THE ILLINOIS COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION'S
2009 "GOSPEL DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR" and
1994-95-96-97 "VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR"

Mark and Pam Fisher are well-known in the Illinois music industry. Performing as Pam Gilbert, Pam was 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....

Over the next few years, they filled in 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!

In 2003, the couple decided to leave country music behind and launch a Southern Gospel music ministry, and have been busier than ever!