Extravaganza a time to sing, worship
Gospel event aids Richardson's battle with Lou Gehrig's disease
BY DOUG DAVIS • DOUGDAVIS@DNJ.COM • February 23, 2009


The ninth annual Gospel Extravaganza was introduced Sunday night as a time to worship the Lord and to honor one of Rutherford County's own.

"Tonight we came here to have church," said Gloria Bonner, assistant to MTSU's president from the Office for Community Engagement and Support. "You are making history at MTSU. This is the first time this fundraiser has been at Murphy Center. Dr. (Sidney) McPhee wouldn't have had it any other way."
The event, which was previously held in Tucker Theater at MTSU, attracted some 20 groups and soloists who performed for 200 to 300 people.

Bonner also spoke of her cousin, Albert Richardson, who benefited from money raised at Sunday's Black History Month event at MTSU.

"We are proud to honor you tonight," she said to her relative. "We are proud because he has the gift of song."

Richardson was selected by the Gospel Extravaganza committee to receive proceeds from this year's fundraiser, which was organized by Mary Glass.

For 14 years, he has battled Lou Gehrig's disease. But it has not stopped him from singing at community and church events — even funerals.

Many in the audience Sunday were there to show appreciation to him. But this time, he was not scheduled to sing.

"Albert is a nice fellow and always participates in whatever he can do for someone," said Robert Haynes, 85, a retired Murfreesboro waterworks employee. "I like to hear him sing."

Haynes' daughter, Stephanie Sanders, has also seen Richardson perform at different events.

"I don't know him personally, but if I saw him, I'd talk to him," the SunTrust teller said. "He's a nice guy."



Darryl Chaney, director of the Christ Fellowship Chorale, brought his group to perform three numbers Sunday night.

"Ms. Glass asked us," said Chaney, explaining the group's appearance.

The 35-year-old was raised in the Shiloh community on Halls Hill Pike and knew Richardson, who lives in the same area. They both attended Walnut Grove Baptist Church, where Richardson continues to serve today.

Richardson was given six months to live when he was first diagnosed in March 1995.

"Albert has a strong willpower to keep going," said Chaney. "I know with him being in Christ Jesus, that played a big role."

Amanda Bowers, a senior psychology major at MTSU, was part of the MTSU Gospel Choir that performed Sunday night.

"We work with Mary Glass," she said. "It's a good benefit to help somebody."

Rutherford Community Choir member Lou Randel of La Vergne said she "loves gospel music and loves to celebrate our culture."

Billy Wilcox of Smyrna said he came to hear the Rutherford Community Choir, which his wife, Lucille, directs. But he has noticed the work Richardson has been doing for the Lord.

"I think the Lord has been keeping (Richardson) around for that reason," the 50-year-old Nissan maintenance technician said.

Barbara Bell, 60, was part of an African Apparel fashion show Sunday.

She is convinced that Albert Richardson has lived so long because "God is good."

"(Richardson) has had a lot of people praying for him," the Beech Grove resident said.

Jimmie Wilson, one of three directors of the MTSU Gospel Choir, said this group was about helping someone else in the community.

"We have to be there for each other," he said. "That's what this program is all about," the 29-year-old said.

— Doug Davis, 615-278-5152

http://www.tennessean.com/article/D4...WS01/902230320