Since it’s inception in 1984, the group has undergone a metamorphosis.
Beginning as an all-male group, Southern Harmony has gradually evolved into
its current mixed trio comprised of Don Garrett, Carrie
Smith, Dana Lewis (daughter)
and Terri Garrett (daughter-in-law). While always seeking fresh and creative
ways to present the gospel in music, Southern Harmony never strays too far
off the beaten path. Their songs speak clearly and unequivocally about man’s
sin and God’s provision of salvation through Christ, a hallmark of traditional
southern gospel.
Southern Harmony’s current project, “Celebration” is on the Three Hills Music Group Label and features songs that combine the best of the old with the most innovative of the new. Their new release to radio is “Long As I Got King Jesus” which is fast becoming one of the most often requested songs on gospel radio. This toe-taper will have you singing and realizing how true this song relates to you personally. The musical styles range from the purest in three-part harmony to up- tempo, syncopated rhythms with a touch of the blues and black gospel. With something to please listeners of every age and musical taste, this is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the finest in southern gospel music. Be sure to be on the lookout for their next single, scheduled for release to radio in 2003.
Johnny Minick felt the call to preach in 1968, at the age of twelve. He started
at that young age preparing his life for the road that God had called him on.
At the age of fifteen, he, along with his dad, affectionately called Papa John,
organized an all male quartet in Arkansas called The Majestic Sounds. It was
while he was with this group that The Happy Goodmans first heard him play the
piano and started urging him to join them. Though Johnny is known for his singing
today, he had already gained the reputation of an accomplished pianist, winning
all the Assembly of God talent contests he could enter.
In 1974, Johnny married his lovely wife, Sherry, and the next year finally gave in to the urgings of The Happy Goodman Family and started playing the piano for them. As much as Johnny enjoyed playing on the road with The Happy Goodmans, in 1978, after being with this well known group for three years, he felt the call of God to start evangelizing, so he formed The Johnny Minick Family, which consisted of Johnny, his wife, Sherry, Papa John, and Johnny’s brother Alex. They traveled the country singing and preaching.
Since the retirement of The Happy Goodman Family, Johnny Minick and his family are still singing as loud and strong as they did in the past. The Johnny Minick family today consists of Johnny, his wife, Sherry, and his son Aaron. They are one of the best kept secrets in Southern Gospel.
One Sunday afternoon in December of 1995, Ricky
Capps, Mikal Smith, Rick Knight,
John Tidwell and Melissa Terhune were up at church goofing off before the 5th
Sunday Sing. Who knew that a get together of singers would turn into an every-Sunday-thing.
Before too long they were asked by a couple of neighboring churches to come
and sing there as well. After a couple of months of singing nearly every Sunday
somewhere “the group” realized that God just might be calling them
to have a ministry of singing. They decided to adopt the name "Master's
Voice", after laboring over several names, almost feeling ridiculous that
they would have the notion of naming themselves.
In September of 2000, Mark Ledbetter joined Master's Voice to take the place
of Melissa Terhune (now Melissa Hall) who was starting her ministry with her
husband. The group didn't suffer at all. Mark was a superb voice and spirit.
Each individual in Master’s Voice has grown vocally and spiritually and
have seen so many come to know the Lord Jesus Christ through the vehicle of
Southern Gospel music. Master’s Voice performs with energy and a blend
that is refreshing to the world of Southern Gospel Music.
Author: Amy Marie Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 06/30/2003
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 5
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This should be a great convention. I didn't realize Johnny Minick sang with his family other than with the Goodmans. I would love to hear them.
Love to be able to go...but. Johnny Minnick Family is the best kept secret in gospel music and just wait till you hear Masters Voice.....
I have had the privilege of hearing some Masters Voice on Solid Gospel and I must agree that this is a great group. I hope to hear more from them in the future.
Johnny Minick Family is out of sight. I have two of their older recordings, "How Long" and "That's No Hill for a Climber" and they are 2 of my all time fav recordings. I hope they start recording again. They're awesome and anointed.
I got to meet these guys at Steve Hurst School of Music and they are a trip and a half. Great guys with an incredible tallent and love for God!
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