A Nashville Tradition For 43 Years

Every June, country music fans from all over the world descend upon Nashville for CMA Fest. This annual event (originally called Fan Fair when it began in 1972) brings fans and country artists together over several days for shows, meet and greets, and much more.

In 1980, a small group of people, headed by singer, songwriter, and performer, Cowboy Joe Babcock, came up with the idea of ending the week with a special show on Sunday. After days of everyone focusing on country music, this show would feature gospel music.

“Originally, this was the only show that was of the Christian faith at the end of what used to be Fan Fair,” said Jackie Ital, one of the board members of Music City Christian Fellowship, the group behind Sunday Mornin’ Country. “Joe, his late wife, Carol, and some others, felt Fan Fair needed a Christian show to bring God into the week.”

The show has changed locations multiple times over the years but now takes place at the Opry. And these days it’s actually moved to an afternoon time slot instead of taking place in the morning, despite the name.

It’s become a tradition for many who come every year, knowing the line-up will include a lot of artists they know and love, as well as new and different performers. Harmonica great Charlie McCoy has been a regular on Sunday Mornin’ Country for most of the past 43 years.

Legendary artists who’ve made appearances on Sunday Mornin’ Country in the past include Bill Monroe, Porter Wagoner, Tammy Wynette, Roy Clark, and many others.

This year, Rhonda Vincent, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s John McEuen, and Charlie McCoy were among the dozens and dozens of performers who took the stage.

“I always love being part of a gospel show, it’s so encouraging.” Vincent noted. “I’m here with Lori King and we have a new song coming out called “Wherever You Are” and this was a perfect place to perform it because it’s a song of hope.”

While Vincent, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, appears on this iconic stage on a regular basis, this was a new experience for King.

“It’s so great to be here and sing with my hero,” said King. “Rhonda and I are both from the Midwest and have known each other and been friends for more than 30 years. I recorded this song, and Rhonda was kind enough to sing with me on it.”

While the crowd got an early preview to the new song, their duet won’t actually be released for a few weeks.

The jam-packed Sunday Mornin’ Country show always spans several hours. Some artists, like Vincent and King, doing original songs, with others cover much-loved favorites that have been around for decades.

John McEuen (founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) sang two songs, including “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

This was his second time doing Sunday Mornin’ Country. McEuen missed last year due to double heart attacks. He’s since recovered and was happy to make it back this year.

The success of Sunday Mornin’ Country is due to a lot of dedicated people who donate tremendous amounts of time and energy to bring it all together. From the organizers to the many groups and artists to the massive choir, it’s all-volunteer.

Mark Thomas, a singer and performer in his own right (he’s a member of Music City Quartet) has worked with the show since the 1990s. He directs Sunday Mornin’s nearly 90-voice Country Chorale.

“They come from all over the country,” he explained. “They give their time, talent, and it costs them money for planes and hotels. We gather and begin rehearsal on Wednesday, and these are very intense rehearsals. Two-and-a-half hour rehearsals are on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, then Saturday is when the band and all of the artists come in and we put it all together.”

This year, Thomas added a little something extra to the mega-choir mix. Country legend Ray Stevens was scheduled to sing “Everything Is Beautiful,” a song that starts off with kids singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children.”

“I teach at Carpe Artista Academy in Smyrna, Tennessee, and my piano studio is quite a melting pot,” Thomas said. “So, with ‘Jesus loves the little children, red and yellow, black and white,’ I thought, I’m going to use my students on this song and give them a chance to perform here.”

Stevens ended up having to cancel due to illness, but the kids did a beautiful job with singer, Shannon Knight, filling in for Stevens.

Song after song, act after act, it was another spectacular year for Sunday Mornin’ Country. Performers enjoyed it and the response from the crowd throughout the afternoon spoke for itself.

But even as they put another amazing show in the books. there’s little time for anyone to rest on their laurels. Organizers are already looking ahead to next year.