MUSIC BEAT: Chuck Wagon Gang set for Ward church

The Chuck Wagon Gang will be performing at DaySpring Missionary Baptist Church in Ward this Friday, Aug. 25. The concert is set for 7 p.m.

In the history of American music, the Chuck Wagon Gang name stands tall. Their origin dates back to 1935. The original group consisted of Dad Carter, Jim Carter, Rose Carter and Anna Carter. Initially known as the Carter Quartet, they became the Chuck Wagon Gang upon landing a job at WBAP in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

During this time, the Chuck Wagon Gang's radio program was a mixture of Western songs, folk songs and other popular songs of the day. However, they always closed their show with a hymn. In November of 1936, they traveled to San Antonio and recorded 22 songs, a combination of both Western and gospel music. Their first recording was a gospel song, "The Son Hath Made Me Free."

Through the Depression and World War II, their music served as a form of comfort and encouragement, providing some stability to America. By 1951, their gospel recordings on Columbia Records had become so popular that the Chuck Wagon Gang decided to go entirely into the gospel music direction. Soon, their airplay on radio skyrocketed and record sales increased enormously.

The group remained with Columbia Records until the late 1970s. Their work on the label led to countless awards and accolades. It is noteworthy that the Chuck Wagon Gang is responsible for the first commercial recording of the classic "I'll Fly Away."

The popularity of the Chuck Wagon Gang was incredible. They sold 39 million records within a 39 year span. Other favorites by the group include "Echoes from the Burning Bush," "Church in the Wildwood" and "Looking for a City."

As the years have passed, different faces and voices have entered the group. The current lineup of the Chuck Wagon Gang consists of Shaye Smith, Melissa Kemper, Stan Hill, Wyatt Austin and Karl Smakula.

Smith is the alto singer, and her roots are directly connected to the formation of the Chuck Wagon Gang. Her grandmother, Anna, was the group's original alto singer. Smith has two music degrees and has performed in operas and musicals.

Kemper sings soprano. In 2015, she rejoined the group. Her love for singing gospel music dates back to her childhood.

Hill is the tenor singer. The tenor part has always been a staple in the Chuck Wagon Gang sound. Hill does a fine job of carrying on that rich tradition.

Austin sings bass. He is a North Carolina native that has loved the classic Chuck Wagon Gang sound since he was 12 years old.

Smakula, who plays guitar, grew up an avid fan of old-time music in West Virginia. He is a 2016 graduate of East Tennessee State University.

Today, the Chuck Wagon Gang still performs their songs just like the original group did a more than 80 years ago. The simplicity of their sound combined with a pleasant throwback to days of the past serves as one of gospel music's most refreshing sounds.

For the Chuck Wagon Gang's upcoming appearance in Ward, there is no admission, but a love offering will be accepted. For more information, call 501-850-2056 or 501-628-1838.

Beebe native Charles Haymes is a member of the Country Music Association and is a well-noted music historian. Email him at charleshaymes@gmail.com.