Sunday Mornin' Country

Sunday Mornin' Country Photo Gallery

Sunday Mornin' Country began in June of 1980 at the War Memorial Auditorium, later the Acuff Theatre, the Grand Ole Opry House and most recently the Ryman Auditorium. As the Fox Brothers - namely Roy - quipped, Sunday Mornin' Country has moved a few blocks (several times) and several hours. Don't be confused by the shows title. Even though the show was typically held on Sunday, the final day of the CMA Country Music Festival and previously Fan Fair, the name is all about the music. The Music City Christian Fellowship brings together artists, from the new class to the seasoned veterans, to perform the music they grew up singing in the church choir or even just around the house, to the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium.

Legendary Grand Ole Opry member Connie Smith tends to be as well-known for her hit "Once A Day" as she is for her extraordinary rendition of "How Great Thou Art," making her a fairly obvious choice as hostess for 2007. The afternoon was full of gospel music with two breaks for inspirational awards. The "Living Faith Award" was presented to a very surprised Jo Meador-Walker and the "Candlelight" Award was presented to a very emotional Linda Davis, who is also a board member of the Music City Christian Fellowship.

Any variance from the program was seldom seen, but they did stray to add a song from time-to-time for some artists that may have only been scheduled for one or two. The show was kicked off with an old style sing-along to which your program includes lyrics just as you would have with your church hymnal.

There were many "you can hear a pin drop" moments during the day, but none could compare to the silence during, former Army Ranger turned country singer, Keni Thomas' performance of "Not Me," his 2005 single release. Though it isn't a gospel song, it was still provided an inspirational lift with the final verse reference to soldiers and their service.

Chris Young made a rare appearance sans hat. With his grandparents in the audience, Young wouldn't have wanted to answer to his grandmother had he not removed his trademark black hat. Young actually made two appearances during the show, as did Holly Watson. Young first had a solo performance then a second in tribute to Mosie Lister along with Cowboy Joe Babcock and the Babcocks as well as Nashville institution, Dianne Sherrill. Lister was brought to the stage for a portion of the tribute. Watson's first was with her mother, the legendary Margo Smith, and the latter with the Country Chorale. The Fox Brothers, Johnny Counterfit and Roni Stoneman provided comedy along with their performances.

The Music City Fellowship is a nonprofit and interdenominational organization for which artists donate their time providing outreach programs throughout the year to the Music and Industry professionals, as well as the Nashville community. The performance is a very relaxing, celebration and inspirational afternoon sitting in the church pew listening to classic and modern hymns. Especially calming following the rush that most attendees are accustomed to during the weekend going from event-to-event, it is an afternoon to which everyone should treat themselves.

Article Written & Submitted by Michelle Durham