Celebration Singers
Dave Boyer
Ernestine Dillard
On April 19, 1995 a young man pulled up in front of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, in a Ryder Truck, and detonated a bomb. Thousands of people were injured, 168 innocent people were killed. Shortly after the bombing there was a national memorial service for the victims. Many people attended including the Reverend Billy Graham, Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and U.S. President Bill Clinton.
During the internationally televised service, Ernestine Dillard came to the podium and delivered a stunning rendition of "God Bless America Medley".
Mrs. Dillard so captivated the audience that she received a standing ovation from all in attendance including the president.
Shortly after, phone calls came into the Governors office inquiring about this woman with the amazing voice. The media picked up on the story and began calling Ernestine "the woman with the voice who helped heal America".
For the past 15 years, Ernestine Dillard has circled the globe taking her voice and her message of hope and unity.
Ernestine regularly sings as part of the Salute to Seniors & Veterans Tour and in 2009 was featured at the National VFW Convention Patriotic Rally in Phoenix Arizona.
The Tulsa Praise Orchestra is honored to have Ernestine Dillard as one of our featured singers for our Community Christmas Concert Series!
Dave Boyer, a native of York, PA, was well-known in his younger years as the Master of Ceremonies at the "500 Club" in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At the advice of his manager, he changed his name to Joey Stevens and success came quickly. He performed with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Milton Berle.
He also appeared with Martin & Lewis on the Today Show when it originated from Atlantic City.
After several life-changing events, Dave changed his name back to Dave Boyer and began using his music as a tool to share his amazing story. Dave's unique style of Big Band music reaches people of all ages. His powerful story has opened up doors for hundreds of youth programs all over the US. Dave's musical styles are continuing to gain popularity with people from all walks of life in all age groups.
Dave performs with church bands, orchestras, and solo. He has performed and recorded several albums with legendary composer and director Ralph Carmichael. Dave has performed at the White House for President's Ford, Carter, and Reagan. He most recently has performed with the Tulsa Praise Orchestra at the Statue of Liberty 125th Anniversary in New York City.
And now he’s heading to his home away from home - Oklahoma for a special Community Christmas Concert Series.
