It was in 1953, that I recall hearing and seeing my first Gospel quartet. The Gospelaires from Fresno had come to my home church, the Riverbank Assembly of God, for a Sunday afternoon concert. At that time the Daniels brothers--JC, Wilbur, and Raymond--were singing with bass singer Don Smith, with Wilma Daniels, Wilbur's twin sister, playing piano. I was only 6 years old, but I can remember the excitement that this group brought to our little church. The house was full, as the Gospelaires had gained much popularity through their daily broadcasts on KMJ. My Dad bought a stack of 78 records, which I still possess today. My favorite song was "Riding the Range for Jesus," which tied together Gospel music and the western genre, which had captured me as a boy. In the years to come, our family would faithfully listen to the radio program of the Gospelaires. Little did I realize that Wilbur and I would become good friends some 50 years later, as my family would be invited to sing at his monthly concerts in Fresno with his group, the Chordsmen. During the past decade, Wilbur and his lovely wife Deena have worked hard to establish what has become Fresno's biggest Gospel singing. The hundreds who attend have truly fallen in love with Wilbur, whose charming personality has made him a household name among Central California's Gospel fans. The Chordsmen performed on the main stage at this years Fan Fest in Fresno. It was there that I got a copy of The Daniels Family DVD-"Glad Reunion Day." It has several hours of footage featuring their musical reunion a year ago, as well as photos and video from years gone by. I can truly say that I have never enjoyed anything more than this wonderful DVD. We will be presenting Wilbur and the Chordsmen at our 8th Annual Memorial Day Gospel Fest in Turlock on May 25. Be sure to come out and enjoy Wilbur and his quartet, and be sure to purchase his DVD of The Daniels. Our family has been greatly blessed and encouraged by our dear friend, Wilbur Daniels. We pray that God will grant him many more wonderful years of singing! Herb Henry | ||||
