Virgil Gibson

Virgil Gibson to play Franklin concert

Before Virgil was born, his mother was praying for his future. "When she was pregnant with me, she heard Lena Horne sing 'Stormy Weather' "the Nashville-based singer said. "She prayed that I would have a 'golden voice'." His mother's prayers were answered. Gibson grew up to become lead singer of legendary groups, the Platters and the Rivingtons. He has also appeared with the Drifters, the Coasters, the O-Jays, Bobby Day, Dee Clark and Al Wilson. Now Gibson will bring his golden voice to gospel and golden oldies for Franklin's "Summer Nights" concert series. The free concert, presented by Franklin-Simpson Renaissance and Citizens First Bank, will be from 6pm. to 8pm. Friday at Franklin's Courtyard Bandstand.

Franklin-Simpson Renaissance Director Sonny Monroe said he noticed Gibson at the Franklin Music Festival last month. "He was there selling gumbo to raise money for (Hurricane Katrina) victims in New Orleans because he has lived there," he said. Monroe didn't see when Gibson eventually took to the stage with bluegrass musicians who were performing at the concert, but he heard about it from participants. "I heard he brought the house down," he said. "He must be good if he can do that."

Gibson's singing career began in Birmingham, Ala. Gospel was his first love, and he would sing in church. "I was 4 years old when people realized I could sing." He said. By age 9, he was appearing at various churches with professional gospel singers. He graduated from high school when he was 16 and took his act on the road at age 17. Gibson was with the Platters for about 10 years and the Rivingtons for 17 years. He eventually moved to Europe where he appeared at festivals, concerts, resort venues and charity benefits. He appeared with Etta Cameron - who was knighted by the queen of Denmark for introducing gospel music to Denmark in 1997 - in gospel concerts in Denmark and Sweden. "I wanted to show the world what I could do individually," he said. While living in Germany, Gibson was Marketing Director for the USO, where he entertained American troops and served on the USO's Advisory Board of Directors. He recently returned to the United States. Although he hasn't been doing as much recording as in the past, he plans to record something new very soon, he said. "When you're a real musician, you may get out of it for a minute, but you come back", he said. "God has blessed me. I ask God to bless me - to touch my heart - before every performance. Perfection in music is in the eye of the beholder", Gibson said. "What's wrong to one person may be right for someone sitting next to him", he said. Gibson said, performing with the bluegrass musicians at the Franklin Music Festival was a wonderful experience, especially during the gospel set. It brought him to tears. "I'm hoping we can get together again," he said.

Written by Alyssa Harvey, The Daily News
Thursday, October 6, 2005 - bgdailynews.com

Virgil Gibson - A voice of the 1950's and 1960's - is back by popular demand.

Gibson - who sang with the original Platters, the Drifters, the Coasters and OJays - will perform Friday, Oct. 7 from 7-9p.m. at the grandstand on the Courthouse square in Franklin.

Gibson came to the Franklin Music Festival to sell gumbo and ended up singing whith Bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent, bringing the crowd to its feet. Gibson, meanwhile, liked the people.

"I've been traveling on and off for the past 40 years, and I've never ran into a place like Franklin," said Gibson, who now lives in Nashville. "I can't think of any place where the people are as friendly."

Gibson said he is assembling a band and will bring two members with him Friday night, including a former drummer for Bo Diddly's band. His charasmatic personality and genuine love for music and audiences makes him a crowd favorite in any setting. Before each performance, he asks that God enable him to touch every heart.

"I consider myself a therapist." Gibson said.

Gibson began his musical career at age 9 in Birmingham, appearing with professional gospel singers at various churches. He met Tony Williams, the original lead singer of the Platters, as a teenager and prayed one day that he would sing with the popular "doo-wop" group, which recorded 400 songs and 80 million copies. He later became lead singer with members of the original Platters, which splintered into several different groups. His performances with the Platters and Rivingtons took him around the world.

Gibson was lead singer for over 17 years with th Rivingtons, whose hits include "Papa Oom Maw Maw." His recent recordings, Virgil Gibson Sings the Oldies" Volumes I and II bring back the best of the 1950's an 1960's.


Written by Franklin Favorite - Online Edition
Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - FranKlin Favorite - Online Edition

Virgil has had an interest in music therapy for many years. As a professional counselor in a medical setting, he included music therapy in his couseling. Virgil's most recent project involved the Tennessee Bridges Prisoner Programin Nashville, Tennessee. Virgil created a prison choir as an inovattive way to connect with hardcore prisoners. "It was a real challenge to work with prisoners who didn't even want to work with each other. But I believe God has blessed me to connect with people whoever they may be."

Prison officials confirmed a dramatic change in both prisoner attitude and behavior. Even the skeptics saw the potential for rehabilitation through music therapy. "When my choir performed as a part of a meeting for the correctional staff, they received a standing ovation! It was a real thrill to see the prison staff recognize these prisoners for their courage," stated Virgil. "I believe music is one of the best ways to bring out a person's potential, especially people who feel isolated, even hard core prisoners."

Virgil welcomes future projects that include music therapy for children, the elderly and others with special needs. - P. Winkler Business Mgr Press Release