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 to mention our deep gratitude to all of those who have served for The Southlanders over the 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. John Sheldon/Pianist - John is a naturally gifted young man who sings and plays in his local church.  He served with the Southlanders for over one year. he continues to serve in his local church as well as solo engagements.  We appreciate John's service and wish him the best in his future endeavors. ...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.   Jerry Bradshaw – Baritone vocalist. Jerry has over 45 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 – Lead 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 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.  *********************************************************