Mitford family to "The Times" journalist Ben Macintyre, as "Diana the Fascist, Jessica the Communist, Unity the Hitler-lover; Nancy the Novelist; Deborah the Duchess and Pamela the unobtrusive poultry connoisseur". The family traces its origins in Northumberland back to the time of the Norman conquest. In the Middle Ages they had been Border Reivers based in Redesdale. The main family line had seats at Mitford Castle and Mitford Old Manor House prior to Mitford Hall in 1828. The sisters achieved notoriety for their controversial but stylish lives as young people, then for their public political divisions between communism and fascism. Nancy and
The Perry Sisters top forty hits, in a career spanning 43 years. The Perry Sisters have been nominated for numerous awards such as: Favorite Trio, Favorite Soprano, Horizon Award, and Favorite Video and in 2009 and 2010 was awarded Favorite Female Group at the SGN Music Awards, . In 1990 Diana's sisters retired from the road, leaving Diana as the remaining founding member. The group reorganized with Diana Perry Gillette in the lead position. Diana has one of the most recognizable voices in gospel music today, and is one of the best songwriters in the southern gospel industry. Tammy Underwood, Diana's niece, holds