Category: Performing

Glenda’s Wedding

Through junior high and high school, I continued to perform in a variety of situations. I would sing with my cousin Sammy, play organ for beauty pageants, and accompany myself on piano at church and occasional talent shows at school. I rarely played anything that challenged me to expand my skills. I was mainly getting more comfortable with performing. I continued to play almost everything in the key of F. If they just needed me to play without singing, I needed to play on an organ so I could play a melody. My piano skills didn’t include being able to play the melody, only provide accompaniment and usually that was only good for me to sing. Then my cousin Glenda asked me to play at her wedding.

Performing

The Gong Show Comes to Jackson

Post author By elvisgumby
Post date February 15, 2021
No Comments on The Gong Show Comes to Jackson

Back in early February of 1978, I was a sophomore in high school. I saw an article in the local paper that said The Gong Show was going to do a Roadshow version of their show in Jackson, TN on February 11. The auditions for the show would be held at the Holiday Inn in Jackson on the 4th and 5th. I was a big fan of The Gong Show ever since it started airing in 1976. I decided to take a chance and audition.

China Performing Travel

Singing Karaoke in China

During one of the meals on my 2006 trip to China, I talked about music to some of the guys that we were visiting. They found out that I write and sing songs. I found out that some of our hosts were into karaoke. They thought that I would enjoy going to a karaoke bar. Why not? I didn’t know anyone that could say they had sung in a karaoke bar in China.

Performing

Statement of Faith

My wife, children and I lived in middle Tennessee for three years in a small town called Livingston. My youngest daughter was born while we lived there. We attended the First Methodist Church in the middle of town. Early in our time there, I joined their choir. I quickly became of their go to people for solos and small ensembles. During our time there, I was regularly tapped for solos and duets during Christmas and Easter cantatas. In addition to having a music program filled with talented musicians, the church was at a point in its life where it had gone through a time spiritual awakening. It was special time in the life of that church. I had some specific spiritual needs at the time and the people of that congregation ministered to me in a way that I needed to be treated. It was a special place and a special time for that place. The people in that community still hold a special place in my heart.

Performing Six Minutes After Seven Album The Belly of the Whale

Fish Songs

This past weekend, I did special music during the worship service at the church I attend. Most of the time I do special music, I just sing one of my songs. I try to select a song that relates to the scripture lesson for the service or at least the theme for the service. This Sunday, I chose to go with a theme that related to the passages from several recent Sundays and sessions from other programming.

I wore an old pair of jeans, sneakers, my oldest, favorite sweatshirt and a 2014 Elvis Week ball cap. I told everyone that my wife asked me before I left the house, “Why are you dressed like that?!?” I told her that I was going fishing.

Performing

Prayer Service

I spend a lot of time working with the music ministry of the church that I attend. I sing in the choir, play bass in the praise band and sing many of my religious songs during our services. I occasionally fill in leading singing or playing the piano. I also get called on for the occasional special music during the worship service. A few years ago we had a pastor who was greatly involved in an organization from various denominations that conducted prayer services at different churches throughout our city. Our pastor had offered to host one of these services at our church and asked people involved in our music ministry to assist in providing music. The service was held on a weekday in the early afternoon. I was able to adjust my work schedule to attend.