May 2011 - Lou Wills Hildreth

MEMORIES & MILESTONES
Guy Penrod Inducted into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame
Lou Wills Hildreth
We were blessed to take part in a recent MILESTONE
event when native Texan GUY PENROD was inducted into
the TEXAS GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME at Dallas
Baptist University. Randy Wills, President, Texas Gospel
Music Hall Of Fame, presented Guy with his plaque
following induction comments by board members Rudy
Gatlin and me. Both Rudy and I expressed our love and
respect for our longtime friend Guy Penrod.
After fourteen fabulous years with the Gaither Vocal Band,
Guy Penrod is currently riding high in a solo ministry,
garnering two 2011 Dove Award nominations - country
album “Breathe Deep” and Country single “Are you the
One.”
At the induction ceremony in Dallas, Guy’s music was
celebrated as “life music” expressing his devotion to family
values and to ministering the gospel. The passion of this
preacher’s son, born in Abilene, Texas, is destined to reach
the younger generation and all levels of our culture for Jesus
Christ! Angie, his wife of 25 years, came with Guy from their
ranch in Nashville. They have seven sons and one daughter.
Guy’s induction brought back MEMORIES of past Texas
Gospel Music Hall Of Fame inductees - Larry Gatlin & the
Gatlins, Glen Payne, Cynthia Clawson, Duane Allen, Dallas
Holm, Kurt Kaiser, Gary McSpadden, Les Beasley, Larry
Ford, Walt Mills, Roger McDuff, John Hall, Billy Hamm,
Wills Family, Chuck Wagon Gang, V. O. & Frank Stamps, W.
B. Nowlin, and others who have influenced gospel music in
Texas and far beyond.
Other 2011 inductees were Jack Davis (DJ), Jack Taylor
(Musician), Plainsmen Quartet, Marion Snider’s Original
Imperial Quartet, and Bob Wills & The Inspirationals.
Howard and I are thankful for every opportunity to help
preserve the heritage of those who have gone before us and to
encourage those who are on this gospel journey with us. May
God be glorified in all that is done!
Contact us: PO Box 271106 • Houston, TX 77277
E-mail: [email protected]
On the web: www.louhildreth.com
Guy Penrod thrilling the audience with his singing and testimony
Guy & Angie Penrod with TGMHOF President Randy Willsand Directors Lou Hildreth & Rudy Gatlin
Melba Mainord, widow of Jack Mainord, accepting
the Plainsmen TGMHOF Induction plaque presented
by Director Ben Pegues & Randy Wills
Director Darrell Bledsoe presenting
Guy Penrod with an autographed
football from Ove Johansson
Randy Wills and Rudy Gatlin with Jean and Burk Collins,
Arlington Music Hall, recipients of the “ Support Appreciation Award”
Jack Davis, 2011 Media Inductee, introduced by Randy and legendary DJ Larry Scott
Bob Wills & the Inspirationals and Guy (Curtis Elkins, Bob, Ron Wills, Ralph Green, Don Wills)
May 2011• Christian Voice Magazine 11