| |
|
The Kingsmen
Will host the
2011 Benson State
Singing Convention on
Saturday
Night
|
GROUP BIOGRAPHY |
The
Kingsmen
If there's one group whose name inspires
thoughts of pure, passionate, solid and
true music, it's The Kingsmen. 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, this certainly
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, perhaps more so than any other
group.
"The key is to never lose site 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 it is indoors, outdoors, in an
auditorium, church, on cd or video ".
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 1950's 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.
|
|
Individual Biography
BRANDON REESE
Drummer
Born
in Asheville, NC, Brandon
acquired his first drum set
at age three. He later
learned to read music
playing the piano and
saxophone in high school.
Brandon joined The Kingsmen
in 1997 as their part-time
drummer and started
full-time in 1999.
Brandon's birthday is
December 23 and his nickname
is Jim. His hobbies include
mountain biking, athletics,
and electronics. His
favorite Bible verse is
Psalms 150 especially verse
5. Brandon most admires his
parents, Ray and Carolyn,
along with Jim Hamill. His
favorite musicians include
Buddy Rich, Neil Peart,
Louie Weaver and Doug Riley.
Brandon's favorite singers
are Ray Reese, John Schlitt
and Michael Sweet.
Brandon and his wife Shannon
reside in Asheville, NC.
BRYAN HUTSON
Bryan was born in Batesville, IN. He began playing the drums for his family group "The Woods Family" at the age of 13. Later in 1984 Bryan along with his brother Jim and cousin formed the group "The New Generation".
In 1993 Bryan joined "The Heartland Boys". "The Kingsmen" asked him to join as lead vocalist in 1996. In 1997 he was awarded "Favorite New Artist" by the subscribers of the 'Singing News Magazine". He was nominated "Favorite Lead Vocalist" for 5 years.
Bryan retired from the road in 2001 to become a Worship Minister at a dynamic church in West Virginia. He returned to southern gospel music when he joined "The Blackwood Gospel Quartet" in late 2005 as their lead singer. In February 2007 Bryan returned to "The Kingsmen" as the Baritone vocalist and Emcee. He returned to the Lead vocalist position in April 2010.
Bryan's hobbies include surfing the internet and spending time with his wife Yvonne and family; Alexa, Jordan, Jake and Bailey.
HAROLD REED
Harold Reed has been singing tenor among the ranks of Southern Gospel for the past 15 years. He has had the privilege of traveling with such distinguished names as Squire Parsons, Ed O'Neal and The Dixie Melody Boys, and The Florida Boys. Harold says of his time traveling so far, "I have been honored to travel with some true legends in Southern Gospel music and am very excited about fulfilling a life-long dream of singing with the legendary Kingsmen Quartet. I can not wait to see what God has in store for this special group of guys."
Harold and his wife Melissa celebrated 8 years of marriage in July 2010 and are very happy to be a part of the Kingsmen family.
Harold has two sons, Jalen and Hayden. While not traveling, he enjoys just being home, catching up on the news via the internet, watching wrestling and of course the Yankees. Harold's favorite verse of scripture is Isaiah 53:5.
RAY DEAN REESE
Bass
Ray was born the son of a Baptist minister in Asheville, NC. Ray attended monthly singing classes in his mid to late teens held in local churches with his friends Rex Nelon and London Parris. After Ray graduated high school, he sang bass with a couple of gospel groups before joining the Army at age 18. While in the Army, Ray was stationed mostly in Germany. He then joined the Kingsmen in early 1960's.
Ray's birthday is May 16. Ray's nickname is "Cuzin". His hobbies are golf, watching sports, old war movies, and reading. His favorite Bible verse is Psalms 100:1,2. Ray most admires Reverend C.L. Leonard and Squire Parsons. His favorite singer is London Parris and his favorite musician is Brandon Reese.
Ray and his wife Carolyn reside in Asheville, NC.
RANDY
Baritone
Born in Lexington, KY. Randy attended Eastern Kentucky University. He worked as a Police Officer for 5 years. In 1996, Randy joined Brian Free and Assurance as lead vocalist.
In 2001 he joined The Kingsmen as lead singer. Randy left the Kingsmen in 2003 to pursue other interests.
He returned to southern gospel music in 2009. He re-joined The Kingsmen in June of 2010 as the baritone. Randy has been nominated by The Singing News Magazine for favorite baritone. He has performed on "The Today Show" and at The Ryman Auditorium. Randy has two sons; Clayton and Cameron. His favorite scripture is Exodus 15:2. Randy's favorite singers are Larnelle Harris and Mickey Thomas. His greatest influence is Randy's dad; Dewey Crawford. His favorite teams are The Cincinnati Reds and The Kentucky Wildcats. Randy's favorite color is red. Randy rejoined The Kingsmen exactly 9 years to the day as his first tenure.
Randy married Caroline Cross on September 28th 2010.
CODY McVEY
PIANO
Cody is from Alderson, West Virginia. He began playing the piano at age 11 at the request of his late grandmother. He started traveling with the Kingsmen in early 2009.
Cody is 19 years old, born February 13, 1991. He enjoys music, watching TV, reading, and golfing. His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 1:6. His favorite preacher is Joyce Meyer. Cody most admires his parents, H.R. & Detra McVey, and his great-aunt Eva McVey. His musical influences include Lari Goss, Jeff Stice, and former Kingsmen, Anthony Burger. His favorite singer is Michael English. Cody moved to Asheville, North Carolina in the summer of 2009.
land
|
|
| |
"God
has blessed us with one of the oldest and largest gospel sings in the
United States."
-Danny
Mack Holland
President State Annual
Singing Convention |
| | |
