Spending the evening with The Talleys

by Steve Dunford

The Talley’s in concert at Thompsonville First Baptist Church. Left is Roger, center is Debra, and right is Lauren.

On April 30th, I had a great thrill.  I was able to see The Talley’s in concert, in the church where a lot of my roots were established, Thompsonville First Baptist Church.

A member of the church Andrew Cooksey, has some contacts to bring some big name Southern Gospel groups.  In the past, Gold City, The Kingsmen, and the Perrys have been there.

The crowd was smaller than expected, but what I would estimate would be around 150.  Around concert time, there was the second round of heavy rain bearing down on Franklin County.

The group is from Morristown Tennessee, near the Knoxville area.  It consists of the father Roger, mother Debra, and daughter Lauren.   The family has been in Southern Gospel music for decades.

It has been the third time I have saw them in concert, only it has been several years since I have had the opportunity to see them perform.  One of the most memorable times is when Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis.  It was when The Healer was a huge hit for them.  To this day, it is one of my favorite Southern Gospel songs.

They opened with their title track of their latest project, After All This Time, which was a top ten hit according to Singing News Magazine.  I noticed a difference in the group, Lauren has evolved into being the emcee.  Most of the songs they performed were of this album.  It will be one that I will be listening to for decades to come, as it is a very powerful work.

Another top ten hit for the Talleys off the album, was the People in Line.  Lauren sung lead on this song, and there was an accompanying video also.  The song is upbeat and thought provoking.  It put me under conviction, of how I need to be more compassionate toward people.

Currently climbing up the Singing News charts is the latest hit, There is Coming a Day.  The song wants to make this Southern Baptist shout, as it talks about the return of Christ, and Heaven in general.

One thing that I thought was awesome, they had the crowd call out on of the old hymns of the church, with Roger at the keyboard.  They would sing a verse of each song.  During this,  I thought of Merle Fullerton, who has had the Sunday Morning show on WMIX in Mt. Vernon for years, and a Southern Gospel promoter.  He calls the old hymns of the church having character, courage and conviction.

The Talleys seem to include one of those old hymns on their albums.  After All This Time includes a melody of I Love to Tell The Story and Blessed Assurance.  They released an album a few years back with all hymns. They opened up the Southern Gospel vault by including the Hinson’s hit, Who But God. 

Marlene Hall, who has been the pianist for the Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church, south of T’ville for 60 years, played the offering which resulted in the intermission.  She has taught hundreds to play around Southern Illinois.  The group was blown away by her playing.

It wasn’t the overflow crowd that was expected because of the flooding.  It was more than a concert, it was a worship service.  The Holy Spirit was strong.

I had the privilege after  the service to break bread with them eating 17th Street Barbecue.  I sat at the table with them to eat.

It was a normal conversation, like hanging out with old friends.  They have crisscrossed the US,  all points east of the Mississippi that week, and were slated to be in Valparaiso.  I did not want to conduct a former interview, because with the weather.

Roger told me that they play around 150 dates per month.  He also went on to say that him and their sound man (my apologies, I did not write down his name) take shifts driving.

As you can see in the pictures Lauren had on a jacket that was a shade of orange.  I asked her if that represented the Vols, as they are big fans of Tennessee athletics.  I know Lauren was a big fan of the Volunteers women’s basketball team when Pat Summit was the coach.  Her and Debra joking gave me a fashion lesson on shades of orange and peach.  I forgot everything I learned.

There was a little ribbing when I told them I was a big Bama fan in football.  I saved myself by saying I am a big Peyton Manning fan, and I love to hear Rocky Top played and sung at Tennesee games. Lauren said there is something “spiritual” about it.

On a serious note, I had the chance to thank Debra.  When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, my dad took her on a Southern Gospel Cruise.  She, along with Sheri Easter was so kind to my mother.  Mom had a great love for both the Talley’s and Jeff and Sheri Easter’s music.

It was a great opportunity to be up close and personal with them.  They are true, genuine, and very down to earth.  Their love for the Lord shines about them in their music and actions.  If they come back in the area again, I highly recommend you to come and see them in concert.

The Wisnants will be in concert at Thompsonville First Baptist Church on June 2nd., at 7:00 p.m.  It is free admission.   A love offering will be taken.