NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Gospel music enthusiasts are in for a remarkable treat as Daywind Records is set to release a powerful new tribute honoring the legendary songwriter Dottie Rambo. Scheduled for March 27th, this tribute album will highlight Rambo’s immense contributions to gospel music, featuring a blend of revered artists from the Southern Gospel scene.
The tribute, aptly titled “We Shall Behold Him: A Tribute to Dottie Rambo,” will not only captivate audiences but also receive significant national attention. Bill Gaither’s Enlighten on SiriusXM (Channel 150) will air an Album Spotlight from April 10–12, bringing this heartfelt collection to listeners across the country. As an added measure of promotion, The Gospel Greats dedicated a full episode to the project that aired the weekend of March 20, paving the way for an exciting debut.
Dottie Rambo is celebrated as one of gospel music’s most prolific songwriters, and this tribute album features some of her most beloved songs. Collaborating with various acclaimed artists, the project delves into classics like “Holy Spirit Thou Art Welcome Here,” “I Go To the Rock,” and “For What Earthly Reason,” ensuring a rich tapestry of compelling music. Additionally, DMG’s Billy Blue Records plans to release “The First Time I Heard About Heaven” on the same day, reimagined by the award-winning ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band.
The ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, a standout ensemble from East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies Program, infuses “The First Time I Heard About Heaven” with vibrant instrumentation and harmonies typical of traditional bluegrass storytelling. Dan Boner, a professor at ETSU and the producer of the record, emphasized Rambo’s timeless influence and the fresh bluegrass feel the band brought to this iconic song.
Boner expressed the band’s excitement for this collaboration, noting that it marks their first Gospel single release in partnership with Billy Blue Records. Featuring vocals by talented artists such as Audrey Neel and Ethan Church, the track showcases a collaborative spirit that embodies the essence of both Rambo’s writing and bluegrass tradition.
In addition to the ETSU Band, the tribute project features a remarkable lineup of Gospel artists, each bringing their distinctive style to Rambo’s deeply spiritual catalog. The album includes notable tracks like “He Looked Beyond My Faults” featuring Mark Lowry, and a duet by Reba Rambo and Destiny Rambo Khouri titled “Calvary Will Never Run Out of Songs.”
Reflecting on the project’s significance, Gerald Wolfe of Greater Vision remarked on the overdue need for a major choral project dedicated to Rambo’s work, emphasizing the impact her songs have had across multiple generations and genres. Similarly, Southern Gospel favorite Karen Peck shared her enthusiasm, highlighting the emotional connection in her interpretation of “When the Hills of Home Start Calling Me.”
Reba Rambo, Dottie’s daughter, expressed her heartfelt pride in the tribute, reminiscing about her mother’s musical brilliance and unique ability to capture life’s rhythms in her lyrics. “Nobody writes them like Mama,” she asserted, reinforcing the importance of this tribute in keeping Dottie Rambo’s legacy alive.
Tribute Quartet member Gary Casto echoed this sentiment, stating that participating in the project honors Dottie Rambo’s profound influence on the global community through her music. He described her songs as powerful vehicles of ministry that continue to resonate with listeners today.
Dusty Wells, Director of A&R for Daywind Records, shared his own personal connection to Rambo’s music, describing it as a source of hope during his youth. He emphasized the ongoing relevance of Rambo’s songs and how they continue to uplift and inspire, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of gospel music.
Johnathan Crumpton, Director of Daywind Worship, expressed the joy of collaborating on this tribute, particularly as the music pivots toward renewed relevance for contemporary church settings. The hope is for these updated arrangements to be embraced by choirs across the country for years to come.
Furthermore, audiences were treated to an exquisite showcase event during the National Quartet Convention, where all artists involved in the Dottie Rambo tribute shared their renditions live. This powerful worship experience is set to debut on Daywind Records’ YouTube channel on March 27th, offering fans a unique glimpse into the tribute’s creative energy.
By integrating national radio features, prominent showcases, and an illustrious array of contributing artists, the Dottie Rambo Tribute album stands as a multifaceted celebration of her beloved music. Additionally, the ETSU Bluegrass Pride’s single will reach Bluegrass radio and digital service platforms on the same date, marking an exciting season for the legacy of this iconic songwriter.
For fans of Southern Gospel and bluegrass alike, the Dottie Rambo Tribute not only serves to honor a timeless artist but also highlights the ongoing journey of her music through diverse interpretations, all while nurturing the community that continues to appreciate her contributions.
