This album was recorded by The Telecasters in 1989 to give life to Ruth Crawford’s countless compositions, and serve as tribute and memoir of the accomplishments Ruth and her husband Percy achieved. Ruth worked as a pianist and composer for Percy’s various nationwide television and radio shows, in her day hundreds of programs and formed an ensemble of 40-50 people. Percy was an accomplished evangelist and together they formed Young Peoples Church Of The Air Inc, a nonprofit that has been in operation since 1946, which is now operated their oldest son Don. These album liner notes provide a larger story of The Telecasters, and lend more information on this dedication album to the now deceased Ruth and Percy. Read more below:
“STEVEN MUSTO: Steve attended Kings College, sang for years at Pinebrook, travelled with the Young People’s Church of the Air quartet, and was perhaps the finest bass who ever sang for Ruth and Percy. He is presently an honored member of THE BILLY GRAHAM organization and a musical evangelist in his own right.
ROBERT STRATON: Bob lived as a son would in the home of Ruth and Percy Crawford, sang for years at Pinebrook, graduated from The Kings College, and sang for years with the YPCA quartet in churches and on radio and television. Bob is Executive Vice President of The Walter F. Bennett Company, one of America’s finest Christian advertising agencies.
SAMUEL SEYMOUR: Sam also attended The Kings College, sang for years at Pinebrook, and with the YPCA quartet. Sam is the beloved minister of Faith Church, Worcester, PA.
These three men, servants of God, were each deeply loved and respected by Ruth and Percy Crawford.
DONALD CRAWFORD. Don is the oldest son of Ruth and Percy Crawford. He is a graduate of The Kings College, Temple Law School, lived and ministered at Pinebrook for 22 years, and, had the privilege of singing with Bob, Sam, and Steve, perhaps YPCA’s finest quartet.
FRED P. DAVIES. Fred was a close and loving friend of Ruth Crawford. He was a pianist and conference organist at Pinebrook, a graduate of The Kings College, and is presently the Director of Music and organist at the Wykoff Reformed Church in Wykoff, NJ.
GEORGE W. WESNER, Ill. George has a Master of Arts degree, is Director of Music at the Brookdale Baptist Church in Bloomfield, NJ, and is the staff organist at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The recording was made at MORNINGSTAR RECORDING STUDIO, Springhouse, PA. under the able direction of Glenn W. Barratt, Chief Engineer. Recorded April of 1989. The album was produced and financed by THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHURCH OF THE AIR, INC. founded over 50 years ago by Ruth and Percy Crawford.
This quartet, your quartet, has attempted to be faithful to the musical style and arrangements of Ruth Crawford Porter. Each of us loved and respected her. She was a special musical falent. Whether the close harmony of EVENING STAR, or the energetic and commanding presence of a happy JUBILEE, or the majestic styling of I’M GONNA RISE, or the awe-inspiring majesty of STILL STILL WITH THEE, no one in her time could make music come alive and communicate like Ruth Marjorie Crawford. Although no one can duplicate her style, or have her ear or feel for music, her friends and proteges, Fred P. Davies and George W. Wesner, Ill, are inspired surrogates. Six of us have done the best we can to keep that music alive, to honor and remember her, and Him. As you listen to this old and true music, if you can relive the radio dynamic of YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHURCH OF THE AIR, if you can see in your mind’s eye YOUTH ON THE MARCH, if you can feel the vibrant, energetic pulsing of Pinebrook, if you can see Ruth Crawford at the piano or organ, and four inspired quartet members following her lead and singing for her Lord, this album will have accomplished its spiritual purpose.
Ruth Crawford Porter loved Steve Musto, Bob Straton and Sam Seymour. And they loved her. When she died in 1986, their final act of love was to sing NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD as they laid her body to rest in her beloved Pocono Mountains. Her music, our music, still lives and can never be forgotten. We will never let it die!
Four singers and two accompanists cannot make the right sound alone. Someone must mix the music, making certain there is blend, harmony, texture, and togetherness. Without such tender loving care and touch, there would be cacophony not symphony. Someone who loved Ruth Crawford Porter and who was loved by her mixed the music with love and professional care. The artist-engineer who made her final sound happen was Dean Alan Crawford, her youngest son.
We know that Ruth and Percy are STILL STILL WITH HIM as we will be. As you listen, may there be a revival of your love for them and for their music, and for Him.
Donald B. Crawford” – end liner notes. Album uploaded natively to the archive & Youtube as well.