the only video of the Rangers Quartet performing, from 1954....
youtube.com 
my letter --
Hello!
I saw the article about the history of the Rangers Quartet at absolutelygospel.com and also at Bobby Crumpler's site, and I am curious as to who wrote that article.
There is more to that story. It is incomplete. I am absolutely sure of that, because I saw the Rangers Quartet perform at a gospel quartet extravaganza in 1956 at Pasadena, California's Civic Auditorium.[I was in high school at the time]
So, even though they disbanded in 1953, according to the article, I know there is a "Rest of the Story"
out there somewhere.I have a vivid recollection of Vernon Hyles, not only because of his thundering bass, but because of his difficulty in walking. He used a cane in his right hand. Vernon Hyles was the spokesman for the group.
I recall thinking at the time that I'd never heard a lower bass or a higher tenor before.
Bobby Crumpler thinks that Gene Moss was that tenor, and not Denver Crumpler, who was with the Statesmen at that time.
I have spent a considerable amount of time researching both the Rangers and the Statesmen in recent months, and enjoying their wonderful music from the 1950s. That was certainly the "hay-day" for gospel quartets as far as I'm concerned.
If you can shed any light on the apparent "Rangers Reunion Mystery" I would be very appreciative.
Thank You! |
