The Fowler family of Tennessee and Mississippi is a large family with many talented people. One of the talents prevalent in the group is the gift of song. Four generations of Fowlers have been professional gospel singers for as much as sixty years. It is said within the family that "if a newborn doesn’t come out singing, we send them back!"

The idea began after Eva Logan passed away, with a phone call from a musically talented and sincerely caring cousin, John Blankenship, who said "we want to help." He suggested holding a benefit to raise funds for VHL research.

In September 2002 several prominent groups participated in a Gospel Music Extravaganza in a very beautiful, ornate auditorium in Corinth, Mississippi. Friends and relations gathered to remember Eva, to honor those who are still living with VHL, and to raise money for VHL research. The evening was a stunning success that not only raised $5100 for research on VHL but raised awareness of VHL among Northeast Mississippi and West Tennessee folks.

*Tom Richerson, Larry Evans, James Richerson and Eddie Long of the Father's Four*

Altogether nine groups donated their time and talent and helped to raise $5100 for VHL research. We were thrilled with the event, and with the warmth and comradeship everyone experienced. We were very moved by the support we received from the performers and from our community.

Mary Ann Johnson and Starr Gunn sang duets including a particular favorite, "There is Always Enough. The reason, they say, is "No matter what the case may be, and there always seems to be a case these days, there is always enough of God’s love and grace and mercy to get us through whatever situation we have to face."

The Father’s Four sang selections from their latest album. "Our earthly fathers and mothers played a vital part in nurturing, training, and encouraging us to sing for The Lord since our youth. Our desire is to pass this tradition on to future generations through our sons and daughters."

Trevor Williams, a local pharmacist, added his beautiful tenor to the evening. Brenda Barbour added her strong alto voice and spirit-filled delivery. Courtney Johnson, age 13, was the youngest talent in the show. She has won several local talent contests in the West Tennessee Area.

The Harmony Trio, made up of Linda Fowler Skinner, Brenda Fowler Jones and Cornelia Hall, daughter of Carrie Fowler Thomas, grew up a singing family. "Our grandfather Fowler taught singing in schools. Out of grandfather and grandmother’s children there was a sisters quartet who sang mostly at the home church and surrounding churches, and a brothers quarter (The Fowler Brothers Quartet) who traveled around the country singing for sixty years." Most of their singing is in churches, schools, and for fundraisers in their local communities around Beech Bluff, Tennessee.

Under Grace, a traditional Southern Gospel Group, sang older Southern Gospel songs with a good mix of original material.

Grady Fowler of Beech Bluff, Tennessee, sings tenor with a group called The Living Truth. Gary Fowler sings baritone and John Blankenship sings the lead with The Jubilaires.

It was indeed a memorable event and one we are still hearing compliments about. In fact, we have been asked to make it an annual event. This family and its wide circle of friends is dedicated to the mission of finding a cure for VHL. "We will continue that mission with determination and passion until a cure is found." They are already planning to do it again next year!

For bookings, contact Mary Ann or Starr at 662-287-5666; Father’s Four at 731-787-6900 www.thefathers4.com; Brenda Barbour at 662-287-4608; The Living Truth at 731-645-3161; The Jubilaires at 713-668-0890; Under Grace at 731-662-4171 www.undergrace.net

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 10:4, December 2002. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org.