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.
The Kingsmen have been captivating audiences for over seven decades. Since their inception in 1956, this quartet has become a cornerstone of Southern Gospel music.
Alan Kendall, the current emcee and baritone of The Kingsmen, has been working on a comprehensive book about the group’s history. In his own words: “I have been working on a book about the Kingsman and I have been working on it right about two years now. Whenever I could get the spare time to do it, it’s going to be called Decades of Music, Decades of Memories.”
This upcoming book promises to be a treasure trove of information for fans and music historians alike. Kendall explains: “We’re covering the back stories of about 120 Kingsman songs along with a brief history of the group that my friend David Murray contributed to to the book and then a whole bunch of other pieces of history of the Kingsman several photos this book is 367 pages long so we’re very excited about this book it should be coming out in the spring if not before so stay tuned for that.”
The book’s theme aligns with the group’s recent “Decades” music releases, emphasizing the importance of their extensive song catalogue. As Kendall notes, “So many of our alumni and Ray Dean Reese himself have said it’s all about the songs.”
The release date for the book has not yet been announced.
Hurricane Helene made a significant impact on Southern Gospel artists, especially those based in North Carolina and East Tennessee. While Asheville, NC, the home base of The Kingsmen, was heavily affected by the storm, Alan Kendall reassures us that all group members are safe. “The Kingsmen are thankful that all family and all property is safe. Praise the Lord for that,” Alan shared. He went on to explain how the timing of their trip to Pigeon Forge spared them from being in the direct path of the hurricane. “We were all in Pigeon Forge when the hurricane weather struck over there. So we were not in Asheville at the time. The bus was not in Asheville when all this happened.”
Alan Kendall of The Kingsmen shared with us that The Kingsmen are safe (Daywind Music Photo)
However, many others in the Southern Gospel community continue to face challenges. Kendall mentioned that The Kingsmen’s bus is currently parked at Tony Gore’s property, alongside the Troy Burns family’s bus, as both families are unable to return to their homes due to the damage. “Troy and Tammy Burns are also not able to return home right now. I believe they live in the Fletcher area,” he explained, emphasizing the need for prayers. “We want you to join us in praying for Asheville and all the surrounding communities.”
Kendall also provided updates on others in the Southern Gospel family affected by the storm. He urged fans to keep Wyatt Austin of The Inspirations in their prayers. “Wyatt has gotten home. There’s a lot of devastation in the Morganton area,” Kendall reported, noting that Wyatt had some tree damage at his residence. He also expressed concern for The Whisnants, who are based in the same area. Though they remain safe, “the Whisnants continue to be without power,” confirmed Susan Whisnant.
Another prayer request came for gospel legend Squire Parsons and his wife, Linda. “Squire obviously has some health concerns. And I don’t know what the power situation is,” Kendall noted, as uncertainty looms over the aftermath in their area.
One of the most heart-wrenching reports involved Josh Garner of The Chuck Wagon Gang. “Josh’s family, as far as we know, they are safe, but all bridges that lead to Josh’s home are gone, and he is unable to get to his family last I checked,” Kendall shared. Garner’s home in Chucky, Tennessee, has been cut off by the devastation, highlighting the extensive impact of the storm.
As these beloved artists and their families recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the Southern Gospel community rallies together in prayer and support.
Congratulations are in order for Cole Watson, lead singer of The Kingsmen Quartet, who celebrated a major life milestone this past weekend—his wedding! In a heartfelt Facebook post, Cole shared his joy, writing, “I got to marry my best friend. The one that God, The creator of all things, hand picked for me and put in my life right when I needed her most. This will forever be my greatest accomplishment! Here’s to forever babe!! I love you, Mrs. Watson.”
It’s clear that Cole is excited to start this new chapter with his wife, Brooklyn, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness together. Meanwhile, The Kingsmen’s latest song, Keep Praying For The Prodigal, continues to inspire listeners as they share their message of hope and faith. Congratulations to the happy couple!
JEFF TURNER WITH INFORMATION FROM HORIZION RECORDS
(Arden, North Carolina) In the serene hills of Arden, North Carolina, a harmonious echo reverberates—a testament to faith, resilience, and the unwavering power of music. The Kingsmen, a storied quartet with a legacy etched in gospel history, stand at the threshold of greatness once again. Their song, “Unstoppable God,” has been nominated for the coveted title of Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year at this year’s Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.
The genesis of this majestic anthem lies in the heart of Chris Bryant, the group’s former lead singer. Collaborating with powerhouse co-writers Kenna Turner West and Jason Cox, Bryant crafted a lyrical masterpiece that transcends earthly boundaries. “Unstoppable God” soared to the pinnacle of May’s Singing News radio chart, capturing the hearts of listeners across the nation. But its impact extends far beyond airwaves—it serves as the title track of The Kingsmen’s latest album, a collection that resonates with divine affirmation.
“What a thrill! We are both surprised and grateful!” declares Alan Kendall, the baritone voice behind The Kingsmen. His words carry the weight of decades—a journey that began with their first Dove win in 1974 for “Big and Live.” Since then, they’ve clinched two more victories and amassed an impressive 19 nominations. The Gospel Music Association and the Dove Awards have been steadfast allies, recognizing their unwavering commitment to spreading the message of hope.
“Unstoppable God” isn’t merely a song; it’s their anthem—a celestial soundtrack that accompanies their every step. “From the moment we all heard the demo for the first time,” Kendall reflects, “it became our rallying cry.” Divine orchestration weaves through their story—the inexplicable alignment of circumstances, the synergy of an incredible team both onstage and off. God’s hand, they believe, is at work, reminding them that He is infinitely greater than earthly confines.
As the Dove Awards draw near, The Kingsmen stand on hallowed ground. Their voices, harmonizing with eternity, echo the truth: God is unstoppable, and His melody weaves through their lives, their music, and their legacy.
