The Weatherfords will be in concert on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Tionesta Alliance Church, 1734 Route 36, south of Tionesta. An offering will be received.
The Weatherfords began their ministry under the direction of the group's founder, Earl Weatherford (1925-1992) in 1944 in Long Beach, Calif. Within a few short years they began to develop a distinctive sound which would separate them from the typical quartets of the that era. Their classic RCA album, "In The Garden," produced by Chet Atkins and released in 1959, still stands as one of gospel music's most beloved recordings of all time. Former members include such gospel music favorites as Glen Payne and George Younce, Armond Morales, Jim Hammel, Henry Slaughter and others. From 1953 to 1963 The Weatherfords were on staff with one of the first TV ministries, The Cathedral Of Tomorrow with Rex Humbard. They appeared on the show each Sunday, which was watched by thousands, while still maintaining many show dates across the country during this time.
The Weatherfords most memorable songs, "What A Precious Friend," "Tell My Friends" and "The Eastern Gate," are requested and sung each night by Lily Fern Weatherford. Lily Fern is the last of the legendary gospel music singers who started their career in the early 1940s who is still on the road in a full-time capacity doing close to 200 dates a year. She has been seen on the Homecoming Videos and has received numerous awards for her commitment to the cause of Christ through the presentation of the gospel in song. In 2000 Earl and Lily were inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame by a group of their peers, the first time a man and wife team were inducted together.
Steven Earl Weatherford, their son, joined the group full time in 1976, and the group entered the trio phase that has endured to this day. Also joining the group is Terry Robertson from Little Rock, Ark. Terry formally traveled and sang with the Melody Boys Quartet. He brings a smooth voice to the already full sound of the Weatherfords.
The group has traveled to each of the 50 states and across Canada and well.
The highest honor the group has ever received is to have been instrumental in seeing countless men women and children come to know the love of Jesus Christ and the good news that comes from knowing him.
More information can be found on the web at: www.theweatherfords.com.