BEAVER SPRINGS - Small town gospel radio is important to Jeff Whisnant.
The owner/manager and only original member of the nationally-known southern gospel singing group, The Whisnants, is passionate about the songs his group sings and the stations that play them each day.
The Whisnants will be the headlining act for the WFBM 100.1 FM radio station benefit concert 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, at West Snyder Middle School. Central Pennsylvania based-group True Heart will open the show.
This particular concert is near to Whisnant's heart because of his own experience promoting southern gospel radio.
"I have a real heart for radio. Our family owns a southern gospel station in Morganton, North Carolina," he said.
Whisnant's brother, a pastor, is officially in charge of the production of the radio programs and managing the station which is located at on the 3500 AM dial in that part of North Carolina and known as WCIS.
"My brother took the first step to get it on the air and it became a labor of love. It's not anything we'll ever get wealthy doing just so long as people are uplifted and encouraged."
Whisnant, his parents, John and Betty Whisnant and his brother, Rev. John Whisnant Jr. had travelled the country singing together in the early 1970s.
Today the group consists of Whisnant, his wife Susan, sons Austin, 16, and Ethan, 13, along with lead singer Aaron Hise and pianist Eric Ollist.
Their chart-topping hits include "I'll Pray for You," and "A Greater Yes," and the most recent "When He Calls Us Away."
