
From the humble beginnings of singing together in church as youngsters, The Journeymen Quartet formed with four young men in 1983, simply singing because they loved the Lord. Twenty one years later they can be seen singing on the stage of the National Quartet Convention. Lead Singer and group Manager, Stacey Murphy says "We never dreamed that we would sing anywhere but at our local church, but soon we were being asked to sing in other churches all around their region." According to Stacey, it was a long, slow process, but they can look back and see God's hand and His timing through the whole growing process.
In 1996, they arranged to have Otis Forrest produce their Sowing Seeds album. Stacey says, "Otis gave us a change of sound that produced some big songs for us, starting with "When I Move," their first charting radio release.
In 2001 Journeymen signed with Homeland Records, and found producers Larry Goss and Kevin Ward. This combination produced their number one song, "We Will Not Fail." Stacey asked me what I my first thought was when I heard the name Journeymen, and the first thought that crossed my mind was "great ballads," and "We Will Not Fail" is a perfect example of that. It is also fitting to note that the Journeymen's first appearance at the National Quartet Convention was in September of 1992, the first anniversary of 9/11. How fitting this song was on that date, as it ministered to thousands in a time of real need.
Integrity has always been a vital part of the ministry of the Journeymen. It started with their upbringing. It shows in the churches they sing in. It shows in the music selection they choose to record. Integrity means a lot of different things, but in the ministry of the Journeymen, it means being true to God first. It means consistency in living for God day in and day out. It means being true to their families. It means being accountable to each other. Integrity is an integral part of who the Journeymen are.
Current group members include Stacey Murphy-Lead, Michael Mardis-Baritone, Dallas Rogers-Tenor, Will Van Wyngarden-Bass, and Brad Kemp-Pianist. This lineup is as good as any Journeymen lineup has been, with super close harmony and solid individual performances.
The Journeymen have recently recorded a brand new CD, Great Reward. They are sure to gain new fans as people hear more great ballads that will stir their hearts and move their souls. "Jesus Cried" and "Price Of Freedom" are prime examples of the talent this group has of touching people with their music.
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