Tag: The Kingsmen

SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

For more than half a century, no other group has secured such a far-reaching legacy as that of The Kingsmen Quartet. Since 1956, this group has risen from humble beginnings in the mountains of western North Carolina to become one of the most beloved and innovative groups in Christian music. Countless renowned artists have been a part of this great lineage, such as Eldridge Fox, “Big” Jim Hamill, Ray Dean Reese, Squire Parsons, Johnny Parrack, Anthony Burger, Ernie Phillips, Gary Sheppard, and a host of others. The momentum has not stopped as this group continues to help define the Southern Gospel genre for a whole new generation of music lovers, perhaps more so than any other group.

In the mid-fifties, brothers Raymond, Reese, and Louis McKinney formed a gospel group, traveling locally throughout the western part of the Carolinas and completing dozens of recordings by the late 60’s. By the early 70’s, area natives Eldridge Fox and Ray Dean Reese joined this emerging quartet and in 1974 released their first live recording, “Big & Live” consisting of Fox, Reese, Jim Hamill, and Johnny Parrack. This Dove award winning album brought to gospel music, fresh arrangements and catchy melodies that would later become southern gospel classics, such as “Glory Road,” “Look for Me At Jesus Feet,” and “Love Lifted Me.” This would be the start of many legendary live albums for the Kingsmen. Traveling with a live band, the Kingsmen became one of few groups during this era to be able to perform with three to five musicians, granting them individuality and innovation in the industry.

Always seeking to have a creative edge, they began introducing themselves as, “The Ton of Fun.” Through the late 1970’s and 80’s, more hits were churning from albums such as “Chattanooga Live,” “Live Naturally,” & “Live at The University of Alabama.” These albums combined with high energy and up-tempo music brought music lovers an exciting brand of showmanship. Songs like, “Old Ship of Zion,” “Shake Hands with a Poor Boy,” “Beautiful Home,” “Saints Will Rise,” and “Child, Child” became gospel music staples. In 1981, “Excuses” became the Kingsmen’s biggest hit of that era; it was steady at number one for 18 months, making it the longest running number one song in Southern Gospel Music history.

The successes of The Kingsmen have led to many prestigious opportunities. In 1977, The Kingsmen performed on the south lawn of the White House for President Jimmy Carter and in 1982 they performed at the opening ceremony of the World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN which was broadcast on local and regional TV, with President Ronald Reagan present to open the fair. The Kingsmen was also the first group to film and record a live performance at the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and in 2000 they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame followed by the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2008. They’ve garnered multiple dove awards and numerous Singing News Fan awards including favorite bass vocalist, tenor, baritone, lead, instrumentalist, video, the 1992 favorite song “Wish You Were Here” as well as favorite album by the same name, male quartet of the year, and group of the year. The Kingsmen band was voted favorite band a record 17 times making this quartet one of the most awarded groups in Southern Gospel Music.

JEFF TURNER

Southern Gospel fans have something special to explore with the release of Decades Vol. 3 & 4 by The Kingsmen. This new collection, released through Horizon Records, spans the group’s history, showcasing their musical journey and including reworked versions of classic songs.

Alan Kendall of The Kingsmen shared the group’s excitement over this new release, stating that the overwhelming response to their previous compilation, Decades Vol. 1 & 2, inspired them to dive back into their archives. The new volume covers decades of music and features both older recordings and updated renditions performed by the group’s current lineup, which includes Thomas Nalley, Cole Watson, Brady Jones, and Kendall himself.

Three songs in the collection, “Saints Will Rise,” “So High,” and “The Judgement,” have been re-recorded by the current members. According to Kendall, these classic songs were chosen to be updated for a fresh 2024 sound while preserving their timeless quality. The Kingsmen, a group known for their long-lasting influence in Southern Gospel, are approaching their 70th anniversary, making this collection a reflection of both their past achievements and present vitality.

With nearly seven decades of history, The Kingsmen have become a well-known name in Gospel music, earning a reputation as a “school of Southern Gospel” due to the many talented singers who have been part of the group. The latest collection includes contributions from around two dozen Kingsmen alumni, highlighting their extensive impact. This set is intended to appeal to both long-time followers of the group and those new to their music.

Kendall notes that Decades Vol. 3 & 4 holds a total of 39 tracks, featuring a mix of hits, rare recordings, and favorite selections from members of the group. Among these are some unique recordings, including a studio version of “The Cross Has Won Again” from 1992, which was previously released only to radio stations. Additionally, songs from The Kingsmen’s earliest albums from 1960 and 1961 are now available in digital format for the first time.

For fans of instrumental Gospel music, there is also a special 2007 recording of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” performed by Brandon Reese, Nick Succi, and Grant Barker. Previously, this track was only available on a limited-edition live album. Another rarity in the collection is a 1965 transcription of an appearance on Bob Poole’s Gospel Favorites, featuring a dialogue between the show’s host, Bob Poole, and long-time Kingsmen pianist, Ray Talley.

Kendall emphasizes the historical and musical value of the set, describing it as a must-have for those who appreciate the heritage of Southern Gospel music. For listeners, Decades Vol. 3 & 4 is not just a look back, but a reminder of the faith and talent that have sustained The Kingsmen’s music for nearly 70 years.

Amy Turner with information from Horizon & Sonlight Records

When Thomas Nalley became the tenor vocalist for The Kingsmen in October 2022, his talent for ballads was already well-known. Alan Kendall, the group’s baritone, praises Nalley’s performance, noting how he has lived up to his reputation, especially with “Unstoppable God” hitting #1 in May. Kendall was confident that “The Judgement” would be a perfect fit for Nalley, and his nightly performances have proven him right.

“The Judgement,” like their previous single “Saints Will Rise,” is a reimagined classic from The Kingsmen’s repertoire. This track is part of their upcoming Decades compilation and has been released early on streaming platforms due to its strong reception.

The song begins with foreboding piano chords that set the stage for its narrative about the judgment of sinners and Satan, culminating in a powerful orchestration that highlights God’s omnipotence. This new version not only evokes the grandeur of the original but also showcases The Kingsmen’s enduring talent and spirit, appealing to both long-time and new fans.

Kendall expresses excitement about the re-release of “The Judgement,” a song that hasn’t been fully available for nearly 25 years. He is thrilled that the current lineup of The Kingsmen has brought this cherished song back to life for everyone to enjoy.

“The Judgement” is now available for streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and TIDAL. You may also hear “The Judgement” on Texas Gospel Canada!

JEFF TURNER

The Kingsmen Quartet has been a staple of Southern Gospel music since 1956. The group lives up to its reputation with the latest release, “Praying for the Prodigal,” a heartfelt anthem that speaks to the redemptive power of prayer and grace. The current lineup, featuring Southern Gospel Hall of Fame inductee Ray Dean Reese, alongside Brandon, Chris Jenkins, Chris Bryant, and Alan Kendall, continues to uphold the group’s legacy of delivering spiritually impactful music.

Alan Kendall, a key member of the group, shared his personal connection to the song, revealing how its message has touched him on a profound level. “The more I listen to it, though, the more I found a lot of my story in this song,” Kendall reflects. “Even though I was saved at the age of nine, I’ve seen some valleys that I created for myself.”

Kendall’s words echo the sentiment that many believers can relate to—the struggle of straying from the path and the joy of being led back by grace. He candidly admits, “I think we’ve all been guilty of investing in a sin debt that’s already been paid for us.” This acknowledgment of human imperfection and the continual need for divine intervention is a central theme in the song.

Yet, the song isn’t just about personal reflection; it’s also a celebration of the power of intercessory prayer. “I’m so thankful that I’ve had people in my life that have prayed for me,” Kendall expresses with gratitude. He adds, “And if you’re one of those people, let me say thank you for praying for me and never giving up on me.”

“Praying for the Prodigal” is more than just a song; it’s a reminder of the relentless grace of God and the importance of praying for those who may have lost their way. Through their music, The Kingsmen continue to inspire and uplift, offering a message of hope to all who listen.