SouthernGospelBlog.com

For about a month after the Quartet Convention ended, there were no lineup changes. Now it seems like they are happening all at once.

Almost precisely a month ago, Monument Quartet split into two groups, the Monument Quartet and the Tribute Quartet. Monument’s Marshall Pugh kept the bus, the tour dates, the association with Aaron Minick, and the record deal; Tribute’s Gary Casto kept baritone Josh Singletary, bass Dennis Dugger, and the association with Beckie Simmons and the Beckie Simmons Agency.

Now, interestingly, both groups chose the same date to announce their new plans. As a matter of fact, Singing News posted the stories within five minutes of each other.

Tribute Quartet has lined up a new tenor, Jacob Kitson, and is working on their first recording for BSA World Records.

The Monument Quartet announced a completely new lineup. For whatever reason, tenor and group owner Marshall Pugh has evidently moved to the baritone position. He is replaced at the tenor spot by Matt Felts, who previously sang with several local groups, as well as the Skyline Boys, and the Blackwood Gospel Quartet. Former Stamps Quartet pianist Lucas Case, and Hovie Walker has joined at the bass position. Walker previously sang with Willie Wynn and the Tenesseans and the Thrashers and was leading a trio that included his wife at the time he accepted the offer to join the Monument Quartet. Aaron and Johnny Minick are filling in at the lead position until Monument finds a permanent lead singer.

As if that wasn’t enough for one day, it looks like the Mike Bowling Group is being totally revamped. In a concert appearance this past weekend, Mike Bowling was the only member of the group to take the stage. He was accompanied by three people filling in, one of whom was Amanda Crabb from the Crabb family. Chuck Peters has the story, which for now is more speculation than fact. Jeff and Kim Bowling were off the road, but whether temporarily or permanently is something he did not know. He also speculated that Kelly Crabb Bowling (Mike’s wife) might join the Mike Bowling Group within the next few months, perhaps even before the Crabb Family comes off the road. But that is speculation; all we know for now is that the group appears to be undergoing changes.