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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

Lead/Emcee
 

 
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 19
96. 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

Tenor

 

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.

 


 

 

 

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"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