Gospel music, whose traditional roots have influenced many styles of music over the years, was first popularized largely thanks to James D. Vaughan, who started in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

Vaughan is widely hailed as the founder of Southern Gospel Music because of his work as a musician, music teacher, publisher, and radio station owner. The James D. Vaughan Quartet Festival will be held July 24-27 to celebrate his influence on gospel music’s past, present, and future.

In the 1900s, Vaughan started publishing his own music to promote his quartet. James D. Vaughan Music Publishing Company eventually grew to be one of the biggest publishers in the country and sponsored touring quartets to sell songbooks that we still sing in churches and revivals today. Vaughan’s radio station, WOAN, brought gospel to the masses.

This year’s lineup includes some of the biggest names in Southern Gospel Music.

At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, you will hear the music of the Greater Vision, Mark Trammell Quartet, Guardians, and a special rare appearance by the Second Half Quartet.

Thursday, July 25, at 7:00 p.m., will feature The Inspirations, Gold City, Mylon Hayes Family, and The Whisnants.

Friday, July 26, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a Dove Brothers Quartet and a Spencer Family (JB, Barbara, Kevin, Geniece) Reunion along with the Kingsmen and the world-famous Chuck Wagon Gang.

Gaither Homecoming Artist Ernie Haase & Signature Sound are scheduled for a performance on Saturday, July 27, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The Saturday all-star line-up includes the Triumphant Quartet, The Perrys, Down East Boys, and Josh & Ashley Franks.

Two additional FREE matinee shows will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Music Hymn Sing will return on Thursday and feature Greater Vision, Mark Trammell Quartet, Mylon Hayes Family, Whisnants, Jim & Melissa Brady, and the Hymn Sing Band. The Dixie Echoes & the Blackwood Brothers will sing traditional quartet music on Friday.

Host Quartet and Lawrenceburg’s own, The Kellys, will appear during the week.

Josh Franks will be the MC for the entire festival.

Lawrenceburg, known as the birthplace of Southern Gospel, celebrates the life and the music Mr. Vaughan loved each year downtown at the historic Crockett Theater. For more information or tickets, call 1-931-762-4231. You may also order your tickets online at www.lawrenceburgtn.gov.

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