|
 Mark
and Pam Fisher are
well-known in the
Illinois country
music industry.
Performing as Pam
Gilbert, Pam has
been a featured
regular or guest at
nearly every midwest
country music show
since the late 60's.
Meanwhile, Mark was
following a
different route,
playing a little
rock and roll and
some country before
entering the
computer and
communications
industry; and
eventually picking
up the bass guitar
again.
Their paths crossed
several times over
the years, but
neither realized it
until the 1990's.
Pam sang on the
1960's Corn Belt
Country Style TV
show, which Mark
vaguely remembers.
While Mark filled in
with the Lakelanders
in 1975 at an
Illinois Country
Opry talent show,
the two probably
passed backstage. At
the Illinois Country
Music Association's
inaugural concert in
1989, Pam was
filling in with the
New Salem Country
Opry, while Mark was
subbing with the
Nashville Sound
Country Opry. But in
passing backstage
once again, did they
remember each
other...?
Then, Pam joined the
Nashville Sound
group in early 1990
and Mark later that
year. The two worked
together
professionally for
nearly three years.
Then the summer of
1993 found both
performers single
and with plenty in
common. A few phone
calls, a few dates,
and a few duets --
Mark and Pam were
engaged by
Thanksgiving.
1994 was indeed a
banner year, as the
two tied the knot on
September 30 (Mark's
40th birthday), and
nine days later won
the first of four
consecutive "Vocal
Duo of the Year"
awards from the
Illinois Country
Music Association.
They continued to
perform with the
Nashville Sound
until December of
1995, when they
"retired" from
regular weekly
shows. A chance to
slow down....
Since then, things
have been even more
hectic! They've
subbed with the
Wagon Wheel Opry and
Nashville Sound
Country Opry; made
guest appearances
with the Salt River
Opry, Bement Country
Opry, Kentuckiana
Opry, Patterson
Opry, McLean County
Country Opry, New
Salem Country Opry,
the Illinois Opry
Show and the Black
Diamond Jubilee; and
have mixed in
vacations, weddings,
graduations,
homecomings, yard
work, business
trips, grandchildren
.... you know,
everyday chaos!
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