Watkins, Stinson at Sacred Sounds

Former Inspirations vocalist Archie Watkins, a member of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and pianist Ryan Stinson will perform at the Ringgold Depot, corner of Depot Street and U.S. 41, in Ringgold, Ga., tonight as part of Sacred Sounds.

Watkins logged more than 45 years singing tenor with the Bryson City, N.C., gospel group and now is on the road as a soloist. Among his best-loved songs are "Two Shoes," "I'll Not Turn My Back on Him Now" and "Touring the City."

Stinson, 22, of Ringgold, is a country and gospel pianist of 11 years. He began his training with five years of lessons from the pianist at his home church, First Baptist of Fort Oglethorpe. He specializes in the Nashville Sound slip-note style of playing popularized by Floyd Cramer and says he plays everything by ear. He is in his fourth year at Luther Rice University and Seminary, pursuing a bachelor's degree in religion/ministry.

Randall Franks will emcee the show, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Ticket donation is $5 (free for children under 5). The event is a fundraiser for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Fund, which rewards excellence in Appalachian musical arts. The fund is administered by the nonprofit Share America Foundation. For more information, visit www.shareamericafoundation.org

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