The Dixie Echoes were featured on the cover of the January 1999 Singing News Magazine.

The Dixie Echoes were featured on the cover of the June 2002 Singing News Magazine.

The Dixie Echoes were featured on the cover of the June 2007 Singing News Magazine.

"What Others Are Saying About Stewart Varnado"

"Stewart Varnado is a name that you should remember because you will be hearing it a lot in the future when people talk about Southern Gospel pianists.  I remember the first time I heard Stewart play. I was amazed, to say the least!  Then they told me that he was only 15 (at the time) and I experienced a new emotion....jealousy!! Seriously, this young man has an incredible talent and I look forward to watching his career progress."
Roger Bennett, Legacy Five


"Stewart is one of the best quartet pianists that I have seen walk on stage in a long time. This project "A Show Of Hands" is a great example of how he can take the old traditional quartet songs and old hymns and play them in such a way that sets him apart from other accompanists. His personality and showmanship added with his extremely versatile style makes his truly a rare and remarkable talent."
Les Beasley, The Florida Boys


"Even though Stewart has only been with the Dixie Echoes for a short time, he has truly been a blessing and an asset to our group. The outgoing personality and natural charm of this young man has captured the hearts of people everywhere he goes.  Dedicating his life and talents to the glory of God, Stewart has distinguished himself in the Gospel Music Field."
Billy Todd, The Dixie Echoes


"I am very proud of Stewart. He has continued to play gospel music with his talent when he could be playing anywhere.  This shows dedication to the Lord.  Be sure to get a copy of this project 'A Show Of Hands' today. It was an honor for me to play on this project."
Anthony Burger


"Here's another throwback to the old days. Stewart is the fine pianist of the Dixie Echoes. Randy Shelnut made a wise move in taking on a keyboard man, freeing himself up to sing lead without being tied down to the piano.  Stewart is extremely solid and is a huge asset to the quartet's stage presentation and sound."
Roy Pauley, Singing News Columnist


"When you say the names Roger Bennett, Roger Talley, or Andrew Ishee, you automatically know we are talking about some of the greatest pianists in our industry. Go ahead and add Stewart Varnado to the list of the next generation of greats. He is a tremendous asset to our industry."
Greg Bentley, Singing News Columnist


"I recently attended the 1st Annual James D Vaughn Festival in Lawrenceburg, TN, and was blown away on Saturday night.  There were five quartets there that night, and I thoroughly enjoyed them all-the crowds were amazing and the singing was great!  I also love great pianists, and I saw one that night that really impressed me.  I had seen the Dixie Echoes before several years ago, but I watched them that night in total amazement.  Many people compare pianists like Andrew Ishee to the great Anthony Burger and Channing Eleton to Garry Jones.  Well, the young pianist of the Dixie Echoes was great, I would call him THE next Roger Bennett.  His playing was extremely tasteful and he was very classy.  He complemented the group at all times, just like Roger did for the Cathedrals, plus this young man has a sense of humor that kept myself and everyone in the audience laughing hard!  He is the most all around professional pianist that I have seen in a very long time.  I purchased both of his tapes that night and found that he, unlike most of the pianists of today, still plays Traditional Southern Gospel Music, and not some contemporary or jazzy style like other young pianists are changing to.  If you have not seen the Dixie Echoes lately, you should go see them, and meet their pianist, that little red headed kid stole my heart that night."
Your Views, Letter To The Editor (printed in the July 2000 Singing News Magazine)


"Let me mention one other tremendous talent, Stewart Varnado.  Stewart plays for the Dixie Echoes and he's easily one of Southern Gospel Music's best.  If you mix together a little Roger Bennett, Anthony Burger, Derrell Stewart, and Andrew Ishee, you've got Stewart's composition.  It's only a matter of time before audiences everywhere realize this red-haired kid is one of Southern Gospel's Best!"
Danny Jones, Editor of Singing News

"Stewart Varnado is one of the finest young pianists that I know. He is a true student of Southern Gospel Music and is doing his part to keep the long tradition of Southern Gospel piano playing alive and well. Take it from me, you will enjoy this his latest recording!"
Roger Bennett, Legacy Five

"Stewart, a promising pianist, should go far in the Southern Gospel Quartet Business.  I've tried to show him All that I know, Playing and Comedy!"
Derrell Stewart, Florida Boys