HSE (Hoyt Sullivan Enterprises) was an industrious gospel label, based out Greenwood, SC. Despite hundreds of records by nearly as many artists, little is known about label owner Hoyt Sullivan himself. Few artists who recorded for the label even interacted with the elusive beauty supply salesman, bringing into question how much input, if any, he had in shaping the wealth of religious recordings released on HSE and associated labels, including (but not limited to): Su-Ann, Ken-Tone, Sav-All, et al. Liner notes written by the Pickin County native shed some light on Sullivan’s commitment to his cause.
Let me tell you about myself. I am a sinner saved by the Grace Of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. Before God came into my life I was an alcoholic, a thief and a liar. I was everything that the Devil wanted me to be. I am fifty-nine years old but really just twenty-two years old. That is how long I have been fighting the Devil.
Sisters Betty, Linda, Doris, and Miriam Gerald of Mullins, SC recorded numerous singles and albums for HSE. “Just Make It In” b/w “When I Get To Heaven,” was their second. Backed by their father on piano, the familial harmony and naturally incongruent sound of 8+ hands clapping make for a sturdy offering of down-home Carolina gospel.
Special thanks to the fine folks at JustMovingOn.Info for maintaing a phenomenal site, providing the Gerald Sister photo seen above, and for supplying terrific information on obscure gospel recordings from sea to shining sea. Hallelujah!
“Just Make It In” by the Gerald Sisters
I have been Searching for any album From The Gerald Sisters for Years.Can You Please help me? Here is a little back ground.The sisters Betty, Linda, Doris and Miriam Gerald, accompanied by their piano playing father Rev. Hassie Gerald started singing at a young age. The Gerald Sisters of Mullins, South Carolina made their first recordings in 1972 for the then still in Greenwood, SC based HSE label.
After 4 albums for HSE they moved to the much larger Malaco label from Jackson, Mississippi for 2 albums. They finished their recording career in 1985 back in the Carolinas on the last of Hoyt Sullivan’s record labels, True-Joy out of McCormick, South Carolina. If you have any information on where I can find one or all of these albums I would most definitely appreciate it.
Thank You
Tarralynn J. Fluence
Tarralynn J. Fluence
Single’s in chronological order: HSE 420 At the gate I know
Gone my last mile
HSE 426 Just make it in
When I get to heaven
HSE 435 Standing on holy ground
Who Jesus is
HSE 437 Soon one morning
What a time
HSE 455 If I could hear my mother pray again
Undying love
HSE 464 Lord remember me
The race
Malaco 2323 Lead me
Help me bear the tide
Malaco 2328 I’ve got a right to the tree of life
Let’s go to church
Albums in chronological order: Gone My Last Mile HSE-1426 1972
When The Sun Goes Down HSE-1433 1974
Must Be Jesus HSE-1444
He’s Coming Back HSE-1479
Let Us Sing Malaco LP 4358 1978
Tree Of Life Malaco LP 4367 1979/80
Something’s Got A Hold On Me True Joy 109 1985