The Kingsmen announce the departure of tenor Harold Reed.

“I have been blessed to sing with one of my favorite Quartets for the past 4 1/2 years and now I feel it is time for me to start the next chapter in my singing career and join The Lafever Quartet,” says Harold. “Sometimes the Lord tells you it is just time and I will truly miss Ray and the rest of the guys but I am comfortable knowing we will remain in contact.”

“The Kingsmen will be celebrating 55 years of music ministry in 2012. Through those years we have had the most talented and enjoyable team members but more importantly good Christians work with our organization,” says Brandon Reese. “Harold is no exception. I know God is in control and has a plan for The Kingsmen. We are more committed than ever to spread the gospel in song all throughout 2012 and beyond.”

For consideration of the tenor position please send all info and demos to: ray@kingsmenquartet.com or brandon@kingsmenquartet.com

The Kingsmen are pleased to welcome Bob Sellers to the quartet, filling the vacancy created by the departure of Bryan Hutson. “I am so excited to become a member of the legendary Kingsmen Quartet family,” says Bob. “I’m thankful for this opportunity that Ray and Brandon Reese have given me, and I look forward to meeting every single Kingsmen fan.
 
     “The first song I recall singing with my mom and sister in our little country church was ‘A Place Where The Hungry Are Fed,’ so it is a dream come true to now stand on stage with the group that introduced that song and so many other great songs to Gospel music. I will work with all that is within me to continue the proud tradition that is The Kingsmen Quartet and, most importantly, to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song effectively. I cannot wait to see what God has in store!
 
 
       Bob’s first concert will be in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada on December 31, 2011.

Brandon Reese, manager of the Kingsmen has reported the good news that Ray Dean Reese, bass singer and owner, had surgery last Wednesday, October 26, related to his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. While the surgery was successful, Ray’s physicians feel that additional treatment would be beneficial due to lymph node involvement. This further treatment will begin in several weeks in order to give him some recovery time. Ray spent the week following the surgery at home resting and would like to thank everyone for their prayers and ask that you continue to remember him as he finishes the suggested protocol.

The blend of this current lineup is one of the best in Southern Gospel, they are I believe not far away from being near the top of the Southern Gospel world, as they once were with that unmistakable sound that they developed… I can highly recommend this album to either current fans of the Kingsmen, or to fans of good quartet harmony and ardent lyrics sung in a powerful way. In other words, go buy this album!

Check out the whole review here.

Pianist Cody McVey will be leaving to pursue a college music education at Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee. Pianists interested in applying for the open position can contact kingsmenpianist@kingsmenquartet.com.

First, Southern Gospel Critique’s Brian Crout gave it a four-star review, pointing to the ballads and the classic convention-style songs as the project’s strongest moments.

Second, SouthernGospelBlog.com featured a mini-interview with Dianne Wilkinson, author of the project’s closing track, “Loving Shepherd Gracious God.” That interview is here.

Starting in May of this year I began noticing a considerable drop in my energy levels.  I mostly just sang and stayed in the bed each day while on the road.  Towards the end of our west coast tour I began running a high fever that would not go away.  Once I got back home from that tour it became worse, spiking at 103.3 and never getting below 101.5.  After a trip to the doctor and several tests it was determined that I had a staph infection in the mitral valve of my heart.When I was 10 I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse.  This is a condition that causes the valve of the heart to not close properly and allows some blood to flow backwards through the valve.  At that time it was determined that it was not severe enough to warrant treatment.

As the years have progressed it seems to have worsened.While investigating the infection in my system it was discovered that the valve not only had degraded further, it is going to require surgery to repair.

The surgery has not been scheduled as of this time, but doctors are thinking August.  It seems I must be completely finished with my treatment for the staph infection and feeling back to normal before they can attempt the valve repair procedure.As of now I am feeling almost 100 percent and have every intention on assuming my duties back with the Kingsmen as soon as the doctors will cut me loose! We all believe that God has this firmly in His grip and He will be glorified through this ordeal.  Caroline and I, as well as all our family, truly appreciate your prayers in this time.

Mike LeFevre’s son Jordan LeFevre has been filling in in the meantime.

This will not impact or delay the July 19 release date of the new Kingsmen album Grace Says...

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST- Please remember Carolyn Reese; wife of Raydean Reese in prayer. EMT workers are transporting her to the hospital as she is experiencing breathing issues due to possible pneumonia. We will update you as often as possible. Thank you- The Kingsmen.