The Southlanders Quartet
Classic Southern Gospel Music … Timeless message
As we reflect on how God has blessed The Southlanders so much, it would seem appropriate, as we near our Anniversary Concert to mention our deep gratitude to all of those who have served for The Southlanders over the past 7 years.
Don Watson was called home in August of 2006 but his influence remains with us yet today. He was an original member of the group that started in the 60s and, along with Jerry Bradshaw, "Restarted" the group in 2000/2001 We owe him a lot and are thankful to have known him and served with him.
Tim Gerbig, who has been in many local groups over the years including The Nobleman and River City Quartet, originally was just called in to help us out on Bass Guitar with our first recording. After a bit of arm-twisting, Tim agreed to stay on as our bassist and served with us for about 5 years. Tim contributed musically as well as vocally as he was always willing to "add in" an extra part. He also wrote one of the original songs in our "Glory Road" CD.
Tim Cooper, who spent several years as the Steel Guitarist for God-Sent, stepped in to play bass for us through August of 2006 and did a great job. We know it took some time and effort on his part as he was not trained on the Bass Guitar so he had to work extra hard. We appreciate all of his hard work and willingness to serve.
We decided to use all live music when we put things togther back in 2001 so in addition to the piano and bass, we needed a drummer. Tommy Walker was our original drummer. He was very busy with work and family but found a way to fit things in for a while and did a wonderful job for the group. Tommy served with us for about a year.
Rob Klauss had already served several years with the Conqueror's Quartet and was well versed in Gospel music. We played without a drummer for a short while but Rob helped us fill in the gaps whenever he could. Ultimately, he joined as a permanent member and served with us through August 2006. Rob is a great guy who is active in his church and community. We greatly appreciate that he took time and also shared his talents with us.
The original make-up of the new group that started forming in 2001 was different than the one that finally began performing in 2002. The last piece of the "puzzle" that finally formed the group was Randy Yonts . Randy served as our baritone singer until January 2008. Randy had not "officially" sang with a quartet before but he could hear the part (and the baritone is usually a difficult part to hear and learn) and helped us develop a solid harmony blend. In addition, Randy was an accomplished saxophonist and often performed an instrumental at our services with the rest of The Southlanders "Band". Randy is a committed Christian who represented us well both on and off the stage. We thank him for his years of service and his considerable contribution to The Southlanders ministry.
...more on the group.
The Southlanders Quartet actually dates back to the late fifties/early sixties. The original quartet performed throughout the Midwest until the early eighties before disbanding and retiring the name. The current group began rehearsal in 2001 and has been performing since 2002 and was “reborn” under original group member, Don Watson. Don Watson was called home to be with The Lord in August of 2006, but the mission of the group continues on.
The style of music we use is a simple one; straight-forward southern gospel, 4-part harmony, quartet music. We do not consider our music "progressive" nor do we consider it outdated. We tend to stay with well-known gospel songs of the past, some from the present, and always try to present those with energy, passion, and sincerity. We use custom music tracks along with a pianist and our sound system can accommodate both small churches and larger venues
The Southlanders mission is also a simple one…we are committed to preserving the heritage of Southern Gospel Quartet music, sharing the gospel through song, and glorifying God’s name in all we do.
A few "Frequently Asked" Questions:
Do the Southlanders charge for appearances? The easy answer is NO! It is expensive to travel but for most services, unless we are traveling a very long distance, we would rather leave that in the hands of church, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, to treat us as they would expect to be treated. In six years, we have rarely been disappointed and we have almost always been given enough to meet our expenses and enough extra to help keep us "on the road." Most, if not all, professional "full-time" groups (and some part-time groups) tend to charge a flat rate and we are respectful of their needs. The bottom line is that each group operates the way they see best suits them and their mission.
We have a very small church...will the Southlanders still come and sing? I actually did have someone ask this recently and it occurred to me that perhaps others may have had this question as well. We do NOT decide where we serve based on the size of the building. We have sang in venues that have held over 1000 people but we have had some of our favorite services in small country churches that held 50 people.
Is it ministry...or entertainment? This is an ongoing discussion and I think it is something that Christian music artists all have to address at some point. The short answer is; they both apply. Without question, there are many groups out there, and historically there always have been, that are purely entertainers; this is not something unique to Southern Gospel artists...The fact is that there must be "entertainment value" in what we do and how we do it because otherwise no one would pay attention to what we are singing about. We want to be entertaining and we want to be engaging when it comes to our concerts.
We are strictly a part-time group and are well aware of our own limitations...(from a talent perspective) We have no aspirations of "hitting the road" and going full time...that is not our calling. However, that does not mean that we do not strive to be as good as we can. We spend a great deal of time in weekly practice and preparation. We always do our best to be professional and to be entertaining but we do not consider ourselves strictly "entertainers." Each member of this group has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior and we all have a desire to sing about the great miracles and mercies of our God and to present the gospel every time we sing. This is one of my favorite passages concerning why we do what we do...1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
** Current Group members are:
** Change is inevitable...we have been blessed to have had limited change within our group over the years but there are changes you will see this year as we have switched some parts around and added a couple of new faces.
Jerry Bradshaw – Lead vocalist. Jerry has over 40 years of gospel music experience having started in 1963 with the Spirituals Quartet and then spending over 20 years with the Bradshaw Brothers and Don while making over 20 recording projects.
Jeff Bradshaw – Bass Vocalist. Jeff is Jerry's son and spent many years on the road with his father. Jeff sang bass for the Bradshaw Brothers & Don for several years, as well as the Sonshiners Quartet. In a recent recording session with Donnie Sumner (former lead vocalist for JD Sumner and the Stamps) Donnie indicated that that Jeff was probably one of the best that he had ever heard.
David Luttrell – Baritone Vocalist. David’s first venture into quartet music was in 1996 as a drummer for the Conquerors Quartet out of Evansville, IN. He became their Tenor in 1997 and spent the next 2 years traveling with them. He became an original member of the “New” Southlanders when they began rehearsing in 2001 and recently moved from the tenor down to the baritone position
Steve Ledbetter – Tenor Vocalist. Steve's profession is that of a teacher in Carmi, Illinois - but he has studied and sang classical music as well as southern gospel with The Shepherdsman Quartet. We look forward to great things with Steve as we begin a new chapter for the Southlanders quartet
John Sheldon - Pianist. This young man has a great deal of God-given talent and it is refreshing to have someone so young and musically inclined who desires to be a part of the heritage of Southern Gospel Music. This will be his first venture into quartet music and we are excited to have him aboard!
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FOR BOOKING OR CONCERT INFORMATION
Telephone - 270-521-6661 or 812-306-7370
The mailing address is 6019 Hwy 283, Robards, Ky. 42452