"They Are Better Than The Beatles"

It was 44 years ago today (February 5, 1966) that members of Sing-Out South performed their first show.

Now I know most of us consider our first shows to be our premiere performances at Hillsboro High School later that spring (March 25-26). But, after just a few short practices (the cast only organized and had its first practice on January 26), a group of some 18 SOS members (a task force I think it was called) went out to the Metro Muncipal Airport on Saturday evening, February 5, where they were the special entertainment at the annual Blue and Gold Banquet sponsored by Cub Scout Pack 300 of Donelson. The event was held at the Sky Chef Restaurant at the Airport.

A story in THE NASHVILLE BANNER (Febuary 7) reported it this way: "Scouts and their parents were...treated to 30-minutes of Sing-Out South and they responded with applause and appreciation. The MRA troupe created attention as they raced into the main dining room and launched immediately into "Freedom Isn't Free."

"They are better than the Beatles," added one Cub Scout."

This is Sing-Out South's first band. Note that it not only included Bill Cates on keyboard, but Ted Overman playing the drums (not bass). Now there's the answer to a great trivia question (who was the drummer at SOS's first "show?")

Another featured performer at this first show was Elwood Williams a graduate speech and drama major at what was then Tennessee A&I University. His dramatic reading of "A Soldier's Letter" before the song "Which Way, America?" drew quiet from the large crowd reported THE BANNER article.

The story also quoted other audience reaction to the SOS show from folks of all ages:

" I liked their enthusiam and thought it was very good," said 12-year old (Cub Scout) Marc Stepbach.

"One of the things that impressed me about the chorus is their looks. It's certainly a clean-cut group and one this country should be proud of," remarked E.C. Biederman, Jr. after watching the show.

Even before the Blue and Gold Banquet, SOS was wowing them at the Airport that night! Above is a picture of Tennessee U.S. Senator Albert Gore, Sr. who joined in an impromptu show with the SOS task in the main lobby of the Airport. Gore was at the banquet to be its featured speaker. Said the senior Gore (according to THE BANNER article): "I'd like to be part of an outfit like this...You people have to come to the Capitol and when you do I invite you to sing in the Rotunda."

THE BANNER article continues:" The Municipal Airport's lobby provided perfect acoustics for the lively beat of "Up, Up With People." This prompted the Senator to join in with the chorus...Several passengers waiting for flights, paused and watched....a few joined in, while others smiled their approval.

"The Tennessee Senator then asked, "Who are you and what organization do you represent?" Replied Dan Skuce (SOS Cast Director): "We are putting this together because of the enthusiasm and conviction we saw in Sing-Out '66. What is being created here will mean a new voice coming out of the South....We believe and are out to show that free men and women can be the most enthusiastic and disciplined people on this earth.]

"Then I am all for you," Gore replied."

And so it began, 44 years ago.