Wendy Bagwell


Wendell Lee "Wendy" Bagwell was the founding member and leader of the Southern gospel music and comedy trio Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters.

Early years

The son of Cajer and Arza Bagwell, Bagwell was born in Chamblee, Georgia. His secondary education was at West Fulton High School in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bagwell served in the United States Marine Corps and twice was decorated for bravery. Bagwell returned home where at the age of 21, he adopted an abused nephew.

Career

In 1953, he formed Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters. He joined with two young singers he met in church, Geraldine Terry, and Georgia Jones, to form the gospel trio.
Bagwell was best known for his comedy monologues, notably the million-selling "Here Come the Rattlesnakes", an account of the trio's performance at a small church that engaged in snake handling.
Bagwell also was seen in television commercials as a spokesman for Stanback Headache Powders.

Death

Bagwell died on June 13, 1996, of a brain aneurysm.

Recognition

In 1970, Bagwell was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance for the album Talk About the Good Times.
Bagwell was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997 and into the GMA Hall Of Fame in 2001.