By By Lisa Tindell – news writer
By the time most entertainers reach their later years, they have put down the instruments and retired their voices after years of being on the road and performing for fans. Hank Locklin is an exception to that rule.
The Country Music Association and Grand Ole Opry member, who is in his late 80s, is still performing, traveling, and recording new albums.
Locklin's latest work was released a couple of weeks ago and is appealing to gospel music fans across the country. The release, titled &#8220By the Grace of God,” features 22 tracks with 13 of those tracks being written by the singer himself. His son, Hank Adam Locklin, wrote two of the tracks and was the producer on the project.
The CD, available locally at It Is Written, features 22 tracks of gospel music that includes some classic gospel tunes: Amazing Grace, Gloryland Way, Just a Closer Walk with Thee and others. Each selection is unique since it was either written or arranged by the singer and his son.
Locklin chose to have a little help on a couple of the songs. The Oak Ridge Boys are featured, as are Jeff and Sherri Easter, Gold City, and most songs have background and harmony voices provided by the legendary Jordanaires.
Locklin, along with releasing a new album, has had one other accomplishment added to his long list of honors recently.
Locklin was selected from among 15 nominees for the honor of being inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame for 2007. The honor was a concerted effort of the Florida Arts Council, the Florida Department of State and the Division of Cultural Affairs. The vote to induct the performer was unanimous among the members of the council.
Sue Cobb, secretary of state for Florida, congratulated Locklin on receiving the honor.
Locklin was born in McClellan, Fla., but became a permanent Brewton resident, along with his wife, Anita, when the couple moved here in 1986.
Anyone seeking additional information on Hank Locklin may visit hanklocklin.com. A biography of the singer as well as information on albums released during is nearly 50 years in the entertainment business can be found there.