The Quartet Gospel Community across the world is in mourning today. Dennis Bowers, guitar player and sometime lead singer of The Legendary Singing Stars, died on this morning. The group was scheduled to perform in Augusta, Georgia, last night. We understand Mr. Bowers became ill and eventually was taken to the hospital.

Mr. Bowers was one of the lead guitar players for The Legendary Singing Stars. He was an accomplished musician. If you were privilege to see the group in concert, you know Dennis would strum unimaginable chords with his guitar. He had a way of making his guitar “talk” to you. He was part of the trio (along with Sam Williams and Big O) that made The Singing Stars’ band sound like 6 or 7 musicians when in fact there were only the three.

On the group’s 2002 release Going To See My Friends, Mr. Bowers sang lead on “For This I Give Your Name the Praise,” “Don’t Leave Me Jesus” and “Doing It All for My Savior.” After the passing of the group’s anchor, Tommy Ellison, Mr. Bowers took over more of the lead duties.

Funeral arrangements at this time are not complete. Visit Quartet Central Message Board for updates on the arrangements.

***SC Gospel Quartet Radio will broadcast a special tribute to Mr. Bowers beginning Monday, August 9, 2010, through the date of his Home Going Services.

In 2003 The Shepherds released the CD Trilogy. In 2007 they released the CD Tribute. Both CDs were on the Amen Record Label and were received well by gospel music fans.

The group’s new CD, titled New Beginnings, is on Strawberry Vinyl Records Label. The title reflects that fact that there are new personnel in the group. Musician Lonnie Clark was formerly with The Flint Cavaliers. And, Dandre Williams is now the percussionist for the group.

There are 14 songs of the new CD. There is the down home ‘let’s go to church’ God Can. Radio Angels should like this particular track. It is sure to have listeners call to say “play that one again.” And, the same can be said about You Can’t Stop Me and Turn It Over.

In addition to the old fashion church songs, there are two bonus Christmas songs on the CD. They are Away In A Manger and Jesus, Wonderful Child.

According to The Shepherds, “We want to present Christ and draw people through his anointing. Our message is music ministry with the word of God blended together to give Him our most excellent praise.”

Well, they have reached their goal with the new release. When you put this CD in your player, get ready for a praise and worship service.

Listen to songs from the CD during Gloryland Gospel Radio’s Quartet Gospel Mix on July 27, 2010.