I remember the first time I heard the Collingsworth Family sing. They had released a song to radio that actually was a medley of songs, “Wonderful Feeling Medley.” This was from their second project, I’m too Far. Because I didn’t have means of
Photo Courtesy of the Collingsworth Family's Website
checking for more information about them via the internet, I continued with my life, but occasionally requested that song for the local radio station to play. Sometime in 2004, I remember recording the song from the radio. I still have that tape somewhere. But to be honest, I thought that they were another local or regional group as there were several of those who would get special attention during the radio hours. Unbeknownst to me, at the time, they actually were just becoming to make a home in the hearts of many listeners across the country.
A Decade of Memories highlights the Collingsworth Family’s career as it spans over the first 10 years of the ministry from 2000-2010. As is the case of the Collingsworth Family DVDs and CDs, there is much variety from which to choose. The project shows performances from the family in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. The most amazing part of this musical journey is to see how the group has developed a more full sound without relying on one person or a couple of people’s vocal abilities. The physical growth differences are obvious from the start; but it is nice to see how each member has changed spiritually, physically, and musically through the years.
The concert footage from 2010 was recorded in Flint, MI, to a packed house. That same night, the group recorded another DVD, Fear Not Tomorrow, which was released alongside this video. The interspersed interview segments were recorded at the Gaither studios in Alexandria, IN. Due to the significance of each video, I decided to review them separately. There are five performances that are solely from the Flint, MI, taping. Those selections are “I Could Never Praise Him Enough”, “My Tribute”, “Little by Little”, “He Looked beyond My Fault”, and “How Great Thou Art” with Phil Collingsworth leading in the “Doxology” afterwards.
As Kim shared early on in the interviews, she and Phil would develop a prayer time each Tuesday to lift their family to the Lord with trust that He would bring the children to a saving knowledge of His Son. Shortly afterwards, God began answering those prayers with the salvation of each family member as time progressed. The spiritual journeys the family has taken can be seen in this DVD by their complete dependency on Christ to provide their needs. On A Decade of Memories, you can see the group’s travel spiritually through the representation of each song. In the earlier footage, the songs seemed to be performance only. But as the years have progressed, the songs have taken on more meaning with the family members. The spiritual journeys of the Collingsworth Family have led them on many treks through life, and it is fully evident through A Decade of Memories.
In addition to the spiritual side of the family, fans are treated to seeing how a child grows physically through his or her voice (Phillip) and performance (Olivia). The sequence devoted to Phillip displays his immediate love for singing and his explanation for the original part he sang, high lead with Brooklyn. The video then maneuvers through clips of songs featuring him from 2002-present (“God Loves to Talk to Little Boys”, “We Want to Praise Jesus”, “We Still Believe”, and “I Know”) . Olivia’s performances also start in 2002 and on to the present with two selections, “I Wanna Marry Daddy” and “Little by Little.”
With such diversity of selections, A Decade of Memories takes the viewer and listener on an incredible journey of sight and sound into the musical workings of the Collingsworth Family’s ministry. Kim’s piano brilliance has captivated the audiences, but so have Courtney & Brooklyn mesmerized audiences with their violin duets. Phil’s trumpet solos also leave audiences astounded. Not to mention the solos that Phillip & Olivia have shared over the years. The expertise Kim provides at the piano is unmatched, specifically because her inspiration to play came from a childlike faith at 3 years of age. Evidence on this video, through “My Tribute” and “How Great Thou Art!” and “Joshua Fit De’ Battle”, points to the workings of the Master through a willing vessel. Through the montages of Courtney & Brooklyn’s performances, a music follower can attest to the progress the duet has experienced over the years. The basis for such progress is found in their desire to play for the Lord first, then for whomever He chooses. “He Looked beyond My Fault” proves to audiences Brooklyn & Courtney’s need to make a cd of violin music. Judging by the audiences’ reactions, the product would prove successful in sales.
As you can tell, this project touches every portion of the family’s ministry over the last 10 years. During these years, the family has sung in church across the country and in venues outside of the US. Having performed for the United States military bases in Kosovo and related stations as well as the famed Gaither Homecoming video series, the group has truly advance to being the most popular completely family group of the last 10 years. A significant note is that the project is entirely an independent work through the Collingsworth Family’s music company, P&KC Music. And with this project in the sale racks, fans will gladly await the promise of 10+ great years and look forward to the next decade of memories.
Here is a listing of the performances from the video:
- I Could Never Praise Him Enough- Family Ensemble (2010)
- Light from Heaven- Family Ensemble (2006)
- My Tribute- Piano Solo (2010)
- I Wanna Marry Daddy- Olivia (2002)
- Little by Little- Olivia (2010)
- Phillip Jr. Sequence
- Peace on Earth Tonight- Kim (2004)
- Walkin’ in the Light- Family Ensemble (2004)
- Violin Sequence
- He Looked beyond My Fault- Brooklyn & Courtney (2010)
- Because of the Blood/The Blood of Jesus- Phil, Kim, & Brooklyn (2004, 2008)
- Joshua Fit De’ Battle- Piano Solo (2002)
- I Must Tell Jesus- Trumpet Solo (2002)
- I Can Trust Jesus- Phil, Brooklyn, & Courtney (2008)
- He’ll Bring You Through-Phil, Kim, & Brooklyn (2004)
- He’s Always on Time- Family Ensemble (2002, 2008)
- How Great Thou Art!- Piano Solo (2010)
- Doxology
The Collingsworth Family is: Phil, Kim, Brooklyn, Courtney, Phillip, and Olivia Collingsworth. Video copy purchased by reviewer. Album Production: Phil & Kim Collingsworth, Jim Hammond. Available from the Artist.
