Sally Quick Talks About Dottie Rambo & the Making of Her Debut Album

Sally Quick has just released her band new album, "A Tribute to Dottie Rambo." This newly recorded project features Quick tackling the songs of the legendary songwriter Dottie Rambo.  Along with husband Buck and daughter Reba, Dottie Rambo formed the award-winning southern Gospel group, The Rambos. She wrote more than 2,500 songs, including her most notable, "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need", "We Shall Behold Him", and "I Go To the Rock".

This new record features Quick putting her signature touches on 10 Rambo classics. What began as a search for one or two songs to complete a new record eventually became a tribute project. 

Q: Sally, thanks for doing this interview with us. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did the Lord call you to sing?

I was about six years old at a gospel concert in West Tennessee. During the finale with all the groups, I realized that was what the Lord wanted me to do. After feeling terrified (I was painfully bashful), I remember an instant feeling of peace. I thought God had "moved on" about me singing gospel music. Years later, the Lord called and I answered! I sang in various capacities with friends and relatives and am thankful for what the Lord accomplished. When that season ended, I enrolled in college to pursue a degree in Biblical Studies at Liberty University. I learned so much and am very excited to step into this new season of solo ministry!

Q: Congratulations on the release of your new album. Why did you decide to do a tribute to Dottie Rambo?

I was putting together my first solo album. I started with some original songs and a few hymns and wanted to find two classics to finish the recording. I knew I couldn't go wrong with Dottie Rambo! I began researching and made a list of the songs that deeply resonated with me. After months of trying to narrow down the selection, I just could not get the list down to two. Dottie's music and gospel songwriting have impacted countless people including myself. I thought it only fitting to honor her legacy! This record became a wonderful collaboration of singers, musicians, and industry personnel who knew Dottie and were influenced by her songs and also admired her family's group, The Rambos.

Q: What is it about Dottie's songs that really speak to you?

Dottie was anointed to write what so many of us want to say. Romans 8:26 says, "In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings." The Holy Spirit helps us communicate with God. Dottie's songs help us communicate with others. We can give our testimony, share the gospel, and encourage others by the amazingly universal lyrics she wrote! This is what made doing a tribute album inevitable for me.

Q: Have you ever met Dottie before? And how did you first become a fan?

Yes, I met Dottie many years ago at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville. She was a very precious soul! I first became a fan when I was only about 6 or 7 years old. The Harmonettes, a local group from my hometown, recorded some of Dottie's songs. Sheltered in the Arms of God affected me deeply. I loved reading liner notes as long as I can remember knowing how to read, and I saw her name in the credits. That moment influenced the course of my life as a gospel songwriter!

Q: You have a few notable guests on the album. Tell us more about the people involved with you on this record?

The singers who helped me out on this record are distinguished artists in their own right. But they are also incredibly talented in the studio and have their own unique sound. Reggie and Ladye Love Smith are popular with the Gaither Homecoming tours, with Reggie now in the Gaither Vocal Band. As soon as I heard the rough mix of "I Will Glory in the Cross" for the album, I knew their amazing sound would be perfect for this large orchestrated track!

Angela Primm and Gale Mayes can also be seen in many Gaither videos - I've admired them for years and hoped one day to work with them. This record was the perfect opportunity with "I Go to the Rock." I found so many different versions of the song while researching, but really wanted to do it more as a sing-a-long. Gale and Angie did their thing and I love how it turned out!

I've been a long-time fan of The Wilburns, so getting Elaine Wilburn to sing was very special. Paul Lancaster of the Booth Brothers is one of the best gospel singers around! We met years ago doing demo work, and his sound is just flawless! An interesting note - I felt he should sing "Remind Me, Dear Lord" - but before I said anything, I asked Paul if he had a favorite Dottie song. He said he had always loved "Remind Me, Dear Lord," and that's when I told him it was going to be his duet! I love when God makes things so obvious!

Anyone around Southern Gospel knows Troy and Katy Peach - I can't imagine anyone else on "He Looked Beyond My Fault." Ron Hemby, a phenomenal vocalist, sang with the Imperials. He was my Worship Pastor for years and he really sang life into "New Shoes!"

When I heard Misty Freeman's new Daywind EP last year, I knew she was the perfect choice for my country gospel version of "Too Much to Gain to Lose." And last, but certainly not least, are my favorite singers - Justin and Rebecca Greer - on the first cut, "The Holy Hills."

I'm a little partial because that is my daughter and son-in-law! An interesting story about the tune they sang on - when I was in the song selection phase, Beck said, "Mom! You have to do the one with that line!" Like many of us who are avid Dottie fans, I immediately knew she meant "The Holy Hills" which says "bars of bone hold my soul." Imagine my delight when my baby girl agreed to sing with me on it!

Q: Many of Dottie's songs are well-known. So, how did you approach these songs to give them your own unique touches?

Well, the vocals are pretty straight-forward. After hearing all of the incredible flavors that singers had used through the years, I decided to record these in a way that people could sing along. I have found no greater way to encourage myself than singing along with songs that have touched my life and ministered to me through different trials. With that technical aspect decided, I just tried to convey what was in my heart - the hope, refreshing, and revival that Dottie's songs had inspired in me! Jesus is the Rock we can go to for shelter! "I Just Came to Talk" and "Remind Me" were the first two chosen - they remind us that Christ matters most! Songs of grace are "I Will Glory in the Cross" and "He Looked Beyond My Fault." Hope for heaven is in the lyrics to "The Holy Hills" and "New Shoes." These songs have fired new faith in my soul!

Q: What are some of the songs on your new record that you are excited about? And why?

"Remind Me, Dear Lord" single-handedly stopped me in my tracks during a difficult time. That one and "I Just Came to Talk With You Lord" reminded me of something that Corrie ten Boom once said: "You may never know that Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have." The presence of God was so real in the studio when we cut "I Will Glory in the Cross." What an amazing perspective of the cross of Christ!

I recorded "He Looked Beyond My Fault" one day when I was alone. That was another memorable worship experience in the studio that I will not forget. But I'm also thrilled with the up-tempo songs - from the gospel version of "I Go to the Rock" to the driving "When I Lift Up My Head" and "New Shoes." It is so hard to pick a favorite - I love them all!

Q: After this tribute album, what's next?

I had tracks for a hymn album in the can by the time I finished the tribute record. I started cutting vocals on those songs at the beginning of this New Year! I am seeking the Lord for the songs He wants me to share with His people and am thrilled to be touring again! We are in exciting days, and I am passionate about doing my part to encourage others!

 

 

Tags : sally quick sally quick new album dottie rambo tribute to dottie rambo sally quick interview sally quick singer