Articles & Reviews

Awards
1997
CASGMA (Central Alabama Southern Gospel Music Association)

Group of the Year
Alto of the Year : Paulette Pynes
Sound Technician of the Year : Rex Weldon

1998
CASGMA (Central Alabama Southern Gospel Music Association)

Female Vocalist of the Year :Denise Weldon
Female Tenor/Soprano of the Year : Millie Brown

2000
Country Gospel Music Guild, Golden Harp Award, Family Group of the Year 2000,
awarded October 5, 2000

2001
Country Gospel Music Guild, Golden Harp Award, Vocal Group of the Year 2001,
awarded October 6, 2001

Christian Country Music Association, Top Ten Nominee for Trio of the Year 2001,
Nashville, Tennessee

Winners of Daywind Music Showcase, Gibson Music Bluegrass Cafe, Nashville,
Tennessee, September 18, 2001

2002
CASGMA (Central Alabama Southern Gospel Music Association)

Group of the Year
Female Vocalist of the Year : Denise Weldon
Emma Myrick Fan Award : Denise Weldon

New Nominations - Country Gospel Music Guild August 2002

Trio of the Year
Female Vocalist : Denise Weldon
Female Songwriter : Paulette Pynes
Comedian of the Year : Millie Brown

2003
CASGMA (Central Alabama Southern Gospel Music Association)

Group of the Year Award
Female Vocalist of the Year : Denise Weldon
Harvy Gilmer Fan Award : Wheat Pynes
Emma Myrick Fan Award : Paulette Pynes
Country Gospel Music Guild, Golden Harp Award, Trio Of The Year 2003,
awarded October 4, 2003

2004
Music City Gospel Showcase, Female Group of the Year
awarded June 5, 2004

2005
Music City Gospel Showcase, Female Group of the Year
awarded June 5, 2004

Special News Release !

"Thank You Lord""

The song "Thank You Lord", written by Millie Brown of The Dennis Family, was given by the Lord to her during a prayer that was being prayed for an, elderly black gentleman that frequented their place of business. The gentleman expressed that he needed to speak to Paulette, also of The Dennis Family. Whenever she arrived, the gentleman passed a packet that contained his Last Will and Testament in it and wanted her to have his teacup poodle. Paulette asked, why; what's this for? He told her he was going to kill himself. It stunned her so bad that she was speachless. Her husband, Wheat, walked in the door. Paulette told Wheat that the gentleman needed to speak with him. Wheat sat down to talk with hirn. Paulette hurried into the kitchen. She and Millie began to pray, and in the midst of the prayer, the Lord delivered the song. Millie couldn't believe that the Lord was giving her a song while she was in the middle of praying for someone contemplating suicide. She thought, Lord, this isn't the right time. Meanwhile, in the dining area, the gentleman pulled out an icepick and hoisted it into the air. His hand wouldn't come down. He did it again! It still wouldn't come down. After the third attempt, he looked up at his hand and couldn't believe it wouldn't come down, The icepick fell out of his hand to the table. He dropped his head and sobbed uncontrollably. Through all of this, Wheat was able to lead the man to the Lord. He accepted Christ as his personal savior and left that night a different man. In short, therein came "Thank You I Lord'.

The Dennis Family brought home the gold. Not the Olympic gold, but the spiritual gold. They were nominated by the Country Music Guild for Family Group of the Year for 2000 in Memphis,Tenn., and won. The Guild's nominees are chosen by radio DJs through-out the United States. The nominees are then voted on by the fans. This event is called the Country Music Guilds "Golden Harp Awards." The Dennis Family has been singing gospel music for over 30 years; and the second generation has currently been singing about 13 years. They have graced the stage with numerous other nationally known artists on more than one occasion. They are members of several gospel music associations including The Country Gospel Music Guild, The christian Country Music Association, and The Central Alabama Southern Gospel Music Association located in Montgomery, Ala. The Dennis Family can be reached at 334-285-5161, Fax 334-285-5704, or e-mail then at: thedennisfamily@bellsouth.net or: thedennisfam@msn.com. From left are Milly Brown, Paulette Pynes and Denise Weldon.
(Article from Power Source June 2001)

Hank Williams Remembered

A nation mourned as time seemed to have still on January 1, 1953 as one of counry music's most beloved singers, songwrit:rs, and gifted musicians, Hank Williams, died. As they did then, thousands and now even millions, still pay tribute and give ememberance to him around the world. january 1, 2003 marked the 50th anniversary date of his death. His family, many friends, and fans remembered him on this date as well. The Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, Cecil Jackson, its founder, had a spectacular memorial service beginning New Year's Day at 10:00 a.m. at graveside service at Oakwood Cemetary with David Church performing. From there, it went back to the museum for other activities. Candlelight services were then held at 4:30 p.m. at the Lister Hill Park where a bronze statute of Hank Williams stand holding his guitar, located across the street from the city auditorium where Hank's funeral was held such a fitting place since he and his band had performed there on numerous occasions. The capitol city's mayor, Bobby Bright, proclaimed from January 1 through January 7 as Hank Williams' week for its native son. The cuology that was given for Hank in '53 by Reverend Richard Lyons, Sr. was read again by his son, Richard Lyons, Jr. The Dennis Family from Millbrook, Alabama stepped up to the microphone and delivered a heart-wrenching message as they sang "I Saw the Light". Prayer was given and the festivities moved back to the museum for some good 'ole gospel singing featuring the Dennis Family. Their father, Paul Dennis, Jr. was one of the original drifting cowboys playing guitar and upright bull bass with Hank for several years and sang harmony and tenor. Before a packed house, the Dennis Family sang their hearts out as they always do everywhere they perform. Whether there's 10 or 100,000, these ladies can do the job! There were some familiar faces in the crowd that night: Don Helms, steel guitarist for Hank; Mae Jarrert, whose husband, Millard Jarrett, played with Hank; Bernice Hilburn-Turner, who played with Hank; and Lum York, who also played upright bass. The Dennis Family also had the privilege of Lum playing his spoons on stage with them. The girls (Dennis Family) "cut up" with Lum a little bit, as he loves to "cut up". Lum said he was having more fun than a bucket of ants being poured on a gallon of soggum syrup. Someone in the crowed shouted, "Lum, who nicknamed you Lum?" He replied, "Paul Dennis." After playing a few more songs, Lum retired to a seat onstage as the Dennis Family closed out the show. As a special treat, they couldn't let the evening pass by without a few songs written by the legend for which the events were all Dennis Family singing at Hank Williams statute at the candlelight service. about. Almost 40 years ago, their cousin, Rickey Parsons, had recorded Mr. Dennis singing on an old reel-to-reel recorder (Rickey on piano, Sonny Royal on saxophone) which had been made into a CD for the family just last year shortly before Mr. Dennis passed away on June 28, 2002, remarkably sounding just like Hank Williams, commented by several of Hank's fans attending the show. The museum held other events through Friday, the 3rd of January. Other artists that performed were Jack Greene, James Seagrest and The Bama Band, David and Teri Church, Stonewall Jackson just to name a few.
(Article from Power Source Feb 2003)

Millbrook, Ala., is home to one of this month's Breakthrough groups — The Dennis Family.br> This group began singing for the Lord some 30 years ago with Paulette Dennis— Pynes, her mother Dora Dorothy Dennis,and two other ladies. There have been few changes in the group membership, and today the group is entirely family - Paulette Dennis Pynes, her sister Millie Dennis Brown and Paulette's daughter Denise Pynes Weldon. The music of The Dennis Family is characterized by close family harmony and heart-felt, anointed message in song. They are charter members of Central Alabama Southern Gospel Music Association (CASGMA) which is based in Montgomery, Ala. The Dennis Family has received numerous regional honors from this organization including group of the year in 1997, and was nominated for group of the year 1998. There has been individual recognition for the group memberrs as well, including Paulette's being voted alto of the year for 1997 and Denise and Millie both being nominated or the same honor. Ini 1998 Denise was voted lead singer of the year and Millie was voted tenor of the year. The response of The Dennis Family with all the recognilion has been a quick pointing to Jesus Christ. "The only star in our lives is Jesus," they said. "All the praise,honor and glory belong to God and His Son, Jesus." Working behind the scenes is Paullette's husband Wheat. He is bus driver, manager,booking agent, mechanic — you name it, he does it. Rex Weldon, Denise's husband, runs sound for the group and plays drums with The Dennis Family Band. The band is used on special occasions. Millie's daughter, Shae Brown, is the Table Tech and Gofer Girl. Dona Dennis Brooks, Paulett's and Millie's sister, is the group's secretary. The latest project by The Dennis Family is Mountain Climber: This album features the title song, written by Paulette; and "Train For Glory," an upbeat song sure to move you, written by Denise. The group also has to their credit three additional recordings with much of the material written by group members. The one thing this group keeps in mind is that they be ready and willing vessels for God's use. They are thankful for the opportunity to travel and meet new friends wherever they go, and they go with gladness of heart. For booking information, call 334-285-5161 or 334- 285-4841
(Article from The Gospel Voice Magazine 2000)

The Dennis Family
Everone knows how wonderful family harmony is and this family's harmony is second to none. It is just fun to be around this precious trio. I know that by looking at their picture you can't tell which one is the mother. The Dennis Family is from a small town called Millbrook Alabama but they have a BIG message to spread. Their focus is to lift up the downtrodden, to help heal the broken hearted, to encourage all people to strive for the high calling of God. When you spend time with The Dennis Family there is a lot of laughter, in fact members of their group have been nominated comedian of the year, but the desires of their hearts are very serious. They desire to see people reached for the Lord. They wish to thank everyone who has been instrumental in their success in carrying forth the Gospel in song. They truly give Him the praise for it all. Invite these ladies to your revival, civic events, camp meetings, concerts or church. You'll certainly be glad you did. The Dennis Family * 3251 Cobb Ford Rd. * Millbrook, AL 36054 * 334-285-5161 * thedennisfamily@bellsouth.net * thedennisfam@msn.com
(Article from U.S. Gospel News Feb 2003)

A Funny From The Road

While traveling one morning 4:00am, everyone but me was sleeping. I decided to stop by a truck stop and get a Coke so I could stay awake and make the rest of the way home. When I got back on the bus all was still quiet so I headed on home. About 70 miles down the road, I got a phone call. The lady on the other end simply asked, "Why did you leave me? I said "Ma,am?" At the time I thought it was one of the ladies who had been to the singing who had followed us back to Ft Payne, AL. I thought, maybe I've been running too fast and they can't keep up? I then apologized and explained that it was late, I was very tired, and just wanted to get home. Then the voice exclaimed, "How am I going to get home?" I then found after asking twice hecause of unbelief that it was Millie. When it finally registered. I said, "Where in the world are - you, Millie?" She said, "I am at the truck stop next to B-Ham, I don't have any money, no shoes. no glasses, my hair is · messed up. I have shorts and a shirt on with no bra, I might add, and I had to beg this man to let me use the phone. Before I talked him into it, he was trying to convince me to let him call the law and stop · that big black bus. Please be careful with your speed but please hurry and come get me! This big guy only has two teeth and is trying to convince me to let one of these truckers take me home! He is telling everyone that walks in I am a gospel singer who got left by her bus." Needless to say, I went to fetch Millie after telling her to watch out for old bubba. Millie was one more sight when I pulled in to get her! She was on the bus in a flash saying, "Thank God, Thank God, you are here to get me! I will never get off this bus again without a cell phone, a cowbell, or a fog horn. I won't get off without being dressed better either! I was so embarrassed when that guy was telling everyone I was a gospel singer! They would look at me and just smile! I was such a mess!" She kept talking of how embarrassed she was all the way home... When she comes out of hiding. I'll have to give her a hard time!! Now so can you!
(By Wheat Pynes of The Dennis Family -- Article printed in Power Source Sept 2002)

"Mountain Climber"

The Dennis Family is not a group that is new to Southern Gospel music. This ladies trio from Alabama is the second generation of a family that has spent over 30 years spreading the good news of Jesus Christ across this vast nation of ours.

Millie, Paulette, and Denise are a special breed. They spend most of their lives travelling around the country by bus, setting up to sing anywhere and everywhere anyone will give them audience.

And now they have recorded a project for His Music Group called "Mountain Climber". It is a truly unique Cd. 10 songs of mostly original material fill the recording. And what makes that important is that most family groups out there these days are singing songs that are tried and true renditions of treasured southern gospel fare. The Dennis Family, meanwhile, is out on the road making their own brand of Christian country gospel. It's a little bit country, it's a little bit southern, and a whole lot gospel.

The three-part harmonies are so tightly wound that it is hard to tell where one part stops and another begins. These three ladies are all members of the Alabama Christian music association and have been selected as soprano, alto, and tenors of the year for 1998. So, the quality is there. Make no mistake about that. So, the question is, why haven't we heard more about these 3 ladies before now?

I can't begin to answer that question. Perhaps they ARE well known in the Alabama area. After all, they have a bus that they travel on, and they are constantly being booked. Maybe If we looked closer at the music we will have our answer.

"Mountain Climber" begins with the title track. An original number, this song tells about how we all have mountains to climb. And with the best mountain climber beside us, helping us do the climbing, there is no mountain that can't be overcome. Outstanding lead vocals by Denise, daughter of original member Paulette, combined with the wonderful high tenor and alto harmonies of mom and aunt Millie, make this number an outstanding lead off tune.

"Thank You Lord" follows. Another song written by Millie Dennis-Brown, this number is a song of reflection and remembrance. Denise sings the lead, telling about how good the Lord has been to all of them over the years. A beautiful melodic line, coupled with the signature Dennis Family harmonies, again combine to make a wonderful piece.

The pace quickens considerably on the next cut. "Someday Soon" is a racehorse number that tells every listener that Christ's returning is imminent and that we should be singing a happy song. Well, this song fills that request very nicely, thank you. I just can't get over how these three harmonize. It's wonderful!!

"What I Owe" is another song cut in the Christian country mold of The Dennis Family. Millie has penned another outstanding number. This one gives us the feel of an old Loretta Lynn or Patsy Cline number. And with the trademark harmonies of Millie, Paulette, and Denise, it is easy to close your eyes and think that you are listening to Loretta, Patsy, and others from that gone-by era.

It's just hit me. This group sounds a lot like the Andrews Sisters or McGuire Sisters, or the Lennon Sisters! That's who they remind me of. Ok, let's continue. Now that I've figured THAT out !!

Next up is "Train For Glory". A throwback to the days of Johnny Horton, this song reminds me of "Hiawatha" or something similar. The Indian drumbeats are there, to supplement the awesome harmonies of the lady trio.

"Can You Just Imagine" is a wonderful countrified ballad. It tells us in song of what Heaven will be like once we get there. Streets of gold, gates of pearl, crystal seas, mansions of white, and treasures untold. It will truly be a place like no other, as the lyric states. I can't wait, can you?

"Who Am I" is an old gospel number that is done up in Dennis Family style. As always before, Denise takes the lead, followed by her mother and aunt on the choruses. The result is a wonderful rendition of the classic gospel number.

The other numbers that follow only serve to reinforce the opinion that we've already come to about this fine trio. These 3 ladies are multi-talented and excellent singers. Their 3-part high harmonies are outstandingly handled and delivered. Never is there a trace of hesitancy on anyone's part, not even the musicians.

This Is truly an outstanding project. The Dennis Family delivers tune after tune of tremendous harmonies, tremendous messages, and overall great music!

We should be hearing more from this great trio! Why not get a copy of "Mountain Climber" for youself? You will be glad you did!!

Until next time, God bless you all!
JT