February 2005 ~ Tracy Crouch
This month, I would like to introduce everyone to Tracy Crouch, the newest addition to the Dixie Echoes. Tracy is our new bass vocalist, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Billy Todd. I had traveled with Billy for over six years and hated to see him leave the road. Just like with any job, when a new co-worker comes along, you never know how ya'll are going to get along. I am glad to report that Tracy fits in great with the group! He's settled in just as if he had been here for years. He is an excellent bass singer and is quickly becoming a favorite of Dixie Echoes fans everywhere. I encourage you to come see us when you get the opportunity and hear the new sound.

Tracy was born on January 18, 1978. He is the son of Bill and Laura Crouch. He has one sister, Cherie. Tracy is originally from Iota, Louisiana, but now makes his home in Pensacola, Florida. His home church is First Church of the Nazarene in Crowley, Louisiana. Prior to joining the Dixie Echoes, Tracy attended Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, where he was pursuing a B.S. degree in Music Ministry. His parents have been married for over 35 years. His dad is a high school guidance counselor. His mom is a third grade teacher. His sister teaches kindergarten in Pasadena, Texas, and his brother-in-law teaches high school in Pasadena. Tracy says that he escaped from school!

Some of Tracy's hobbies include: sleeping, eating, and playing in instrumental ensembles. When Tracy was in college, he was in the Chorale 40 voice mixed choir, he was principal tubist in the Symphonic Band, Brass Choir, and he played two seasons as principal tubist in the Southern Nazarene University Metropolitan Orchestra.

Tracy collects Southern Gospel lp's and baseball cards. He has nearly 20,000 baseball cards and nearly 200 Southern Gospel records. He's always looking to add to his collection, so before you get rid of either, get in touch with Tracy! He considers both of his grandfathers to be his biggest influences. Musically, the Speer Family, Blackwood Brothers, Statesmen, Rebels, Bill Gaither Trio, and Doug Oldham have been his major influences.

His first group to travel with was Florida's Diplomats Quartet from Brooksville, Florida. Tracy filled in with the them one weekend, then stayed in touch with them and took the job in 1997 when he was nineteen years old. He sang with them from 1997-2000. While he was with the Florida Diplomats, they recorded two cd's at Echo Sound with Randy Shelnut. That began Tracy's friendship with the Shelnut's. He stayed in touch with them over the years and when Billy Todd announced his retirement in September 2004, Tracy made a trip to NQC to audition for the bass position. He was hired the following week, and stepped on stage with the Dixie Echoes for the first time on September 29, 2004, at the Suwannee River Jubilee. Other than singing bass for the group, his responsibilities include driving and washing the bus, and setting up the sound equipment.

Tracy grew up hearing Southern Gospel Music in his home. He says that he's not old enough to be a part of the Gospel Singing Jubilee crowd, but every Sunday morning, their local Christian radio station would play Paul Heil's Gospel Greats, so his family would listen to that while getting ready for church. The Speer Family was the first Southern Gospel group that he saw live in concert. He was immediately captivated by everything about them. Ever since then, all he's ever wanted to do is travel in a Southern Gospel quartet. Since he was just a kid, Tracy said that he prayed to God that he'd let him travel and sing full-time and also allow him to be married and have a family. So one down, one to go!

I asked Tracy to share a story with for this article, and he gave one from his days with the Florida Diplomats. Tracy States "The Florida Diplomats were singing in a little church, and at the time I didn't have a solo song. Well I had one, but it wasn't ready for the stage just yet. The pastor came up to take the offering and a lady yelled from the congregation, 'If you let that little bass singer sing a song, I might give more!' So of course we had to sing my song the best we could. When we were done, she got out of her seat, walked to the platform, and threw a one dollar bill at my feet!"

For more information on Tracy and the rest of the Dixie Echoes, visit us online at either www.dixieechoes.com or www.stewartvarnado.com. The Dixie Echoes have a new recording to be released this month that featured Tracy singing solos on three songs. It also features our new tenor singer, David Robinson, along with Randy and Scoot Shelnut. For the most up to date Dixie Echoes schedule or to order the new recording, visit the website. I sure hope to see each of you at a concert very soon!