More Prayer Needed For Tracy Stuffle

Tracy Stuffle is still in urgent need of prayer.  Word came at 5:30 this morning that he had a neurological infection and his fever had spiked up to 103.5.  The latest update from Libbi (9:05 AM) is that they have got his fever down to 99.3.  Here is the full update from his CaringBridge site:

Temp is down to 99.3 from 103.5, but they are doing a chest x-ray to check lungs. They seem to think there is bacteria somewhere. But even their highest acting antibiotics have not worked. His vitals are a little higher than has been. But, this could be happening due to the part of brain that controls the body temp being effected from bleed out! Just don’t know right now.

Please continue to lift Tracy, Libbi, and Jared up in prayer.

Update On Tracy Stuffle

Here is the latest update on Tracy from his Caring Bridge page.  There are some positive signs, so please keep praying for him and the rest of the family.  Libbi mentions here she had been some 40 hours without sleep, pray for strength and rest for her.

Ok I forgot that I have not posted any thing since drainage cath was put in. Which I’ve been almost 40 hrs with no sleep. Can’t eat or sleep until I know my Sweet T is out of the woods! Yes, I know I have to take care of myself too, and I am.

Drainage cath was placed into brain to drain off blood from bleed out. The blood in the fluid cavities is draining off! We noticed movement about 30 minutes later. They now have Tracy sedated so all of his pressures can rest. He also needed a mouth inserted trach to open up his air way. Which is a breathing machine, not a vent! They’ve had to strap his left arm down due to him trying to pull tubes out.

As of right now, he is running a temp of 100. Sometimes this common because the brain controls the temp. But, Gonna keep an eye on it to make sure there’s not a infection somewhere.

They should be doing another CT scan Wednesday. I will update if they do.

I am sooooo overwhelmed at the out pouring of love that has been shown Tracy! He would never believe it! He sometimes feels like no one really cared about his part in the group. Well, I can’t wait for him to see all of you alls FB pages! I have set here beside him crying looking at pics, prayer request posting, kind and generous remarks about him!! Trust me I will show him as soon as he’s out of the woods! I don’t even know the correct words to use to express my gratitude and thanks for every prayer that has been lifted on his behalf! I love you all sooooooo much!! Please keep praying for my Sweet T!

UPDATE 1/23/2013 8:45AM

Not a lot of changes through the night other than temp is normal! PTL
They have had to up his blood pressure med. It’s having a hard time staying down where they need it even with added Meds. His nurse said this morning that if the BP goes too high and he has another bleed out, his life as he knew it would be done!

They are being VERY adamant about LESS visitors today and absolutely no talking and stimulation from the few visitors that they will allow today! I have been lectured twice on this in the last 9 or ten hours! They said they took by all the visitors he had yesterday and last night that he was a very loved and thought of person. But, the live is gonna have to wait til he’s out of the woods.
No CT scan will be done today, maybe tomorrow. Still allowing time for blood in the fluid cavities to drain off.  I will update later if any changes are made.

Thanks for all the overwhelming amount of prayers, text messages, phone calls and emails!!!! You will never ever know how much it means to our family!  Also one other thing: the guys Joseph and Bryan will be filling all dates this weekend! Ms Leah Melissa Page will be filling in for me. Leah is a very incredible singer and I requested her to step in to fill my place. I ask that you will continue to support the group during this time. I know if Tracy could speak he would tell you this would be a big support to him and for him. I feel my place is to be here during these crucial days. I beg you to please understand.
I love you all more than you will ever know!

Eric Phillips Departs Mark Trammell Quartet

Eric Phillips has announced his departure from the Mark Trammell Quartet.  Phillips, who is resuming his law enforcement career, had rejoined the group in December 2011 and was the original tenor for the Mark Trammell Trio.  The group is accepting auditions for a new tenor singer.  You can read the press release, including the address for auditions, here.  Best wishes to Eric and his family as well as the MTQ as they search for a new tenor.

Urgent Prayer Request For Tracy Stuffle

Word came in the middle of the night that Tracy Stuffle had suffered a stroke.  Tracy is currently in ICU in a Nashville hospital.  According to the last report from Libbi, Tracy has no movement on his right side and cannot speak intelligibly.  He does understand what is being told to him.  Doctors have determined the stroke was not caused by a blood clot, but from bleeding on his brain.  At this point the swelling on his brain is minimal.  He is scheduled for another CT scan around 8:00 AM.  Libbi requests specific prayer that the bleeding stops and that the swelling does not increase.  He is expected to remain in ICU for several days.  Please be much in prayer for Tracy, Libbi, Jared, and the rest of the Perrys.

UPDATE 1/22/2013 9:00AM:  The latest update from Libbi is that the CT scan showed increased bleeding on Tracy’s brain.  It could begin affecting his breathing and if so, Tracy will have to be put on a ventilator.  Please continue in fervent prayer!

UPDATE 1/22/3013 1:55PM: The latest word is that the neurosurgeon will soon be putting a drainage catheter in Tracy’s brain to relieve the mounting pressure on his brain.  The procedure is done at his bedside and only takes about 15 minutes, but there are some potential risks as well.  Also, a caring bridge page has been set up to provide updates on Tracy’s condition.  You can visit the page at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tracystuffle.  Keep praying!

Jordan Cragun Exits Liberty Quartet

Yesterday was another one of those days for changes.  Jordan Cragun announced via his Facebook page that this weekend will be his last with Liberty Quartet (hat tip, Lauren).  After the departure of Doran Ritchey, Cragun admirably filled the baritone part with the group, with a richness and depth to his voice that exceeded his years.  He turned in a particularly strong performance on Liberty’s cover of the Imperials’ “Light At The End Of The Darkness” in concert.  He is going to be taking advantage of some opportunities to minister with his wife, Elena.  Best wishes to Jordan and Elena in their new direction and to Liberty in their search for a new baritone.

Breana (Crist) Henderson Departs Crist Family

In a press release this afternoon, the Crist Family have announced the departure of alto Breana Henderson. Here’s the press release:

After traveling full-time with The Crist Family for the last eight years, Breana Henderson (formerly Breana Crist) is leaving the road.

Here is a quote from her farewell letter, which can be read in full at www.cristfamilymusic.com: “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven… a time to plant and a time to uproot… Now, after eight years and over a thousand concerts later, I am writing this letter to tell you that the time has come for me to ‘uproot’ from this ministry and follow God with my husband to the next stage of life He wants to take us through together. I am so excited to see where God takes Josh and me as we seek to follow his leading in our marriage.”

Breana’s father, group manager Rich Crist, says, “We will miss Bre a whole bunch! We are so thankful that God gave us these years with Bre and we will never forget the blessing of traveling and singing together side by side. Our love and support go with her and Josh as they step into the next stage of life together. Now…how ‘bout some grandkids!”
The Crist Family is grooming sixteen year old Valerie Crist (Breana’s younger sister) to step into Breana’s alto role. You will begin seeing Valerie on a limited basis starting in February on their three week long west coast tour. Breana’s last date with the Crist Family will be January 26th.

I’ve had the opportunity to be around the Crist Family several times, as we’ve had them in concert at my church. Breana has a fine alto voice, and her performance of “My Oasis” from the group’s Oasis project was one of the true standout performances on the disc. Breana will be missed, but I’ll be interested to hear what Valerie brings to the musical table, so to speak. Best wishes to Breana and Josh, and congratulations to Valerie. Don’t miss the Crist Family when they are near you!

Chef Don’t Judge? Go Ahead…

I typically avoid social/theological issues on the blog, for the primary reason that I don’t really have the time to monitor/police the comments that typically ensue from those type of posts, but Chris Allman’s blog post from yesterday is well worth the read.  Check it out here.  I love this part:

Here’s a funny truth… Only those who have chosen to take part in suspect lifestyles ever take issue with being judged.  I say, “Go ahead and judge me.”  It’s a wonderful place to be in life when you are walking in the light and seeking to remain on the right road.  Am I perfect?  OH NO!  Not for a second would I claim perfection but I can say that I have nothing to hide.  That’s a wonderful feeling.  I challenge everyone to give it a shot!

All I can say is, Amen brother!

Lily Fern Weatherford Retires

Over the weekend, Lily Weatherford announced on her Facebook page her retirement from Southern Gospel music, effective May 2013.  Ms. Lily is still traveling and singing at 84, having just recently celebrated 70 years in Gospel music.  Her son Steve will be continuing to tour  and an announcement will be forthcoming as to what the new configuration will look like.  Ms. Lily is refreshingly frank about the challenge of staying on the road, as her post included the following quote:

Over the past several years, there have been so many changes in the economy and and state of the country that it has become financially unfeasible for me to continue on in the same manner of ministry. Churches and pastors have changed their way of ministry and are not supporting the Southern Gospel groups as they have in the past. The Weatherfords have always depended on the church and free will love offerings to keep us going. Fuel prices are outrageous as well as other costs of keeping on the road. All these things have caused me to come to this decision.

The Weatherfords in the 50s and 60s were one of the top groups in Southern Gospel, having such distinguished alumni as Glen Payne, Armond Morales, and Henry Slaughter, among others.  They were known for their tight blends and harmonies, and their album In The Garden is recognized as one of the top albums ever recorded in the history of Southern Gospel music (it came in tied at #5 in my industry survey a couple of years ago).  Lily has appeared on numerous Gaither videos, and has always been one of our most unsung and unheralded heroes in SG.  Her smooth alto voice anchored the Weatherfords sound for years, and she belongs in the top echelon of vocalists in the history of our music.  Best wishes for a well deserved retirement, Ms. Lily!

Hidden Gems: Cathedrals – “Evergreen”

While the Cathedrals remain one of SG’s most popular and enduring groups, even now some 14 years after their retirement, there remains a lot of the group’s catalog that is fairly undiscovered by most fans of this music, especially in the pre-Danny Funderburk years.  This song comes from their 1981 album Colors Of His Love featuring Kirk Talley, Glen Payne, Mark Trammell, George Younce, and Roger Bennett.

This mellow sounding ballad starts with some swirling strings that put the listener in mind of wind whirling through the evergreen trees to which the title of the song refers.  It’s an interesting lyric that refers to evergreen trees standing through the storms that come up and blow.  The chorus is a prayer for God to make the believer as strong as the evergreen that stands in the forest.  It’s a very well crafted lyric that is accecntuated with some beautiful singing from Kirk Talley and some gorgeous harmonies from the quartet.  Adding to the creativity is the fact that Talley sings his step out lines on the second chorus an octave higher than on the previous chorus, swooping up from the quartet harmonies to the higher melody.  The tag includes the swirling strings, though a bit more subdued than the intro, but features a swirling round vocal tag that features the Cathedrals first, with the repeat done by female studio vocalists, again hearkening the listener to winds whipping through a forest of evergreen trees in winter.

There’s not a whole lot of flash here, but it’s a gorgeous, very well crafted song.  Someone needs to bring this one back.  If you have the album (or like me, the LP AND the 8-track!), spin it up and give it another listen!

Dan Keeton Departs Gold City

It seems that today is a day for changes with the new year upon us.  Dan Keeton has announced his departure as Gold City’s tenor vocalist.  When Dan was announced as Brent Mitchell’s replacement with Gold City, there was some marked skepticism about how he would fit with Gold City.  Dan met the skeptics head on and greatly exceeded most everyone’s expectations.  Dan has been a fine tenor for Gold City, and turned in some really good performances on the group’s Somebody’s Coming CD.  He is leaving to pursue a dream of starting an organization that helps children who are victims of abuse.  Keeton has done well with Gold City, and will be missed.  Here is the open letter from Dan:

In march of 2011, I was afforded a dream come true, to sing tenor with Gold City. Most of you know my testimony of child abuse, the divorce of my parents and my daddy’s alcoholism. I have recently been given an opportunity to do something I have wanted to do for quite some time. I have wanted to start a non profit organization using music and the arts to inspire child victims of abuse. That opportunity has presented itself and I am so excited, but also heavy hearted. Opening this door means I will have to leave Gold City. I can honestly say, I love the Rileys so much. Tim and Danny are like family to me. Chuck, Bryan and Jerry are so easy going and fun to be around that I will dearly miss being on the bus with such fine Christian gentlemen. I will always be greatful for my time here.

As friends and fans of Gold City, please know, I love you all. I have never felt so much love as I have from you. Please pray that Gold City finds the best replacement and the transition is as smooth as possible.

Best wishes to you, Dan, on your new endeavor, and prayers for Gold City as they search for the right person to fill their tenor position.