Southern Sound Quartet

During the 1950’s and 60’s, Gospel quartet music raced to the forefront with great groups like the Statesmen and the Blackwoods. Now, since those original roots of Southern Gospel Music, the art form we now call Southern Gospel Music, has widened its scope by including strong influences from other music forms such as country and bluegrass. Sadly, much of that truly golden era has been lost, as has the style and artistry that was the hallmark of that genre of southern gospel talent. The oft-heard comment is that there are very few, true traditional southern gospel male quartets to be found anymore. Well, I would like to introduce you to five men who seem determined on reviving that polished style of quartet singing, and the real bonus is they’re doing it for all the right reasons, serving Christ through a ministry of song and testimony. They of course, sing great, but their testimony is powerful and inspiring too. They sing with what can only be described as excellence in music and exuberance in presentation. To get the full impact of these men you must, without doubt, hear and see them face-to-face. I can tell you, I can find no fault in either their testimony or their very talented presentation in song. I once personally believed the golden age of Southern Gospel to be an era gone by. I am now rethinking those beliefs, for Southern Sound makes it all so fresh, alive and vibrant. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Southern Sound, and gospel music may never be the same again.
STEVE FRYAR, TENOR Good tenors are hard to find these days, but Southern Sound has a gem in Steve Fryar. Steve brings not only a great tenor voice, but also many years of expertise in the art of singing. He is a true tenor in every sense of the word and very much in the vein of those wonderful quartet tenors during the golden years of our genre. Steve brings to the group many wonderful talents besides his powerful singing voice. His love of the Lord, his family, and his love for Gospel Music are clearly evident in everything he does. You will find Steve to be one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, always smiling and very quick to make you laugh. His un-ending energy, and zest for life, are often mentioned by those who are meeting Steve for the first time. Steve Fryar is sure to win the hearts of Southern Gospel fans everywhere. Steve, and his wonderful wife Darlene and children, Meghann and Logan, live in Hopkinsville, KY, just about 75 miles north of Nashville and they attend a church in that area.
	BEN HARRIS, LEAD Ben Harris, lead singer for Southern Sound, or second tenor if you prefer old school traditional titles, provides the unmistakable classic lead that southern gospel music became so well acquainted with during the golden age of quartet music. He can be added to a distinguished list of fine lead singers, such as Roy McNeal and Ben’s long time friend, the legendary Jake Hess. Ben’s stylistic approach to singing lead is very much his own, but still appears familiar to those true fans of southern gospel quartet music. Ben is a highly regarded recording engineer/producer and has done backup vocalist in Nashville for many years which has awarded him numerous gold and platinum albums which is as testament to his exceptional musical abilities. Ben does much of SSQ’s vocal arrangements and serves as the group’s emcee. Ben and his wife Delita attend a church in the Nashville area.
ALAN BREWSTER, BASS Alan Brewster, sings the low bass, and I do mean low! Alan is very much in the mold of great bass singers such as George Younce and The Big Chief. It would be rare indeed to find a man who can sing a richer bass than Alan in Southern Gospel today. Not only does he provide the anchor in fine low voice, but he is also the "rock" on which the guys depend. He is a great Christian man and unwavering in his devotion to God and his family. Alan is one of the smoothest bass voices on the planet today, and quite capable of singing those intricate harmonies that Southern Sound has become known for. Alan and his lovely wife Pam are wonderful additions to the Southern Sound line up. The couple call Ringgold, GA home and attend a church in their area.
	DARRELL MARSHALL, BARITONE Southern Sound, would like to introduce to you one of the finest and smoothest baritones to ever sing a gospel song, and that is none other than Darrell Marshall. Not since legends like Doy Ott and Smitty Gatlin, has there been a voice as smooth as Darrell's. He will stand and sing his way right into your heart and has a remarkable way of presenting of love of God to everyone he meets. Darrell brings to the group that silky smooth blend and incredible talent for singing for the Lord, and his fun disposition, immediately puts everyone at ease. Darrell and his beautiful wife Brenda live in the suburbs of Nashville and attend a church in the area. We are happy to have Darrell and Brenda as extended members of our family.
********* This brief overview is simply a thumbnail sketch of what Southern Sound is really all about. In a word, Southern Sound Quartet is classy! They are deeply rooted in traditional Southern Gospel, four-part close harmony and in the testimony that Christ is Lord. I was fortunate to hear the group recently at a large church near my home, and they were indeed breathtaking. I lost count of the standing ovations they received that evening from a packed church, quite accustomed to hearing the finest southern gospel has to offer. The concert I attended will stay with me for quite some time, but even now, I hunger for more. Southern Sound’s attitude, infectious enthusiasm, stage presence, and fine sense of spirit filled music, makes a concert by Southern Sound one to be cherished for a very long while. The guys have appeared on the National Quartet Convention, Southern Gospel Music Association Hall Of Fame Inductance Ceremony, Gospel Music Television, Brush Arbor Jubilee, Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, Paul Heil’s Gospel Greats, Lake Country Jubilee, Southern Gospel Quartet Reunion, and countless personal appearances from Michigan to Florida and from Texas to Pennsylvania. They are refreshing, super talented, and simply a joy to listen to. These five great talents come together forming a truly magical work of musical art. Their sound is unique tight harmonies telling of the joy in serving the Lord. Take my word, you really need to hear SOUTHERN SOUND. And, southern gospel music may well be in for a very thrilling ride.
“Traditional quartet fans, I highly recommend Southern Sound Quartet. They've got it all; low bass, high tenor, powerful lead and baritone along with a tight 4-part blend.” Les Butler Singing News Magazine Director Business Operations “Southern Sound sets a high standard for traditional quartet music in the vein of the Statesmen, Stamps, and Blackwood Brothers. This group may very well be the best in the business……….” David Bruce Murray Singing News Magazine “There have been many tributes to the Statesmen Quartet through the years, but none have been better than Southern Sound’s ‘Reflections…A Tribute’. Group leader and lead singer Ben Harris is as good an arranger as is going these days, and his knowledge of Statesmen music is as extensive as there is. The group's harmony is among the best in the business in the past several years, and nowhere is that more evident than on their rendition here of ‘Goodbye Troublesome Blues’. Among all the groups going today that specialize in keeping traditional quartet music alive, perhaps none are better than Southern Sound.” John Scheideman Southern Gospel News “Southern Sound are men of distinct Christian character and worthy of any confidence we place in them. Keep up the good work.” Neil Enloe Couriers Quartet “I have been a fan of Southern Sound for a good while and count Ben, and the guys as friends. Anyone who knows Ben realizes he is a perfectionist when it comes to the group’s music and also their character. For those who have never heard Southern Sound, do yourself a favor and purchase their product. If you are a fan of good, solid quartet singing, you’ll not be disappointed.” Dean Adkins Professor, West Virginia University Gospel Music Historian “I’m not only a fan of Southern Sound, but I’m honored to count them among my friends. Their latest cd is without doubt, one of the best released in 2010…… Southern Sound should be counted among the top quartets in the business today. They are superb”. Alan Kendall Grand Ole Gospel Reunion “This is an excellent quartet. These gentlemen are first class singers who promote a genuine Christian lifestyle.” John Crenshaw Grand Ole Gospel Reunion “Up until 5 minutes ago, I felt there were 3 outstanding remakes that offered some elements that topped the originals. These were Al Hirt’s remake of Bunny Berrigans ‘I Can’t Get Started’, and The Cathedrals’ remakes of The Statesmen’s ‘Oh What a Savior’ and ‘I’m Climbing Higher and Higher’. But, after listening to Southern Sound’s remake of The Statesmen’s ‘Heading Home’. I now have expanded my list to 4 instead of 3. All of the voices are superb and Southern Sound is phenomenal.” Cliff Cerce