Christian Rockers Reunite for Historic Music Festival
October 20th will mark a very special day in
the lives of many who grew up on Southern Rock. It was on that day 30 years
ago that the Southern Rock super group Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed
in rural Mississippi ending the life of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and
several other band members. That tragic event forever changed Southern Rock,
and had a profound effect on many who knew the band or played their kind of
music.
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| JoJo Billingsley |
On that fateful day, JoJo Billingsley had
decided at the last minute not to go on this particular trip. Her decision
would prove life changing as her regular seat on the plane was occupied on
that day by fellow singer Cassie Gaines who died in the plane crash. Now
known by many as Debra Jo White, JoJo Billingsley is now Rev. JoJo
Billingsley. She gave her life to Christ many years ago and now ministers for
The Lord.
Harvey Jett, who happened to be in
Winfield on that day, had given his life to Jesus in 1974. As lead guitarist
for Black Oak Arkansas, one of the top Southern Rock / Heavy
Metal bands of the 70’s, Jett was assured of fame and fortune at a very early
age…Until Harvey encountered Jesus Christ on the tour bus one day. He walked
away from great fame and wealth to follow Christ, and has never looked back.
On October 20, 2007, JoJo Billingsley, Harvey
Jett, Regional Southern Rock Band Sweetwater Crossing,
along with many others, will minister at The New Life Festival
in Winfield, AL. The event will begin at 10 am featuring numerous artists
from the Southern Rock era who have given their hearts to Christ and now
minister for Him.
The event will also be the first time in over 30 years
that most of the original members of Hosanna will be reunited
as part of the concert. Hosanna is considered to be one of the
first Christian Rock Bands to come out of the South, and the first of its
kind in Alabama.
This event is open to the public and is free. There will
be plenty of refreshments and activities for the entire family. The event
will take place at New Life Fellowship Church, 1.5 miles south of Winfield,
AL on Hwy 43 South. For more information contact Pastor Jeff Norris at
205.487.4373.
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