Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Mercy’s Well: One New Member, Same Heart for Music

I delightfully chose to write on one of my favorite male trios this month. With its roots tracing back to 1998, Brad Strider, Greg Gainer and Jake Wood make up what is collectively known today as Mercy’s Well. I have personally grown to love these guys and appreciate the heart that they have towards the music that they sing. Their 2014 released project, Today, has become one of my most played albums. It has 10 outstanding songs, such as “Come As We Are,” “I’ll Trade This Valley For A Mountain,” and “I Wanna Hear The Gospel,” to name a few.

Mercy’s Well officially had its beginning in 2000. Group owner, Brad, tells us: “A friend of mine asked me to go with him to a revival service one night. He wanted me to play bass guitar with him and ‘sing a few’. The people enjoyed it and we started receiving invitations to go to different revivals and other services. We eventually added a third part and changed the name to Mercy’s Well.”

Brad Strider makes his home in Greensboro, NC, where the trio has its base. He serves in all areas for Mercy’s Well, from booking to emceeing on the stage. Brad began singing at the age of eight, following the footsteps of his parents and grandparents. “My grandpa had a quartet in the 40’s and 50’s. Also, my parents were in a quartet in the 70’s. That led to a family group, containing my brother and I,” he tells us. “I am so grateful for the musical examples that were lived in front of me. My family still sings together to this day, just without me,” he laughingly interjects.

Brad is also the owner of the graphics design company, b.creative, which keeps him extremely busy when he is not on the road singing. The company serves the graphic needs for several Southern Gospel groups, such as the Hoppers and Tribute Quartet, as well as the designs for the well-known event, National Quartet Convention. Brad’s most favorite past time also comes in the form of music. “I am an avid collector of classic Southern Gospel records. My collection is currently over 1,000 and is constantly growing in number,” he proudly admits. “I thoroughly enjoy collecting and listening to the albums of the classic groups that I grew up listening to. My all-time favorite is definitely the Cathedral Quartet.”

Long-time member, Greg Gainer, makes his home just down the road in Kernersville, NC. Greg’s smooth vocal ability and gentle spirit make him a favorite with audiences wherever the group performs. He also occasionally accompanies Mercy’s Well on stage with his piano abilities. During the week, Greg sells security systems for ADT. In his free time at home, he enjoys home improvement projects and working outside in his yard.

Greg says he took interest in the piano around the age of seven. “I would listen to choirs that came to the Christian school that I attended. Then I would go home and try to pick the songs out on the piano. My mom started taking me to piano lessons. Like any kid, I fought it at first. But today, I’m glad that I stuck with it,” he says. Greg later developed his vocal talents while in school. Before singing with Mercy’s Well, he spent about three years with the Pathfinders Quartet.

The newest member for Mercy’s Well is the young, talented Jake Wood. He makes his home in Trinity, NC. Although Jake has been with the trio for only a few short months, he is already singing his way into the hearts of those who are listening. “I have already had such a great time on the road with the guys,” says Jake. “I am excited to see the doors that God is going to open up for us in the future.” Jake began singing at the age of 11 and is the odd one of his family, being the only singer. He shares Brad’s love and musical influence of the memorable Cathedral Quartet, as well as Gold City. Jake spent roughly four years with local groups before joining Mercy’s Well. He is currently a student, enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is working towards a music performance major. Between traveling and school, Jake does not have much free time. But when time permits, he does enjoy outside activities, such as hiking.

Anyone who has ever traveled can attest to things going wrong from time to time. So was the case with a trip to Texas for this group of guys back in the spring. “We got all the way to Texas and our Sprinter decided to lay down on us. I had to find a way to get us to our dates by whatever means possible. So three full grown men piled into a U-Haul truck and drove to our next date,” Brad says with a laugh. “Looking back, it’s comical to me, although at the time, it definitely was not!”

Mercy’s Well just celebrated 15 years of music by releasing a project with a compilation of fan favorites. Thanks To You: Fifteen Years of Making Memories and Music consists of songs like “More Like Jesus, Less Like Me,” the never-released radio cut of “I’ll See You Soon,” and a remake of the trio’s most requested song, “Nothing But the Blood (Still Saves the Lost).” Also, the project includes three brand new songs with the vocals of the newcomer, Jake. They give their kudos to the superb producer and vocal arranger, Donna King. To order this new project, or any of the trio’s other music, visit www.mercyswell.com. You can find their tour schedule on that site as well.

Mercy’s Well is currently preparing for their annual Christmas tour. It will be kicked off by a banquet, which will be held on Friday, November 27 in Asheboro, NC at The Exchange. This is sure to be an exciting evening. So if you are close to that area, do not hesitate to call and make your reservations. The guys would love to sing you into the Christmas spirit.

By Jaquita Lindsey

First published by SGN Scoops in October 2015

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Mercy’s Well Welcomes Jake Wood

Mercy’s Well

Nashville, TN (June 23, 2015) – Mercy’s Well is excited to announce the addition of new lead singer, Jake Wood, to their line up.

Though only 22 years old, Wood is a strong and experienced lead singer. He’s been singing for many years in various local ministries, but this will be his first full-time position in Christian music. He makes his home in Trinity, NC, yet, hails originally from the north, in Chatham, Pennsylvania.

Brad Strider (group owner and tenor singer) shares, “When we began our search for just the right fit for our team, we received inquiries from Oklahoma, Illinois, Georgia and all stops in between. I had no idea the perfect fit was less than thirty miles away! He’s been on the road with us for three weeks now and we are so thrilled to have Jake as a part of Mercy’s Well. Everyone’s going to love him!”

The group’s current single “I’ll Trade This Valley For A Mountain,” is moving up the Gospel music charts. Their next single, “TODAY,” which is the title cut of their new album, is slated to release in July.

To learn more about Mercy’s Well, visit mercyswell.com. Like them on FACEBOOK here or follow them on TWITTER @mercys_well.

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THIS IS A VERTICAL SKY MEDIA RELEASE
Pictured L to R: Greg Gainer, Brad Strider, and Jake Wood (Mercy’s Well)

Open Letter From Brad Strider Of Mercy’s Well

Mercy’s Well

In the past fifteen years plus of traveling, I have learned that change is inevitable. We have been blessed by many talented singers and musicians who have come through the ranks of Mercy’s Well. Each one holds a place in my heart and the hearts of people who support our music and love what we do. That time has once again come for this ministry. Dustin Simmons, who has been with us since the fall of 2013, has accepted a position as a Minister of Music in Georgia. Though we will miss him and his voice, we are very happy for Dustin and his wife, Morgan, as this places him very close to his family and even closer to his wife’s family. As anyone who travels knows, the miles and the time away from home is the hardest part of what we do. We wish them the absolute best and we thank Dustin for his contributions to Mercy’s Well!

Just prior to Dustin’s exit from Mercy’s Well, we also said goodbye to Josh Simpson who has traveled and played piano here since leaving the Hoppers in 2013. Josh added much to what we do from a stage standpoint and we will certainly miss the “live” aspect of an instrumentalist. After more than 10 years on the road, Josh has decided to leave the road and move back to his home in Alabama to utilize his talents in a new way at a church near his family.

What does this mean for Mercy’s Well? We will continue to do what we believe God has called this ministry to do until He instructs otherwise. Change is always challenging, but each time God sends just the right person for the job. I have no doubt this time will be any different! We appreciate your prayers and support of this ministry and what we do! We love you all and look forward to seeing you on the road soon.

Blessings,

Brad Strider
Mercy’s Well

Mercy’s Well Featured On The Gospel Greats

Mercy’s Well

Nashville, TN (October 9, 2014) – Powerhouse Christian music artist, Mercy’s Well, was the featured group this past weekend on the highly-acclaimed syndicated Gospel music radio show, The Gospel Greats.

Mercy’s Well Expands Their Music and Ministry With A Strong Addition To The Group

Nashville, TN (January 30, 2014) – Stellar vocal trio, Mercy’s Well, is pleased to announce a powerful addition to their ministry team.  They are thrilled to welcome pianist, Josh Simpson, to the group.

Simpson is no stranger to Gospel music having toured with such artists as Brian Free & Assurance, the Hoppers, and Gold City.  He started playing the piano at the age of six and his God-given gift is now a full-time part of the steady and solid music ministry of Mercy’s Well.

Brad Strider, group owner and tenor singer, expresses, “Over the years, we have really sought a fine balance with our audiences in sharing a variety of styles.  Our focus is and will always be to bring a message of the hope of Christ.  We want that message not to be just heard, but also felt.  One of the ways we have seen that effort be more effectively executed is with the powerful tool of live music.  To have Josh play along side us has re-energized the effectiveness of our music and ministry. In this day and age we have little time to waste in reaching out to a broken world with the message of the HOPE of Christ. We are so grateful for the way God is guiding us in our efforts to love people to Him.”

The group’s latest single written by Dianne Wilkinson, “More Like Jesus, Less Like Me,” landed at Christian radio this week.  They are currently in the process of a brand new recording and are working, once again, with award-winning music producer, Donna King.

This new recording is slated for a Spring 2014 release.

To learn more about Mercy’s Well, visit mercyswell.com.  Like them on FACEBOOK here or follow them on TWITTER @mercys_well.

Mercy’s Well Announces Changes and Welcomes A New Lead Singer

Nashville, TN (August 27, 2013) – It is with mixed emotions that vocal trio Mercy’s Well announces changes to their line up.

Lead singer, Kyle King, will be making his departure in mid September and, after a month of auditions and hearing many talented prospective singers, the group will be welcoming a powerhouse new vocalist. Dustin Simmons, of Dahlonega, Georgia, will make his debut appearance as the new lead singer for Mercy’s Well on September 22, 2013.

King, who has been a tremendous blessing to the group for many years, has felt God leading him in a new direction. He will be setting sail aboard a cruise ship, continuing to use the gifts God has given him but in a very new way. “It’s hard to describe, in words, the last three-and-a-half years I’ve been a part of Mercy’s Well, but I will try: privileged, humbled, and thankful,” shares Kyle. He continues, “I’m privileged to have experienced hundreds of worship services in multiple states, countries, and cultures; humbled to have been a witness of God’s amazing power at work in the lives of His people; and thankful to all the many friends, fans, and supporters of this ministry. My time with the group has truly been a blessing, and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to use each of us, for His glory, in years to come.”

Dustin and his wife, Morgan, will be relocating to North Carolina in the coming months and are very anxious and blessed to see Dustin following God’s plans for him in full-time music ministry. He has been singing for most of his life, including a 5 year tenure with the regional group Omega.

Mercy’s Well founder and tenor, Brad Strider, expresses, “A couple of months ago Kyle came to me and shared that he felt God leading him in a different direction. Anyone that knows me knows I don’t like change, but sometimes change can be God’s way of making everyone affected stronger. While we are sad to see Kyle go, we are excited about the future of Mercy’s Well with Dustin as part of our team.”

Mercy’s Well is making plans for a new recording in early 2014.

To learn more about Mercy’s Well, visit mercyswell.com. Like them on FACEBOOK here or follow them on TWITTER @mercys_well.

The Jonathans and Mercy’s Well in Special Concert Appearance

There will be a special night of Praise and Worship to be held Saturday night, May 18, 2013 at Balfour Baptist Church in Asheboro, NC.  Mercy’s Well will be appearing with The Jonathans, from Bremen, GA. Concert begins at 7:00pm. NO ADMISSION CHARGE, but a love offering will be received.
The Jonathans: Parker Jonathan, the group’s founding member, sang with The Kingsmen for 13 years in the 90’s and early 2000’s before moving to Georgia with his wife Paula. In addition to Parker and Paula, The Jonathans are comprised of Eric Dunson and keyboardist Jacob Pitts.
Mercy’s Well: Consisting of Brad Strider, Greg Gainer and Kyle King, Mercy’s Well has been performing for over 15 years out of Greensboro, NC. One of Gospel music’s top male trios, Mercy’s Well latest single, Beautiful Terrible Cross has been climbing the charts of Christian music.
Make plans to attend, and bring a friend!

Gospel Music Today On SGNScoops.com

Mercy’s Well To Be Featured Artist On The Gospel Greats CHRISTMAS EDITION This Weekend

Nashville, TN (Dec. 6th, 2012) – Powerful trio, Mercy’s Well, will be the featured artist on this weekend’s edition of The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil.  The award-winning syndicated featured program will air at various times on radio stations throughout the country, and on Sirius/Xm’s Enlighten, the weekend of Dec. 8-9, 2012.

Songs from their brand new CHRISTMAS recording, BETHLEHEM SKY, produced by Donna King, will be featured.  There will also be special interview segments with Brad, Greg, and Kyle, of Mercy’s Well.  The new recording includes Christmas classics and brand new, original Christmas music.

You won’t want to miss this special time with Paul Heil’s The Gospel Greats and Mercy’s Well.

For more information about this show, including other artists included on this special Christmas edition, visit http://www.thegospelgreats.com/next.htm.  To find a station airing The Gospel Greats near you, click on the station finder located on The Gospel Greats website.

To learn more about Mercy’s Well or to schedule them for your music event, visit www.mercyswell.com.  You can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mercyswellonline and on Twitter @Mercys_Well. You can purchase the new CD, BETHLEHEM SKY, as well as many other recordings from the trio, on their website, from Springside, and on iTunes.

November 2012 Edition Of SGNScoops Magazine

Tis this season to be thankful,and we have a lot to be thankful for at SGNScoops Magazine. Be sure to read the highlights of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention! Rhonda gives the details of Lou Hildreth’s Celebration as well as details about this year’s Diamond Awards Show. Congratulations to all the winners. We are grateful to all those who participated in this year’s event and look forward to Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2013. We are very excited to present Canton Junction as the cover story and also highlight the ministries of Mercy’s Well, Tyler Hudson, Wes Combs, The Breakfast Club and the Littles. Celebrate 50 years in Gospel Music with the Singing Cookes and the retirement of the Melody Boys Quartet in this issue too! Don’t miss Ms. Lou’s memories, a Mathis moment with John Mathis or inspiration from Scott Rhoades. And a “must read story” is in this issue written by special guest writer, Kenna West regarding faith sharing. Check out who is releasing new music this month and see who is topping the charts! All of this and more written by a staff with more than 100 years experience in the Gospel Music Industry thus making us a trusted and reliable source of news and information. Don’t forget, our magazine is absolutely free! Please share with your friends! From the staff of SGNScoops Magazine, Happy Thanksgiving!

Download This Months Magazine Here