Appreciation banquet honors Edgar ‘Michaux’ Dotson

Published 12:18 pm Thursday, July 5, 2018

FRANKLIN
Edgar “Michaux” Dotson is no stranger to the majority of the churches anywhere in this area. His playing on his keyboard AND his distinguished voice have been around for many years. Performing at weddings, special occasions, programs and funerals, Michaux is well known for his service to the community.

But also, Michaux has been the director and leader of one of Franklin’s best musical groups, the Franklin Community Male Chorus. For that reason, the FCMC stepped forward to plan AND organize an appreciation banquet for this great maestro of music. The setting for this event was the American Legion building on Armory Drive on Saturday.

Sonya Davis of the Garden of Prayer Family Fellowship served as the mistress of ceremony to a packed house of representatives of churches/organizations, which he has served for over his many years of providing his musical God-given gift.

Providing special music during the program was a special friend that has performed with Michaux over the years, Amy Powell.

Also, from Lewiston, North Carolina, came the vocalist Johnny Ruffin Jr., who preformed a few selections of inspirational hymns for the audience.

Also appearing on the program giving reflections about Michaux were the Rev. Dr. J.J. Ferguson, pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ, former Franklin mayor Raystine Johnson-Ashburn, Okema Branch, a former member of one of his church groups and Michaux’s daughter, Cynthia Powell.

At the conclusion of the program, Jesse Chambliss gave remarks about Michaux and presented him a gift. This was followed by final remarks by William Corbitt, president of the FCMC.

Michaux in his own words thanked everyone for coming out to show appreciation to him. He admitted that due to health reasons that he was going to slow down a bit on his performances.

Many in the crowd requested and pushed him to sing a song. From the head table where he was sitting he started a song with Johnny Ruffin on the keyboard. But after a few verses, Michaux walked from the head table to the keyboard. After removing Ruffin from the seat, he played and sang one of his signature songs, “To God Be the Glory.”