The Pap Baxter Heritage Gospel Singing School will reconvene in Fort Payne, Ala., next week. Baxter (1887-1960) was a native of DeKalb County who became one of the most influential figures in gospel music. His contributions include thousands of hymns, convention-style singing and gospel music publishing.
“The purpose [of the school] is to not only honor the Pap Baxter tradition but to stimulate an ongoing participation in the tradition by offering our community an opportunity to experience a traditional shape-note singing school,” said Russell Gulley, director of the sponsoring Big Wills Arts Council.
A team of local singing school masters — Janet Wisner Burton, Dennis George and Mark Garren — will return to direct the singing school. Last year more than 50 participants registered to participate in the nightly lessons.
Participants sing from what is known as Baxter’s “old red book hymnal” as well as newer publications. Also included are some of the well-known Stamps-Baxter compositions for which Baxter is famous.
Classes run 6-9 p.m. CDT Monday through Sept. 18 at the Fort Payne Opera House, 506 Gault Ave., N. There is no cost to participate.
The festival’s final night coincides with Fort Payne’s Boom Days Heritage Celebration. The community is invited to bring their “red books” and join in the class singing.
Register online at http://papbaxtersingingschool10.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 256-845-2224 or e-mail bwac@russellgulley.com.
DID YOU KNOW?
J.R. “Pap” Baxter joined with his friend V.O. Stamps in 1926 to form the Stamps-Baxter Music & Printing Co., running the firm’s Chattanooga office. In addition to publishing hymnals, the firm sponsored traveling quartets and radio programs.
Source: Alabama Music Hall of Fame
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