Community Profile
Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord… on Grandfather Mountain
By Steve York
“Almost Heaven, Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain. Songs of glory lifted up above. Tell the story of God’s eternal love.”
These opening lyrics, from an anonymous source, were intended to be sung to the tune of John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads. It seems they were penned to echo the spirit behind the original Grandfather Mountain Gospel Music and Worship Festival called Singing on the Mountain. Like the old gospel classic, “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” worshipping through song has always found its way “unto these hills.”
Singing on the Mountain gatherings were held for nearly a century every fourth Sunday of June on Grandfather’s MacRae Meadows. They began in 1924 as an extension of a family and church picnic gathering hosted by Joseph Hartley and his family. They continued and grew in popularity, attracting Christian worshipers, singers, musicians and celebrities to gather, celebrate their Christian faith, witness inspirational speakers, and sing praises to their Creator.
Annual attendance fluctuated throughout the event’s lifespan with 1962 seeing an estimated peak of 100,000 to 150,000. Averages often exceeded 50,000 to 60,000, and it was deemed the largest old gospel singing gathering in the entire United States.
Some of the more famous names to appear and perform during those years included the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, Oral Roberts, Jerry Falwell, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Roy Clark, Doc Watson, Roy Acuff, Bob Hope, Fess Parker (of TV’s Davy Crockett/Daniel Boone fame), Arthur Smith, and journalist Charles Kuralt. All were inspired by the theme and scope of the festival and its uniquely glorious setting of Grandfather Mountain.
The Covid-19 pandemic put the event on hold for 2020 and 2021. Then the Hartley family’s Singing on the Mountain Foundation announced that the 2022 event would be their last. Rising costs, the passing of generational volunteers and increasing demands for logistical support challenged their ability to maintain the event as originally structured.
But the “good news” (to borrow a kindred phrase) is that the event was recently revived under a rebranded name, Singing on Grandfather, and is back for a third year on Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. And the 2026 lineup promises to once more elevate “a joyful noise” while drawing crowds, spirit-filled musicians and celebrity names to celebrate their faith and share in the inspirational gathering.
Chairpersons of the Singing on Grandfather Foundation, Owen and Darri Gwyn, have announced an impressive lineup of special guests and performers. Along with the event’s traditional Christ-centered family church picnic, the day will include Darin and Brooke Aldridge as their headliner musical performers and Edward Graham, Chief Operating Officer of Samaritan’s Purse, as their keynote speaker. The opening prayer will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Michael McKee from Newland Presbyterian Church.
Brooke Aldridge is a four-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award for Female Vocalist of the Year. Darin Aldridge, who was once a member of The Country Gentlemen, is a former IBMA Mentor of the Year and a truly gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. In April 2023, the duo was named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. Also performing on stage will be Boone & Church, Patricia Smith and the Caldwell Men’s Chorus.
This non-denominational, non-political family event continues in its tradition of bringing Singing on Grandfather to the public free of charge. As before, that means there’s no admission charge and no ticket required to attend the full day of activities. The foundation does, however, suggest signing up in advance for attendance to stay connected at SingingOnGrandfather.com.
Organizers encourage people to spread the word via their church congregations, local community groups, and music-loving friends. Everyone is invited to bring their friends, a folding chair, a blanket and a picnic lunch. Parking is free and several food trucks will be on hand. Proceeds from T-Shirt sales are presented to the Crossnore Communities for Children non-profit agency, and a portion of food truck sales are donated to the Feeding Avery Families charitable food pantry. As a reminder, no alcohol and no pets are allowed, and there will be no on-site camping available.
Volunteers and interested potential event participants may contact Foundation Co-Chairperson Owen Gwyn at owengwyn@me.com. Online donations to help support these events are welcome. The Singing on Grandfather Foundation is a fully registered 501 (c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit organization with all gifts tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Details and agenda updates are available at SingingOnGrandfather.com.