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Sights and Sounds of the Carolina Quartet by Charlie Griffin

Carolina Quartet

The Carolina Quartet is rich in talent and legacy. Most of the group members have been together off and on for 20-plus years. When you attend one of their concerts, you will enjoy energetic performances, great songs, clean vocals, enthusiasm and a true love for the people they sing for and the Lord they serve. Those Carolina characteristics are the ingredients of a professional music group that can only be said for a few in today’s gospel music circles.

The group’s sound is defined by the recognizable lead voice of Scott Whitener. Now, Whitener is no stranger to gospel music. His first singing experience was with the church trio where his dad pastored. He was an influential member of the regional powerhouse quartet the Regals for many years. In 1987, he joined the award-winning Singing Americans. His dynamic voice and interpretations really grabbed the attention of Gospel Music fans in this time.

The 1989 version of the Singing Americans 1989 consisted of (from left) Scott Whitener, Clayton Inman, Greg Shockley, Dwayne Burke and James Rainey

After leaving the Singing Americans, Whitener also sang lead with Jericho – which was formed along with Dwayne Burke of the Singing Americans – until 1996. This group was recognized for their smooth, focused vocals in a church ministry setting.

Subsequently, Whitener transitioned to the Melody Masters in the mid-1990s as lead singer. During that time, the group lineup of Chris Roberts, Whitener, Roger Burnett, and Richard Sanders achieved success with performances at the National Quartet Convention and the Canadian version of the NQC, which was held in Canada’s in Red Deer, Alta.

As in life, things come full circle. After more than 20 years in full-time Gospel Music, Whitener is now an ordained minister, serving as senior pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Gastonia, N.C., and as lead pastor of Gateway Cowboy Church in Stanley, N.C.

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