Premiers in 1996
The monthly Red Back Hymnal Singings return to the Hullander Farm on London Lane in Apison on Sunday, March 16, at 6 p.m. Organizers Bill and Linda Hullander said this event will be a reunion of the popular Southern Gospel Group, The Premiers, formerly based in Rainsville, Al.
Businessman Marlon Pendergrass started singing Gospel Music in high school with the Collegians Quartet. He later sang with the Golden Harvest Quartet and Cat Freeman and the All Stars, based on Sand Mountain. Mr. Freeman was the brother of Vestal Goodman.
Mr. Pendergrass founded the Premiers in 1986 as a mixed quartet but re-organized ten years later as a male quartet. Mr. Pendergrass was introduced to Jack Clark when the group was recording in Cleveland, Tn. Mr. Pendergrass said, “God sent Mr. Clark to us, he’s one of the best pianists in the country.” Mr. Clark played piano for Rex Humbard’s Cathedral of Tomorrow, Harvesters and Homeland Harmony Quartets.
Mr. Clark will celebrate his 91st birthday at the Hullander Farm for the Premiers’ Reunion. Mr. Pendergrass said the group will sing two of Mr. Clark’s own compositions, “I Know, I Know” and “Your Sins are Going to Find You Out,” in addition to songs out of the Red Back Hymnal. The Hullanders said birthday cake and coffee will be served to honor Mr. Clark.
The Premiers hosted the June Gospel Jubilee for over 10 years in conjunction with the Country Singing group Alabama’s June Jam at Fort Payne. At that time, the Jubilee was one of the largest Gospel Concerts in the South.
The Premiers members are Eddie Lentz, Benji Willmon, Marlon Pendergrass, David Clark and his father Jack Clark.
Mr. Pendergrass said, “The quartet might re-organize someday and start traveling again; If God is in it, it will work.”
The Hullanders said they wanted something special this month as the Red Back event returns to their farm in Apison after three months at Ridgedale Baptist Church. The singing will start at 6 p.m. and is free, but a love offering will be taken.
Premiers at the June Gospel Jubilee in 1990