In Depth…With Jason Funderburk of Driven Quartet

By Lorraine Walker

Driven Quartet has been traveling the nation’s highways singing Gospel music since 2007. Owner Jason Funderburk was literally born into the industry, as he grew up watching his father Danny sing with the Cathedral Quartet. Now his quartet is making their own mark on Gospel music with their new recording and a strong sound, mixing memories of the Cathedrals with a more youthful flavor and energy.

Jason Funderburk joins SGM Radio on an In Depth interview and tells us about the new CD, Takin’ You There. “This project contains some old Cathedral favorites and we have a song included on here that my Grandaddy wrote called “Whiter Than Snow,” says Jason. “ My Dad makes a cameo appearance on it and it will surely bless your heart. Our latest single is “Would Not Be Surprised”.” [Editor’s note: Published May 2013]

Will Lane on bass, baritone Chad Smith and Wesley Smith singing tenor join Funderburk in Driven, and their combination of traditional quartet vocals is very reminiscent of Cathedral days. “A lot of folks may not know that we have Wesley Smith as our new tenor,” says Funderburk. “He has been with Palmetto State and Dixie Echoes. Wesley brings a lot of variety to our concert setting. We do a large segment of our concert with piano, bass, and acoustic guitar.”

Funderburk says his favorite song to sing with the group is “Between a Rock and Hard Place,” as well as, “Whiter Than Snow.” Gospel music is in his blood and he loves to travel and sing the message of Jesus Christ. “ My favorite thing about traveling with these guys is that it’s like traveling with three brothers,” says Jason. “We are a family. I would not be scared to say that we get along with each other off stage just as well as we do on stage because of our kinship.”

“Will is our encourager. He is always ready to sing no matter the circumstances,” shares Funderburk. “Chad is our accountability partner. He keeps us grounded in our devotions. And Wesley, he is our down-to-earth guy. He helps keep our stress level down. Well, at times!” laughs Jason.

Thoroughly seasoned in presenting a well-rounded concert, Funderburk says a Driven Quartet presentation is carefully arranged. “I try to construct a good evening of fellowship, ministry and laughter, as well as making the environment comfortable for the guys. I believe that God has allowed me to share the Lord with others through song and I truly enjoy it. I try to always keep others uplifted and strive to be as organized as possible.”

Sharing the Lord with others requires a commitment to regular communication with Him, which Jason says comes through personal devotions. “I try to strengthen my relationship daily with the Lord. I begin each new day reading a passage from a very special book that my best friend gave me entitled God Moments. This helps get my day started off on the right track,” says Funderburk. “Another one of my favorite authors is A. W. Tozer.”

”Something that has really spoken to me lately is our church’s recent study of the book of Daniel,” Jason comments. “The strength and faith of Daniel has been a very big source of encouragement at this time of my life.”

Funderburk shares that one of his goals for this year is to spend more time with his family. “I keep my family strong by good open communication and continuous love,” says Jason. “I keep them strong in the Lord by depending on Him with all decisions we make and allowing Him to lead, guide and direct our paths. The one thing I cannot live without is the love and support of family and friends.”

On a more humorous note, Funderburk admits that he isn’t always as strong as he should be. “One habit I know I should break but can’t would be eating sweets after 9pm!”

Jason has been in the Gospel music spotlight for many years but claims there are things that might take his audience by surprise. “One thing that very few people know about me is that I love to fish and hunt,” he says. “And my favorite TV show is Duck Dynasty.”

Jason Funderburk and Driven Quartet continue to share the “Boundless Love” of Jesus Christ through new songs and old, bringing the timeless message to audiences of all ages. As Jason says, they are “Lovin’ the Lord, Lovin’ Life” as they are Driven4Him.

For more information on Jason Funderburk and Driven Quartet, as well as their tour schedule, visit: http://www.drivenqt.com/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funderburkjason

Twitter: @funderburkjason

SGMRadio was happy to chat with the Jason Funderburk, owner and lead vocalist of Driven Quartet, as we continue our feature entitled “In Depth With”. We will try to allow you to get to know your favorite artists just a little better by asking questions you may have always wanted to ask. If you have a favorite artist please email us and tell us what you would like to know about them! Email here: sgmradio.lorrainewalker@gmail.com

First published by SGM Radio website in May 2013. For current features, visit http://www.sgmradio.com/

Driven Quartet has signed with Chapel Valley Music Group!

Sharps Chapel, TN – Chapel Valley Music Group is proud to announce that Driven Quartet has signed a recording contract.

Driven is an outstanding quartet and Chapel Valley is excited to have them as a part of our family of
artists.This incredibly talented group consists of owner, Jason Funderburk; bass, Will Lane; tenor, Wesley Smith, and baritone, Chad Smith.

Chapel Valley will also be releasing Driven’s music to radio stations worldwide. A radio single and new project will be released early 2014. For more information concerning Driven go to www.drivenqt.com. You can also go to

www.chapelvalleystudio.com

Catacomb Music Receives 11 Diamond Award Nominations

Driven Quartet Reaches Agreement with Catacomb Music

Nashville, TN – Driven Quartet of Charlotte, NC have now reached an agreement with Catacomb Music.

“I feel that Catacomb Music is the perfect ministry partner and right now it is going to be what we as Driven need to push us in the right direction”, said Jason Funderburk. “I am excited about working with Scott and look forward to a long working relationship to take this ministry where God would have it!”

Gospel Music is in Jason’s blood. His father Danny Funderburk is one of the most recognizable voices in Southern Gospel Music. Danny has sung with such notable quartets as The Singing Americans, The Cathedrals and Perfect Heart. Jason is carrying on that tradition with Driven.

Collectively, this group of young men has been singing professionally for over 20 years. Their resumes include such groups as Danny Funderburk and Mercy’s Way, The Anchormen and Lumber River but in 2006 this group of young men through prayer, stepped out on faith and commenced their new full time career, heeding to the call on their lives to present the Gospel through music, these four gentlemen created Driven Ministries.

“This year Driven was blessed to be featured on the main stage at NQC & won 3 Diamond Awards” (Website, Country Gospel Group & Album of the Year) said Scott Lucas. “Catacomb Music is honored to add Driven Quartet to the Catacomb Music family, along with www.song-of-david.com & www.coulterministries.org ”

For more information on Driven Quartet visit www.drivenqt.com

For more information on Catacomb Music visit www.catacombmusic.com

Driven Quartet on Gospel Music Today

The guests on the current edition of Gospel Music Today are the members of Driven Quartet. The Feature Group is Hope’s Journey, and Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. Ken and Jean visit a concert in Henryetta, OK, to hear The Taylors sing. Jean reviews a new CD by Christy Sutherland , and the show features singing by The Hayes Family and The Carolina Crossmen. The latest Gospel Music Today webcast is online now at www.gospelmusictoday.com

Driven QT and Clayton Watson Before The Diamond Awards

Diamond Awards Band Practice Another View

More Behind The Scenes Diamond Awards 2011

Fans help fuel the “Drive” in Driven Quartet with 3 Diamond Awards

(Branson, MO) The 3rd Annual Branson Gospel Music Revival was again the home for the Diamond Awards ceremony this month, as President/CEO of Coastal Media Group, Rob Patz, announced the winners this week. The readers of SGN Scoops Magazine spoke as they placed Driven Quartet at the top, with Album of the Year, Christian Country Group of the Year, and Favorite Artist Website.

The popular group was also excited with comments such as these: Jason Funderburk : ” We are so excited about the Diamond Awards we received in Branson Mo. I want to Thank Rob Patz and SGN Scoops for their support. Winning one Diamond was awesome but with the addition of the other two I was totally set aside!”

Will Lane: “I want to first and foremost Thank Jesus Christ for all he has done for our ministry. He has truly Blessed us to be a part of the Diamond Awards also along with Mr. Rob Patz and SGN Scoops. Thank You all for what you do for Southern Gospel and allowing us to be a part.”

Chad Smith: ” I would like to thank my Lord and Saviourfor allowing us to be honored with these Awards. Thanks to SGN Scoops for all you do for Gospel Music, and to all the fans, who we consider friends that believe in Driven Ministries.”

The Charlotte, NC group has over 20 years in the field, collectively, and continues with their latest successful project, “Driven.”

Rob Patz notes,” You couldn’t ask for a more ministry-minded and “driven” group of men to win these awards. I am excited for what lies ahead for them and sure the readers will be hearing much more news about the quartet.”

For more info on Driven Quartet:

Jason N. Funderburk
Driven Ministries Inc.
www.drivenqt.com

Office: 704-989-9242

P.O. Box 1356
Indian Trail, NC 28079

Driven Quartet Nominated for 5 SGN Scoops Diamond Awards

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – (May 18, 2011) – Popular Southern Gospel group Driven Quartet received word earlier this month that they have been nominated for an impressive five SGN Scoops Diamond Awards.Driven Quartet

The nominees were announced last week in the May 2011 issue of SGN Scoops Digital. Driven Quartet received nominations in many major categories – including Favorite Song (for “Mercy Saw Me”), Favorite Album (Driven Quartet), Favorite Male Quartet, Favorite Christian Country Group, and Favorite Artist Website (www.drivenqt.com).

“We are honored to be mentioned in so many categories in this year’s Diamond Awards program,” mentioned Jason Funderburk of Driven Quartet. “We are delighted that our fans would think enough of us to nominate us for such prestigious awards. Thank you so much!”

Fans can now vote for their favorites from the Top 5 ballot. The online ballot is designed for fans to vote for their favorite artists and individuals for each award.  Fans and industry supporters are encouraged to visit the SGN Scoops Digital website to place their votes.  The Diamond Awards home on the web is located at https://sgnscoops.com.

The 2011 Diamond will once again take place at the Branson Gospel Music Revival.  The show will take place on Thursday, June 30, 2011 in Branson, Missouri at the Tri-Lakes Center.  The awards program will precede the Thursday evening concerts and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

For more information on the Diamond Awards – visit the SGN Scoops Digital website at https://www.sgnscoops.com .

Driven Quartet saw a strong surge in radio support for their latest single. The song – titled “Story of My Life” –charted on various industry publications over the last couple of months. “Story of My Life” is the second single from Driven Quartet’s much-talked-about self-titled release and is the first single from the group to hit Southern Gospel radio in over a year.

This new single is the follow-up to the group’s previous hit single “Between a Rock and a Hard Place.”  The song was written by John Darin Rowsey and Justin Rivers and did exceptionally well for the group.  The song reached Top 20 on both the Gospel Music News Top 100 (#14) and SoGospelNews.com (now AbsolutelyGospel.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart (#12) and Top 40 on the Singing News Top 80 (#27).  The song also charted exceptionally well on the  SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.

Individuals interested in booking Driven Quartet for their church or concert event can visit the Dominion Agency’s website at http://www.dominionagency.com or call (910) 484-6996.

For more information on Driven Quartet, visit their website at http://www.drivenqt.com .  Fans are also encouraged to visit Driven’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/drivenministriesjnf .