June 2006 ~ Gene McDonald Solo Recording
Gene McDonald is considered by many to be one of the best bass singers in Gospel Music history. In recent years, he has been voted Favorite Bass Singer in the Singing News Fan Awards and the U.S. Gospel News Awards, and has been nominated as Favorite Male Vocalist by the Southern Gospel Music Association. In 1994, Gene started singing on the Gaither video series, and in 1998, he joined the legendary Florida Boys Quartet. Gene is from Bragg City, Missouri, but now resides in Pensacola, Florida, with his wife Teri.

After many years of fans asking for a solo recording featuring his amazing bass voice, Gene decided to go into the studio and give it his best! After selecting some of his favorite songs, he headed to Temple, Georgia, to Red Hill Digital recording studios to begin the project. Corey Pearson, of the Diplomats Quartet from Carrollton, GA, produced the recording. I had the privilege of playing the piano on the project, along with Corey playing keyboards, organ, and bass guitar. Randy "Scoot" Shelnut Jr. played the drums and bass guitar. Other musicians included Bobby All on acoustic guitar, Montrell McClendon on saxophone, Daniel Addison on electric guitar, and Milton Smith provided the orchestrations. Background vocals for the recording featured Scoot Shelnut (Dixie Echoes), Bill Shivers (Brian Free & Assurance), Corey Pearson, The Diplomats, Babbie Mason, and Gene's wife, Teri McDonald. The project was engineered and mixed by Jason Singleton. Visit www.redhilldigital.com for information on the studio and more photos.

The cd consists of 12 songs, including: He Looked Beyond My Faults, How Big Is God, Walk That Lonesome Road, Let The Lower Lights Be Burning, Under Control, If I Can Help Somebody, Because He Lives, In Times Like These, I've Got The Corner Turned Down, There's A Light, The Devil Lost The Battle Again, and Beyond The Sunset. Gene's father, Tommy McDonald, wrote the song titled "The Devil Lost The Battle Again".

Many legends have recognized Gene as one of the best singers to come along in Gospel Music. Bill Gaither, Ben Speer, Rex Nelon, Les Beasley, Jack Campbell, and many more can be credited with promoting Gene's wonderful talent, so that the rest of us can enjoy! Bill Gaither stated, "Gene McDonald is one of the most incredible young voices to come along in the last ten years. He is a great singer who also happens to have some very low notes. And best of all, he's a dear friend."

On the internet, you can read about Gene on several websites: www.floridaboys.com, www.tommymacshow.com (Gene's dad's website), and I've set up a special page for this recording on my website at www.stewartvarnado.com. Gene was last featured in this article in December of 2002. That article is available on my website under the archive of my U.S. Gospel News articles. I consider it an honor for Gene to ask me to play on his first solo recording, and urge everyone to get a copy. I know that you will enjoy it! To order your copy of the cd titled, "In Times Like These", send $15.00 per cd, plus add $3.00 per order for shipping to: Gene McDonald, 2300 W. Michigan Avenue #24, Pensacola, FL 32526. Treat yourself to some great bass singing today!