1970s’ southern gospel favorites’ The Hinsons started in 1967 when the three brothers, Ronny, Kenny and Larry and sister Yvonne began the group in central California, singing at the church where their father served as minister. In 1971 The Hinsons opened for The Happy Goodman Family, introducing a song “The Lighthouse,” written by Ronny that soon became the Hinson’s signature song. “The Lighthouse” was also recorded by many other artists, including The Happy Goodman Family. The song went on to win numerous awards, including being named Song of the Year at the 4th Annual Dove Awards in 1972. Ron and his brothers Kenny and Larry were recognized as some of the top writers in the industry and some of their other well known songs included “He Pilots My Ship,” “Two Winning Hands,” “Touch of the Master’s Strong Hand,” “Mercy Built A Bridge,” and “I’ll Never Be Over the Hill.” The Hinsons stopped performing together after more than three decades in May 1988 to pursue individual careers and ministries. The original members of The Hinsons performed together one last time in 1995 at the funeral of Kenny, who died of cancer at age 41.
