Fab 50s Gospel Music Roundup

This episode’s POWER PODCAST PASSAGE: Ephesians 3:12 - 21: 12 When we trust in him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. 13 So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud! 14 My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, 15 this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. 16 I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength— 17 that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, 18 you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! 19 Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. 20 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. 21 Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! To Be Mature My Showcase Artist: John (”Legs”) Lawrenzi: In 1958, this Pennsylvania native moved to Phoenix, Arizona and jumped feet first into singing Rock and Roll. “Legs”, as his friends call him, sang with Duane Eddy, Marty Robbins and Wayne Newton, hoping to soon follow them to the bright lights of Las Vegas’. However, drinking and gambling were a constant temptation and overpowered his life. Within two short years, he had to return to Pennsylvania without any money, and soon became the town drunk. “Legs” continued to spend time in the local bars, hoping for a break that would allow him to do what he loved so dearly, and that was to sing. He would sing for anyone who would buy him a drink, and His strong tenor voice would capture every ear and bring rounds of applause as he belted out the tunes that he loved. Yet, because of the burden he carried in his addiction to alcohol, this came at a great price. His struggle was well known in the local taverns, so while his beautiful songs brought much appreciation from his audience, many found themselves also dismayed at his circumstances. In 1972, “Legs” Lawrenzi’s entire life changed when he yielded his life to Christ. One year later, He joined a Gospel singing group. Now, after thirty one additional years singing and sixteen albums later, he is impassioned for touching the lives of thousands upon thousands, in a positive way.In 1997, after hearing “Legs” perform, a friend was inspired to write Gospel lyrics to some of the great Oldies tunes that “Legs” loves to sing and sings so well. Closing your eyes while he is singing makes one question whether or not “Legs” might actually be the original recording artist, yet the lyrics are now infused with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His praise, rather than the crooning of a love gone wrong. This match of lyricist -and vocalist- was truly a match made in Heaven. The “Fabulous Fifties Gospel” album was born, and today, instead of performing for a few people in a local bar, The Lord has John (”Legs”) Lawrenzi and his group, the Steel City Quartet, summoned to the stage by resounding applause. John (”Legs”) Lawrenzi is truly one of the most dynamic Gospel artists of this era! And joined together with “Timothy Charles” Cousino - Lead, Glenn Crawford - Bass, Ron Pry - Baritone,(Ron’s wife, Jan is the one workin’ the sound for this awesome group, as I am told) they have a sonic blessing in store for YOU.This is why I have put together this special “FIFTIES” edition of Gospel Music Roundup: To showcase the work of this man who has put his feet to the street for the furthering of Gospel in song. If you want to order John “Legs” Lawrenzi’s CDs, “Thru The Years” or “Fabulous Fifties Gospel”, please visit the Steel City Quartet’s Store on their website: http://www.steelcityquartet.com/Store.htm or you can email Legs directly, at legs@steelcityquartet.com While you are there, make sure to check out the Biography pages and schedule to see if they might be coming to your area! As always, with any Artist or group you hear and enjoy on Gospel Music Roundup, I ask that you check out their own websites (their names are linked to them) in the “BLOGROLL” in the center column on my homepage.Email them, tell em how much of a blessing they were to you, and if you would, let them know you heard about them right HERE: On GOSPEL MUSIC ROUNDUP! Also in this Episode: A Circle of Friends Timothy Charles Dan Adkins Firesong Golden State Quartet Grandpa’s Neighbors Chris Fyfe Kurt Neufer Peggy Cooper And of course, so much more:)