While preparing a Black History Month Radio Broadcast celebration, we came across an interest fact. And that is – Reggie (Wilson) Funderburke has sung with many of the legendary groups in gospel music. Who is Reggie? Well, you may remember him as the featured lead singers with the late Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters. A closer look at his resume reveals that he was also with The Highway QC’s, The Gospel Aires, The Brooklyn Allstars and The Soul Stirrers. His voice has been described as having a “range that carries you from a romantic baritone/bass to an angelic falsetto without missing a note.”

After such an endorsement of his vocals, we had to listen again to the project he released in 2008. The group Anointed Temples accompanies Reggie on this project. Interestingly, although we had played this CD many times before, we did not notice that the CD image (credits) actually lists him as formerly of The Soul Stirrers. The CD is titled I Found In Him A Friend. There are nine songs on the CD and Reggie really puts his all into each song. And yes, the project will remind you of all of the groups mentioned above. What a great CD to start the celebration of Black History Month in gospel music.

Rev. Reginald Marshall’s introduction to quartet gospel began at a very young age. He recalls that “as a young boy growing up in Crockett, Texas, I would be laying in bed many nights, listening to 1510, WLAC, out of Nashville, Tennessee.” He goes on to say “it was during that time, that I heard groups such as The Pilgrim Jubilees, Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, The Williams Brothers, The Jackson Southernaires, The Swanee Quintet, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and many more.”

Rev. Marshall was so impressed with what he heard that he developed a passion for singing. He and several friends, who also liked singing, formed a “Gospel Quartet” group called “The Silver Stars of Harmony.”

For many years he traveled the country singing Gospel Quartet music. In 1985, he turned his attention to becoming a Gospel Announcer. His initial radio program was only 15 minutes on KIVY 92.7 FM, Crockett, Texas. After several years with KIVY, he was offered a one hour show at KBHT 93.5 FM, in Crockett, Texas. At KBHT he had all Gospel Quartet Music program. In 1997, he became a Radio Angel with KNES 99.1FM, in Fairfield, Texas.

In addition to his radio duties, he is the CEO of 24 Hour Gospel Network, the Founder of Gospel Showcase Radio Network‘s (a 24 Hour Gospel Internet Station). He serves as the host for the “Gospel Showcase Radio Network“, streaming “LIVE” Sunday nights from 6:00PM – 10:00PM (CST). He is also a licensed and Ordained Minister, as well as a Certified Chaplain Volunteer Assistant (CCVA), certified by the State of Texas to conduct prison ministry work.

He is indeed a outstanding Radio Angel that loves gospel quartet music. And, we sincerely appreciate all that he does for this genre.

There will be a great gathering of quartet gospel groups and fans on March 6, 2010, in Florence, SC. The event – The Blockbuster Showdown! This will be the 30th Anniversary of the Blockbuster. In addition to music by the Nation’s Number One Gospel Quartet Group, attendees will be treated to 11 major gospel quartet artists. From The Williams Brothers, to Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites, to Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires, to The Brooklyn Allstars, this program presents a lineup of some of the best quartet groups in gospel music. The actual flier, with the entire lineup for the program, can be seen at Gloryland Gospel.

In addition to the big event, there will be a program on March 5, 2010, to select a group to participate during the actual Blockbuster Showdown on March 6, 2010. The promoter invites all to “the evening prior to the Blockbuster Showdown Gold Cup Award to enjoy the “On the Way to Blockbuster” showdown concert and competition. This Gospel competition consists of local and regional artists competing for the ultimate prize – - – a chance to perform at the 2010 Blockbuster Showdown and opportunity for the Gold Cup. Runner up secures a spot to perform in the 2011 Blockbuster Showdown.”