Josh Garner and John Rulapaugh Form Freedom

Sevierville, TN – Freedom is the ability to act, speak, or think without limitation; the power of the will, not relying on necessity; the entitlement to worship and live for God – in spite of social rejection.  Freedom is not about politics or religion.  Freedom is power, not to be taken lightly, and is to be enjoyed by all of God’s children.  With these thoughts in mind, Josh Garner and John Rulapaugh are elated to present their new musical endeavor: “Freedom!”

“Freedom” is the culmination of a mutual lifelong dream for longtime friends Josh Garner and John Rulapaugh.  Having spent a combined total of more than 30 years singing the Gospel, these young men have joined forces to create a new standard in Christian Music.  Joining Garner and Rulapaugh in this new undertaking is vocalist Joel Trimble.  Sharing a deep love for God and country, these three men are passionate about spreading the love of Jesus throughout an increasingly hurting nation and around the world.

John Rulapaugh states, “This is the realization of an ultimate dream for me.  It is always an honor to have the opportunity to share Christ through music or spoken word, and I am very excited about the opportunity to do just that with Freedom.  Having known Josh Garner for quite a while and having had the opportunity to work with him over the past year, I am excited that our friendship is now lending itself to business and creative partnership.  Josh is the type of singer that others aspire to be.  He inspires me to push myself vocally and creatively. Joel Trimble is a great singer, a devoted Christian young man, and has a heart for ministry.  We are thankful that the Lord put Joel in our path and that he has chosen to join us in this endeavor.”

Josh Garner says, “It has always been a faraway goal for me to be involved in the formation of a group.  However, that time has come and I couldn’t possibly be more excited about the things God is already doing with Freedom.  John Rulapaugh is the greatest tenor voice to come along in the past 30 years and it’s an honor to turn our friendship into a business relationship.  Joel Trimble is truly a breath of fresh air.  I am thrilled to see in him the same passion that I have for this music.  I’m certain Joel will quickly become a fan favorite.”

Joel Trimble says, “My father is a Baptist minister and my mother taught me how to sing when I was a small boy.  I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, God fearing family.”  Trimblecontinues, “I grew up listening to the Cathedrals, Gold City, and the Kingsmen, so it’s always been my dream to sing.  I want to use the talent God gave me for His glory and I’m thrilled to be a part of this new ministry.  I know God is orchestrating all of these changes in my life and Freedom is a welcome answer to prayer.”

A temporary website has been established at www.FreedomTrio.com. Visit the site to inquire about availa
ble concert dates, join the group’s email list, leave a message on their Guest Book, join their Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/freedomtrio), and keep up with their latest happenings!

Josh Garner had been the lead singer for The Florida Boys for eight years upon their retirement in 2007.  He was honored in 2001 with the Singing News Fan Award for “Favorite Horizon Individual”.  Garner helped produce and was featured on hit Florida Boys songs such as “I’m Forgiven”, “Declaration of Dependence”, and “For God So Loved”, as well as being a featured soloist on Bill Gaither’s Homecoming videos and concerts, the Grand Ole Opry, and the National Quartet Convention.  Garner spent the majority of 2008 as a soloist and emcee for several of the nation’s top Gospel concerts and events, during which time, he released three solo recordings.  Josh and Alison Garner make their home in Limestone, TN.  Alison recently earned her Master’s Degree and is an Occupational Therapist at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN.

John Rulapaugh (http://www.facebook.com/john.rulapaugh) began his tenor singing career with theDove Brothers Quartet performing on the groups early hit radio singles “When I Move to Hallelujah Square,” “Get Away Jordan,” and “Didn’t It Rain?” helping the group attain theSinging News Fan Award for “Favorite Horizon Group” and “Favorite Male Quartet”.  During this time, Rulapaugh also received a nomination for “Male Vocalist of the Year” from theSouthern Gospel Music Association (SGMA).  Fans will also remember Rulapaugh for his tenure with the Palmetto State Quartet performing on songs such as “When It Pours, God Reigns,” “Knock, Knock, Knock,” and “Old Fashioned Altar Call.”  Rulapaugh also provided the tenor vocal for Hovie Lister’s final recording, “If We Never Meet Again”, as a member of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet and had the honor of performing live with this group (consisting of Lister,Jack Toney, Buddy Burton, Roy Pauley, and later Jonathan Sawrie) at Charlie Waller’s Grand Ole Gospel Reunion.  He has appeared and/or been featured on Bill Gaither’s Homecoming videos and concerts, the National Quartet Convention, FarmAid, and countless other concerts and events throughout the United States and Canada.  John & Jennifer Rulapaugh are the parents of two daughters, Jaydon and Joscelyn. They make their home in the Smoky Mountains near Sevierville, TN where they own and operate Vacation Valley Cabin Rentals (www.VacationValleyUSA.com).

Joel Trimble serves as baritone vocalist for Freedom. Trimble is skilled at piano and bass guitar and was a member of the popular Soul’d Out Quartet.  He is 26 years old and hails from Muncie, IN.  Trimble was saved at the age of six and attributes his love for the Lord and Gospel music to his parents.  This year brings exciting changes to Trimble’s life.  Along with joining Freedom, he will soon graduate from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s in Management and Human Development of Psychology.  Trimble is engaged to marry Amanda Phipps, granddaughter of longtime Gospel music promoter Andrew Phipps. A July wedding is planned after which Joel and Amanda intend to reside in Knoxville, TN.