For over 48 years, The
Dixie Echoes have been delivering the good news of the Gospel through their spiritually uplifting musical ministry. Although considered to be one of the pioneer Southern Gospel groups, the Dixie Echoes have maintained a refreshing vocal style, and a diverse selection of songs that appeal to audiences of all ages. This captivating group offers hope and inspiration as they share the message of God and His love for all people during each invigorating performance.
Since the Dixie Echoes formed in 1960, they have released over fifty albums, and have had numerous top ten singles. In addition to their long-standing popularity on Gospel music radio stations, the Dixie Echoes have received numerous awards such as Group of the Year and Album of the Year by the Southern Gospel Music Association, as well as various Singing News Fan Awards. Most recently, they were honored in a
Singing News report for being one of the top 10 groups in America to have consistently recorded top 40 songs during a 20-year period.
The Dixie Echoes have performed throughout the United States and Canada at such well-known venues as the National Quartet Convention , the Suwannee River Jubilee, Dollywood, and the Biggest All-Night Sing In The World at Bonifay, Florida. The Dixie Echoes also share their music ministry with church, county fair and television audiences. They have appeared on such programs as TBN, Gospel Music Television, and are probably best remembered for their performances on The Gospel Singing Jubilee, which aired in the late 60's and early 70's.
Although each of these individuals present their own distinct musical styling, collectively they share the common goal of being the best they can be for the glory and honor of the Lord, as they present the Gospel in song with a touch of excellence. The Dixie Echoes consists of:
Randy Shelnut - sings lead, and is the emcee of the group. His father, Dale, was one of the founding members of The Dixie Echoes, and Randy has been with the group since 1969. Besides writing many of the groups most popular songs, he has received the Singing News Fan Award twice for his vocal category. Randy has kept the Dixie Echoes in the forefront of Gospel Music by continuing a grand legacy that originated in 1960.
Stewart Varnado - is the pianist and is originally from Franklinton, Louisiana. Stewart has been nominated for Favorite Pianist in the Singing News Fan Awards on several occasions. Since joining the Dixie Echoes in 1998, his performance has become an integral part of the quartet's stage presentation and sound. For more information on Stewart, visit his website at: www.stewartvarnado.com
Randy Shelnut Jr. - known to Gospel Music fans and family as "Scoot", is the baritone singer and plays bass guitar. He began his Gospel music career with the Dixie Echoes at the young age of eleven. He is an accomplished musician on several different instruments. Most recently, he was nominated as Favorite Baritone in the Singing News Fan Awards.
Pat Barker - is the bass singer and newest member of the Dixie Echoes. He comes to the group from Oxford, Alabama. Pat joined the group in August of 2007. Pat, his wife Kesha, and their son Andy now live in Pensacola, Florida. Fans all over the country are already taking notice of his ability to deliver an outstanding bass solo. In his first year with the Dixie Echoes, Pat was nominated for Favorite Horizon Individual in the Singing News Fan Awards.
Wesley Smith - is the tenor singer and newest member of the Dixie Echoes. Wesley hails from Hillsboro, Alabama. Since accepting the position in January of 2008, audiences everywhere have been delighted by this full voice tenor's ability to communicate God's love through song.
The Dixie Echoes have become a respected standard in the field of Gospel music. Their music ministry continues to play an important role influencing the performances of many newer groups who enter the Gospel music arena. There is no doubt that the Dixie Echoes will be sharing the message of God's word for many years to come. As always, they will strive to sing songs that reach out and touch the hearts and lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.
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