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The Tennesseans Quartet name is not a new name. What process brought you to taking on this name?

Growing up in Gospel Music, I can recall when my father Gary Stephens, was on the singing circuit with Dr. Jerry Goff. I can recall attending many concerts where such groups as The Oak Ridge Boys, Willie Wynn and the Tennesseans, and the Hinson’s and many others were on the same circuit. After attending many concerts over the past few years, I have concluded that many gospel music fans still enjoy listening to the old songs, the songs I grew up listening to. I wanted to build a quartet on the premise of that seventies style gospel music which in most cases included a live three piece band. After extensive research and some creativity, I chose the name of our group The Tennesseans Quartet. I have lived in Tennessee all my life and with the style of music we play; it just seemed like a good fit. Up until 1979, there had been many gospel music legends who were apart of the Tennesseans, many that are still in gospel music today.

Introduce us to the group. Who are the members? Were any of them with groups in the past?

The group is based out of Murfreesboro Tennessee and our members live all across the state of Tennessee. We all have families that have been in gospel music for well over 75 years. Eric Stephens is Manager and Baritone singer. Jym Howe is the Tenor, along with Gene Miller on Lead. Mike Coy rounds out the group singing Bass. Eric formerly sang with his family group out of Murfreesboro, TN, the Gary Stephens Family, Jym sang with Exodus and Freedom. Gene was privileged to sing with Hovie Lister and the Satesmen Quartet. Lastly, Mike sang with the Frost Brothers for several years before joining the Tennesseans.

You use all live instruments, how does that effect the group?

We utilize live instruments for many different reasons; however the most important reason is that’s what our audience prefers. Also the flexibility is truly a blessing during a worship service. We use three live instruments, keyboard, drums and bass guitar.

Who are special people that have been influential in all of the members lives?

For many of us, it has been our families with a few gospel music legends thrown in the mix as well. Rosie Roselle, Duane Allen, George Younce, Pat Hoff master also Danny Funderburk, to name a few.

Describe the singing style of the Tennesseans.

We sing the old classics like "Hide Thou Me", "Jesus is Coming Soon", and "The Old Country Church". We are definately a Traditional Southern Gospel group. While there are a lot of groups who sing other styles we are more comfortable singing that old style of music, and there are still a lot of fans who love that old fashioned singing.

What are the long range goals of the Tennesseans?

The Tennesseans Quartet long-term goals are quite simply to establish ourselves as a quartet with character and integrity.
We want to be the very best that we can be and to set a standard of excellance for the Southern Gospel industry. We are ready to sing in churches, large and small, as well as concert venues wherever we can.

Are there any songwriters in the group?

As of right now I’m the only songwriter in the group. Our next project with is due to be complete by the end of the year will include songs from writers Daryl Williams, Mosie Lister and Kyla Rowland.

What is a typical service setting like for the Tennesseans Quartet?

Our typical concert is very energetic with lots of humor, testimonies and fast songs. We are free to see the Spirit of the Lord move in all of our services and we are adaptable to singing in any denomination. We can be dignified or shout with the best of them. The Tennesseans will minister at your church and we will be entertaining at your concert.

Visit the Tennesseans online at http://www.tennesseansquartet.com

Reader Comments

Didn't this name belong to Willie Wynn?

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