Often asked, "What's my favorite song?", I do not have an answer. But asked who is my favorite quartet and you already know, The Inspirations. It has been a such a joy to have had the pleasure of listening to them throughout the years. I remember in the early days, listening to Warren Roberts or Wes Gilmore on the radio just hoping they would play something by The Inspirations. I enjoyed the challenge of going to the various record stores hoping to find a new Inspiration recording. Back in the early days, I almost always bought directly from them at a church or concert. I don't think you could even order by mail back in those days. So, it was always an amazing experience when I would be surprised to find a new recording. And with the invention of 8 Tracks, Cassettes and CDs, I no longer even had to wait until I got home to listen.
I don't know exactly when I first discovered the Circle K Grocery in Ball Ground, GA but I was glad I did. Now I don't recall many "groceries" at the Circle K Grocery, perhaps a bag of peanuts, chips or a soft drink, but I don't think there was too much else to eat or drink. But the proprietor, Mr. A.J. Darby had the store fully stocked with music mostly of the gospel, country and blue grass genres. (I don't remember seeing any heavy metal or rap and honestly I wasn't looking but I'm pretty sure if I was it wasn't there. LOL) This was an old country store and you knew that not only by the look outside but the stock inside was a dead give a way. Mr. Darby had some "treasures" and if you could not find it somewhere else he probably had it. Mr. Darby also made looking through the albums or cassettes or whatever you were looking for even more interesting as he knew history, could tell you stories and was a delight to visit with. Early on, I learned, Mr. Darby was from the Four Mile Creek area, not far from Yellow Creek and knew my family, the O'Bryants and Lawsons well. We may have even been kin LOL.
One day in 1992, I stopped by The Circle K Grocery at the perfect time. The "What's That I Hear" recording had just been released and I walked out of the store and I could not wait to turn the volume up in the car and hear The Inspirations sing new songs that I had not heard before. (Have you ever tried to take the cellophane off a CD case while driving? LOL) I was driving down old Highway 5 when the first song starting playing and it wasn't long before I had a few tears begin to fall down my cheeks. (That probably doesn't surprise you.) I remember it almost like it was yesterday. As I mentioned it was a perfect time for me to stop by The Circle K grocery. I can't tell you exactly why, but I enjoyed this recording that day almost as much as any other recording I had ever purchased.
I listened to all the songs on this recording many times but I think "What's That I Hear" was my favorite and I was glad to wake up this morning to enjoy it again. I hope you will!
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