|
|
|
Eva Mae LeFevre is a timeless classic in Southern Gospel Music.
Still going strong in 2003, she is carrying on a wonderful ministry begun almost 80 years
ago. The LeFevre name has been an integral part of
Southern Gospel Music since 1921. It was in that year that young Urias LeFevre, his
brother Alphus, and their sister Maude, began singing in their hometown of Smithville,
Tennessee. Simultaneously, about 200 miles away in South Carolina, Reverend H. L.
Whittington was learning that one of the greatest assets he had in planting new churches
was the talent of his four-year-old daughter, Eva Mae, at the piano and singing. Thirteen
years later, in 1934, Urias LeFevre wed that same preacher's daughter, Eva Mae
Whittington.
Eva Mae, Urias and Uncle Alf traveled the highways for the
Lord for more than 40 years, becoming one of the most beloved of Southern Gospel's singing
groups. J. D. Sumner once said, "The first lady to change the world of Gospel Music
was Eva Mae LeFevre . . . Eva Mae was the pioneer and set the standard . . . " Eva
Mae was honored as the very first "Queen of Gospel Music", and then remarkably
was given the same accolade 22 years later! Then another 22 years later, a 2000 cover of The
Singing News proclaimed her "Southern Gospel's First Lady."
|
|
| In 1978, Eva Mae became the first living
woman inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, followed by induction in 1988 into the
Georgia Music Hall of Fame - the very first inductee from the Gospel Music field. And yet,
this Grammy nominee is quick to remind delighted audiences all over the country, "I'm
just plain country Eva Mae." |
|
Gospel Music Hall of Fame Award Certificates
-The actual plaques are on display in the SGMA Hall of Fame
located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee- |
Urias and Alf retired from full time road work with the LeFevres in the
mid-1970s, and Eva Mae tried to retire in 1977. Spreading the Gospel in song had become so
much a part of her life, Eva Mae found little happiness in retirement. After Urias' death
in 1979, people everywhere encouraged her to continue her ministry. Her good friend, and
long time LeFevre bass singer, Rex Nelon, had been carrying on the LeFevre's work, a
legacy that is carried on today by Rex's daughter, Kelly Nelon and The Nelons.
Since 1985, Eva Mae has been again working the road for the Lord. She delights audiences
all around the country with her moving testimony, recounting the many joys and trials that
have made up her life, and with her marvelous sense of humor and signature laugh that is
so familiar to any fan of Southern Gospel music. Now in her mid 80s, she shows no signs of
another retirement attempt, or even slowing down! She continues to sing at churches and
community singings. A perennial favorite among the fans of the Gaither Homecoming Friends
Video series, Eva Mae is frequently a part of the Gaither Homecoming Concerts as well. Her
latest recording project, "A New Anointing", has been received with great favor.
Recently, at age 83, Eva Mae completed a brand new album!
Eva Mae frequently reminds us that she
continues her ministry because, "When I go to heaven, I want to take somebody with
me." Her innovative program is one you won't want to miss. Her talents, her personal
experiences with the Lord, and her wonderful humor are interwoven to create a delightful
experience for audiences in churches and concert halls across America. Don't miss this LIVING LEGEND when she visits your city! |
|
[ Eva Mae Still Going Strong! ] [ Eva Mae's News ] [ Eva Mae's Schedule ] [ Eva Mae LeFevre, A Living Legend ] [ Singing News Cover Story ] [ EM: Products ] [ Eva Mae's Order Info ] [ LeFevres: Scattering Sunshine Through The Years ] [ Southern Gospel Links ] |
|
|
