Ten On Ten – Hinsons

Like their musical style and stage presentation, or not; no one can deny the influence the Hinsons have had on the Southern Gospel music industry.  Already recognized as one of the biggest groups in the genre’s history, this weeks ten on ten feature will attempt to rank the group’s ten best recordings.  The group rose to prominence in the 1970′s, releasing some of the best music of their career during this decade.

The Hinsons top ten albums are:

1. From Out Of The West They Came, Live And On Stage (1976)
2. High Voltage (1975)
3. Touch Of Hinson, Glimpse Of Glory (1974)
4. We Promise You Gospel (1973)
5. On The Road (1978)
6. Hinsongs (1982)
7. One More Hallelujah (1992)
8. Harvest Of Hits (1975)
9. Lift The Roof Off Live (1984)
10. Bubblin’ (1981)

• The years 1973 to 1976 dominate the top of the Hinson list.  The 1976 live album From Out Of The West They Came was the pinnacle recording for the Hinsons.  ”I’m So Glad He Found Me”, “The Touch Of The Masters Strong Hand”, “Ain’t That What It’s All About”, “Sea Walker”, “Hallelujah Meeting” and “The Lighthouse” all highlight this live recording.
• The Hinsons other two live recordings are also among the group’s ten best.  The 1978 recording On The Road and the 1984 recording Lift the Roof Off brings the energy and excitement the Hinsons generated in the live concert setting.
• The top studio recording by the Hinsons was the 1975 recording High Voltage.  With an unforgettable album cover and one of the best song lists of any Hinson studio recording, High Voltage is a must have.  ”Campmeeting Days”, “Burdens Are Lifted Away”, “You Can’t Hold Back The Dawning” and “That Same Hand” all highlight the recording.
• The two female vocalists that were part of the Hinsons legacy share an equal number of recordings in the top ten.  Chris Freeman was a part of the group from 1974 to 1980, while sister Yvonne started with the group and then returned in 1980 at the departure of Chris Freeman.
• The top recording featuring Yvonne is the group’s 1973 recording We Promise You Gospel.  ”It’s Just About Time”, “House Of A King”, “The Upward Way”, “Heaven’s Best” and “King Jesus” all highlight this recording.
• Ronny, Kenny and Larry all contributed songs to the Hinson legacy.  Ronny penned what will probably go down as one of the biggest Southern Gospel songs ever written in “The Lighthouse”.
• While the 1970′s were the biggest years for the Hinsons in terms of album releases, they did pull out a couple big releases in the 1980′s.  The group’s highest ranking 1980′s recording is the 1982 album Hinsongs.  One of the group’s most iconic songs, “Call Me Gone”, was featured on this particular album.  Kenny’s unmistakable lead country vocals highlighted this particular song.
• The forgotten gem in the Hinsons discography is the 1975 recording Harvest Of Hits.  With High Voltage coming out the same year, Harvest Of Hits is overlooked.  But that is a mistake with songs such as “He Is Leading The Way”, “Homesick To Go”, “Touch Of The Master’s Strong Hand”, “Little Store Front Church” and “Don’t Let The Ship Sail Without Me” all highlighting this recording.
• Even a group like the Hinsons has that album that should be forgotten.  That album happens to be their 1980 recording Song Vineyard.
• The nice thing for collectors and those searching for classic Hinson music, Calvary Records re-released every single Hinson recording on CD over the course of the last ten years.  So, there is no excuse as to why every Southern Gospel aficionado shouldn’t have at least one Hinson recording in their collection.

***NEXT UP ON TEN ON TEN:  DOVE BROTHERS***