The Carolina Boys name came to the forefront of Southern Gospel music when Ray Dean Reese and other Kingsmen alumni toured under that name from 2002-2004. When Reese was able to begin using the Kingsmen name again in 2004, he retired the Carolina Boys name.

In 2009, Reese transferred the group to a group based in Six Mile, South Carolina. Through 2009, today's Carolina Boys had toured under the group name "Total Praise Quartet." Upon transferring the Carolina Boys name, Reese stated: "From the moment I met these gentlemen, I knew that they were more than capable of carrying on the legacy that encircles the vision that I had for this name.  The compassion that they have for Southern Gospel and their obvious sincerity of the love of Jesus Christ shines brightly in their lives.  I am very excited about the future of The Carolina Boys Quartet and I can’t wait to see how God works through these four gentlemen."

Tenor Phillip Masters replied, "We are very excited to continue the heritage of Southern Gospel Music started by Mr. Ray Dean Reese. ... God continues to pour out His richest blessings on this group."