Artist description Southern Gospel Music

Music Style Southern Gospel

Musical Influences Statesmen, Blackwood Brothers, Speer Family

Similar Artists Gold City, Dove Brothers, Anchormen, Florida Boys, Rangers

Artist History Singing since 1956

Group Members Eldridge Fox, Ray Dean Reese, Parker Jonathan, Bryan Hutson, Andrew Ishee, Jerry Martin, Jason Selph, Brandon Reese and Greg Fox

Instruments Piano, drums, guitar

Albums Big and Live, Proven Time, Shelter, Old Time Way, You're Not Alone, Beyond The Clouds, Family Bible, Ton Of Fun, Perfecting The Crown and many others.

Press Reviews The Kingsmen are one of the most sought after groups in the Gospel Music field today. They have emerged as a prominent figure among the all-time greats of Gospel Music spanning 6 decades from the mid 50’s into and beyond 2000. With a million-plus album sales, the Kingsmen perform in front of many thousands of people in coliseums, stadiums, fairs (state and county), churches and television. From the moment they step on the stage or platform, a flurry of anticipation and excitement ripples through the audience. Not only did gospel quartets have a tough life singing on the road at first, riding in rickety old limousines and large automobiles, but many of them had a hard time just making ends meet until they got their feet on the ground. The Kingsmen Quartet was a part of that group. They had a tough time at the beginning, and several times thought they would have to disband, but because of their love to sing they persevered. Since 1956 the Kingsmen have taken Southern Gospel Music where it has never gone before. From the White House to the Grand Ole Opry stage, the groups known as "The Kingsmen", has captured the ears and hearts of several generations of Gospel music fans. Today, with a youthful line-up and a new commitment to their music, their ministry and each other, the Kingsmen are more excited about the future than ever. "I see myself on stage 25 years from now with these same guys," projects Kingsmen drummer and road manager Greg Fox. "I want our message and music to continue to get out there. I basically share the same dream my dad has had his entire life and I plan to continue on into the new millennium." That Dream is a continuation of the dream, which was born in the heart of the Kingsmen Owner/Manager Eldridge Fox over 50 years ago. "My uncle took me to an all-night sing featuring the Chuck Wagon Gang and the Rangers when I was only four," Eldridge fondly recalls. "Ever since then, I’ve never wanted to do anything but this." Eldridge’s dream started to become a reality in 1953 when he formed a group called the Silvertones, but the call from Uncle Sam interrupted the group’s career. As soon as his military stint was over, Eldridge came on board a group called the Kingsmen. The ensemble performed on weekends but the pressures of balancing their jobs, families and music became to great and the group disbanded. But the big-hearted musician known as "Foxie" was not content to let go of his dream. He bought out the other members, retained the Kingsmen name, and the rest is history. A look back at a few of the Kingsmen’s career highlights is a reminder of some of Southern Gospel Music’s finest moments: Performing at the White House for President Jimmy Carter, winning over the Grand Ole’ Opry audience during a performance and eventually capturing them on tape for a live recording, a nearly unprecedented sweep of Singing News Fan Awards for a number of years; numerous Dove Awards, a string of some of gospel music’s biggest selling recordings; and a list that has unquestionably become Southern Gospel Music Classics. "It Made New in Heaven", "Excuses", "The Old Ship of Zion", "Stand Up", "Wish You Were Here", and "You’re Not Alone" along with many others. But the Kingsmen does not dwell on memories. They are excited about 2000 and beyond. When talking to any of the Kingsmen or watching them on stage, this new excitement about what they do is apparent. Everybody is happy being a "Kingsmen" Greg says. "We’re having fun again, it’s not just a job." The Kingsmen manages to bridge the gap between old style of male quartet singing and the new style of gospel singing, which includes more "saving" type songs and more intricate music. The quartet has all the ingredients that make up success. The present edition of the Kingsmen has Jerry Martin at tenor, Bryan Hutson on lead, Parker Jonathan singing baritone, and Ray Deen Reese on the bass. Andrew Ishee is at the piano, Greg Fox on drums, and Jason Selph is the bass player. Traveling and performing over 250 dates a year, they have turned hardened hearts, lightened weary loads and made better people out of all who have experienced their spiritual explosion! Whether you are listening to them for the first time or the hundredth, on record or live in person, the end result is always the same.

Location Asheville, NC - USA

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