Today, I pay tribute to the great Dottie Rambo…one of the legends of the gospel music that I grew up learning, singing, and enjoying so much. It is said that she has over 2,500 songs published…some of which are now standards in the hymnals of churches everywhere.
Dottie was on her way to a concert in Texas when it appears that some of the bad weather that hit in Missouri Saturday and early Sunday morning blew her tour bus off the road and over an embankment. She didn’t survive the crash, and the others on her bus were all injured.
With all of the physical struggles this dear woman has endured in the past decade, I never dreamed in a million years this is how she would go. So sad. So incredibly sad.
Sista has a great post over at her place where she touches on how much Dottie’s songs meant to her. She also posted a couple of videos.
I’d have to say my two favorite Dottie Rambo songs are “We Shall Behold Him” and “He Looked Beyond My Fault (And Saw My Need)”…
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary,
To view the cross, where Jesus died for me
How marvelous, His grace that caught my falling soul
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.
Many have already given tribute, including dear Dolly, who released this statement:
“I know Dottie is in heaven in the arms of God right now, but our earth angel will surely be missed. Dottie was a dear friend, a fellow singer, songwriter and entertainer, and as of late my duet singing partner. Dottie, stand by the river and wait for me. I will always love you, Dolly.”
My thoughts and prayers go out to Reba, Dony, Destiny, Isreal, Dionne & family, and those who were closest to her. This has to be an unbearable day.
Updated to add: Thank you to those who are visiting here and commenting for the first time. I will be sure to get your messages of sympathy to the family.
Update #2: A public service will take place on Monday, May 19th at 1pm at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37211.
Visitations will be on Saturday, May 17th, from 4pm to 8pm and Sunday, May 18th, from 2pm to 4pm at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204.
Visitations and services are open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Donations to help offset the expenses of the funeral can be made payable to the Dottie Rambo Memorial Fund and mailed to P. O. Box 50508, Nashville, TN 37205.
Please continue to keep the others involved in the accident in your thoughts and prayers, as they are really going through a rough time. They are Larry & Judy Ferguson and their 2 children, Chris Barnes, and Ronnie Meadows.
Update #3: I posted a recap of the wonderful funeral service. You can read about it by clicking here.
Filed under: Music, Obit, Tragedy | Tagged: Dolly Parton, Dottie Rambo, gospel music, Music, songwriting, southern gospel, southern gospel music
My heart is so broken at the loss of this precious, incredible woman.
She was just at our church, Living Waters Christian Fellowship, in Chesapeake, Va. on Nov. 11th, 2007. To be close enough to touch this angel was my most wonderful blessing next to my meeting Jesus and inviting Him into my life at the age of 8 years old. I am now 60 years old.
She asked for a fan because she was warm while singing for us. I am the piano player for the church and just happened to have a little fan at my feet by the piano. I hurried up to the platform and pulled my fan around to the front of the piano where it would be aimed at her feet and help cool her off. She called me a sweetheart and thanked me so sweetly. I went up to her and kissed her on the cheek and told her she had made my dream of meeting her in person come true.
God is so wonderful to have allowed us this priviledge of hearing her in person He knew her time was near and yet He also knew the desire of my heart to see and hear her sing in person.
My prayers go out to her family and all of her friends and fans across this Nation.
She is gone from this earth, but, is forever in the hearts of all of us who loved her and sang and listened to her songs. She, indeed, was immediately able to Behold Him in the instant that He called her home.
Isn’t it wonderful that one day we shall see Dottie again as well as “We Shall Behond Him” our Savior and Lord when our time comes to be called by God.
See you again real soon Dottie!
Patricia in NC
We shall behold Him brings back memories of Easter Cantatas at NTBC….. wow!
Dottie was a precious gift to us, a earth angel sent from above and she surely will forever be missed. When I think of her walking those streets of gold and praising God all over Heaven at this very moment my heart aches to go too. I was raised on The Singing Rambos, I have loved Dottie ever since I can remember. She was a precious person, one of the sweetest people who ever walked this earth, and the most amazing songwriter who ever blessed this earth as well. I just thank God he loaned her to us for a little while she has blessed so many people I dont think Dottie could even realize just how many she touched. I want Reba,Donnie, and the family to know I am praying for them during this sad time, God bless you. I love you.
I met Dottie Rambo in 1964 at Camp Meeting at Perryville, TN. At that time Shirley sang with her and Buck. They were known as the Gospel Echoes. She was absolutely beautiful, and the moment she smiled at me, I was hooked for life on her singing. I followed her career for the next 44 years….Have most of her old records when she both a part of the Gospel Echoes and Singing Rambos. I was blessed to have been able to go to the More Than the Music tribute in Nashville as well as seeing her in concert many times throughout the years. She was always an inspiration and blessing. My heart goes out to Reba and her family. Reba is a great christian, too. The songs that Dottie wrote have blessed and encouraged me through the years, and know she has finally gone on to her eternal reward. She will always be loved and remembered by all whose lives she touched.
Too many sunsets lie behind the mountains,
Too many rivers my feet have walked through;
Too many treasures are waiting over yonder,
There’s just too much to gain to lose.
Dottie…..”We Shall Behold Him” has come to pass for you…..
dha
The song Dottie wrote,(Tears will never stain the streets of that city kepts running through my mind like a broken record) Oh how I love her music. I never met her in person, but we had a lot in common . Both of us were born in Kentucky in 1934.
My husband and I are praying for her precious family., Reba ,Donnie and the precious grandchildren and any other ones in her family. I will meet you in the morning over there where no tears will be on the streets of glory.
I heard this terrible news this weekend and was just heartbroken. “We Shall Behold Him” has been my favorite song since I heard it the first time in 1980. She also wrote “Behold The Lamb”, another one of my very favorite songs.
She will be greatly missed, and not only has gospel and inspirational music suffered this loss, but I feel ‘music’ itself has lost a blessed talent. I know she is with the Father and seeing the Lord “face to face, in all of His glory.”
She wrote THE songs of eternity.
She wrote THE songs of eternity.
Beautifully said, Marc.
she was a blessing..
What a legacy she leaves behind! As a songwriter, she knows no equal. It was obvious that she knew the One she wrote and sang about. God bless and comfort her family and friends during this time of grief and loss as they look forward to that day when they see her again.
The music and ministry of Dottie Rambo positively affected my life in many ways. I used to lay by an old stereo console by the hour and listen to the ‘long play’ records. More than the melody that struck my ears was the feelings of God’s Spirit that spoke to my heart through her music.
I loved to hear her sing, “Tears will never stain the streets of that city…no wreaths of death on my mansion door…teardrops aren’t welcome beyond the gates of glory…’cause the heart will never break any more!” To those words that Dottie is now experiencing first hand, I say “Amen”.
Thank you Lord for giving Dottie Rambo as a gift to all who heard her music.
Blessings,
Tim
I was first introduced to Dottie Rambo by my cousin Shirley Beecham back in the sixties. Shirley and Dottie had been friends since the days of the “Gospel Echo’s”. I myself had recently began playing and singing gospel music and Dottie’s songs began to take over in my life. I was 18 then and I am now 58 and through the years without a doubt I have and still do sing more of her songs than any other artist. Some of my fondest memories were being at the old “Ellis Auditorium” in Memphis where at one time Gov. Jimmie Davis had come to hear the Rambo’s and I was introduced to him. Another time Jerry Lee Lewis showed up and soon after recorded an album with some of Dottie’s songs on it. Still another time Elvis showed up there. I had and still have every album that the Rambo’s and her have put out, which I am converting to CD’s. You really never know the impact a person has on your life until they are not here any longer, so true is is in my lifetime with Dottie, “What a impact”. Thank you Dottie for your unwavering Christian Holy Spirit inspired life and works! You Are So very missed. Dottie, you now are certainly, “Sheltered Safe Within the Arms of God”!!!
Michael Horner
I was first introduced to Dottie Rambo’s music in the early 80’s. I have loved her music ever since. She was such an inspiration to me because of her testimonies of the constant pain she was in. How ironic that she leave us in this way. I can just invision her up their with God and all my relatives that have gone before me, just a laughin’ and singin’ and praisin the Lord!! God bless you miss Dottie.
Dottie was the most real person you could ever meet… She made you feel like she was an ordinary everyday person, when she was anything but… She didn’t let her stardom overtake who she was… I love how she treated her fans… Forever in my heart Rhonda
I just heard this morning Saturday (May 17th) about Dottie’s accident and I must confess I am still in shock. She was such a wonderful singer and had an amazing “GOD GIVEN” talent for writing songs.
We can ALL be assured that she is up in Heaven praising the Lord and Saviour whom she loved so very much and we will see Her again.
My condolences, love, thoughts and prayers are with Her entire family circle and she will ALWAYS be remembered.
She now has a mansion just over the hilltop and is happy FOREVER.
Heather (Ontario,Canada)
I just learned about Dottie’s death a few minutes ago and am in shock. I have much to say but thru the tears am having problems typing. Dottie, I loved you and will see you in Heaven real soon. I had planned to meet you in person when you were at Dollywood the last time but could not make it up there that week-end. I’ll have to wait until we can walk the streets of gold together. Rest in Peace.
Bev (Gainesville, GA)
Dottie you have been a such a blessing. your songs has touch my heart so and your courage you showed through your trials it just make me want to go on. Thank you Father for giving us Dottie and her beautiful songs.
I was saddened to hear the news about Dottie. My prayers go out to her family and friends. God is our(your) refuge and strength Psalm 46:1-2. I know this must be a difficult time for the family and friends, just know the angels in heaven are welcoming her home.
I have witnessed some gospel artists that get caught up in a performance, Dottie was not just a performer but a worshiper. I always enjoyed watching and listening to Dottie’s music due to her worship. I have many favorites, like ” I’ve Never Been This Home Sick Before”, “Tears Will Never Stain The Streets of that City”, “We Shall Behold Him” , ” Stand By The River “etc. Reba, may God bless you and your family during this time.
Dottie, you will be missed! However, one day we all shall meet again.
My heart is also brokem….I love this woman with all my heart.No matter how low i am, as soon as listen to one of her songs, my spirit would soar…..Thank you Dottie for your great love and aspiration for God. You are surley missed.
To all the immediate family of Dottie,We love you and pray for you in this time of loss.She will be missed by so many on this earth,but someday we will see her again. God needed her with him and we all know she is singing and so happy and no pain.
The Rhodes Family{Donald and Pauline}
From Samson Al
To all the immediate family of Dottie,We love you and pray for you in this time of loss.She will be missed by so many on this earth,but someday we will see her again. God needed her with him and we all know she is singing and so happy and no pain.
The Rhodes Family{Donald and Pauline}
From Samson Al
Reba, Donny and kids
I am truly saddened to here of Grandma Dottie’s death. I must say Reba as you know your whole family touched me and Lee’s life, and you were a great gospel group to travel with. The memories of her will always be clear in my mind as time slips by. I referred to Dottie as Grandma Dottie because she called herself that to our son. I know many times Lee expressed the song writing of your mom, while driving the bus those long evenings after the concerts, and now she has joined him to meet our ,Wonderful, Counselor Prince of peace, Bright shining Star I know she passed doing what she loved best and that was traveling to sing about the love her Father, and the Love she had for Him. Her songs were great and because we love you guys so much Lee’s funeral was almost a tribute to Dottie as all the music at his funeral was of her and the singing Rambo’s. I know the loss for you is great but after losing Lee you and I know they are both with the Father and they are lovin’ it .
God’s blessing on you and the family.
she will be missed very much i loved to here her sing we lost someone very special but heaven ganed another angel.
In 1972, Dottie Rambo had a very popular song that right now the title slips my mind but it had to do with “tiny barefeet” and angels going into a room to usher a child to heaven. At this time in my life in 1972, my first born daughter, Edie, died in June at the age of 5. Dottie’s song meant so much to me. It truly ministered to my grieving heart. I still listen to it occasionally. I was just at a Women of Faith conference this past weekend in Jacksonville, Fl and Sandi Patty sang “We Shall Behold Him”. Thank you Dottie for all your songs that have ministered to me over and over again. After beholding our Savior, I will look forward to seeing you around His throne. Heaven is sweeter now that you are there.
praying for your family and the others that were injured also
TO DOTTIE’S LOVED ONES,
MY HEART GOES OUT TO DOTTIE’S BELOVED FAMILY AT THIS SAD TIME.
DOTTIE RAMBO HAS TOUCHED MORE PEOPLE WITH HER SWEET WORDS THAN ANY SONG WRITER I KNOW. EVERY WORD SHE WROTE CAME FROM HER HEART. WHAT A BLESSING SHE WAS TO ALL OF US. WE WILL MISS HER BUT HER SONGS WILL LIVE FOREVER.
WE KNOW THAT GOD WORKS ALL THINGS FOR GOOD TO THOSE THAT LOVE THE LORD. DOTTIE WAS TRULY IN LOVE WITH JESUS CHRIST, HER LORD AND SAVIOR.
DOTTIE HAS RECEIVED HER CROWN AND IS NOW SINGING WITH THE CHOIRS OF HEAVEN………AND I KNOW SHE WROTE A SWEET SONG FOR THEM.
[...] by GingerSnaps Today I had the honor of attending the “Home-Going Celebration” of Dottie Rambo. Many Christians (and others) refer to funerals as “celebrations” or death as a [...]
Dottie’s songs came straight from her soul and ministered deeply to the heart and soul of many people. I recall in the early 1970s, a young couple in our city lost a sweet little baby shortly after birth. On a windy, cloudy, wintry morning, our pastor stood at the graveside with the little family, while Carolyn, my cousin, with the voice of an angel, sang Dottie’s song, “Darkness Comes Before the Dawn”.
Chorus: He makes a way when there is no way
Turns our night to golden day
On life’s rugged road, He gives a happy song
So, when you walk in dark midnight
And you see no ray of light
Just remember, Darkness comes before the dawn.
What a comfort this song brought to the family.
Another time, my old pastor gave a testimony in a church service at POA in Alexandria, LA, where The Singing Rambos were ministering. Bro. Gibson said, “If I don’t see you again here, I’ll meet you on the Sunny Banks of Sweet Deliverance, where God’s clock never strikes two, but one eternal day.” Dottie grabbed a pen and immediately wrote the beautiful song: “On the Sunny Banks.”
When Groves, TX, pastor Tommy Williams died tragically in 1969, Dottie wrote “Build My Mansion Next Door to Jesus” in memory of him.
One of my favorite songs of Dottie’s, and which I sometimes sing in trio is: “One More Valley, One More Hill.” I, too, grieve over the passing of such a great lady!
Every day for one year while driving to work, I have played a tape of Dottie Ramboo. She did not know how many lives she touched. I listened to Dottie sing from the time I was a child. The words of Dottie’s songs speak to your need. I experienced the exact same thing Dottie experienced. I came home to find my husband of 21 years gone with another woman. It someway helps one heal listening to Dottie’s songs.
I was shocked to hear of Dottie Rambo’s death. She was the greatest female gospel songwriter since Fanny Crosby. I did meet her in person several times. During my darkest days and nights, when I culd not hear from God and things were tough, I could always hear GOD through DOTTIE’s music. Her music still lives on (in earth and heaven). None of us deserved Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. None of us deserved something so wonderful, encouraging, and inspiring as Dottie Rambo. “I’ll always love you, Dottie!” You deserve the best in heaven where you are teaching “angels how to sing! Kevin Costley
Only three words can describe how I feel about the lost of such an anointed cherub: “Gone Too Soon”. 74 is such a young age in this day and time. Besides that, Miss Rambo touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with her songs. I pray that I can just be able to do a fraction of what she did for the kingdom.
Now, she’s writing songs and singing for the heavenly choir. Her name aptly fits her time on earth, for just like RAMBO, she went into the enemy’s camp and set the captives free!!
I did not know dottie passed on to heaven until recently maybe a couple months after the fact. but once I went online again in july 2008 I found out to my disbelief and profound sadness. I first became an ardent rambos fan in 1976. collected as many records as I could find and learned to play guitar at 15 because I wanted to sing beautiful songs like Dottie Rambo and play the guitar too. My two brothers and I formed a little trio and I always wanted to sing and play dotties songs the most. my brothers are very talented musicians to this day, But we havent sang together for years. Realizing I wont ever see Dottie again this side of heaven has brought back all kinds of wonderful memories of times spent singing and practicing recording and going to special singing meetings. Im glad for these memories because they were truly some of the very best and blessed days of my young life. music and lyrics were my life. You have a song for everything is what people used to say about me then, Well I owe most of the best songs to Miss Dottie whom I will always love no matter what time may do. I kind of fell out of singing and playing the guitar for some time now. But I really want to get back where I left off many years ago. Thank you for letting me post this reply. I know Im a little belated But my thoughts are with Dotties family and with her ever since I was made aware of the news. Reba, I just cried like a baby when you wrote and sang the song for your mom, The Poet has Flown. I always used to say of Dottie when she would be singing That she has a far away look in her eyes and you put a line in your song to her eluding to that look. I just thought it was the perfect song to sing about her sweet little mom. Hope to visit in Nashville in the near future and would love to stop by the river at music city. Maybe I should have tried a little harder to get to one of Dotties singings BUT I did keep looking for her to come to Louisiana for the past year. Guess I always thought I would get the chance to meet her again in person ,But that just goes to show you never can tell. But I will try to make it to Nashville again for old time sake and hope to see you again sometime Reba. Thanks for the memories old and new . Love to you and your family, Ruth Ann.