Song and Fellowship at the National Quartet Convention
Each fall, folks from around the country gather to celebrate the people who bless them with the Word in song—on radio, from pulpits, and on stages. For more than half a century, the week-long National Quartet Convention has been the mainstay of the Southern Gospel music calendar. Today that reunion of sorts takes place in the mountains of East Tennessee, at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge.
It is a week of stage appearances, visits with artists at their booths, the Singing News Fan Awards, and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductions—this year Phil Cross, Clarke Beasley, Clayton Inman, and Conrad Cook—along with record-label receptions and get-togethers hosted by artists for the people who follow their careers.
For lovers of quartets, mixed groups, and soloists, there is no better place to catch up, get a photo, buy the latest release, share a piece of anniversary cake, or congratulate an artist on an award.
Shaye Smith and Nick Poe of the Chuck Wagon Gang and Randy Shelnut, Sr. of the Dixie Echoes with Randall Franks fiddling on Great Speckled Bird.
I was blessed to attend this year’s event. From the moment I entered the building, I found friends at every turn. I sat and visited a while, then moved through the exhibit halls, seeing groups I knew and many that were new to me. Some of those newer names would later share their gifts on a showcase stage, and sometimes on the main stage.
The musical sets are timed to the minute. Ministries including The Inspirations (2026 Singing News Favorite Quartet, and favorites in the Musician, Lead, Baritone, Bass, and Tenor categories), Jeff Tolbert and Primitive Road (Favorite Band and Young Artist), The Troy Burns Family, Karen Peck and New River (Favorite Soprano and Favorite Song, “I Speak Jesus”), The Chuck Wagon Gang, The Dixie Echoes, Jeff & Sheri Easter (Favorite Duet and Alto), The Perrys, The Kingsmen, Eleton House, and so many others bless the thousands gathered. Day after day, song after song, the love of God flows and lifts those who are there and willing to be carried higher.
The early part of each day includes special musical showcases and preaching from pastors from around the country. You can also catch artists giving television interviews, recording radio-station liners in a quiet corner, or talking with print media.
I would equate the NQC to a recharging station, where artists and music lovers alike can receive a full charge and go out for another year to spread the gospel in song—in small towns, mid-size towns, and big cities across this land.
Whether I was sitting in the audience, standing and talking with artists in the exhibit area, or taking out my fiddle to play a few tunes with longtime friends, I came away happier, hopeful, and more content to face the world.
I encourage you to make plans to attend the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge next fall (natqc.com). More than that, I ask you to support the gospel groups who come to your town. If you see them in concert at a local auditorium, buy a ticket, fill a seat, bring a smile, and go home blessed. If they are in a nearby church, attend and put a generous donation in the offering.
The life they lead to uplift us is not an easy one. Your support could make the difference in a bill being paid, the bus being filled with fuel, or the group choosing between hamburgers and bologna.
Bless others so they may bless you with their gifts. If you love gospel music, show love to those who leave their homes and families to share it with us.
Read more of Randall’s writings through his books in our Store.
