Tag: Kingsmen

Kingsmen Quartet Marks 70 Years with New Album and Tour

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

The Kingsmen Quartet is preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026 with a series of special projects. Plans include a commemorative album, a documentary, and a tour to mark the milestone.

On September 9, 2025, the group held a historic recording session at Crossroads Studios. Several former members joined the current line-up to contribute to the anniversary album.

Alan Kendall described the atmosphere inside the studio. “We are in the midst of recording what is going to be our 70th anniversary album. Been in Crossroads Studio and have just had a blast singing some brand new songs along with some of the favourite Kingsman hits from years gone by,” he said.

One of the highlights came when past and present members came together to sing. “And one particular moment that I will always cherish, always remember is that we called several former members of the Kingsman. We actually invited all of them, but we got several former members of the Kingsman that were able to be there and we recorded a song together and I cannot wait for everyone to hear it,” Kendall explained.

The album and documentary are set to be released in time for the anniversary year. A tour celebrating the group’s 70-year legacy will take place throughout 2026.

The Kingsmen’s ‘Go and Tell Somebody’ brings together heart, stories and worship

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (August 1, 2025) — They may be in the middle of a busy touring season, but Southern Gospel legends, the Kingsmen, haven’t forgotten their wider audience. With the release of their latest Horizon Records single, “Go and Tell Somebody,” the quartet continues to take long-time fans down some familiar byways even as they reach out to new ones with renewed attention to their magnificent catalog.

“One of our desires approaching our 70th anniversary has been to bring some of the old Kingsmen hits and fan favorites up to date so we can keep singing them for many more years,” the group observes. “So many of these songs are still fresh and exciting for today’s audiences, and just enough inventive tweaking makes them new all over again.”

For “Go and Tell Somebody,” that tweaking manifests itself in a livelier tempo that reflects the urgency of the song’s plea — though those familiar with the original will be reassured to learn that its signature harmonica part, performed here by renowned multi-instrumentalist David Johnson, has accompanied the song into its new setting. The result has more energy than ever, as the group’s members take turns offering its simple, yet profound Biblical lesson:

There once was a blind man, the Lord gave him sight.
He had to tell somebody, he couldn’t keep it quiet.
For once He’s touched you, you’re never the same,
You gotta tell somebody, you gotta praise His name.
Go and tell somebody what He’s done for you.
Go and tell somebody what the Lord can do.
How He gave you vict’ry, how He’s brought you through.
Go and tell somebody what He’s done for you.

“‘Go and Tell Somebody’ has heart, energy, stories, and worship all wrapped up in one song,” notes the quartet. “We are thrilled to reintroduce this Jeff Gibson classic to the Christian music world.”

Listen to Go and Tell Somebody on Texas Gospel Canada!

Harold Reed Returns as Tenor Vocalist for The Kingsmen

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

The legendary Kingsmen Quartet has announced a significant and heartfelt addition to their current lineup, welcoming back veteran tenor vocalist Harold Reed. The news broke on July 5 at the Singing in the Smokies event, where Reed made his official return to the group — a move that has delighted both fans and members of the ensemble alike.

After much prayer, reflection, and unexpected turns along the way, the Kingsmen expressed their excitement about having Harold rejoin their ranks. Reed, who was previously a member of the group throughout the 2000s, became known for standout performances on fan favourites such as “I Knew It Was Him” and the #1 classic “God Saw a Cross.”

Alan Kendall, Kingsmen baritone and stage manager, shared the story behind Reed’s return: “We were thrilled when Harold simply agreed to fill in with us while we searched for a tenor. We immediately felt a great chemistry and camaraderie with Harold, and he eased back into his former post so naturally. Little did we know that Harold was wrestling with the calling to return to singing full-time.”

Following several weeks of prayerful consideration and conversations with his wife Katie, Reed confirmed his decision to rejoin the Kingsmen during the recent Squire Parsons Memorial event. Kendall continued, “Not only does Harold match the youth and energy of Cole Watson and Brady Jones with his more than 35 years of experience in gospel music, but he’s also brought a level of spiritual wisdom and discernment that has enriched our performances. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back.”

For his part, Harold Reed shared his heartfelt enthusiasm about the decision. “When I left the road and quit singing several years ago, I would never have imagined that I’d be back out here. When the door opened again with the Kingsmen, I offered to fill in — something else I never thought I’d do. I was nervous and excited at the same time! The Lord finally made it overwhelmingly clear to me and Katie that this was the right time. It’s an honour and a privilege that after more than 30 years, I can come back and again sing with my all-time favourite group.”

Reed also expressed excitement about being part of the Kingsmen’s 70th anniversary celebrations, which are quickly approaching in 2026. The group is in the final stages of preparing a commemorative anniversary album, a special tour, and a documentary directed by Evan Bradford. In addition, Kingsmen alumnus Bryan Hutson and gospel music enthusiast Josh Griffin have launched a new podcast, Behind the Crown, dedicated to the history and ongoing journey of the Kingsmen Quartet.

Ray Dean Reese, Kingsmen owner, Hall of Famer, and 58-year veteran of the group, shared his reflections on this new chapter: “Even now, as I spend more time relaxing at home, I still sit in my office, work a little bit, and reflect on God’s many blessings over the years. I am so proud and excited about today’s group of Kingsmen. Brandon, Alan, Cole, Brady, and Harold… What a team to carry us forward!”

The Kingsmen also took time to express their sincere appreciation to Blake Buffin, Landon Farris, and Devin Smith for stepping in during this period of transition. Special thanks were extended to Jonny Baker of the Melodyaires Quartet for his invaluable support.

As the Kingsmen look ahead to their milestone anniversary, fans of Southern Gospel music can anticipate new music, fresh stories, and timeless classics delivered by a group that continues to inspire with faith, heart, and harmony.

For more information about upcoming tour dates, the anniversary album, or the Behind the Crown podcast, visit the Kingsmen’s official website or follow them on social media.

The Kingsmen Quartet: Navigating Change with Faith and Gratitude

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

For nearly seven decades, The Kingsmen Quartet has been a staple in Southern gospel. As the group approaches its 70th anniversary, they find themselves in a season marked by both sorrow and celebration.

The past few weeks have brought significant moments. In a heartfelt message to fans, the group shared, “Some significant prayer needs and praise reports have been transpiring within our music ministry over the last few weeks, and the time has come to provide an update to our many fans and friends.” The Kingsmen delayed sharing their news out of respect for the recent passings of two beloved friends and alumni, Charles Abee and Squire Parsons.

Amid these losses, the group announced the departure of their tenor vocalist, Thomas Nalley. “It is bittersweet that the Kingsmen announce the departure of our friend and tenor vocalist, Thomas Nalley,” the post reads. Nalley, who joined the quartet nearly three years ago, quickly became a fan favorite and the voice behind such impactful songs as “Unstoppable God” and “Praying for the Prodigal.” His final concert with The Kingsmen took place on April 27.

The group expressed deep gratitude for Nalley’s contributions: “We sincerely thank him for his work, dedication, music, and genuine heart for ministry.” Nalley now turns his focus to his thriving business, Highnote Customs, which offers shirts, hats, 3D printing, and woodwork. “We pray with great expectation for the continued success of this multi-talented gentleman and friend,” the group added.

Even as they grieve and transition, The Kingsmen have reasons to rejoice. The group shared uplifting news about their office secretary, Wendi Gregg: “We are overjoyed to report that the recent major cancer surgery of our office secretary Wendi Gregg was a success. Praise God!” This praise report is a bright spot, reminding fans of the power of prayer and the resilience of the Kingsmen community.

Change is nothing new for The Kingsmen, whose lineup has evolved many times since their founding in 1956. As they search for their next tenor vocalist, the group remains anchored in faith: “As we approach our 70th anniversary and this time of transition with both prayer and anticipation, we are once again reminded of how God has never failed us. He has always been faithful.”

The Kingsmen are grateful for the friends and familiar faces who have stepped in to help during this period. “We greatly appreciate several friends and familiar faces who have been and will be filling in for us while we prayerfully seek our next tenor vocalist,” they wrote, assuring fans that “God already has the right man to help us continue our concert ministry forward to the next generation.”

New Book Chronicles 70 Years of The Kingsmen

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

A new book exploring the long and storied history of The Kingsmen is now available. Decades of Music, Decades of Memories Volume One by Alan Kendall provides a detailed look at 70 years of the influential southern gospel group.

Southern gospel historian David Bruce Murray played a role in this historical account. He shared his thoughts on his contribution to the book, saying, “Alan Kendall approached me when he was preparing this book about using an article that I had posted on the history of the Kingsman at my website, sghistory.com, and that’s where I traced the prehistory of the Kingsman, how they got started, and when they adopted their name in 1956 as the Kingsman Quartet.”

Murray expressed appreciation for Kendall’s decision to include his work, adding, “I was very flattered that Allen was confident enough in my work that he went to include it in his book. It’s a great look at the Kingsman, and Allen has done a fine job putting it together.”

Fans of southern gospel music and those interested in The Kingsmen’s legacy can find Decades of Music, Decades of Memories Volume One by Alan Kendall on Amazon.com.