Bob Leslie, Wilkie crooner and gospel singer, could be forgiven for losing track of how many awards he’s won.
Bob, now in his eighties, and his wife Joan are back in Wilkie again after regional and international competitions, the latter in Branson, Missouri, with more awards.
At the Country Gospel Association divisional event in Lloydminster earlier this year, he won yet another Male Entertainer award and another Full Time Male Vocalist award, plus the Shepherd award, for Canada.
At the Country Gospel Association International Convention in Branson in October, he won Male Entertainer and Shepherd, plus the award he is most excited about, Favourite Artist.
“That’s the one all the artists vote on,” says Leslie.
While in Branson, he also co-hosted Jammin’ for Jesus, a Christian music session that’s held annually and that he’s co-hosted numerous times. It took place this year at the famous Baldknobbers Theatre.
Over the years, Leslie has won awards including the aforementioned, plus awards for Evangelist of the Year, Mentor of the Year and Lyricist of the Year in CGMA competitions, in addition Senior Star in a Canadian competition for performers 65 years and over, performing as a big band crooner.
Joan Leslie has also won multiple Esteemed Servant awards for her helpfulness to organizers at all these events..
The Leslies came to Wilkie from Meadow Lake after retiring from pastoring there. Helping out a part-time pastor Wilkie Pentacostal Church, then filling in full-time has seen them pastoring 40 weeks annually in Wilkie in the last several years.
Joan says they will be retiring (again) soon, as they love to travel and want to do more of that, including travelling to perform.
