There will be a variety of favorite gospel singing groups on hand for the annual singing.
The Singing Echoes, composed of the Epperson Family, originated in 1970 with Lela and Max Epperson, their sons Lynn and Gary, and Gary’s wife, Debbie. Lela died in 1999 and Max in 2004; however, the Singing Echoes continues with the third generation of the Epperson family. Gary and Debbie’s sons, Joshua, Jeremy, Adam and Matt are now part of the group.
The group is now comprised of Gary, lead singer, harmonica, fiddle and guitar; Lynn, bass singer; Debbie, alto singer and keyboard; Jeremy, tenor singer, guitar and mandolin; Joshua, baritone singer, guitar, bass, fiddle, mandolin, dobro, banjo, dulcimer and steel guitar; Matt, lead singer, mandolin and guitar; Adam, bass singer, bass; and Jonah, guitar.
In 1973, the Singing Echoes won a Grammy nomination for their arrangement of “When I Wake Up to Sleep No More.” Other hits by the Singing Echoes include Squire Parsons’ “Look for Me at Jesus’ Fee,” “Shouting Happy,” “I made Covenant with My Lord,” and “His Tomb is Empty Now,” which was written by Lela Epperson.
Gary Epperson wrote “It’s Enough,” “Beautiful Heaven,” “On Holy Ground,” “Keep Your Eyes on Him” and “I’m Depending On Jesus.”
Some of the other hits include Debbie Epperson’s “Empty Hands” and “Be Counted on God’s Side”; “Somebody’s Here,” written by Gary Epperson; and “When I Go Walking and “I’m A Used To Be,” written by Adam Epperson.
“I’m A Used To Be” is currently on the Top 5 Songs for 2010 in the Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair Awards. The Singing Echoes have been nominated for favorite band, favorite mixed quartet and Matt Epperson, favorite lead singer. Lynn Epperson was nominated for the Naomi Sego Living Legend Award.
The Singing Echoes were named Favorite Mixed Group for the southern gospel Music Fan Fair in 2007 and 2008. They were named favorite band by the fan fair in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Joshua Epperson received the favorite musician award in 2007. Lynn Epperson received t he favorite bass singer award in 2008 and 2009.
The Singing Echoes’ annual Blue Springs Valley Singing is held in the park at Lela Epperson’s old home place. The park is equipped with camping facilities, shelters, concessions and a Singing Echoes Museum.
The schedule of guests for the Blue Springs Valley Singing include Trinity Trio, 2x2, Jeff Treece Band, Karen Peck and New River, John Lanier, Bilderbacks, Wilma Smith, Singing Cookes, Inspirations, the Perrys, Archie Watkins and Smokey Mountain Reunion, the Diplomats, Primitive Quartet, Stronger for It, Tim Frith and Gospel Echoes, Jeff Moreland and the Singing Echoes.
Each morning of the event devotions will be given at 10 a.m. Speakers will be Tim Hamilton of Dayton, Ohio; The Rev. Bill Bailey, Bradenton, Fla.; Dr. Sam Duncan, Anderson, S.C.; and Frank H. Bryant, Spartanburg, S.C.
