Ricketts
“Jim is coming to us fresh from winning the NACMAI’s ‘Male Vocalist of the Year in Adult Traditional Gospel,’” said Mel Strickland, producer of the jubilee. “This year he also carried off three other awards including “Male Entertainer of the Year.’”
NACMAI is the North American Country Music Association International which started in 1997and is an organization that seeks to honor and further up-and-coming country and gospel singers in the USA and globally.
Ricketts has produced more than 25 albums and CDs during his singing career — a career that started at the young age of nine when he and his sister, Nancy, sang at a little church on Dayton Mountain.
“Over the years Jim sang and played everything from Contemporary Gospel to Southern Gospel and Bluegrass,” said Strickland. “And he’s been on the bill with well-known Southern Gospel singers such as The Inspirations and The McKameys and with Opry stars like The Osborne Brothers, Charlie Louvin and Roy Acuff.
“There is no admission to the jubilee and the public is invited. It’s a casual, come-as-you-are event,” continued Strickland. “And each week we give away some terrific door prizes.”
Regulars on the jubilee include Southern Gospel singer Amy McAlister, singer-songwriter Elmer Bramlett, and the Cowboy Church Band and Chorale, said Strickland.
The event is held at the Cleveland Cowboy Church, 3040 Blythe Road, Cleveland, TN 37323. For more information or directions call 423/476-7936 or visit the church website, ClevelandCowboyChurch.com.
