Dottie Rambo

Written by Keith Crowe

May 21, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Dottie Rambo This week’s feature is a tribute to someone who has certainly impacted the Southern Gospel Music industry and as most of you know was killed in a bus accident on Mother’s Day. This lady is none other than Dottie Rambo from Kentucky. Dottie wrote her first song at age 8 and to this date has continued to write some of the most popular Southern Gospel Music songs of all time. To date she has penned over 2,500 songs which have been published. Some of her more popular songs are: “He Looked Beyond My Faults And Saw My Need,” “If That Isn’t Love” and “Tears Will Never Stain The Streets Of That City” just to name a few. The folks who have recorded Dottie’s songs read like a who’s who in many different musical fields. They include Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, The Oak Ridge Boys and scores of Southern Gospel Music artists. Dottie had back problems for years, which have included 10 operations. This is not the only trial that Dottie has had to endure over the years. At the age of 12 Dottie’s father wanted her to sing country music instead of gospel music. When Dottie refused he informed her that she was no longer welcome at home. This was the beginning of her full-time career of writing and singing gospel music. Dottie was married at age 16 and 2 years later became a mother. Reba, the daughter, joined the Rambos at age 3 and the trio went on to gain an avid fan base over the next several years. Dottie also has had to deal with a failed marriage but Dottie states that God never takes you to a valley; He takes you through a valley. After 20 years Dottie released a solo project entitled “Stand By The River.” This project is on the Spring Hill Music Group and is produced by Michael Sykes. On this project there are old songs, which were recorded by the Rambo’s over the years, as well as new songs. You will find an arousing tune entitled, “I’m Gonna Leave Here Shouting” to a classic entitled, “We’ve Weathered Storms Before.” The title track “Stand By The River” is sung not only by Dottie but also longtime friend Dolly Parton. As you would imagine Dottie has won many, many awards. In 1968 she won a Grammy for her song entitled, “It’s The Soul Of Me.” Her song entitled, “Sheltered In The Arms Of God” was voted favorite song in the Singing News awards in 1970. Every year during the 70’s the Rambos had at least one song in the Singing News top 20 charts and many years had as many as 3 in the charts. Dottie received the Pioneer award at the 2003 Christian Country Music Awards and songwriter of the year and is in the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame. Dottie is now a part of the Heavenly Choir and will be missed as a songwriter and singer. Dottie’s web address is <www.dottierambo.net>. ---------------------------------------- I can be contacted at (864) 979-9626 or (864) 895-1287.