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FOLKLIFE FOLKLIFE
ASSOCIATION
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WHAT A DAY OF VICTORY" Traditional song recorded by Steve Grauberger at the home of the Thomas' in Alexander City, AL
The history below from the Thomas Sisters 60th Anniversary Singing gives the story behind the Thomas Sisters, their link to the Alexander City community and their reputation for quality presentations. Represented now by Margie, Bernice and Margie's daughter Phyllis, The Thomas Sisters are always in demand at choir anniversaries, and local events where gospel music is involved. The sisters grew up in a family where music was very important. Their father was an avid shape-note singer, both four-shape Sacred Harp and seven-shape convention styles. It is from their father they learned to sing many of the numerous songs they now perform from memory. Phyllis, a later addition to the group, learned much of the repertory and fills in for those sisters who have passed and Marie who has health problems. Most of the Thomas Sisters repertory comes originally from convention singing books published by Ben Speer, James Vaughn, and Stamps Baxter. "60th Year Celebration of the Thomas Sisters" anniversary program held in 1996 It started with a touch from the Lord...... On 1937 by the fireside at the home Rosie and Willie Thomas sat five girls by the name if Odella, Evelyn, Margie, Bernice and Marie. It was here that they began their study of gospel Music. Thomas along with his daughters began with note singing. Their first appearance was a school event in Camp Hill, Alabama, where the girls had entered into a contest in which they won. The Grand Prize at that time was ten pounds sugar Mrs. Shelly was their teacher Many events took place during their life span. They started out with the name of the group being the Happy Four given by Rev. Sam Huntley. Later the name if the group was changed to The Thomas Sisters by Bob McKinnon. Their first radio appearance was with WMLS in Sylacauga Alabama and it was Rev. Sam Huntley who carried them to the radio station which was in the late forties. The Thomas Sisters dedicated ten years if service to WRFS radio station in Alexander City Alabama with Bob McKinnon. Fours years was sponsored by Hutchinson Funeral Home. Now known as House of Hutchinson, Mr. Fred Hutchingson proprietor. In 1952 Hank Williams who was a close friend if Bob McKinnon, (announcer at WRFS Radio Station) heard the Thomas Sisters sing in person and they were offered a contract to go on the road with him and sing backup. but being the close family they were to untie the cords that brought them so close to their family that they were unable to leave their parents because if the great love for them. During the fifties the sisters also sang for various civic groups which included the Kiwanis Club and the Lions Clubs. There was also a concert on Byers Field here in Alexander City and the Sisters were the only black group present. Their first anniversary celebration was given by Rev. Samuel Huntley at the Flint Hill missionary Baptist Church. During the Sisters many years of service they have been in concert with outstanding groups such as The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, the Consolers, the Jackson Southernaires, The Sensational Nightingales, Rev. Joe Mayes, Ms. Rosetta Tharpe, The Swan Silvertones, The Boyars Brothers, the Dixie Hummingbirds, The Mighty Clouds of Boy, and Slim &e Supreme angels to name a few. During the course of The Thomas Sisters career they sang also with the choir at Flint Hill Baptist Church for over fifty years. They did not limit their singing to churches only. They took their show on the road to various nursing homes and prisons. Goodwater Nursing Home, Chapman Nursing Home, Brown Nursing Home, Adam Nursing home, Staton, Draper, and Tutwiler Prisons. For years the Sisters traveled far and near. On one occasion when the Sisters celebrated their anniversary, up to 110 groups registered on that day which is on the 3rd Sunday in November. This is an event where the public gets all dressed up for this special occasion. The Sisters have two songs recorded on the album entitled "God Gave Us This Miracle in Song", spearheaded by Rev. T. L. Holley. These songs were the foundation laid for four-part harmony and for all groups who came out since the Thomas Sisters. In 1992 illness set in on the original leader of The Thomas Sisters. Evelyn was called home to glory on Thursday, December 28, 1995. We thank God for the time spent with her and know that God is holding her for that great day. There have been a few groups that have been around as long as the Thomas Sisters. Down through the years the way hasn't been easy. But by the Grace of God We have come along way. The Original Thomas Sisters Margie Thomas Bernice Thomas Marie Thomas (Now is in a retirement home) Odell Thomas (dec. 3/98) Evelyn Thomas (dec. 12/95) |
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