The Kingsmen announced this morning that Chris Jenkins is their new tenor. Jenkins, 25, comes from Greensboro, North Carolina, and sang for two years with the Vintage Quartet. He commented:

I am so thankful that God has allowed me to do what I have always loved to do. I could not be more excited about joining a group with such a legacy and rich history as The Kingsmen. I have been a fan of The Kingsmen since I was very young. I look forward to seeing what the future holds with this great quartet, especially this line-up of individuals as they are top-notch vocalists. It is a real honor to follow in the footsteps of some of my heroes.

After Harold Reed left the group last December, Ernie Phillips filled in for several months. After he came back off the road about a month ago, Chris began filling in. After several weeks filling in, he has been officially hired.

The Kingsmen: Ray Dean Reese, Bob Sellers, Randy Crawford, Chris Jenkins, Brandon Reese

This is one headline I thought I would never write. But it’s true. Varnado just posted this on his Facebook page:

I’d like to thank the Dixie Echoes for allowing me the opportunity to live out my dream for the past 14 years. I joined the group when I was 17 years old. Randy and Scoot Shelnut have became like family to me, and it’s been a blast traveling with some great guys through the years. I realize that when people put out statements saying they want to spend more time at home, it seems to be a cover for unhappiness within the group. That is not the case here. I simply have the desire to come off the road for a while. I wish nothing but the best for the Dixie Echoes, and pray that one day, if it’s God’s will, I can return to Gospel music. I have no future plans at the moment and will be filling in for the group until a replacement has been found. Thanks also to the many friends that I have made while traveling! It has been an honor to get to meet so many fine people. I will still be active behind the scenes promoting the music that I love. Anyone interested in auditioning should contact Randy Jr. at scoot@dixieechoes.com

For once, I am practically speechless. This is the sort of thing I’d think of as an April Fool’s Day prank—much like Guy Penrod joining the Inspirations or, say, Scott Fowler leaving Legacy Five. But it’s not April 1—regrettably.

The Ball Brothers announced about a week ago that bass singer Josh Ball was leaving the group. They have now announced his replacement, Chad McCloskey, and posted this video:

Two items of particular interest: (1) It looks like Cody McVey’s hair is now red. (2) In this song, at least, Daniel Ball is singing bass. He has been the group’s lead singer up to this point. SouthernGospelBlog.com is contacting him for further comment.

UPDATE: From Daniel Ball:

I just sang bass on that particular song and Chad was singing lead.  We hired Chad because of his versatility.  He sang bass on most of the songs his first weekend, but as you can hear from the clip, he has a great range.  We won’t keep him in the basement all the time. =)  We’ll utilize each guy on harmonies depending on who is carrying the melody on each song.  Our goal is to continue and expand on the blends and harmonies that make us different from other quartets.  We’re four vocalist and a pianist.

Last September, producer Rick Sandige and Oak Tree Productions’ Paul and Tré Corley launched Activate Records. Yesterday, they announced their first major artist signing, the LeFevre Quartet. (The LeFevre Quartet had been with Song Garden until recently; former LeFevre Quartet lead singer David Staton is a Song Garden staff member.)

Here’s a photo of the LeFevre Quartet with Activate staff:

From left to right: Brandon Barry (Lefevre Quartet bass), Harold Reed (LeFevre Quartet tenor), Rick Sandidge (Actiate Records), Tré Corley (Activate Records), Mike LeFevre (LeFevre Quartet baritone), Jordan LeFevre (LeFevre Quartet lead), Paul Corley (Activate Records)

The Ball Brothers have announced that younger brother Josh is leaving the group. Since it’s doubtful that I could improve upon their announcement, I’ll just pass it along as-is:

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BALL BROTHERS

Chickamauga, GA – THE SKY IS FALLING! The previous line was intended to make the following statement less shocking. After 6 years with the Ball Brothers, Joshua Ball has retired . . . at age 26. Josh states, “I was going to resign then it dawned on me that retirement made more sense. The guys will have to pay me until Social Security kicks in. All joking aside, I am leaving the Ball Brothers. I will miss all the friends I have made and I will miss singing and being with the guys, but I am definitely looking forward to spending more time at home. I’ll still be the Ball Brothers “#1 fan” but it won’t be as weird now that I’m no longer in the group.” Daniel Ball said, “Most press releases are boring and void of useful information. I read them . . . then wonder what the “real” story was? In order to avoid unfounded speculation, I will seed speculation with misinformation. We fired Josh because he is our families’ version of “Joseph”. Andrew and I were jealous that he was dad’s favorite so we sold him on ebay and told dad that he was eaten. BAM!!! There’s your story! Seriously . . . We’re saddened that Josh is leaving, but fully support his decision. We are thankful for Josh’s hard work and contributions and look forward to seeing what God has in store for Josh and the Ball Brothers.”

The new Ball Brother will be announced soon!

For more information about the Ball Brothers visit:www.theballbrothers.com 

(Our sincere apologies to any blog or news editor that has to edit this release.)

The Rebels Quartet, which retired over thirty years ago, is returning to Gospel Music. Past Rebels member Rick Fair received blessings of several former members to bring the name back.

Fair, who is perhaps best known for his mid-2000s run singing baritone for Palmetto State Quartet, has also sung for The Blackwoods and Hovie Lister and the Statesmen. He will be singing bass, and will be joined by David Fair on baritone. Southern Sound alumni Mike Young (tenor) and Barry Patrick (pianist) and Melody Boys / Freedom alumnus Alan Kendall (lead) round out the lineup. The group will be based in Sevierville, Tennessee.

The original Rebels lineup was tenor Horace Parrish, lead singer Lee Kitchens, baritone singer John Matthews, bass singer Norman Allman, and pianist Jimmy Hand. Ron Booth Sr., founding member of the Booth Brothers and father to Ronnie and Michael Booth, got his start singing tenor for the Rebels. Three Southern Gospel Hall of Famers were also members: Big Jim Hamill, Jim Waits, and London Parris.

They can be found online at www.therebelsquartet.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/RebelsQuartet/.

The Blackwood Brothers just announced:

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet announces that Randy Byrd, bass singer for the last seven years, is leaving the group.  Jimmy Blackwood said, “Randy’s personality has won him many friends across the country. He was a good friend, a hard worker and we will miss him. We wish him well in his future endeavors.” Auditions are underway and you can get in touch with the quartet at: jimmy@blackwoodbrothers.com

I grew up in the world of Contemporary Christian Music, where stars were off at unapproachable distances. Randy was the first Southern Gospel performer to reach out to me and start to build a friendship. He convinced me that Southern Gospel singers are real people, and his graciousness played a role in starting me down the path that led to launching this website. He will be missed!

(UPDATE, 3/21/12) Randy Byrd commented on Facebook:

I want to thank the Blackwood Brothers Quartet for letting me live my dream for the last 7 yrs. I hope and pray that God will work it all out so that maybe one day I can return to doing what I love to do with guys that I love! Praying God’s richest blessings on the ministry.

Palmetto State Quartet (left to right: Mike Allen, David Staton, Casey Martin, Paul Lancaster, Larry Strickland, Jeremy Easley)

This afternoon, the Palmetto State Quartet announced a major reorganization. Baritone/emcee David Darst and tenor Wesley Smith have both left the group; this is actually Smith’s second time to leave the group. After leaving when the group disbanded in 2007, he left the Dixie Echoes to return last July.

They will be replaced by three vocalists: Tenor Jeremy Easley, lead singer David Staton, and bass Mike Allen. Lead singer Paul Lancaster and bass singer Larry Strickland remain with the group, making it a five-man vocal ensemble. (Pianist Casey Martin also remains.)

Here’s the odd part: Through last September, Easley, Staton, and Allen formed 3/4 of the LeFevre Quartet. For a sneak peek at the new PSQ lineup, here’s a video of the three with Mike LeFevre. 

Another unique aspect, noted by the press release: “Not since Strickland’s Elvis days with the late J.D. Sumner and the Stamps has there been another vocal group that has featured two great bass singers.”

Gerald Williams’ Melody Boys Quartet just announced that they will retire on December 31, 2012. A press release sent to SouthernGospelBlog.com states:

The Melody Boys Quartet (TMBQ), one of America’s longest operating male quartets in gospel music, makes their official retirement announcement, effective New Year’s Eve, 2012.

Says Gerald Williams, who began his position as bass singer for TMBQ in 1949 at the age of 16, “We know there is a time and a season for all things. This is the right time. 63 years is a good season.”

TMBQ’s heritage goes all the way back to the late 1930s when they performed three live radio programs daily as well as a healthy concert schedule. They were gospel music pioneers when they were the first gospel music group in Arkansas to move into the, then young, television market.

They were among the groups that performed at the first National Quartet Convention in 1957. At the death of owner, manager and bass vocalist, Herschel Foshee in 1949, pianist and song writer, ‘Smilin’ Joe Roper reorganized the group as The Melody Boys Quartet and introduced a new, young bass singer to the nation. Gerald Williams, a Southern Gospel Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole’ Gospel Living Legend now enters his 63rd year as a professional vocalist.

Generation after generation of fans that love quartet music have labeled TMBQ’s sound as a touch of the past and a taste of the future. Quality sound and ministry integrity, tastefully mixed with family entertainment, is TMBQ’s trademark.

Beginning in March, TMBQ will embark on their ‘Exit 63’ Tour, which will run through the end of 2012. Mike Franklin, first tenor with TMBQ for over 19 years says, “We are still booking dates for this, our final year. If you’ve ever considered having The Melody Boys Quartet at your gospel sing or your church, now is the time to schedule.”

To book TMBQ for their ‘Exit 63’ Tour, contact Gayla at 214-957-3669 or email booking@themelodyboysquartet.com or visit www.themelodyboysquartet.com.

Williams has always run his group with class, and giving the fans a full year to say goodbye is just the latest case in point. Perhaps they have never been the most popular group in the genre, but they have always fielded a high-quality group and filled their own niche.

There is presently no word on whether there will be a farewell CD recording.

Phil Cross relaunched Poet Voices last night in a unique way—with this song video:

He’s joined by tenor Dan Callahan and PV alumnus Donny Henderson.

UPDATE: Click “Read More” for the text of the written press release.