The Hinsons

Infobox Musical artist
Name = The Hinsons


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Background = group_or_band
Alias = The Singing Hinson Family
The Original Hinsons
Origin = California
Genre = Christian music, Southern Gospel, Country Gospel, Christian Country
Years_active = Start date|1967 - Start date|1993
Label = Calvary Music Group
Associated_acts =
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Current_members = Ronny Hinson
Kenny Hinson
Yvonne Hinson-Johnson
Larry Hinson
Past_members = Chris Hawkins
Bo Hinson
Eric Hinson

The Hinsons (sometimes referred to as The Original Hinsons) are a multi-award winning Southern Gospel group that was formed in 1967. [ [http://officialoriginalhinsons.homestead.com/TheBeginning.html The Original Hinsons] ]

Musical career

Origins

The Original Hinsons were a prominent southern gospel group. Consisting of siblings Ronny, Kenny, Larry and Yvonne, they first sang together in 1967 after being asked to sing during revival services at a small church in Freedom, California. Though they had never sung together as a unit, they soon found themselves a popular favorite in churches and concert appearances along the west coast of the United States. Initially, thy were known as The Singing Hinson Family. However, as time and their popularity progressed they became known simply as The Hinsons. Later, they were known as The Original Hinsons to distinguish themselves from Bo Hinsons' group, The New Hinsons.

In 1971 they recorded one of their most popular songs, "The Lighthouse". It's said that Ronny penned 'The Lighthouse' while they were recording an album and needed another song to finish. 'The Lighthouse' quickly became a huge hit in southern gospel and remains one of the most recorded songs in the genre. From 1973 till 1980 The Hinsons were the co-hosts of the popular television show "The Gospel Singing Jubilee".

The family disbanded the group in 1988, but Larry Hinson approached their record producer at Calvary Music Group, suggesting a reunion project involving the original four founding Hinson members. They reunited one final time for "One More Hallelujah" which was completed in the fall of 1992. The album featured the song "Joy Comes In The Morning," and spurred the 13 city One More Hallelujah Tour in 1993. The tour was cut short when lead singer, Kenny Hinson was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He passed away on Start date|1995|07|27 at the age of 41.

Kenny possessed what is still considered to be one of the best voices in gospel music. He can also be credited as an originator of 'country gospel,' now known as 'christian country.' Prior to Kenny, most country singers recorded an album of 'hymns' as a matter of course. With the recording of songs like 'Desperation' 'Call Me Gone,' and 'This Joy is Mine,' country gospel was off and running.

Ronny, the eldest of the Hinson brothers, is a renowned songwriter, having written over 10 #1 songs on the southern gospel charts, and over 100 songs that charted in the top 10. He is also a sought after producer, and continues to perform.

Awards and honors

Kenny was inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame in 2004. The entire group were inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame in 2006 [cite web|url=http://officialoriginalhinsons.homestead.com/|title=Hall of Fame|accessdate=2008-02-05]

Personnel changes

In 1974, Yvonne left the road and was replaced for nearly six years by two time Queen of Gospel Music recipient Chris Hawkins. In 1981 Just as sister Yvonne re-joined the group, Larry, one of the original members left the group and was replaced by their nephew, Eric Hinson. Eric remained with the group until 1984. Ronny "Bo" Hinson Jr. joined the group in 1984 and remained with the group until they disbanded in 1988. Bo then founded "The New Hinsons," and continues to tour presently.

Today

Ronny and Larry Hinson, although known primarily for their work on the stage, have their own ministries. Larry and his wife, Jana, recently announced they are beginning a new church in the Nashville area after more than 12 years on the evangelistic field. He holds doctorates in both theology and divinity.

Kenny was an evangelist and pastored a church in the Houston area after the group disbanded in 1988.

References

External links

* [http://officialoriginalhinsons.homestead.com/ Hinson's Official Web Page]