What makes the story truly extraordinary is that Bill Morris is, from the Deep South, not in the music business, and until an unusual set of circumstances led him to sing on stage with The Moonglows in Washington DC in 1980, had never sung in public or even held a microphone in his hand. Morris’ close friendships culminated with him speaking and singing at all four of these legendary singers’ funerals. McKay and the Red Tops earned a Mississippi Blues Marker in their hometown of Vicksburg and was one of the most popular dance bands in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama for over three decades. Barnes, Fuqua and Pinkney were inducted in the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer awards and were recognized with many other of music’s top honors. Bill Morris, a longtime fan of early R&B/Doo-wop music, writes how through a series of serendipitous events not only met most of his musical heroes, but sang with some of them on major stages, produced The Original Drifters first two gospel CDs and enjoyed a three-decade, deep friendship with four of them (Prentiss Barnes and Harvey Fuqua of The Moonglows, Bill Pinkney of The Original Drifters and Rufus McKay of The Red Tops and Ink Spots). This Magic Moment is every music fan’s dream come true, as well as a testament to the power of passion, compassion, friendship and faith.
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