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1983 Black Gold Festival

Marlow Tackett, an East Kentucky native, was one of the stars at the 1983 Black Gold Festival. His rendition of 'Nine Pound Hammer" which includes the lyrics, "it's a long way to Harlan, it's a long way to Hazard," was always a crowd pleaser. Tackett truly has a heart as big as the mountains from which he came.  And his love for gospel music, as well as the many genres of music is incredible. Little did the rural community of Dorton, Kentucky know that born in their midst on February 28, 1944 was a child that would someday be an inspiration to each and every one he encountered.  That child was Marlow Tackett, son of Toy and Frona Tackett.  Their family was poor, large in number, ( he being one of sixteen children) but rich in love.  Their father, a hard working coal miner, worked two jobs just to get the necessities for his family.  Their mother, a loving, kind, beautiful homemaker reared the children in a home filled with music and love of God. Marlow was inspired at a very young age to love and play music.  He attended church with his family and it was probably then that he was inspired to write gospel music.  Throughout the years of his career he has always set aside time to write gospel songs.  He has always given praise to God for his fortune and for his ability to write music. Remembering his childhood, Marlow has always wanted to give to others more than he had himself as a child.  He has struggled to provide food, clothing, and other necessities to less fortunate people in the hills of Eastern Kentucky.  His Christmas for the Needy Families has always held a special place in his heart. Marlow has always had a special love of family.  That is why this album, "This Family of Mine" means so much to him.  The songs are songs that he wrote to praise God for his many years of success and good health.  He is a believer that all good things come from God.