward8426]

This is true, and had they been around for advent of orchestration tracks for Southern Gospel, they would have been even more dominant, if that were possible.

[@MrBobaloo22]

A lot of similarities between great WHITE gospel groups and great BLACK gospel groups - I am reminded that God loves ALL of his children and gives the gift of music freely - but some of us (for instance, The Statesmen) get an “extra heaping helping” of the gift of music! Such talent!!!

[@michaelplummer395]

i love the way Hovie plays and grind and those eyebrows jump up and down!

[@esetamoors2226]

I'm talking about Hovie Lister and Jake Hess

[@Djm8520]

With Denver, greatest quartet ever. 2nd place, the Statesmen with Rosie. 3rd place, Jake Hess and the Imperials.

[@LeanoSamwinga]

First place Statesmen 1954-57, second place Blackwood Brothers Quartet 1952-54, third place Jake Hess & The Imperials 1963-68

[@cathyhorton3440]

Still a blessing always still 🙏🙏🙌🙌🎶🎤✝️

[@mcaducker]

I used to have this on VHS.

[@fazbell]

LOVE Hovie Lister.

[@randall-latorres]

Wow!!!

[@sharonpinner1207]

Magnificent!!!

[@sandybuckner3282]

The BEST there ever was

[@richardmoreland4510]

Love The Statesmen

[@mikemedlin9176]

Best Quartet Ever

[@michaelholman517minKC]

You don’t happen to have either the Blackwood Family reunion video or the Lefevres video put out by Bill Gaither do you?

[@michaelplummer395]

The greatest!

[@clydeannemauldin8041]

I have a lot of statesmen cassettes. Nothing to play them on. Does any one know where I can find cds

[@billcherry5852]

I prefer the Statesman to all of the other quartets that have been featured on the Gaither programs.

[@Eddie_Schantz]

Was Hovie & Mosie Lister related? I know they were not brothers.

[@shirleymclean4594]

cosins

[@shannonbradleyfisher3405]

No relation. I always thought they were

[@junemarshall6680]

I am not happy with this video. Doy Ott was one of the ones that was longest with the Statesmen and he was a fantastic baritone singer and soloist. He also played the piano and the accordion and was always smiling and cheering others up. Yet they made so little of him in this video, not even an example of him singing. It spoiled the whole video for me.

[@Samanir93]

Yes, they should've shown more of Doy. Unfortunately, he gets overlooked many a times.

[@esetamoors2226]

Oh goodness all this time I thought these two are brothets cause they do look alike but they're not.Just brothers in Christ.

[@graciebentley1421]

Bill said that one song got the statesmen in trouble...but why?

[@LeanoSamwinga]

It used modern harmonies which included the sixth to form a Imaj6 or vim7 chord.