Special Report by Evie Hawkins
{Nashville, TN} The Classic Four will be featured in Lavergne, TN, Memorial Weekend services, May 30 at 10:00 a.m….a little more on an excerpt from our story on the group…
What better way to describe a quartet that consists of award-winning vocalists and musicians..respected for decades, individually,..and now collectively bringing that enormous culmination of experience and inspiration to the stage…Classic!..It’s definitely a storm..a feeling of revival, because this group has certainly revived some stages recently!
This writer was fortunate enough to witness the contagious energy of this harmonious group of men in a recent concert at Father’s House Church in Nashville. Roy Bray, not only plays piano but provides Baritone vocals, as well. For over 40 years, Bray has felt the continued calling and thrill of this tradition that has been a part of his life since his youth..He was raised and bred on the music of the church, a lifestyle that has become his mainstay, and he continues to have the desire to keep his music heritage alive. Bray certainly keeps the ivories alive in a concert! His enthusiasm is both contagious and uplifting. Basing the group in Ashland, Tennessee, has provided the group a convenient location and opened doors in music-loving churches, such as Nashville’s Christ Church.
Tenor, Tank Tackett, has been a long-standing member of the church, and the group was recently well-received in concert there. Tackett has been a beloved Tenor with the legendary Statemen Quartet, the Envoys, the Rebels, and has sang on many projects, including ones with Michael W. Smith, Carmen, The Judds, Charlie Daniels, and Dolly Parton. One special highlight of the Father’s House concert was the moving performance of a Tackett tradition, “I Know a Man Who Can.â€..What a blessing! Bass singer, Joe Fowler, owned the Southerners Quartet, traveled with the Gerald Payne Family, and sang with Squire Parsons (Redeemed) for 7 years. He also sang with the Jubilee Quartet at the Smokey Mountain Jubilee in Pigeon Forge, Tn. for 15 years. Fowler’s smooth Bass contribution to the group should be a model for any aspiring quartet.
Lead Singer, Bruce Campbell, traveled with Gladheart and the Sheperdsmen Quartet prior to joining the Classic Four. His love for Gospel music started at a young age, and his passion is still evident after 16 years of extensive travel in the music ministry. Lead vocals, such as Campbell’s, provide a solid foundation for this sought-after sound..that is crisp, clean, and refined..As the Classic 4 criss-cross the country performing, they continue to ignite a fire…one of revival, traditions, memories..the spirit of Southern Gospel music…the smooth harmonious sound of 4 men that have honed their skills for decades….The only other appropriate name for this group would be Class Act..but Classic 4 will do just fine!
To catch a Classic 4 concert, check out their dates here: http://www.theclassic4.com or contact Roy Bray at The Classic 4 office: 615-554-5151
Join The Classic 4’s fanpage on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/people/Cf-Harmony/100000808151019.
