The Goodmans, Elvis Presley And Hinsons The Lighthouse

By Helen Long


Christian country, rock and hip-hop have become rather popular over the last several decades. Prior to that time, gospel, especially southern gospel had a hold on the faithful. With bands and songs like Hinsons The Lighthouse, groups worked to spread the message of Jesus, hope, faith and love all around the world. The music, while framed in Christianity, has often been enjoyed by people of varying beliefs.

Founded first in 1967, the band and music represent a somewhat nostalgic version of southern gospel. After having performed live for the first time that very same year, the band became better known. If not for having played a revival in Freedom, California, it is unclear as to the whether or not the band would have found success.

The band building on the success of the 1967 appearance in California continued to play bookings up and down the west coast. Becoming more familiar with listeners, the group originally known as The Singing Hinsons shortened the name to the more simple version The Hinsons. Individuals looking for material by this early southern gospel group may want to include all configurations when searching for material by the band online.

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.

Due to the ministerial style presented in concert format, many considered the band to be quite radical for the time. Often providing more ministry than music, some listeners became bored and moved on to other live performances. Still, even with this challenge related to live shows, the group continued to move forward.

Never say never seems to be the motto of this group. For, even with the lost of interest in live shows, the band went on to release many more albums and recordings. Some of these include the well known songs "Shinin, " and "Look What He's Done For Me, " along with others which many listeners thought had a country and western rather than gospel sound.

There are groups who are well known for a specific genre of music, others which can not be well defined. When it comes to the Hinsons, listeners can now decide by watching videos or listening to audio of songs, past and present. The band, now reformed, hopes many people will listen and find the messages of love and light in the many albums and songs now available for viewing and download.




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