THE talented group Country Legends Spectacular celebrates 40 years in the South African music industry this year and, as part of their celebrations, they hosted a benefit concert for Sally Vaughn on Sunday, July 3, at the Panorama Flea Market.
The group includes Big Daddy (Lance James), Queen of Country (Barbara Ray), Midnight Cowboy (Clive Bruce), Mama Country (Sally Vaughn), Little Jo (Jody Wayne) and The Killer (Tommy Dell), together with the Rodeo Girls. They plan on celebrating this 40-year milestone by hosting various country concerts around South Africa.
In 1983 Sally earned a Sarie Award as Best Female Country Singer for her songs ‘The Teddy Bear Song’ and ‘With You’ on her album ‘Mama Country’, By this time she was already known as ‘Mama Country’, a title bestowed on her by Lance James. James decided to present Sally’s rendition of ‘Glory Glory Hallelujah’ to the American Country Music Association and shortly thereafter, Sally was invited to visit the USA.
The country legend, whose heart is sadly only functioning at 20 per cent, is not allowed to grace the public with her nightingale voice as she has been doing for 55 years. Speaking to the CHRONICLE, Sally thanked Panorama Flea Market and all the people who acknowledged her and decided to host this benefit concert for her.
“It has been wonderful working with Panorama for 25 to 30 years and, right now, I’m just taking it one day at a time. I love the people and the people in the South are my people. Thank you Panorama for thinking about me and I wish you continued success in every new venture. To all the artists, you are like my friends and my other family. We are always there for each other and for that I am grateful,” said Sally.
In June 1984, Sally performed in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Annual Country Awards and received a standing ovation for her songs ‘Glory Glory Hallelujah’ and ‘Somewhere Between’. In 1989, Sally Vaughn, Lance James, Clive Bruce, Billy Forrest and Joanna Field began the group ‘Over the Hillbillies’ and released five albums.
WATCH SALLY VAUGHN AT THE PANORAMA FLEA MARKET:
Read a bit more on the legends who were at the flea market:
Sally Vaughn (Mama Country) is known for her great hit “Glory Glory Hallelujah” among others. She received a standing ovation in the USA when she performed this song to 20 000 people.
Lance James (Big Daddy) is a household name. He is a multi award winner, including seven Lifetime Achievement awards for contribution and dedication to the music industry. His ‘Keep It Country’ programme on radio has been running for more than 40 years and is now broadcast on 18 stations countrywide and on internet radio.
Barbara Ray (The Queen of Country) has earned more than 22 Gold records during her career as well as numerous awards.
Clive Bruce (The Midnight Cowboy) is the smooth and versatile entertainer, presented the ‘Sing Country’ TV shows for five years on TV4, and Rewind for three years.
The Rodeo Girls are a line-dancing group who have also danced in the United States, with much success. They have received International Gold Awards for their line dancing techniques, and add much glamour to the show.
Lance James, Barbara Ray, Clive Bruce, Sally Vaughn, Jody Wayne and Tommy Dell, are Gold and Platinum sellers, multi award winners, TV, radio and stage stars, and tour throughout South Africa constantly.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
