Doyle Lawson’s Help is on the Way
Celebrated bluegrass singer celebrates 45 years in music business

By Paulette Isaacs

With Doyle Lawson having turned 64 years old on Sunday, April 20th, one would think that he’d slow down a little bit performing, recording, and producing – possibly even retiring.  But, that’s not what he’s doing by any means. With an illustrious career in bluegrass spanning 45 years, Doyle Lawson wasn’t born yesterday as far as music goes. He has developed his own signature sound with his band Quicksilver which has gained him recognition and respect the bluegrass-world over.

Doyle’s musical journey began in 1963 with his first job being in Jimmy Martin’s band as a banjo player. In 1966, Doyle joined J.D. Crowe first by playing guitar and then switching to mandolin. In 1969, he again paired up with Jimmy Martin for a 6-month stint, and then rejoining J.D. Crowe until August of 1971. From 1971-1979, Doyle had a great 8-year run with the powerful Country Gentlemen. Deciding to start his own group to fulfill his dream of having a bluegrass group that reflected the sound he envisioned, Doyle Lawson formed Doyle Lawson & Foxfire, but soon thereafter changed the name to Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and as the cliché goes, the rest is history.

“The gospel music that we record and perform on stage has always been important to me. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have made many more gospel recordings than secular ones. It is apparent to me that the folks who buy our music and come to our concerts feel, as I do, that there is no better message than the message of Jesus Christ. On the first Sunday of May, in 1985, I rededicated my life to our Lord Jesus. It is my fervent hope that my “musical mission” will lead others to Him.”

DLQS (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver) has taken what his fans want into consideration with their newest release, Help Is On the Way. This is a 14-track, all-gospel recording that was released by Horizon Records in March 2008.

“I Know, I Know” written by Rob Mills tells of the Christian’s assurance of their soul’s destination after death and the One in Whom that trust is placed.

Title track “Help Is On the Way” (writer: Michael E. Reed) is explained well by Doyle Lawson himself: “In Him we have the assurance that no matter what troubles and trials we encounter in our walk through life, we can take courage in knowing that” help is on the way (taken from liner notes of CD).

Dee Gaskin and John Swain’s “Eternity Has Two” tells of how this life offers many choices concerning how one can life their life, but eternity has only two choices, and making the right decision has eternal effects. Dee Gaskin also co-wrote “God Is Love” with Bill Castle which has a poignant line in the chorus: “He’s in the smile of a little child – Oh, truly God is love

“One of These Days” written by Nancy Carol White and “I Won’t Have to Worry Anymore” (writers: J. Goss and J. Jones) have the uplifting message of the hope of Christ’s calling away of His own.

Randy Swift’s “Land of the Dying” is a powerful testimony of a Christian mother’s dying words: “I am leaving the land of the dying to lay hold on eternal life. And the moment you see me departing, you will know I have safely arrived.”

“When the Hand of God Comes Down” written by Odell McLeod song that has an older feel to it with its plain lyrics and one-two delivery on the chorus.

Fred Rose’s “The Black Sheep Returned to the Fold” is one that a friend of this writer said that his father used to sing years and years ago. The message in the song is timeless and coincides with “The Prodigal Son” parable in the scriptures.

The Easter Brothers (Ed, James, and Russell) contribute “I’m the Clay in Your Hands” which tells the message: “Try me Lord, you know my heart. Search me here as I am. I’m sure you can see the weakness in me. Mold me, I’m the clay in your hands.”

Luther Presley and V.O. Fossett co-wrote “Press On ‘O Pilgrim, There is Joy Ahead” which is a classic quartet-style song and DLQS takes another Luther Presley song, “He Made it All Right” and “did it up” acapella style (which is a style that is highly-favored among DLQS fans).

“What Shall I Do With Jesus” (writers: Alton Delmore and Merrill Vaughn) is self-explanatory even in the title.
Doyle Lawson does a great recitation in the Louvin Brothers’ “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus”.

Current members of DLQS include it’s namesake, Doyle Lawson (mandolin), Darren Beachley (guitar), Alan Johnson (fiddles –hailing from Newland, no less!), Joey Cox (banjo and rhythm guitar), Carl White (bass and piano), and Josh Swift (Dobro and percussion).

This and other reviewed CDs may be purchased or ordered through our friends at Appalachian Music Shoppe on the 105 Extension in Boone. They are located in Carriage Square. You may call 828-263-0051 for more information.

Local musicians are invited to send in your materials for a review by Paulette Isaacs. They may be mailed to 286 Phillip Road, Elk Park, NC 28622. Sorry, materials cannot be returned. For more information, you may email dpisaacs@localnet.com.