What a fantastic day it was for us at the Southern Gospel Piano Roll of Honor. It was quite appropriate for you to be there and close out this 20th century of Gospel music since you are the pianist who led all the rest of us! After hearing you play, someone said, “Wow, now I know where all those great licks came from!” You lead the parade, my friend!

Most will not appreciate the fact that you grew up during the Depression when radios were scarce and students like you had little to hear and inspire you to work hard at developing your gift of music. Your taking advantage of the opportunity to study from the great music teachers of your day and then dedicating yourself to sharing with others speaks volumes to me. I am sure all who have known you and your playing also give you the accolades you rightly deserve.

Let me thank you again for making the 1999 SG Piano Roll Awards Program an exciting and memorable event. All of us who were there will keep it as a part of our Precious Memories in our musical experiences in gospel music of the 20th Century.
– Henry Slaughter
 
I was sent a questionnaire asking whom I considered the greatest musician, performer, teacher and contributor to the Gospel music of today. I said you were, in my opinion, the best musician that I had known and that you had been an inspiration to me.
– J. Doe
 
My son called me last night and told me about your being inducted into The Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Congratulations! But you should have been in the first group of inductees! Let’s keep making music.
– Gordon Stoker
 
We really enjoy the cassette tapes of you with the Vaughan quartet. We have always admired your technique. Most current musicians agree that you were the model! And what a delight it was to spend the evening in your lovely home, hearing your recollections about a very important chapter in the development of the music of the Gospel. You are a gracious and articulate person and we count it a privilege to have gotten better acquainted with you. – Bill and Gloria Gaither
Mr. Gaither had many great things to say about your accomplishments. I could only say “Amen!”
– C. Christmas
 

Even when you speak, your voice has rhythm.

– N. Belew
 
We heard your entire tape and loved it! It stirs up a lot of good memories.
– Mosie Lister
 
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to tell you how much I have enjoyed your tapes -- food for the spirit! When the Good Lord designed your hands he surely had a pianist in mind. Thank you for your music and for your warmth and gentle humor.
– D.Z. Barber
 
CHRISTMAS CAROL VIDEO
I’ve never heard the carols played with such interesting chords and progressions. What marvelous technique! You accomplish something really new and different and very impressive.
– F. Hartmann
 
PERFORMANCES AND RECORDINGS OF AMERICAN POPULAR SONG
What a marvelous program you presented! I am sorry that your back was to us so that you could not see the smiles, sparkle in all eyes, and the swinging and swaying that was going on. The music you played is timeless and ageless. Everyone, young and old, was thoroughly entranced. Your great musical talent has a widespread reputation. We knew we would be in for a special treat. We all agreed it was our best luncheon yet!
– N. Wingard, Birmingham Music Teachers Association
 
The children absolutely loved your program. It opened a whole new dimension for them! It was universally praised.
– M. Hames
 
As chair of the worship committee, I want to thank you for your wonderful musical program last Sunday. Your commentary was informative and your musicianship was a sheer delight to our ears. Please come again soon!
– G. Brangle
 
Yesterday morning was our best Sunday morning in years! Your arrangements are just wonderful!
– T. and B. Barnard
 
It’s the kind of music we love! They don’t write them like that anymore! I wanted to hear more no matter how long you played. But then I knew it would be great before I listened!
– F. Long
 
This is a great concert, as you say, a tribute to America’s real classical music. I am teaching a graduate seminar in popular culture this winter and I showed them the video the other night as an introduction to “classic pop.” To most, this was a revelation.
– Charles Wolfe, English Department, Middle Tennessee State University
 
We thank you so much for the wonderful CD “Romantic Songs Before the Age of Rock and Roll.” You are truly a uniquely talented man and musician. The astounding thing to me is your great heritage in Gospel music, which you play dazzlingly. But you went on to master so many of the Classics and play them so musically and with excellence. Then, you went on to Jazz and made it your own as well! I don’t know of any audience anywhere that would not be thrilled and moved by your heartfelt playing. It is our good fortune that you decided to record these tunes. Of course, I’m even more impressed, as a pianist, that you sat and poured these out in an hour, so beautifully played, without retakes or dubs. It is wonderful music from the heart and soul of Jim Walbert.
– Lee Turner
 
What a wonderful way to revisit an era when music had melody and lyrics made sense. We’re so grateful that you continue to share your great talent with us?
– J. Knippers Black
 
I play CDs in my car on all of my travels. This one will certainly help make the miles a lot more pleasant.
– P. Comfort
 
I love the tape! One would think at my age the dewy-eyed bit would be over. Thank God it isn’t.
– A. Silberman
 
I appreciate the CD you sent. The picture on the front is perfect and so sweet. You both look so happy and in love, perfect for a romantic CD. I enjoy listening to all your music. I miss my music lessons and your jokes.
– P. and J. Abney
 
There is no way I can thank you enough for the CD! This is the music of my younger years! And so beautifully played! You have truly brightened my life with this music.
– P. Zimmerman
 
I arrived home after a sickness, feeling depressed and alone. Then the CD of the “Romantic Songs” arrived; it has been playing several hours a day ever since. When I hear “Someone to Watch Over Me,” it reminds me, that is true. J. would often tell me, “Someday I wish you could sit and listen to James D. play; you haven’t lived until you experience it.” Now I can smile and say, “I’m living!”
– B. W. Manning
 
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! A CD with 29 love songs, played artistically like an ever flowing stream, by someone we know, whose love oozes out of each song as it is played. It’s like having our own personal musician playing dinner music as we eat or relax.
– J. and J. Ellwanger
 

What a great tribute to your extraordinary life in music! I am continuing to enjoy your beautiful playing and have played the CD for friends to enjoy as well.

– H. Satterfield
 
Many thanks for your wonderful CD. I guess it represents a summary of your life’s work.
– Bill Kushner (Conductor of Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra)
 
This CD with great cover design and memorable good music should be in record stores for us to buy. Many, many thanks!
– A. Massey
 

The CD of Romantic Songs is beautiful. To me, you’re still the Greatest on the Piano!

– B. Duke
 
TEACHING
For many years you have been an inspiration and great role model to our son, Bob. We are so grateful for all you have done for him. Your renditions are so beautiful. As we listen, we realize how much God-given talent you have. Thank you so much for sharing that talent with others, and for the help and guidance you have given Bob over the years.
Love, J. and I. Taylor
 
Because of your teaching, time, and patience, we are blessed every time we hear the children play, as are the people who hear them play.
Thank you, B. and D. Rice
 

I wish I had words to tell you what an influence you have had in my life. I started taking piano lessons from you around 1946 when I was 12 years old. We lived in Huffman and Daddy worked at a lumber yard. They really struggled to give me lessons. Mama told you one day that I was going to have to quit because they couldn’t afford it. You said, “Mrs. Isbell, Betty has too much talent to stop, bring her on and pay me when you can.” Thank you so much. I am 62 years old now and I still sit up and play half the night.

-- B. Reach