About The Kingsmen

For more than a half a century, no group has secured such a far reaching legacy like that of The Kingsmen Quartet. Since 1956, this group has risen from humble beginnings in the mountains of western North Carolina to one of the most beloved and innovative groups in Christian music. Countless renowned artists have been a part of this great lineage, eight of which have been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame; such as Eldridge Fox, "Big" Jim Hamill, Ray Dean Reese, Squire Parsons, Anthony Burger, Martin Cook, Mark Trammell, & Ernie Phillips. 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 with the addition of personalities like Johnny Parrack, Garry Sheppard, & Wayne Maynard. 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 Regan 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 featuring popular vocalist, Tim Surrett, 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.

"The key is to never lose sight of what we are working towards" says Ray Reese, Kingsmen manager and bass singer. "We tour year in and year out to spread our music to people across the country. 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 we're singing indoors, outdoors, in an auditorium, church or studio recordings ". Today the Kingsmen consist of 2008 hall of fame inductee, Ray Dean Reese, Brandon, Chris Jenkins, Chris Bryant, & Alan Kendall.

About The Perrys

If you have ever seen The Perrys in concert, you have undoubtedly sensed the power and conviction with which they sing. From the high-octane, hand-clapping hit, "I Wish I Could Have Been There," to the anointed anthem, "If You Knew Him," the Dove Award-winning group has been delivering soul-stirring performances across North America for nearly five decades. Their sound, unmistakable. Their calling, unarguable. Their performances, unforgettable. Their joy, unspeakable.

The Perrys-Libbi Perry Stuffle, Jared Stuffle, Troy Peach, and Andrew Goldman-have forged a deep sense of unity. This is due, in part, to the fires through which they have walked over the last few years. After battling a longterm illness, Tracy Stuffle, Libbi's husband and Perrys' esteemed bass singer, passed away on February 4, 2018. With unparalleled determination, Libbi and her beloved group have continued to heed the call to carry the Gospel to the multitudes.

Loved by gospel music fans around the world, The Perrys have earned many accolades over their illustrious career. In addition to their Dove Award for Song of the Year and countless Dove nominations, they have garnered numerous #1 songs and 15 Singing News Fan Awards, including the 3-time Favorite Mixed Group honor, 2-time Song of the Year, Favorite Album, as well as Libbi being named both a 2-time Female Vocalist of the Year and 8-time Favorite Alto of the Year.

A career spanning nearly fifty years, their commitment to the calling of God upon their lives has never been greater. "Now, more than ever," says Libbi, "we want to share the good news of Jesus Christ in song." The Perrys are looking toward the future with great expectation. One cannot help but be affected by their story of tragedy and triumph. The Perrys are living proof that God can work all things both for our good and for His glory. "Yes, life is tough," Libbi shares, "and we all have battles-some we win and some we lose-but we can choose joy."

In the book of Nehemiah, we read that the joy of the Lord is our strength. The Perrys are living proof of this promise, and they are stepping into this new season of ministry still declaring God's faithfulness, still proclaiming His praises, and still choosing joy.