Category Archives: Today’s Generation

For many years, the Collingsworth Family has delighted fans across the country. With their impeccable blend and superb arrangements, they’ve won fans through concert appearances at the National Quartet Convention, Gaither Homecoming Tour, and the Gaither Homecoming videos. In this family, there are 4 talented young vocalists: Brooklyn, Courtney, Phillip, and Olivia. Our spotlight this week features Phillip Collingsworth.

Photo Courtesy of the Collingsworth Family's Website

When the Collingsworth Family started their concert ministry, Phillip was only 6 years old at the time. As time pressed on, Phillip took on more roles vocally including the first tenor part or the alto if the situation called for it. In 2003, Phillip made his vocal debut on the Collingsworth Family’s album, Strength for the Journey, with a Bill Gaither tune, “God Loves to Talk to Boys (While They’re Fishing).” He was also featured on the songs: “Walkin’ in the Light” and “Down to Nothin’“, two of the Collingsworth Family’s earlier concert favorites. With the advancement of time, comes the advancement of the voice as well. Shortly after the release of their album, We Still Believe, Phillip’s voice started to change while still keeping some of the higher registry, but with a more firm foundation. Now, Phillip’s voice is a range best-suited for a lead or second tenor or baritone if the need arises. Phillip’s connection with the younger fans of the music has endeared him to the hearts of the old and young alike.

When you attend a Collingsworth Family concert, you’re sure to enjoy a quality mixture of songs that feature everyone in the group. One feature Phillip has is the lead on the song, “I Know“, written by Gerald Crabb. As Phil, Sr., mentioned at NQC this past week, Gerald sent the song to the Collingsworth Family specifically because he thought it would fit their style. Phillip’s strong lead and personalized singing helps draw the listener into the heart of the vocalist(s). Phillip’s vocal expression is definitely the force with which other male vocalists should be reckoned. His interaction with the audience also drives the message further home, no matter if he has the lead on a song or not. With vocalists like Phillip Collingsworth, Southern Gospel music is sure not to die any time soon.

Here is a recent in-concert performance of Phillip and the Collingsworth Family performing “I Know.”

For many more wonderful Southern Gospel concert videos, visit DinanaSN at YouTube.

In the coming days, I will be posting insights into some of Southern Gospel’s young artists. Several of these are nominees for the “Favorite Young Artist” award in the 2010 Singing News Fan Awards; several are not. But they all have a great impact on the future of Southern Gospel music. Each of these artists are under 25 years of age. This first feature is on Amber Thompson, soprano for the Nelons.

For several years, we’ve seen family names start out in the genre only to one day see an end. That changed with the Rex Nelon. Rex’s daughter, Kelly, started singing with her father in the late 1970s. Now, Kelly’s daughter, Amber, travels and sings on stage each concert with her mother. Amber started traveling full-time in 2001 at the age of 12, and transitioned to full-time soprano in 2002, taking Katy Van Horn Peach’s place. Even though Amber is only 21 years of age, she has already reached a strong familiarity with fans through her passionate performances. For the past few years, Amber has been among the Top 5 nominees for the “Favorite Young Artist” award in the Singing News Fan Awards.

The power of Amber’s voice to hold the high notes effectively has captured the attention of Southern Gospel listeners around the world. Her ability to communicate a lyric in soft, yet powerful tones, has brought her to the forefront of the music scene. Amber’s excellent delivery of a beautiful melody is prevalent in “We Speak Your Name.” The expression found in the first verse takes the entire group of listeners to a different plateau because they immediately relate to it. The focal point for reaching this plateau is that the vocalist related to the message before it reached the listeners. This causes immediate trust in the artist because of the personal testimony displayed. Amber’s performance probes even deeper in the second verse as it explores singular situations that have caused reason to speak Christ’s name in prayer.

For your enjoyment, here is a video clip of Amber Thompson and the Nelons singing “We Speak Your Name.” This performance is one of several from the Nelons’ new dvd, “How Great Thou Art.” The entire collection of performances is available at the Nelons’ website.