Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Kinston, NC-Following an extensive national search, Ed O’ Neal is pleased to introduce Doug Pittman as the new tenor vocalist for The Dixie Melody Boys.  Doug is 28 years old and originally hails from the small town of Eastman, GA. Doug garnered several awards in the classical world during his high school and college years, including First Prize in the 2008 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Vocal Competition. Doug has performed both nationally and internationally, including a tour of the United Kingdom in 2007. Additionally, he made is Carnegie Hall debut in 2010.

While his musical career spans more than a decade, he only began singing Southern Gospel Music in recent years; however, his roots are deeply tied to this particular musical genre. Doug grew up listening to Southern Gospel Music every weekend following his father, who played drums for several regional groups during the early 1990s. While pursuing a degree in music at Brewton-Parker College in Mt Vernon, GA, Doug followed in his father’s footsteps and formed a Gospel group with a few of his friends. He has sung with that group, Omega Quartet, since it’s inception in 2008 and was the remaining original member.

Long-time Dixie Melody Boys member and SGMA Hall of Fame member Ed O’Neal is thrilled to have Doug as a member of the popular quartet. “We auditioned several tremendous singers over the last few weeks,” O’Neal explains. “We even took a few out on the road with us.  I had never met Doug, but the first song he sang during sound check gave me chill bumps all up and down my arms.  When we sang that night, it was as if we had all been singing together for 20 years.  He’s a fine young man, loves the Lord, and can SING!  I knew by the end of the trip I had found my man.  Josh Garner is a pro and Aaron Dishman just thrills me with how he has matured as a singer and a communicator in such a short time. When we add Doug to that mix, I believe this is one of the strongest line-ups I’ve ever had with The Dixie Melody Boys. I am very excited about what I believe God has in store.”

Doug Pittman made his debut with The Dixie Melody Boys at the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN.  Additional information regarding a complete touring schedule for The Dixie Melody Boys is available online at www.dixiemelodyboys.com.