Thursday, March 31, 2016

Elvis Presley, The Goodmans And Hinsons The Lighthouse

By Helen Long


Over the years, Southern Gospel and Christian Rock have become quite popular with Christians in the United States and around the world. One of the best examples is the current regeneration of Hinsons The Lighthouse, a rather simple though sacred song about Jesus. The Lighthouse can now be found on YouTube along with several other videos which have been uploaded by the band.

Originally formed in 1967, the sound has a rather nostalgic tone. Also known by other configurations, the group was primarily known in the southern United States. The line-up included several siblings along with other back up musicians from time to time. The group sang in public for the first time in 1967 at a revival in Freedom, California.

While originally known as The Singing Hinsons, then The Original Hinsons, the band shortened its name to the current version years ago. When looking to locate the band, songs, videos or other material online, it is best to search under all configurations of the name. In doing so, fans, listeners and others will locate more albums, songs and other material past and present.

One of the most popular songs, and well covered by folks like Elvis Presley and The Goodmans is that of The Lighthouse. A song that was created during a bathroom break at rehearsal on a piece of toilet paper. The group was amazed when one of the brothers, Ronny, came back with the lyrics and song which later became a signature song.

Then, came Elvis, and a rendition that would garner air play on radio stations near and far. After which, the song quickly became a huge hit, with singles hitting the market. As this edition came out during the Viet Nam War, the song also gave hope to a world which often felt all hope was lost at the time. Now, with social networking and video sharing sites, the band The Hinsons and The Lighthouse have been reborn.

Some like the sermons which often accompany live shows while others find the message rather annoying. The group, having once hosted The Gospel Jubilee, a television show in the late 60s early 70s, seem to have better success with regards to studio recordings than live shows. Most believe the lack of interest in concert performances is most likely due to the sermons which often precede the music.

Regardless of the lack of interest in live shows, the group never gave up. In the 1970s, the group began recording music which many thought more modern at the time. Others, seem to think the band had taken on a more progressive country sound which was also quite popular at the time. Whether southern gospel, country, rock and roll or undefined, the band has now uploaded many new and historic songs for fans to enjoy.

Whether definable within a specific genre or otherwise, it is no doubt the group eventually found success. With the popular songs of the past now available on YouTube and other sites, there is no doubt the band will also generate new fans and followers. Now reformed, the band only hopes these new found fans will listen to the mostly spiritual messages often hidden within the lyrics of song.




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