Kingsmen Quartet to perform at Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church

By Rhonda Costa-Landers

Appeal Staff Writer

Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church hosts a free Southern Gospel Concert with The Kingsmen Quartet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, 1505 Railroad Drive.

The Kingsmen currently have a song on the Southern Gospel Top-40 chart and have two songs listed on the Southern Gospel Most Played List of 2007. A love offering will be received to support the group's expenses.

There aren't too many groups today who can boast the kind of far-reaching legacy that comes with a 50-year career as one of gospel music's most influential artists. The Kingsmen emerged in the 1950s with their own distinct style, unleashing music that would solidify them as pioneers in the southern gospel music field. They continue to carry the legacy on today.

"The key is to never lose sight of what we are working toward," says Ray Reese, Kingsmen manager and bass singer.

The group's biography and individual performer's histories can been seen on their Web site, www.kingsmenquartet.com.

The Kingsmen is a group whose name has inspired thoughts of pure, passionate, solid and true music. They've encouraged and uplifted listeners with their unique style since the conception of the group in 1956.

With countless records and compilations sold, Grammy nominations, four Dove Awards and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, class of 2000, it solidifies The Kingsmen as gospel music's most predominate quartet. The momentum has not stopped as the group helps define the southern gospel genre for a whole new generation of music lovers.

"We tour year in and year out to spread our music to people across the country," Reese added. "Our music has a message, the message of Christ. Every night we work to bring His message to our audience. Our goal is to see people saved through Jesus Christ whether it is indoors, outdoors, in an auditorium, church, on CD or video."

Members of the quartet include Ray Dean Reese, bass singer; Phillip Hughes, lead singer; Bryan Hutson, baritone; Harold Reed, tenor; Nick Succi, pianist; Brandon Reese, drummer; Grant Barker, fretless, upright bass and acoustic guitars.

For information, call 885-8361.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.