BIOGRAPHY
For nearly 50 years, The Dixie Echoes have been delivering
the good news of the Gospel through their spiritually uplifting musical ministry.
Although considered to be one of the pioneer Gospel groups, the Dixie Echoes
have maintained a refreshing vocal style, and a diverse selection of songs
that appeal to audiences of all ages. This captivating group offers hope
and inspiration as they share the message of God and His love for all people
during each invigorating performance.
Since the Dixie Echoes formed in 1960, they have released
over sixty albums, and have had numerous top ten singles. In addition to
their long-standing popularity on Gospel music radio stations, the Dixie
Echoes have received numerous awards such as Group of the Year and Album
of the Year by the Southern Gospel Music Association, as well as various
Singing News Fan Awards. Most recently, they were honored in a
Singing News report for being one of the top 10 groups in America
to have consistently recorded top 40 songs during a 20-year period.
The Dixie Echoes have performed throughout the United
States, Mexico, and Canada at such well-known venues as the National
Quartet Convention, the Suwannee River Jubilee, the Brumley Sing, Dollywood,
Silver Dollar City, and Carnegie Hall. The Dixie Echoes also share their
music ministry with church, county fair and television audiences. They have
appeared on such programs as TBN, Gospel Music Television, and
are probably best remembered for their performances on The Gospel Singing
Jubilee, which aired in the late 60's and early 70's.
Although each of these individuals present their own distinct
musical styling, collectively they share the common goal of being the best
they can be for the glory and honor of the Lord, as they present the Gospel
in song with a touch of excellence. The Dixie Echoes consists of:
Randy Shelnut - sings lead and is the emcee of
the group. His father, Dale, was one of the founding members of The Dixie
Echoes, and Randy has been with the group since 1969. Besides writing many
of the groups most popular songs, he has received the Singing News
Fan Award twice for his vocal category. Randy has kept the Dixie Echoes in
the forefront of Gospel Music by continuing a grand legacy that originated
in 1960.
Stewart Varnado - is the pianist and is originally
from Franklinton, Louisiana. Stewart has been nominated for Favorite Pianist
and Favorite Musician in the Singing News Fan Awards on several occasions.
Since joining the Dixie Echoes in 1998, his performance has become an integral
part of the quartet's stage presentation and sound. For more information
on Stewart, visit his website at:
www.stewartvarnado.com
Randy Shelnut Jr. - known to Gospel Music fans
and family as "Scoot", is the baritone singer and plays bass guitar. He began
his Gospel music career with the Dixie Echoes at the young age of eleven.
He is an accomplished musician on several different instruments. Most recently,
he was nominated as Favorite Baritone in the Singing News Fan
Awards.
Pat Barker - is the bass singer for the Dixie Echoes.
He comes to the group from Oxford, Alabama. Pat joined the group in
August of 2007. Pat, his wife Kesha, and their son Andy now live in Pensacola,
Florida. Fans all over the country are already taking notice of his ability
to deliver an outstanding bass solo. In his first year with the Dixie Echoes,
Pat was nominated for Favorite Horizon Individual in the Singing News
Fan Awards.
Wesley Smith- is the tenor singer and newest member of the Dixie Echoes.
Wesley hails from Hillsboro, Alabama. Since accepting the position in January
of 2008, audiences everywhere have been delighted by this full voice tenor's
ability to communicate God's love through song.
The Dixie Echoes have become a respected standard
in the field of Gospel music. Their music ministry continues to play an important
role influencing the performances of many newer groups who enter the Gospel
music arena. There is no doubt that the Dixie Echoes will be sharing the
message of God's word for many years to come. As always, they will strive
to sing songs that reach out and touch the hearts and lives of people of
all ages and backgrounds. |
