With All My Heart: A Life in Gospel Music

by Gail Shadwell

This is the story of a woman's life as seen through two different views. As one of the most prominent Southern Gospel singers today, she represents the history of Southern Gospel. She and her husband, Earl, are among the founders of that evangelical movement. More than that, however, Lily Fern was a wife and mother, while living life on the road for her religious conviction. She has traveled coast to coast, performing in churches and conventions, radio and television, for over 50 years. Each year, she and her group, The Weatherfords, work over 200 performances, from the smallest country church to the 20,000 person per night National Quartet Convention. The humor and pathos of life on the road provides a story in itself, but Lily Fern's role as a matriarch of the movement adds historical significance. From her birth in Oklahoma, through her "dust bowl" migration to California to her fame as a featured artist on the Gaither "Homecoming" tapes (now at Platinum! , in most cases), her life reflects the conflicts and values of a segment of American culture.

Genres: Music

236 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Joyce Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. It was so interesting to read about the trails & tribulations of the life of Lily Fern Weatherford and how her faith helped her thorough the death of her husband yet gave her the strength to persevere and continue the grip with her son. This book is old and Lily Fern is now retired and living with her daughter. Very inspiring and encouraging.