Watching a Gaither Gospel Homecoming has likely been a defining experience in the lives of many fans of Southern Gospel music. Bill and Gloria Gaither are two of the most well-known figures in modern-day Gospel music, and their musical gatherings are frequently broadcast on television and sold on DVDs and CDs. However, for at least one viewer, the Gaithers were an entry not into Southern Gospel but into the bluegrass world.
DJ Randy Tumlinson says that in 2003, the Gaither Gospel Bluegrass Homecoming brought him from being a casual fan of bluegrass to something more. “I was already a bluegrass fan,” he says. “But watching the Bluegrass Homecoming on TV changed my life. I started immediately looking for a radio station that would allow me to play bluegrass music.”
His search didn’t take long. He’s been with KRXT in Rockdale, Texas ever since, and currently is on the air every Saturday from 8:30-11:30 AM. Tumlinson is also a member of the IBMA and has occasionally served as an emcee for music events including several of the Bluegrass on Broadway concerts which were held at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop during IBMA World of Bluegrass in Nashville. Tumlinson is actually a big fan of Nashville, and has even thought about moving there from his native Texas. “I love Music City!” he says.
We recently had a chance to ask Tumlinson a few questions about his thoughts on bluegrass music. Here’s what he had to say.
How would you define bluegrass music as a genre?
“Traditional bluegrass is a ‘pure’ form of music in my opinion. I appreciate the absence of electric instruments in bluegrass. The bottom line for me is the dedication to the genre that most bluegrass artists have.”
What form of bluegrass do you most enjoy?
“Traditional.”
What bands do you consider to be examples of the form you most enjoy?
“Dailey & Vincent, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.”
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Dailey & Vincent, Brothers of the Highway. I met Dailey & Vincent before they were Dailey & Vincent. I was impressed with their hard work. These guys are as solid as a rock. I would do anything for these guys.”
What album or artist is currently in your car stereo?
“Dailey & Vincent.”
Artists who are interested in submitting their music to Tumlinson for airplay consideration should send a physical copy of their album to him at:
P.O. Box 414
Manor, TX 78653
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