American Gospel Quartet Convention
The American Gospel Quartet Convention (AGQC) is an organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the music of a cappella gospel quartets. It was founded in 1993 by Reverend George W. Stewart and his wife Jacqueline.
Since the beginning, the group has hosted a convention each year, many of which have been held at the East Birmingham Church of God in Christ in Woodlawn. Daytime sessions focus on business and marketing workshops while marathon evening performances draw booking agents and scouts from around the country.
Conventions
2009
The 2009 convention was held January 22-26 at the More Than Conquerers Faith Church. The Consolers of Miami were inducted into the group's Hall of Fame. JoJo Wallace of the Sensational Nightingales won the Dorothy Love Coates Living Legend Award. The Joe Ligon Lifetime Achievement Award was given to the Spirit of Memphis and Deacon Bobby Scott won the Frank Williams Humanitarian Award.
2008
The 2008 convention was held January 22-26 at the East Birmingham Church Of God In Christ.
Paul Beasley won the Dorothy Love Coates Living Legend Award and Morgan Babb won the Joe Ligon Lifetime Achievement Award.
2007
The 2007 convention was held January 16-20 at the East Birmingham Church Of God In Christ. Katey Sankey won the Dorothy Love Coates Living Legend Award and Troy Ramey & The Soul Searchers won the Joe Ligon Lifetime Achievement Award. The Fairfield Four and the Gospel Harmonettes were inducted into the AGQC Hall of Fame. Portions of the program were filmed for Bob Clem's feature The Gospel Highway.
2006
The 2006 convention was held January 17-21 at the East Birmingham Church Of God In Christ and featured a concert by Bryan Wilson. The Caravans were inducted into the AGQC Hall of Fame.
2005
2004
The 2004 convention was held January 16-20 at the East Birmingham Church Of God In Christ. Deacon Reuben Burton of Chicago won the Frank Williams Humanitarian Award. The Williams Brothers of Smithdale, Mississippi were inducted into the AGQC Hall of Fame.
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
Hosted at Church Point Ministries in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
References
- Garrison, Greg (January 19, 2008) "Old-time gospel groups keep a capella sound alive." Birmingham News
- Garrison, Greg (January 24, 2008) "Gospel quartets perform for scouts and promoters." Birmingham News
- Garrison, Greg (January 26, 2009) "Quartet convention concludes tonight." Birmingham News