ABOUT “NEVER FADE BLUEGRASS GOSPEL BAND” 

( November, 2006 )

The Ministry of Never Fade began in Lakeland, Florida in 1997, with Cecil McClellan (Guitar/Lead singer; Lakeland) and Ernest Combee (Mandolin/Harmony; Lakeland) playing in local nursing homes in central Florida. Soon, other local musicians became aware of the ministry, and Roger Marlowe (Bass; Lakeland), Eddy Nelson (Banjo/Harmony; Plant City), Bill Keen (Dobro; Cork), and Jack Carr (Fiddle; Plant City) joined the band. They all began to practice and play together, blending  their musical abilities into a strong messenger of God's word—Never Fade Bluegrass Gospel Band!

Shortly after August of 1998, Never Fade began playing for local churches, schools, conferences, festivals, and special events—as God led them.  The band has played throughout central Florida as well as on Tour through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia—“Pickin’ and Singin’ to Praise the Lord!”  

Never Fade plays 45-65 concerts each year, primarily on weekends, because some members work full-time jobs.  Two members, Eddy and Jack, have since left to take care of other responsibilities.  In July of  2004, Cecil became Principal of  Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Florida. What a blessing it is to have this fine Christian man in that position!  Charlie Hamrick (Banjo/Harmony; Clearwater) joined the band approximately five years ago, and Never Fade has remained the current group of five since then.

All of these men have a sincere desire to use their talents for God.  Since the beginning, they have faithfully served the Lord with music in a variety of ways and places, such as: 

• Helped to raise over a thousand dollars to send a young missionary to Kenya;  
• Helped an elementary school PTA to raise funds for the school;  
• Helped to raise money for cancer research through “Relay for Life” several times;  
• Helped to raise money to rebuild a church that burned in Lakeland;  
• Helped raise money for a children’s home in West Virginia;  
• Played annually at the Plant City “Feed the Hungry—Unity in the Community” benefit; 
• Played for a medical benefit in Nashville, Tennessee, for a well-known Grand ‘Ole Opry bluegrass personality—Josh Graves;  
• Played often at the V. A. Hospital in Tampa, and many more.  

Over the past eight-plus years, Never Fade has been very active, indeed, having:

• Twice appeared live on a 3-hour Gospel Music Special for Time-Warner Television, Channel 20, in Tampa; 
• Twice played in the Georgia Mountain Fair & Fiddler’s Convention in Hiawassee, Georgia; 
• Played since 1997 for the Black Rock Mountain State Park “Independence Day Celebration” in Mountain City, Georgia;
• Played at the “Old South Farm Days Festival” in Walthourville, Georgia; 
• Represented Polk County in the first annual “Polk County Day Celebration” at the State Capitol  Building in Tallahassee, Florida; 
• Featured in the 2006 “Plant City Opry--Gospel Jamboree”; 
• Played in over 110 different churches (many of which book the band 2 and 3 times each year); and 
• Now played over 500 concerts.  

Even with a policy of only going where called and not asking for concerts nor promoting themselves, the band's schedule is filled as much as a year in advance. Never Fade ministers through their music where the pastors, music directors, and church representatives request a booking.  Praise the Lord!! It is ALL about God!!—He is the One who keeps Never Fade busy!!  

What a joy it is to see the hand of God at work and to feel the power of His Spirit in the churches. God has graciously led several  folks to accept the gift of  Salvation through Never Fade concerts.  God’s anointing is truly AWESOME!

According to Bill Long of the Floridians:  

“If you combine the talents of voices, instruments, and dedication of five men with one purpose, you will come up with the sweet sounds of the finest in Gospel Bluegrass music—NEVER FADE.  This group has been doing a great job proclaiming the Gospel through their smooth, refreshing sound.”

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The continuing desire of NEVER FADE is to go where God calls—proclaiming the Gospel in song. 

(On a love-offering basis for churches or a designated minimum for private events).  

Never Fade has produced four recordings (CD and cassette):

“What Kind of Man”, “A Winner Either Way”, “Cryin’ Holy”, and “CrossRoads”

THANK YOU, FANS!

Over the years, Never Fade has developed a large number of

wonderful, faithful fans for whom the band is very thankful! 

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What others have said about us:

Re: Thanks, Never Fade
June 6, 2008

Greetings, to the Never Fade Bluegrass Gospel Band of Lakeland, Florida in the name of our risen and returning Lord.

Since we both retired three years ago, my wife, Bobbie, and I have traveled over much of the United States on both sides of the Mississippi River. Whenever possible, we have arranged our travel to allow for attendance at a bluegrass festival or event each weekend of travel. We have been fortunate to have heard and seen many different bluegrass bands at some of the largest festivals as well as at some of the smallest and out-of-the-way events. Additionally, when we are at home in Land O Lakes, FL we have taken every advantage to attend local bluegrass presentations - including many of yours. It is safe to say that we have heard and seen over three hundred different bluegrass bands over the last three years. We are blessed.

Based on this experience, we can say without a doubt that the Never Fade Bluegrass Band is one of the finest bluegrass gospel bands we have encountered. We have seen and heard some excellent bands, but none have a better presentation than yours. You are truly professionals and it shows. The versatility of your band is also readily visible. It is rare to find a bluegrass band in which each and every member has a unique God-given specialty and that each and every member is allowed to demonstrate that special talent at some time during each of the band’s performances.

We look forward to the next performance of Never Fade that we can attend. Until that time the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you as I remain your fellow laborer in the vineyard of our Lord,

Sincerely,

Bobbie & Major Sam Ward, US Army, Retired
Land O Lakes, Florida