|
From the Mountains of East Tennessee, Southern Gospel
Music fills the air. The Home of The Kingdom Heirs, one of Southern Gospel
Music top Male Quartets. The group begin singing in local church’s and
concerts halls in 1981. They began to spread their music and message to a
wider area. In 1981, they begin singing at the Silver Dollar City theme
park, which is now Dollywood. In 1986 when the theme park took on a new
name, The Kingdom Heirs were asked to become the resident gospel group and
now, 18 years later, not only are they one of Dollywood’s favorites, but a
favorite to millions everywhere. The Kingdom
Heirs have been nominated many times for industry awards such as The SGMA
Awards, Dove Awards and The Singing News Fan Awards. Winning New Comer group
of the year in 1989, the group has been a constant favorite. The latest
award was Band of the Year in 2002. They have also had many top ten songs
and last year had a number 1 song, “I Love to Call His Name.” Over the past
years they have had 12 songs nominated for Song of the Year, the latest
being “I Have Been Rescued.”
With a nine month schedule performing to over 2 million
people a year at Dollywood, the group also tours January through March. The
Harper Agency handles all of their tour scheduling. The group records for
Crossroads Marketing on the Sonlite Records label and are distributed
nationally in retail stores, Christian Book Stores and on the internet.
The group is managed by Steve French. Steve and his
brother Kreis are the owners and are each in their 23rd year with the group.
Steve is the Baritone as well as the group's MC and statesmen. Kreis plays
the bass guitar. He and Steve are the comic relief in the group. Growing up
together in a wonderful Christian home, both were raised on Southern Gospel
music. With Christian parents, they each give Dad and Mom all the credit for
their talent and sense of humor toward life. They both express this on and
off the stage.
Dennis Murphy has been with the group for 13 years and
is the drummer. In most recent years, he has begin singing (or trying to).
He is a wonderful part of the Kingdom Heirs. After hearing him sing, you
will never forget the experience.
Arthur Rice is, without question, one of the most
talented men to ever come through Gospel Music. Arthur has been nominated
year after year for not only favorite lead singer, but male vocalist. He is
truly one of the greatest voices out there today. These four men just
mentioned are the mainstay of the group. However, these four are very
blessed to have three new young men to join them.
Jodi Hosterman is from Mifflinburg Pa. Wow, what a
wonderful tenor. He is so smooth, but yet with a powerful tenor voice. There
is no doubt that Jodi will become one of the best tenors in gospel music.
The bottom notes are sung by Jeff Chapman. This young
man of 33 is tremendous. Rich low tones that will fill the house with power
and a heart that is truly dedicated to serving God and being the best at
what he does. Jeff is from Brunswick, GA.
The youngest is the piano player, Adam Harman. Adam is
25 and is from Baltimore, Maryland. Drafted by the Orioles to pitch, Adam
felt a higher calling and that was to play the piano. A wonderful young man
with a great spirit and tremendous talent, he is one of the best.
In a theme park or in a church, these men bring the
message of Christ to the world through their music and song. If you love
Southern Gospel Music, you will love the Kingdom Heirs. Come see what God is
doing through these men. |
