07 LC 96
2669
Senate
Resolution 574
By:
Senator Pearson of the 51st
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
The Marksmen Quartet on the occasion of their 40th anniversary; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
in 2007, The Marksmen Quartet of Murrayville celebrate their 40th anniversary of
sharing their talents on the stage, through radio and television broadcasts, and
audio recordings with the vocal and compositional artistry that continues to
distinguish their home state of Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
from his early days as a Southern Gospel music mainstay, Dr. Earle Wheeler has
led some of Georgia's finest quartet singers and musicians in venues such as the
televised Gospel
Singing Jubilee to the stages of the Grand
Ole Opry and many of the famous All Night Sings, promoted by Southern Gospel
Music Hall of Famer J.G. Whitfield; and
WHEREAS,
in the 1970's, the Marksmen's musical sound moved toward the traditional music
of the North Georgia Mountains, opening up an entirely new creative direction
for gospel quartets and creating a performance that many quartets now imitate;
and
WHEREAS,
in recognition of their outstanding musical accomplishments, The Marksmen
Quartet have received 23 bluegrass and country music industry awards, including
four Country Gospel Quartet of the Year awards and four Gospel Bluegrass Band of
the Year (Contemporary) Awards; and
WHEREAS,
The Marksmen Quartet have enriched the radio airways and the collections of
countless gospel music fans with 40 album releases, including more than 400
songs; and
WHEREAS,
above any other goal, the group is dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus
Christ through song with their millions of listeners worldwide; and
WHEREAS,
the current members of The Marksmen Quartet are Earle Wheeler and his son Mark
Wheeler, Darrin Chambers, and Davey Wailer; and
WHEREAS,
the The Marksmen Quartet would not exist without the support of their loving
families, and they continue a long tradition of Georgia gospel music honoring
each former member of the group, including Frank Grindle, Sonny Seabolt, Little
Roy Abee, Jr., Bobby Barnes, Jerry Phillips, Swayne Brown, David England, Keith
Chambers, Mike Brooks, Darrell Bagwell, Doug Freeman, Rob Gillentine, Randall
Franks, Nicky Powell, John Shook, and Tommy Dutton.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend
The Marksmen Quartet of Murrayville, Georgia, on the occasion of their 40th
anniversary, congratulate them on their years of musical excellence, and extend
to them their sincerest best wishes for their future health and
success.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to The Marksmen Quartet.