Dixie Melody Boys are Revived

Kinston, NC – It’s been anxiously awaited and long anticipated by fans of popular quartet, The Dixie Melody Boys and finally, the wait is over. Revived, marks the latest release from Ed O’Neal and The Dixie Melody Boys.

Revived marks the debut release from the new Great American Gospel label and was produced and arranged by Dixie Melody Boys’ lead singer, Josh Garner. “This album was truly a labor of love for the Dixie Melody Boys,” Garner states. “Each song was handpicked by Ed O’ Neal and ranges from beloved standards to obscure quartet numbers that haven’t been sung in years.”

As Garner states, the recording allows Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame member and 60-year quartet veteran, Ed O’Neal, to shine brightly. “One of my primary goals with Revived was to shine a considerable spotlight on the incomparable bass voice of our fearless leader, a task that has sorely been ignored over the last few albums. Ed ‘revives’ his arrangement of Family Bible and offers a touching recitation, something that used to be a staple in Gospel music, on the classic The Old Country Church.” O’Neal is also featured on I’m Depending On Jesus and Wait Upon The Lord. “It would take hours of research to determine, but Ed is perhaps hitting some of the lowest notes he’s ever recorded on this album. His old buddies J.D. (Sumner) and George (Younce) would be proud…or maybe even a little jealous,” Garner says with a big chuckle.

Revived marks the first recording featuring the group’s newest member, tenor Doug Pittman. Pittman’s rich tenor vocals are featured on the standard, Little Is Much. “Doug provided a much needed spark to the overall blend of the group,” Garner states. “He is a very talented young man, and in addition to his wonderful rendition of Little Is Much, he also offers a spirited version of J.D. Sumner’s Some Wonderful Day. He performs this one to absolute perfection.”

Most songs featured on Revived will be familiar to long-time Gospel music fans; however, Garner takes the lead on a song entitled The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow that may be new to many listeners. “This song is already encouraging folks all over the country as we are singing it, and it is sure to be a bonafide hit,” Garner says.

The recording also features baritone Aaron Dishman’s version of the Squire Parsons’ classic, Hello Mama. “For two years now, Aaron has sung this song nightly with the group, and everyone has been asking us to put this on a recording, so we finally did,” Garner shares. “Aaron truly pours his heart into this arrangement. We think people are gonna love it! “

Rounding out Revived are two numbers sure to please hardcore quartet lovers straight from the hymnal. “We pulled out the songbook and put our big boy britches on to tackle the quartet classic My Burdens Have Rolled Away,” Garner says smiling. “They don’t write ‘em like this anymore! Then we decided to pay homage to our friends and mentors, The Florida Boys, with a new version of their classic song, Oh What Love. This one is an old-time camp-meeting song that we know listeners will love.”

With the release of Revived, Ed O’Neal and The Dixie Melody Boys continue the rich tradition of producing energy and excitement with exceptional vocal blend that is appealing to Southern Gospel Music lovers of all ages. Revived is available on-line at www.dixiemelodyboys.com.