Kingsmen deliver shout of victory with new members, new CD

Written by Staff on September 21, 2019 – 11:30 am -

“It’s happened to all of us in the business,” the group’s iconic bass singer, Ray Dean Reese, says with a smile. 

As they are proving night after night in 2019, the Kingsmen are doing just fine, just as they have been since 1956. Actually, they’re doing more than just fine as they continue to pack people in for concerts and challenge listeners with a mix of some of their classic hits and new songs off their latest CD, “Victory Shout.”

Reese, who first hit the Kingsmen’s low notes in 1967, says it is all about what the group brings night after night. “People are thirsting for the message,” he says. “(Like with the Kingsmen) we’ve been singing for so many years. I feel like we (have) set a standard down through the years of live recordings and different songs. It’s like going to hear a preacher, in a sense. They have heard him before and what he’s presenting. What we present is encouraging to them. They enjoy it. It’s a  message, so therefore they continue.” What they are hearing is a new twist to the familiar Kingsmen sound and message.

Last June, lead Bob Sellers left the group to pursue a solo career from his home in Alabama. In July, baritone Randy Crawford retired due to health considerations. Losing longtime members could have created a void, but the Kingsmen are still going strong. 

The newest guys are Chris Bryant, who took Sellers’ spot onstage and is new to singing full time, and Alan Kendall, who has traveled in the past before pursuing other interests. “We were longtime fans of this music coming into it,” Kendall says. “We have a passion for this kind of music.” 

Kendall, 36, says the opportunity has been more than he could have imagined. “I got my feet wet a few years ago singing with another group, but I got married and spent some time singing part time. To be able to come back really is a dream come true. It has been wonderful!”

The Georgia native grew up a fan of the Statesmen, Oak Ridge Boys, Cathedrals and Singing Americans and now stands next to Reese, sharing the message through song with a Hall of Famer every time the Kingsmen sing.

“The thing about this music is it tells stories,” Kendall says. “It tells stories probably better than any other form of Christian music out there. We still have people in their fifties hearing Southern gospel for the first time. We are seeing people who first saw the Kingsmen in the ‘70s or ‘80s and were kids then. They are coming now and bringing their kids to hear us.”

Kendall, who had been singing solo when the Kingsmen came calling, brought the house down with a stirring rendition of “Battle Cry” when we saw them at Christiansburg Baptist Church, near Bagdad, Ky. 

Bryant, two years younger than Kendall, had been working in paint sales while singing part time with The Bibletones in Mississippi. “I had been doing that for 18 or 19 years when God opened this door,” Bryant says. Reese remembers how Bryant came aboard. “We already knew of Alan but didn’t know Chris Bryant,” Reese says. “Some guys in other groups told him we were looking for a lead singer and they thought he could qualify for us.” Bryant submitted some tapes and the group found some YouTube videos of his work. Bryant met with the Kingsmen while they were touring in Alabama and soon after, he was offered the job. 

“It’s just a good fit for me,” Bryant says. “They are good guys and I grew up a fan of the Kingsmen, since they are one of the classic quartets. But it was a big move for me.” Bryant’s powerful lead is on display in many of the group’s classics such as “Wish You Were Here.”

The new guys agree that the old message is what keeps the Kingsmen at the top of Southern gospel after 63 years. “I think one thing that has kept them relevant through the years is great songs,” Bryant says. “You have to have great songs, and the Kingsmen have a list of fantastic songs they have introduced to gospel music. Songs like ‘Look for Me at Jesus’ Feet’ and ‘Wish You Were Here,’ to some of the newer songs.”

And the Kingsmen have been pioneers in the industry. “The Kingsmen really set themselves apart from other groups back in the ‘70s with their song choices, their style of singing and their stage presentation,” Kendall says. “They were never afraid to take a stand on certain things. Their ‘Big and Live’ album is an example. The recording had the shouts from the crowd. The record company wanted to take that off. They said, if you take it off, take us off. That was a pivotal moment really, that album. People got to listen to a live worship experience.”

That cutting edge attitude lives on in a group that features three singers — Bryant, Kendall and tenor Chris Jenkins — who were not born until at least 10 years after the release of “Big and Live.” 

“Back in the ‘60s and ‘70s you can see the evolution of the Kingsmen,” says Jenkins, who is 32 and in his second stint with the group. “They took on that certain Kingsmen sound. Then in the ‘80s and ‘90s they kept that going. They started doing things out of the box that most quartets wouldn’t have been doing at the time. 

“We don’t sit back and rest on our laurels. We have been there 63 years and are still trying to make great music, great music that people will like and music that will be relevant. It’s music that people will hear and will be life changing.”

Jenkins is featured on “Victory Shout,” the title cut of the latest CD, a song that was added just before going into the studio. The CD, which is the quartet’s first with Bryant and Kendall, had been in the works for about a year. Among the cuts are “Running to Win,” featuring Kendall and “That’s Where You’ll Find Me,” a ballad that tells of meeting at Jesus’ throne and features Bryant. 

The CD also contains a Kingsmen classic, “The Prodigal Son,” written by Larry Gatlin and originally recorded by the group in 1991. “We wanted a song to really feature Ray,” Jenkins says. “We found several on this album but we wanted something to really feature him. Our record executive kind of pulled that out of the hat.

“We had picked out the songs, then two more songs came in. ‘Victory Shout’ was one of those. I thought it would sound great with a choir behind it. Then one day Brandon (Reese, Ray’s son and the group’s sound engineer and road manager) and I were sitting at the front of the bus and I said, ‘I’m pretty sure that’s a radio hit.’ It’s an anthem-type song. Something about the song just jumps out at you.”

The latest single reminds Christians that God is still in control, regardless of life’s circumstances.

The Kingsmen learned that, again, in the past year, just as they have repeatedly learned since 1956. “Victory Shout” expresses those lessons.

“It’s a lot of encouragement,” Bryant says. “It talks about the different trials we have been through, trying times we don’t know exactly what’s going on or why God’s doing what he’s doing, but we have to trust him. The CD as a whole has that kind of feel from start to finish. It’s an uplifting CD.”

Ray Dean Reese plans to keep singing

Ray Dean Reese’s Hall of Fame career with The Kingsmen began in 1967 and he doesn’t see it coming to an end any time soon. “It’s a great heritage and I am thankful to be part of it,” he says of his work with the Kingsmen. 

Reese turned 80 in May. “That’s just 40 twice over,” he grins.

How long will he continue singing?

“As long as I can!” he says with a big smile. “My momma lived to be 99 years old. I expect to be singing at 98.”

By John Herndon

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in July 2019

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Tags: Alan Kendall, Chris Bryant, Chris Jenkins, gospel music, Kingsmen Quartet, Southern Gospel Music, Victory Shout
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Beyond the Song: the Kingsmen give a “Victory Shout”

Written by Staff on June 21, 2019 – 1:30 pm -

Jantina de Haan Baksteen goes Beyond the Song to talk to the Kingsmen about their latest hit, “Victory Shout.’

I reached out to the Kingsmen and got in contact with Chris Jenkins. He responded immediately and was willing to answer these few questions about the Kingsmen and the song “Victory Shout” that’s currently on radio.

1. Please tell us about the Kingsmen lineup as there have been some changes lately.

Chris Jenkins:The Kingsmen have been blessed, for 63 years, to have some of the most talented and dynamic vocalists pass through the ranks of the group. Chris Bryant and Alan Kendall are no exception.

Chris brings a powerhouse and smooth lead vocal to that Kingsmen sound. He is from Mississippi originally and now makes his home in East Tennessee.

Alan has been here since August of 2018 following the retirement of Randy Crawford. Alan makes his home in Hiawassee, Georgia, with his wife and two daughters. Alan’s booming baritone voice and high energy is reminiscent of former members such as Squire Parsons, Wayne Maynard, and Parker Jonathan. Alan is being received well as he gives his take on Kingsmen No  1 songs such as “Battle Cry”, “The Next Cloud”, and recent radio hit, “Don’t Underestimate God’s Grace”.

2. Please share some history of the Kingsmen. You have celebrated over 60 years already!

Chris: The Kingsmen started in the mid-50’s in Asheville, N.C. Through the 70’s and 80’s, they made their mark on Christian music with award winning albums such as “Big and Live”, “Chattanooga Live” and “Live Naturally”, garnering four Dove Awards, Grammy nominations, numerous Singing News Fan Awards, and an induction into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2000. The Kingsmen have performed on the south lawn of the White House and at the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN.

3. “Victory Shout” is on the “Victory Shout!” album. Tell us about this song. Why was it picked for this album?

Chris: “Victory Shout” was one of the last songs we picked for the new album. Written by Kenna Turner West and Jason Cox, who have written many recent hits in Christian music, we fell in love with it’s powerful message and worshipful chorus. When Kenna had the idea, it was 22 years ago, and began with the Bible story of Miriam waiting and praising God in the midst of oppression by Pharaoh, before Moses led the children of Israel across the Red Sea.

4 From the first note it gets your attention. What makes this song so special?

Chris: Being from a choral background, I immediately felt like it needed a big choir in the background and we had Wesley Pritchard and friends help us lay down a choir arrangement and backing vocals. It’s special to us because The Kingsmen have never really recorded a worship anthem until now and it’s being received so well.

5. You are the lead on this song and doing an amazing job! What is the message you want to share with the audience?

Chris: It’s a message of hope and encouragement. If you’re waiting on an answer from God, sometimes he doesn’t always send the answer in our time. God’s will is perfect and his ways are much higher than ours. The Bible says, “He inhabits the praises of his people,” so we should give God praise in the midst of our storm while we’re waiting for Him to send the miracle our way.

6. Is there something more you ‘d like to share with the SGNScoops readers?

Chris:”Victory Shout” became available worldwide and on all your favorite digital music platforms on June 7. You may get your copy by visiting our website at www.kingsmenquartet.com. You may also visit us on Facebook and Twitter. Visit our website to see where you can catch the Kingsmen in a city near you.

Thanks Chris Jenkins for taking us Beyond The Song with the KIngsmen.

The entire SGNScoops team wish you many more years spreading the Gospel and safe travels on the many miles you make.

By Jantina de Haan-Baksteen

Read the May SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Tags: Chris Jenkins, Kingsmen, Victory Shout
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Mighty Kingsmen regain Chris Jenkins

Written by Staff on January 2, 2018 – 11:03 am -

The Kingsmen with Chris Jenkins

Chris Jenkins Rejoins The Kingsmen Quartet

Asheville, NC (Dec. 31, 2017) — Ray Dean Reese is happy to announce that former Kingsmen tenor Chris Jenkins has re-joined the award-winning quartet effective December 31, 2017.Chris has continued to stay in the gospel music industry in last 2 years, serving in other capacities and spent more time at home with his wife, Stephanie and son, Ryan.

Chris Jenkins, The Kingsmen

Chris states, “Being a quartetman at heart, it’s hard to imagine myself as anything else. I am beyond honored to have the opportunity to climb back on The Kingsmen bus and reunite with this strong 61-year legacy. I want to thank Ray Dean and Brandon Reese and the rest of The Kingsmen for their friendship and welcoming me back to The Kingsmen family.

Chris Jenkins, The Kingsmen

“What a joy it will be to see old friends I haven’t seen in two years and most importantly sharing with people the message of the gospel through song! I am looking forward to great things from the Lord and the opportunity to make more life-changing music with this wonderful ministry.”

Source: Brandon Reese/Kingsmen Quartet// singingnews.com

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Tags: Chris Jenkins, gospel music, The Kingsmen
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Anchormen: Strength Renewed

Written by Staff on August 27, 2017 – 7:34 am -

[Editor’s note: members as of June 2017]

Terry Carter began singing professionally in 1972, when he sang with Michael English as part of the Singing Samaritans. In April of 1979, Carter, his long-time friend (the late Ray Bullard), and his cousin (Ron Crawford) started a new group. Other members of this group included Benny Smith, Gary Burdette and Jeff Riggan. After writing down several names, they decided to call the group the Anchormen, because they were all anchored in Christ Jesus.

 

In 1981, Carter met Tim Bullins, who was the drummer for the Singing Americans. The Anchormen needed a drummer, and Bullins was hired in 1984.

 

Down through the years, the Anchormen has consistently had top-charting songs. “Giver of Life” – written by Brian and Shauna Holt and Greg Hodges – became a No. 1 song in 1997. Other favorite songs they continue to sing include “Come On In,” written by Greg Simpkin and Chris White, as well as “I Feel Like Running,” which has been released on four different projects.

 

As with any Gospel group down through the years, they have seen many changes in terms of personnel. Carter, Will Lane and Phillip Hughes left the group at one point and have since returned. Some other recognizable names include David Sutton, Steve Ladd, Derrick Boyd, David Hill, Jeff Chapman, Jamie Caldwell, David Hester and Bryan Elliott. Current members include Carter, Hughes, Lane and Chris Jenkins.

 

“The opportunity to sing with the Anchormen came at the best time and the worst time, at the same time,” Caldwell remembers of his stint with the group. “I had not been able to work for nearly a year due to a massive heart attack in April of 2013. It was the best time because while we had good insurance, we didn’t have disability coverage. Consequently, I had not drawn a salary for that entire time.

 

“(It was) the worst time because I had been struggling to get my strength back and was concerned I would not be able to hold up under the rigors of the road. While the road was just what I knew it would be, the pure joy of singing energized me to the point I looked forward to leaving each week, regardless of how I felt. Additionally, there was an instant rapport with Terry and Derrick, and when Will joined the quartet with sweet and low, I thoroughly enjoyed the year I spent with the Anchor Boys. The ministry, the music, the miles, the fun, (and with those guys) the food will fondly be remembered for a long time to come. I will be eternally grateful to Tim and the rest of the guys for giving me just what I needed at precisely the right time.”

 

Bullins – the owner/manager – had a lot of experience prior to owning the group. He likes to see everyone win at the end of the day. Ed Hill told him 40 years ago, “Everyone from the custodian to the man who signs the check has an instrumental part.”  

 

As a nine- and 10-year-old boy, he would walk around buses and talking out loud he said, “Lord, let me do this one day,” Bullins recalls. “He answered.”

 

Bullins adds, “During my early days with the Singing Americans (1982-84), I learned a lot about the running of a quartet from my hero, Ed Hill. I notice myself sort of being married to the date book. It all starts with a phone call. You have to be willing to answer the phone and make calls at any time and be consistent. The internet has certainly made it better. But picking up the phone and ‘digging’ through contracts is still the best.

 

“I do all the house booking, so it gets hectic at times. I travel with the guys probably 65 percent of the time, so I have to do a lot from the road. I handle payroll, all the office work, online sales, keeping the transportation ready and driving. Terry Carter handles most of the product, with Chris being a tremendous help with handling the web site and posting and advancing dates. Like any business, there are lots of surprises that come your way all the time.”

 

Carter, who sings baritone, spent 18 years with the group before taking time off, but now, he has returned to the group. The Cathedrals, Goodmans, and Statesmen have influenced his life the most in the music industry. He would also like to have dinner with Billy Graham.

 

“I was saved at age 13 in Wallace, N.C.,” Carter says. “I began singing at age 14, and I’m grateful that God has allowed me to sing and minister for 45 years. My most embarrassing thing was oversleeping and missing a river boat cruise (that) the Anchormen sang on at the (National) Quartet Convention (NQC) many years ago.”

 

Carter’s highlights of his career include his first time singing at NQC in 1982, as well as seeing souls saved at concerts. If he ever stops singing, you’ll probably see him in promotions and sales of some sort. However, in the meantime, he enjoys spending time with his wife – Kaye – and being in the studio producing vocals for other artists.

 

Hughes, the lead vocalist, became involved in Southern Gospel Music in 1986 and joined the Anchormen in 1997.

 

“Making three appearances on the Grand Ole Opry was a highlight of my life,” Hughes says. “An embarrassing time was when I sat down on a pew on stage (while singing with the Kingsmen), and it fell back into Brandon Reece’s drums.”

 

He left the Anchormen in 2001, later sang with the Kingsmen for six years and spent time as part of the Harvesters Quartet before returning to the Anchormen in 2015.

 

Doyle Lawson is his favorite musician, and Vince Gill his favorite singer.  If Phillip ever retires, you might find him in Hawaii as that’s where he would like to visit. If you visit Philip, you might find him out on the ball field with his sons Ross and Ryan or spending time with Starla, his wife.

 

Known for his rich, mellow bass voice, smile and personality, Will Lane joined the Anchormen in 2003. At age 20, he had already been with Lumber River for one year. Lane left the Anchormen at the end of 2006 and help form the group Driven. Then, in 2014, Lane returned to the Anchormen.

 

At age 16, Lane accepted Christ in a revival service conducted by Mike Holcomb.

 

“That was the day everything changed,” Lane points out.

 

As with many bass singers, Lane was influenced by George Younce. His most embarrassing moment was at one concert when his microphone wouldn’t work. He hit the mic, which had a bad cord, and total chaos broke out.

 

Lane said that sharing the stage with the Oak Ridge Boys has been the highlight of his career. If you stopped by his home, you might find him out working in the yard, at the gym or just spending time with his wife – Mindy – and family.

 

Rounding out the current group in the tenor position is the newest member, Jenkins. As a child, he was influenced by Gold City and Brian Free. Jenkins started out singing with his grandfather’s group, the Bearons. Somehow grandfathers leave an influence on their grandchildren, and his grandfather is his most admired person. He then started his own group, the Vintage Quartet. During this time, he also served as the manager of a bank.

 

“I’d probably still be in the banking business if I wasn’t singing,” Jenkins says.  

 

In 2012, Jenkins started his full-time career in Southern Gospel Music by joining the Kingsmen, which is where he stayed until 2015. Then, in 2016, he joined the Anchormen.

 

Jenkins was really embarrassed at a concert in Savannah, Tenn., when he started singing “Oh What a Savior” with his earbuds in each ear and then realized he was hearing the wrong key. He jerked one out in the middle of the first verse and corrected the song to the right key. In his off time, he enjoys spending time with Stephanie – his wife – and their son, Ryan.

 

These men have experienced life in and out of the Anchormen, but they have all returned to again sing together about the anchor of their lives. Their new recording, “Strength Renewed,” says everything there is to say about this group of men. Together again, this group shows a strength of purpose and a desire to share about Jesus through solid Southern Gospel quartet music.

By Robert York

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in June 2017.

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Tags: anchormen, Chris Jenkins, gospel music, Phillip Hughes, Terry Carter, Will Lane
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The Kingsmen Quartet: Decades of Following the Call

Written by Staff on August 18, 2015 – 9:09 am -

 

Few groups in any genre of music have been able to enjoy such a longstanding presence in their industry as The Kingsmen Quartet. Since their beginning in 1956, this beloved group of singers has continued to bring us songs of hope for the Christian life. Their quartet harmonies have provided a constant soundtrack for decades in a world that is continually changing. Listeners have enjoyed their Southern Gospel style, their incredible musical talent, and their powerful testimonies for almost 60 years.

If you ask any member of this much-loved quartet what their secret is for remaining such a strong influence in Gospel music, they will tell you that there is actually no secret at all – The Kingsmen Quartet is simply following the call that God has placed on their hearts to minister for Him through song, and He is doing the rest!

Started by the three McKinney brothers in the hills of North Carolina, The Kingsmen would go on to steadily gain a large following in Christian music. Many renowned artists have been blessed to call The Kingsmen home for a time. Such artists include Eldridge Fox, Big Jim Hamill, Squire Parsons, Johnny Parrack, Anthony Burger, Ernie Phillips, Ed Crawford and Gary Sheppard. The group has received numerous awards, including Dove awards, Hall of Fame awards, and Singing News awards.

The Kingsmen have five members past and present in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, which are Eldridge Fox, Jim Hamill, Anthony Burger, Squire Parsons, and Ray Dean Reese. The group is also in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Christian Music Hall of Fame. The Kingsmen Quartet currently consists of Ray Dean Reese, Brandon Reese, Bob Sellers, Chris Jenkins, and Randy Crawford. Read more »

Tags: Bob Sellers, Brandon Reese, Chris Jenkins, gospel music, Paige Givens, Quartet Music, Randy Crawford, Ray Dean Reese, sgn scoops, southern gospel, The Kingsmen
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SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday: Top Ten Artist Favorite Pizza Toppings

Written by Staff on July 22, 2015 – 8:21 am -

Thanks for joining us for another Wacky Wednesday on SGN Scoops. Today we ask another insightful question, “What do Gospel artists like to put on their pizza?” (because we know YOU are dying to know that answer!)

SGN Scoops polled a few artists about various things and tabulated their answers. We have used this (not so great) scientific process to create today’s Wacky Wednesday Top Ten!

The number one answer for favorite toppings was, of course, pepperoni. Who gave us this answer? Chris Jenkins, Karen Peck (who cheated and also asked for pineapple! But that’s okay because we all love Karen and she can say whatever she wants!) Joseph Habedank, Michaela Brown (yes, this kitchen chef actually eats pizza!) Billy Blackwood, and Gary Casto.

Donna King and Lauren Talley only wanted cheese!

David Sutton and Greg Bentley voted for sausage.

Two out of three Booth Brothers** asked for extra tomato sauce. The other one suggested green peppers.

Phil Collingsworth Sr. likes it Hawaiian style, and asked for pineapple.

Scott Inman also cheated, and instead of suggesting just one topping, he nominated “Meat Lovers” for his favorite. But again, we all love Scotty, so we let him get away with this response.

Speaking of Inmans, Scotty’s dad Clayton had only one word in response to what his favorite pizza topping was: “YES!”

Shannon Smith thinks along the same line as Clayton when he says, “Everything except anchovies!”

Hannah Webb stole this writer’s answer when she responded, “Barbeque Chicken!”

We are sure you have come away from this feature feeling more educated about the pizza toppings enjoyed by Southern Gospel artists. Or perhaps…just hungry for pizza. If so, we have accomplished our goal.

Stay tuned for more of these indepth polls right here on SGN Scoops!

 

Meet today’s contestants…

Who	What	Where
Chris Jenkins	The Kingsmen	http://kingsmenquartet.musiccitynetworks.com/
Joseph Habedank	Soloist	http://www.josephhabedank.com/
Clayton Inman	The Triumphant Quartet	http://www.triumphantquartet.com/
Lauren Talley Alvey	The Talleys	http://thetalleys.com/
Phil Collingsworth Sr.	The Collingsworth Family	http://www.thecollingsworthfamily.com/
David Sutton	The Triumphant Quartet	http://www.triumphantquartet.com/
Greg Bentley	Crossroads Records, Soloist	http://crossroadslabelgroup.com/
Gary Casto	The Tribute Quartet	http://tributequartet.com/
Billy Blackwood	The Blackwood Brothers Quartet	http://www.blackwoodbrothers.com/
Shannon Smith	Three Bridges	http://threebridgesgospel.com/
Michaela Brown	The Browns	http://thebrownsmusic.com/
Booth Brothers	The Booth Brothers	http://boothbrothers.com/
Scott Inman	The Triumphant Quartet	http://www.triumphantquartet.com/
Karen Peck	Karen Peck and New River	http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/
Donna King	Zane and Donna King	http://www.zaneanddonnaking.com/
Hannah Webb	The Rick Webb Family	http://rickwebbfamilymusic.com/

**Note: The Booth Brothers each answered each question but wouldn’t say whose answer it was…therefore we are leaving it up to you, dear reader, to guess whether the pithy answer comes from Michael Booth, Ronnie Booth or Paul Lancaster!

 

 

 

Tags: Billy Blackwood, booth brothers, Chris Jenkins, Clayton Inman, David Sutton, Donna King, Gary Casto, gospel music, Greg Bentley, Hannah Webb, Joseph Habedank, Karen Peck, Lauren Talley, Michaela Brown, Phil Collingsworth Sr., Scott Inman, sgn scoops, Shannon Smith, southern gospel, Wacky Wednesday
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SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday: Top Ten Places Gospel Artists Like To Eat

Written by Staff on June 24, 2015 – 4:37 pm -

Thanks for joining us for another Wacky Wednesday on SGN Scoops. Today we ask another insightful question: “Where do Gospel artists like to eat?”

SGN Scoops polled about 17 or so artists about various things and tabulated their answers. We have used this (not so great) scientific process to create today’s Wacky Wednesday Top Ten (more or less)!

Our panel of expert artists gave us the following answers.

The Number One answer it seems is, of course, Cracker Barrel. Now we aren’t sure if there is a particular entrée that is preferred by our contestants, although most of us on Facebook are aware that Gerald Wolfe likes Cracker Barrel for the lima beans. He was not one of our panel of guests, but five out of 17 on the panel voted for this country-style restaurant, including Greg Bentley, all three of the Booth Brothers and Donna King.

The next favorite place to eat is in a mall

food court, as voted on by Scotty Inman and David Sutton. David also indicated that he enjoys Bourbon Chicken in the mall.

Other favorite restaurants include…

Michaela Brown…Skyline Chili

Karen Peck… Longhorn Steakhouse

Hannah Webb… Panera

Lauren Talley Alvey…Cheesecake Factory

Gary Casto… Waffle House

Billy Blackwood… HuHot

Phil Collingsworth Sr. … Dickey’s Barbeque

Some other interesting responses include…

Clayton Inman, who likes to eat on the bus.

Joseph Habedank, who likes to investigate local restaurants.

Shannon Smith, who said, “Five Guys may be the most common and consistent, particularly when we’re on a tight

schedule (however, some of the local places are very cool and interesting.)”

So now you know! There may be more than 10 answers, but that is how we roll on the SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday!

Thanks again to all of our participants. Be watching SGN Scoops mainpage for more Wacky Wednesdays in the weeks to come. Do you want to suggest a subject or an artist? Email us at sgnscoops@gmail.com

For those of you who wish to find out more about our panel, here are the participants: (please note that not all participants answered every poll question)

Who	What	Where
Chris Jenkins	The Kingsmen	http://kingsmenquartet.musiccitynetworks.com/
Joseph Habedank	Soloist	http://www.josephhabedank.com/
Clayton Inman	The Triumphant Quartet	http://www.triumphantquartet.com/
Lauren Talley Alvey	The Talleys	http://thetalleys.com/
Phil Collingsworth Sr.	The Collingsworth Family	http://www.thecollingsworthfamily.com/
David Sutton	The Triumphant Quartet	http://www.triumphantquartet.com/
Greg Bentley	Crossroads Records, Soloist	http://crossroadslabelgroup.com/
Gary Casto	The Tribute Quartet	http://tributequartet.com/
Billy Blackwood	The Blackwood Brothers Quartet	http://www.blackwoodbrothers.com/
Shannon Smith	Three Bridges	http://threebridgesgospel.com/
Michaela Brown	The Browns	http://thebrownsmusic.com/
Booth Brothers	The Booth Brothers	http://boothbrothers.com/
Scott Inman	The Triumphant Quartet	http://www.triumphantquartet.com/
Karen Peck	Karen Peck and New River	http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/
Donna King	Zane and Donna King	http://www.zaneanddonnaking.com/
Hannah Webb	The Rick Webb Family	http://rickwebbfamilymusic.com/

 

Tags: Billy Blackwood, booth brothers, Chris Jenkins, Clayton Inman, David Sutton, Donna King, Gary Casto, Greg Bentley, Hannah Webb, Joseph Habedank, Karen Peck, Lauren Talley Alvey, Michaela Brown, Phil Collingsworth Sr., Scott Inman, sgn scoops, SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday, Shannon Smith, Wacky Wednesday
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SGNScoops Wacky Wednesday Top Ten: Vacation Time!

Written by Staff on June 10, 2015 – 11:57 am -

Welcome to another edition of Wacky Wednesday. SGN Scoops has polled about 18 or so artists about various things and received their answers. We have used this (not so great) scientific process to tabulate the Wacky Wednesday Top Ten (more or less)!

Today our subject is: Where do your favorite artists like to spend their vacations?

Our panel of expert artists gave us the following answers. These are not in any particular order.

It’s obvious that several on our artist panel are preparing to break out their Speedos! These include:

Joseph Habedank: “Rosemary Beach.” (soloist)

Karen Peck: “Destin, Florida.” (Karen Peck and New River)

Greg Bentley: “Any sunny beach!” (Crossroads Studios)

Billy Blackwood: “Gulf Coast.” (Blackwood Brothers Quartet)

Clayton Inman: “Anywhere with a beach.” (Triumphant)

Gary Casto: “Hawaii!” (Tribute)

**Booth Brother 1: “Warm, sunny

Florida!” (Booth Brothers)

Chris Jenkins: “Top Regular Destination: Beach; Favorite Of all Time: Jamaica!” (Kingsmen) PS. Don’t miss the Kingsmen feature in the June 2015 edition of SGN Scoops!

And then there is the lure of the lake…

Michaela Brown: “Lake Okoboji, Iowa.” (The Browns)

David Sutton: “The lake.” (Triumphant)

This might be the lake…or a nearby river…or stream…

Shannon Smith: “Any place that I can fish, read, and eat.” (Three Bridges)

 

We also have some fans of the beauty of North Carolina…

**Booth Brother 2: “Cabin in the North Carolina woods.”

Hannah Webb: “North Carolina mountains.” (The Rick Webb Family)

 

Other artists are going to be flying to their favorite vacation destinations:

Phil Collingsworth Sr.: “London ?” (Collingsworth Family)

Scott Inman: “  Australia!” (Triumphant)

Lauren Talley Alvey: “Honestly, after traveling all the time, when I have some time off, I love to just stay home. If we’re going somewhere, we like Las Vegas a lot for the shopping and shows. (We take Jesus to Sin City.)” (The Talleys)

Donna King: “Southern California because I have two daughters, a son-in-law and two grandsons there!” (Zane and Donna King)

 

And we are really surprised that only one person said…

**Booth Brother 3: “Home.” (Booth Brothers)

 

Thanks for joining us for Wacky Wednesday. Do you have a suggestion for a question we can ask our artist panel? Write to us at sgnscoops@gmail.com

 

Stay tuned for more of these indepth polls right here on SGN Scoops!

 

**Note: The Booth Brothers each answered each question but wouldn’t say whose answer it was…therefore we are leaving it up to you, dear reader, to guess whether the pithy answer comes from Michael Booth, Ronnie Booth or Paul Lancaster!

 

Tags: Billy Blackwood, booth brothers, Chris Jenkins, Clayton Inman, collingsworth family, crossroads, David Sutton, Donna King, Gary Casto, gospel music, Greg Bentley, Hannah Webb, Joseph Habedank, Karen Peck, karen peck and new river, Kingsmen, Michaela Brown, Rick Webb Family, SGNScoops Wacky Wednesday, Shannon Smith, talleys, The Browns, three bridges, Tribute
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The Kingsmen: Alive and Well

Written by Staff on November 18, 2014 – 12:53 pm -

 

Today’s Southern Gospel music is a range from traditional quartets to country-styled family groups to edgy trios and everything in between. The shift can be heard as radio deejays play an early Statesmen record followed by The Booth Brothers and then perhaps an Isaacs’ song. One group that has survived this evolution of sound is The Kingsmen and they have done it with flare, winning Dove Awards, being nominated for Grammy Awards and becoming members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The Kingsmen came on strong in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s with several live albums, showing that they were the best in live performances that engaged the audience.   Now they are back with a new live album, demonstrating that the Kingsmen of today are still the masters of live quartet performance. [Editor’s note: Feature first published in July 2013 in SGN Scoops.]

 

Front Row Live showcases the best of the current Kingsmen lineup, including Bob Sellers, Chris Jenkins, Randy Crawford and the patriarch of the group, Ray Dean Reese still belting out a powerful bass. Ray’s son Brandon, who serves as the drummer and bandleader whenever the group appears with a live band, handles their live sound and co-produced this recording. The recording was made during the 2012 National Quartet Convention and highlights some older favorites like “Traveling Home” to newer ones like “He’s Everything I Need”, a number one song and song of the year nominee from their 2010 recording, Grace Says. The Kingsmen’s current radio single off the live recording is “Land Of The Free”, written by Phil Cross, a patriotic anthem that is garnering a lot of airplay.

 

Live Kingsmen albums have always had their own place in Southern Gospel history and Front Row Live is long overdue. Brandon Reese says, “I think people have wanted a great live recording from the Kingsmen for a long time and the best way to give them that live Kingsmen sound is to mix some old and some new music that everyone will love.”

 

Kingsmen fans know that the group’s sound is still much the same as it was when the group became known as the Ton of Fun in the 1970’s, and baritone Randy Crawford says that is not just by chance. “The Kingsmen have always been filled with excitement,” says Crawford, “Excitement for the music and the message.  The reason the style has changed so little over the years is because it works!  You find a formula and stick with it.  Each group must find its own style and sound to really set themselves apart.  The Kingsmen established theirs in 1973 with Big and Live and have never looked back.  Because of the excitement in the music and message it continues to ring with old and young listeners alike.”

 

Ray Dean Reese explains that the reason the music still clicks with so many is a mixture of several ingredients. “The Kingsmen have a 57-year heritage of spreading the Gospel,” says Reese. “We have always tried to keep the presentation of the message of the Gospel as a priority, down through the years. As for our sound, we try to stay in touch with what the people want to hear and would open their hearts to the message of Jesus. We have been blessed to have talented singers through the years who have each added their particular gifts to the mix.”

Read more »

Tags: Bob Sellers, Brandon Reese, Chris Jenkins, Christian Music, gospel music, Lorraine Walker, Randy Crawford, Ray Dean Reese, sgn scoops, southern gospel, The Kingsmen
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In Depth With: Bob Sellers of The Kingsmen

Written by Staff on February 6, 2014 – 2:36 pm -

[Editor’s note: First published April 2013 on SGM Radio website. Written by Lorraine Walker. See information below.]

 

Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame members. Dove award winners. Grammy nominated artists. After over five decades of quartet singing, The Kingsmen seem indefatigable, regardless of health issues and personnel changes. Their strong traditional harmonies, powerhouse ballads and convention-style upbeat songs engage their audiences from coast to coast, with each Kingsmen vocalist giving it their all night after night. Member Bob Sellers talks to SGM Radio about his Kingmen adventure, going ‘in-depth’ as we discuss his co-workers, his family and his personal walk with the Lord.

 

Bob Sellers is one of the most positive, optimistic quartet men in Southern Gospel. From Facebook to Twitter, his conversations with fans are personal, funny and transparent. Sellers is obviously a people-person and this overflows into his workplace, the bus and the stage of a full-time gospel group. He talks about the latest news from the Kingsmen.

“Well, the best news is that Ray Dean Reese is doing great after having had his prostrate removed almost a year and a half ago due to cancer,” Sellers begins. “The current lineup will have soon been together for a complete year. The environment on the bus is great.  We really are best friends on and off stage. Musically, we have really jelled as a group.  By that, I mean we have learned each others’ nuances as far as phrasing, who’s going where and when vocally, how to feed off each other on stage, etc., and since those things are instinctive now and we no longer have to constantly focus on them, we are better able to minister and present our music as a single unit.”

The Kingsmen’s latest recording, Once Again, is a compilation of past Kingsmen songs. With so many great hits in the group archives, Sellers finds it hard to name his favorite. “God has blessed this group through this years with some of the greatest songs in all of gospel music,” says Sellers. “We still perform many of the classic hits like ‘Glory Road,’ ‘Saints Will Rise,’ ‘I Will Rise Up From My Grave,’ ‘Old Ship of Zion,’ and so many more. That’s the music I grew up listening to and those songs and the voices behind them are what hooked me on what I believe is the greatest music on earth. To now be performing those songs with my favorite group is just an honor and a dream come true.”

“It is really hard to pinpoint one favorite but ‘Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet’ is definitely high on the list, because it was one of my grandfather’s favorite songs and those who know anything about me know how great of an impact he had on my life, not only as a role model but as my pastor,” Sellers shares. “Granddaddy has gone on to Heaven now and my grandmother joined him there just this past year, so every time I sing that song I think of them both. I envision the two of them experiencing the message in that song every time we sing it, and I think of myself falling at Jesus’ feet one day. What a reunion that will be for all of God’s children! What an awesome promise we have! That should put a smile on all our faces, no matter what else is going on in our lives.” Read more »

Tags: Bob Sellers, Brandon Reese, Chris Jenkins, Christian Music, gospel music, Quartet Music, Ray Dean Reese, southern gospel, The Kingsmen
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