Tag: Kingdom Heirs

The Kingdom Heirs remind listeners that grace never runs out

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

Southern Gospel has a way of turning heartbreak into hope, and few groups do it as naturally as the Kingdom Heirs. “This song really spoke to me,” says Andy Stringfield of the quartet’s new single, “Always get the grace.” “It not only has a beautiful melody, which usually is the first thing that catches my attention, but a unique and powerful message.”

The message is a simple one, though simple doesn’t mean easy. Written by Barbara Huffman and Marcia Henry, the song asks its listeners to sit with an uncomfortable truth; Prayers don’t always get answered the way you hoped. Sometimes the miracle comes exactly as planned. More often, life hands you something you didn’t ask for and can’t fully explain.

Sometimes you get the miracle Just the way you planned But often God does something different That you don’t understand But through it all He’s still loving, caring, and holding you No matter what you face Sometimes you get the miracle But you always get the grace

The Kingdom Heirs give the song room to breathe, building it into a fully orchestrated arrangement that shifts between Chris Bryant’s lead vocal and the full quartet’s blend. It’s the kind of production that lets a lyric like this land without needing much embellishment.

For Stringfield, the song’s honesty is what sets it apart. “When we’re in the midst of a storm in this life, we don’t always get the exact answer we’re looking for when we pray,” he says. “Sometimes you get the miracle, but as a child of God, no matter what you may be going through, you’ll always get his wonderful grace.”

That kind of steadiness has defined the Kingdom Heirs for decades. The group traces its roots to the mountains of East Tennessee, where Southern Gospel isn’t a genre so much as a way of life. They built a following playing churches and concert halls before landing a residency at Silver Dollar City in 1982, four years before the park rebranded as Dollywood. The Kingdom Heirs have been the park’s resident gospel act ever since, a run that now stretches past 40 years, matching Dollywood’s own milestone this year. Millions of visitors have passed through the park in that time, and for plenty of them, the Kingdom Heirs’ harmonies are as much a part of the Smoky Mountains as the scenery.

How a preacher’s one-liner became the Kingdom Heirs’ new single

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The Kingdom Heirs are back with their first new music since 2024’s No better time, and this one comes swinging. The Sonlite Records quartet, longtime Southern Gospel favorites out of the mountains of East Tennessee, just released “Jesus never met a sinner (that he couldn’t save),” an up-tempo, unpredictable number that grew out of a single line overheard in a small church in North Augusta, Georgia.

The song’s writer, and the group’s drummer, Dennis Murphy, remembers the exact moment it hit him. “This song was inspired by a quote from Pastor C.T. Townsend when we sang at his church,” Murphy says. “As he was introducing us, he simply told the congregation, ‘Jesus never met a sinner that He couldn’t save.’ It instantly tweaked my songwriter brain, and I was obsessed for the remainder of the service.”

He laughs about it now, sort of. “It’s a blessing and a distraction,” Murphy adds, “but I’ve learned to live with it. I began to build around this great quote as the Lord delivered the words.” He’s not alone in that habit, he suspects. “I’m sure this happens with other songwriters who hear a sermon and then begin to focus on a ‘nugget of gold’ from the preacher.”

The result, produced by Roger Talley, opens with snappy guitar and keyboard work before lead singer Chris Bryant takes over, his voice riding a propulsive drum line courtesy of studio veteran Tony Creasman. Murphy calls it fitting for the group’s sound: “I believe everyone will enjoy this up-tempo, unpredictable, and energetic tune,” he says, adding that Bryant “delivers an amazing fast-paced lead as the remainder of the quartet add incredible harmonies.”

That’s putting it mildly once the full quartet crashes into the chorus, four voices locking in behind a message that’s been the group’s calling card for over four decades: no one is too far gone.

Dollywood regulars know that message well. The Kingdom Heirs first started singing at what was then Silver Dollar City back in 1982, and when the park rebranded in 1986, the group became its resident gospel act, a role they still hold today. This year, both the Kingdom Heirs and Dollywood are marking more than 40 years in the family entertainment business, a milestone that says as much about the group’s staying power as any new single could.

Poet Voices adds former Kingdom Heirs vocalist

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DAVID INGRAM

Lauren Harris (Courtesy PoetVoices.net, 2026)

Southern gospel’s Poet Voices is welcoming vocalist Loren Harris to its lineup, the group announced.

Harris left the Kingdom Heirs in fall 2023 to pursue solo ministry but said he missed quartet singing. After discussions with Phil Cross and Donnie Henderson last October, Harris accepted their invitation.

“Once you have quartet in your blood, it’s just hard to replace,” Harris said.

He joins Cross, Henderson, Casey Armstrong and Jeff Snyder. The group is releasing a tribute album featuring gospel songs by the Oak Ridge Boys.

Phil Cross said he’s never been more excited about The Poet Voices’ future.

The Kingdom Heirs names John Young as new tenor

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DAVID INGRAM

The Kingdom Heirs has announced that John Young will take over the tenor position for the Southern Gospel group.

Young has been with The Kingdom Heirs for nearly three years. He currently works as a utility player and vocalist with the band. He will now join the front line of singers in his new role.

John got his professional start in music in 2016 at Dollywood singing and playing guitar in various shows on the park, according to the group’s website. John then worked for The Country Tonite Theatre for four years as a lead vocalist and lead guitar player. Along with singing and playing guitar, John also enjoys song writing. In recent years, John has written multiple songs with various hit songwriters in Nashville. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Lorle, and dog, Josie.

The group said the decision followed a two-month search process. They stated they spent time in prayer while looking for the right person for the position.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative I Went Down · Kingdom Heirs No Better Time ℗ 2024 Sonlite Records Released on: 2024-11-01

The Kingdom Heirs has won multiple awards over the years. The group is based in Tennessee and performs traditional Southern Gospel music.

The band thanked people who applied for the tenor position during the search. They said they received many responses from interested singers. The group expressed appreciation for everyone who reached out and shared their abilities.

The Kingdom Heirs asked supporters to continue their prayers for the group’s ministry work.
Young’s move to the tenor spot marks a change in the group’s lineup. He will step into a lead singing role after his time working in different positions with the band.

The Kingdom Heirs did not announce who will fill Young’s previous utility player role.

More changes announced for Kingdom Heirs, LeFevre Quartet

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DAVID INGRAM

Joshua Horrell is departing The Kingdom Heirs On Monday (October 27, 2025.) So, where’s he going?

“Hey everyone, this is Joshua Harle of, well, now the LeFevre Quartet,” he began his announcement.

“I’m beyond excited about this opportunity to hit the road with these great guys. The LeFevre name has such a rich history in gospel music and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a legacy,” said Joshua.

Joshua is filling the spot left open by Jonathan Price who has served as tenor for The LeFevre Quartet. Jonathan is going off the road to focus on full-time ministry. Now that Joshua is with the LeFevre Quartet, The Kingdom Heirs are immediately auditioning for a replacement for him. You can see all the details about that on their Facebook post.

Joshua spoke of his new role in the Lefevre Quartet. “I am so excited to be able to share the stage with Mike, Jordan, and Daniel, to share the timeless message of hope and salvation through song.”

STATEMENT FROM THE LEFEVRE QUARTET:

The LeFevre Quartet is pleased to announce Joshua Horrell as the group’s new tenor vocalist. Horrell steps into the role following the transition of tenor Jonathan Price, who is stepping away from full-time ministry.
After more than 25 years in music ministry, Jonathan shared that his decision to step away from full-time ministry came only after much prayerful consideration. “This has not been an easy decision,” he said, “but I have peace knowing it’s the right step in this season of life.” Jonathan expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Megan, and their children for their love and support through the years, and he spoke warmly of his time with the group. “Mike and Jordan LeFevre are without a doubt true men of God, and it has been an honor to work for such men of integrity,” he shared. “From my very first weekend with the LeFevre Quartet ten years ago, I knew I wanted to be part of this ministry. Mike, Jordan, and Daniel have become like brothers, and I’ll always consider them family.”
Joining the group as the new tenor, Josh Horrell said he is humbled and excited to carry on the quartet’s legacy. “The LeFevre name represents one of the most respected and enduring legacies in gospel music,” he shared. “To now be part of that history is a dream come true.” Horrell said he looks forward to hitting the road with Mike, Jordan, and Daniel and continuing to share the timeless message of hope and salvation through song.
Group founder Mike LeFevre expressed both gratitude and anticipation during the transition. “Jonathan has been an incredible blessing to our ministry and to audiences across the country,” LeFevre said. “We are so thankful for his dedication, friendship, and faithfulness over his time with us. At the same time, we’re excited to welcome Josh and look forward to seeing how God will continue to use the LeFevre Quartet in this next chapter.”
Jordan LeFevre added, “Josh brings an amazing voice and a genuine heart for ministry. From the first moment we sang together, it just felt right. We believe God has great things ahead for this group and for the people we’ll reach through the message of our music.”
The LeFevre Quartet continues to tour, carrying on a legacy of excellence and devotion that has defined the group for generations. To see where you can find the LeFevre Quartet live, visit their full tour schedule at lefevrequartet.com.

Texas Gospel will let you know who will become the next Kingdom Heirs member once it’s announced.