This is really the story of their leader, Debbie Daniel. Debbie had both of her knees replaced at the same time last year. She is a singer, a really good singer of gospel songs. She is also a businesswoman working for the Austin American Statesman. During her recuperation from her surgery a group of women from her church, Lucille among them, visited her and took meals to her. They became friends and in them Debbie saw a ministry in the thing she knew best … music.

In September 2006 the Texas Steel Magnolias made their first appearance in the first Old Time Gospel Sing at Texas Old Town. I have to say they were not an immediate hit. Even Debbie’s mother allowed as how she wondered what Debbie had gotten herself into.

That was just a beginning. Since then the Magnolias have performed at every Old Time Gospel Sing production and have performed on tour in Cameron, Waco, and at a number of churches around central Texas. At the last Gospel Sing Debbie’s mother was there and after the Magnolias sang and went through their choreograph, she said … “They are good, I mean really good!” It was the first time she had heard them since their first performance.

The rest of the story is that these ladies are all qualified for senior citizens discounts at restaurants, etc. They are very special ladies. I know because they let me travel with them. Gene Lunsford and I are the “buds” for the Magnolias. Who knows, one day we may blossom.

Last weekend we went to Louisiana. On Friday night the Magnolias performed at James Bowie’s Relay Station in Enterprise, Louisiana. This was their first performance outside of a church setting. Their upbeat performance sandwiched between a guitar player and a harmonica stopped the show. The diners put down their forks, patted their feet, clapped their hands and asked for more.

Saturday we saw the sights of Natchitoches, visited the Steel Magnolia house and watched the Festival of Lights starting the holiday season. That by itself was worth the whole trip.

Sunday they sang at a church in Natchitoches. For the first time they had the whole service, eleven songs. I had the pleasure of topping off the service with a short devotional and invitation. That night they repeated the morning show in Pineville, Louisiana. I agree with Debbie’s mother; they are good and Momma can sing, after all.