December 2004 ~ Tim Lovelace
One of the first groups that I saw in concert was the Florida Boys. One thing that I remember about that concert was watching Tim Lovelace. Since that time, I've gotten to know Tim and realized that there is more to him than the funny guy on stage. Tim is actually one of Gospel music's best songwriters and a fine Christian example, which is what I like most about him. He always has a smile on his face and something encouraging to say.

Tim was born on June 29, 1957. He is the son of Harold & Louise Lovelace. Tim and his wife Mary Alice were married on July 23, 1996, and have one daughter, Gabrielle Rose, born on Feb. 14, 2003. Tim is originally from Satsuma, AL, but he and Mary Alice now live in the mountains of North Carolina.

Tim's favorite scripture is Romans 8:28. His favorite food is chicken and dumplings with, and to quote Tim, "Hush your mouth, you're in the south, Sweet Iced Tea!" Some of his hobbies include spelunking, hiking, camping, and fishing. He says that he would probably enjoy going to the mall if they would remove the roof! Since I'm covering some of Tim's favorites, I'll add that his favorite female singers are Mary Alice and Lily Fern Weatherford, and his favorite male singers are Glen Allred and Jake Hess. His favorite vacation spot is at home in the mountains and at Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

Tim has played piano in the studio for several years. Early in his career, he traveled with several regional groups. He traveled for 9 years with the Florida Boys as a utility musician (playing guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro, harmonica, & keyboards). Tim considers Les Beasley to be his biggest influence in Gospel Music. After the Florida Boys, Tim traveled for 1 year as the pianist for the Kingsmen Quartet, then went on to play piano for Jake Hess. Tim and Mary Alice have traveled together for 7 years. Tim plays a lot of different instruments in their concerts, but he states "Mostly I just play Havoc!" They are on Crossroad Records, where Mickey Gamble and Chris White have always supported the duo and backed Tim's comedy.

Tim has been writing songs for about 30 years. Some of his best known songs that he has written or co-written include: An Old Convention Song (Cathedrals); Bend In The River (Karen Peck); Be Not Afraid (Gold City); Unto The Hills (Florida Boys, Nelons, Doug Oldham); Getcha' To The Other Side (co-written with Mary Alice and made popular by the Kingsmen); I've Been Rescued (Kingdom Heirs), and many more! Most recently, Palmetto State Quartet scored a #1 song with Tim's composition, "Knock, Knock, Knock". Tim has been voted Favorite Musician in the Singing News Fan Awards, and in 1999, he was inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame for his musical contributions while with the Florida Boys. In 2000, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame with the Kingsmen. Tim and Mary Alice have also been a part of the Gaither Homecoming videos. Tim was featured on the Joy In The Camp and Homecoming Bloopers videos doing a zany rendition of "Fourth Man In The Fire."

For the past few years, Tim has invited me to play piano in one of the best and most attended NQC showcases called "The Tim Lovelace Instrumental Jam Session". He will never realize what a dream come true it is for me to share the stage with some of my favorite musicians. Inspired by Tim's efforts to showcase musicians, I began last year putting together my own cd called the "Southern Gospel Players" which features over 30 of Southern Gospel's best musicians. I even had Tim play the piano on a couple of songs; he is an awesome jazz pianist! If you like instrumental music, I would also like to let you know that Tim has 2 videos available of the Jam Session. Both are available from his website or from the address below.

A lot of exciting things are happening next year for Tim and Mary Alice. They are doing a tour with Phil Cross and Poet Voices called "Festival of Songs". The tour will include local community choirs comprised of members from various churches. Tim will be providing the comic relief for these events. The tour will take place one weekend a month, all across the country.

Speaking of comedy, Tim and Mary Alice are thrilled to announce that they have finally completed the comedy video that they have had so many requests for. It's entitled "Laughin' with the Lovelaces", and it includes a lot of crazy stories and zany songs, some chart songs that you've heard on the radio, and some brand new ones written just for the video. A few of the songs included on the video are: "Live Your Life So The Preacher Won't Have To Lie At Your Funeral", "The Kilt", "Don't Sit In My Pew", "The Wall Song", "Bagels and Grits", and many more. The video is one hour of comedy and one hour of bonus material. You can order a copy of this video online at www.tim-maryalicelovelace.com or www.lovelacecomedy.com. The cost of the DVD is $20.00, and the cost of the VHS is $15.00. Please include $2.95 for shipping. To order by mail, send check or money order to: Lovelace Ministries, P.O. Box 757, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768.

If you would like to schedule a concert by Tim and Mary Alice at your church or event, call 1-800-614-5163. They are some of my dear friends and truly great Christian folks. I also hope you enjoy the photo of Gabrielle that Mary Alice sent me. Just remember to keep Mary Alice in your prayers; she now has her hands full. Not so much with Gabrielle, but keeping up with Tim Lovelace!