2001 ECHO went to Branson and WON!
Then to Louisville, KY, and WON!
2002 Winner of the Kansas City Christian Music Award
for Gospel Groups (Radio station music ministry)

Left-to-Right: Tom Mallory, Russ Taff,
Debbie Mallory, Bill Gaither,
Tim Harrington, David Scott.

  ...and with Guy Penrod and David Phelps

The Winners Are
Male: Rusty Goodman, Tuttle, OK;      Female: Nicole Starling, Branson, MO
Young Artist: Alyse Eady, Ft. Smith, AR;     Group: ECHO, Blue Springs, MO

EchoEchoECHOEcho Echo
(David Scott, Tim Harrington, Debbie Harrington Mallory, Tom Mallory)

ECHO returned to Residence Inn and told them they had won, then went out to dinner. While they were gone the staff brought in this cake and ice cream.  ECHO was delighted at such thoughtfulness.

Duo/Quartet Competition
Sat. April 7 / 2-4 PM:
Hosts: Larry Wilhite /Rod Kittleman

JUDGES on Saturday
(L to R at the table)
Doug Gabriel
Bob Hubbard
Donna Blackwood
Tom Brumley & Alan Berry

Echo appears at Braschler Theater for the Jammin' for Jesus concert, July 1, 2001.

Doug Gabriel is a multi-talented musician, recording artist and songwriter.   Doug’s musical production has received Best Morning Show in Branson three times. Doug was awarded Branson Entertainer of the Year 2000 and is five-time Branson Male Vocalist of the year.  He is now starring in his show at the Osmonds Theater, Branson. Bob Hubbard is lead singer and MC for the Foggy River Boys.  The Foggy River Boys have been entertaining people for over 38 years.  They have traveled the nation and for several years performed in their own Foggy River Boys T heater here in Branson.  Bob’s quick wit and smile has made him a very popular performer.  He previously sang with the well-known group “The Jordaniars.” 

Donna Blackwood is a seasoned veteran in the Gospel music field.  She began her singing career with famed Blackwood Singers.  She was a top 5 Dove Award Finalist (female Vocalist) several times.  She has taught voice and stage performance at the Stamps-Baxter School of  Music.  She is a vocalist on the weekly Trinity Broadcasting television show, "Unfolding Majesty."

Tom Brumley of the Brumly Music Show at the Grand Country Music Hall, Branson is one of the top steel guitarists in the world.  Tom’s credits include #1 Steel Guitarist by the Academy of Country & Western music.  He spent 7 years with Buck Owens as a Buckaroo and joined the Desert Rose Band in 1991.  He recorded for many top artists and is the son of the late Albert E. Brumley. 

Alan Berry serves as pastor of first Baptist East Bonne Terre, Missouri and also teaches history for the School District in Farmington, Missouri.  Alan sang for ten years in a successful gospel group known as cornerstone, recording three albums and performing hundreds of concerts throughout the Midwest.   Presently he sings with his siblings, The Berry Brothers at the Plummer Family Theatre in Farmington, Mo.

Contestants in the Duo/Group Competition

Final Chapter, St. Louis, MO; Heaven Sent, Rogers, AR; The Wally Family, Richton, MS The Central Gospel Singers, Springfield, MO; Oasis, Pinson, AL;  ECHO, Blue Springs, MO Tony Cassity and the Gospel Band, Benton, KS (couldn’t show);  Wisdom's Cry, Columbia. MO; Praises To Him, Ashland, MO; Marian Hollinshed and the Jordan Valley Singers, Springfield, MO.  Top Three Winners On Saturday: ECHO, Final Chapter, Marian Hollinshed…(The winners were in that order on Sunday)

ECHO singing in competition on Saturday

ECHO receiving the Grand Prize Award on Sunday
Debbie was just handed the trophy.  Donna Blackwood was introducing ECHO as family members, saying that it reminded her of the Blackwood family singers. 

D.K. Brewster and Donna Blackwood
(above left) Two sweet people who encouraged ECHO

D.K.'s Family and Friends
(L to R)
--Sherri (D.K.'s wife)
--Relative of Lonnie
--D.K. Brewster
--Lonnie (in purple blouse, female vocalist contestant)
--Little boy (singer/dancer at “The Promise” in Branson)
--Jamie Brewster holding trophy (youth winner of the Sonrise Award)

D.K.and his wife, Sherri Brewster are the founders of “The Best Is Yet To Come Ministries.”  They are both very active in the music industry.  D.K. is a singer/songwriter and they own “Yet To Come Publishing” which is administered by Gaither Copyright Management. Each month they host the B.G.M.A. Songwriters Roundtable.

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Hey David,
I listened to your tape on the way home  yesterday.  The only criticism I have, is there are not enough songs.  I REALLY enjoyed listening to your group.  The songs were heartfelt (great message), fun and the sound was a "good different".   My favorite was Alpha and Omega.  I like the Rock n Roll one and I thought the one song where your voices are like a roller coaster at the end was fun to listen to.   As you can tell, I don't have the cassette with me or I would do a better job of naming off the songs. All of you have good voices, I may not know much about the technical aspects of music, but I know what I like, and I like listening to ECHO.  Lori, my wife, said it would be fun to see you guys live.  I told her that's what you guys were shooting for.  When you guys get your gig in Branson, can I have 2 tickets?
You guys sound great.
David G.
Sr/PA
Payless Cashways Inc.

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