Singing is as natural as breathing for the Bryant family of Lamar County.
Ten children still sing the old time gospel songs as part of a legacy left by their father, Joe Lee Bryant, who taught shaped-note singing schools.
“It’s something we’ve always known,” said Morris Bryant, the youngest of the 10 siblings and member of First Baptist Church, Vernon. “Dad would get a new Stamps-Baxter book every year and we would gather around the piano to sing almost every evening after dinner.”
Spanning generations
The Bryant family singing tradition has continued throughout four generations, including in-laws and family friends. Several small groups have been formed at various times throughout the years, and some have even recorded albums.
The Bryants are talented instrumentalists as well. Nearly all 10 children play at least one instrument, and all of them are self-taught. Morris Bryant himself plays the piano, accordion, fiddle- his preferred term for the violin- harmonica, guitar and mandolin. Bryant’s oldest brother Pascal still plays fiddle for the group at 84 years old.
Bryant is quick to point out that their singing is intended as a ministry and not simply entertainment. “We always pick songs that have words about salvation and God’s love,” he said.
Bryant feels the group’s music is an encouragement to those who listen. “I feel it lifts them up spiritually,” he said. “A song can remind us what God does for us, and everybody needs encouragement.”
Bryant’s prayer is for believers to use their God-given abilities.
“I really believe that’s expected of us,” he said, referring to any talents a person might have. “If we have anything good, it’s from God. The Scripture says all good gifts are from above, and the Lord has been so good to us.”
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