Arden, North Carolina (October 30, 2020) — The legendary gospel quartet The Kingsmen has a long legacy of sharing the good news through important songs, and seeing lives change for Christ when their music connects with hearts in need. With their latest single, “The Wind and Waves Still Know,” The Kingsmen deliver a message of hope in the most difficult of times.
Written by the team of Kenna T. West, Kristi Fitzwater and Jason Cox, the powerful ballad tells the story of Jesus teaching his disciples to strengthen their faith by walking on water, a poignant reminder for today of who remains in control of our lives, no matter the turbulence.
“Uncertainty and facing the unknown is a reality of life. We feel the winds of change in our marriage, sending our kids off to school or college, job-loss, retirement. It’s everywhere. I’m reminded of the scripture, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’” says Chris Bryant, who sings lead on the song. “It’s a comfort to know that the Master has gone before us and He knows the end result. We can trust that, just as He calmed the storm for his disciples on the Sea of Galilee, He’s also prepared to cease our turbulent billows of life. Why worry? Just remind your storm what the wind and waves still know.”
Produced by Jeff Collins, “The Wind and Waves Still Know” shines with the quartet’s renowned creativity. Bryant is joined by tenor Chris Jenkins, baritone Alan Kendall, and bass Ray Dean Reese in a gripping display of the familiar spirit and dynamism for which the group is known. Yet even as it offers echoes of the quartet’s classic performances in days gone by, the song’s modern construction and crisp arrangement showcase the Kingsmen’s mastery of a more intricate, contemporary style.
“The more it rains, you’re finding it harder to believe.
But just remember, He’s in control while you are fighting to stay afloat.
That raging sea was under His feet 2000 years ago.
So just remind the storm what the wind and waves still know…”
At a time when so much seems in doubt, a reminder of what “The Wind And Waves Still Know” is a message that can serve all, and the Kingsmen proclaim it with a combination of power and finesse that is all their own.
Listen to “The Wind and Waves Still Know” HERE.
The Kingsmen. Click to download the photo.
About The Kingsmen
For more than half a century, no other group has secured such a far-reaching legacy as that of The Kingsmen Quartet. Since 1956, this group has risen from humble beginnings in the mountains of western North Carolina to become one of the most beloved and innovative groups in Christian music. Countless renowned artists have been a part of this great lineage, such as Eldridge Fox, “Big” Jim Hamill, Ray Dean Reese, Squire Parsons, Johnny Parrack, Anthony Burger, Ernie Phillips, Gary Sheppard, and a host of others. The momentum has not stopped as this group continues to help define the Southern Gospel genre for a whole new generation of music lovers, perhaps more so than any other group.
In the mid-fifties, brothers Raymond, Reese, and Louis McKinney formed a gospel group, traveling locally throughout the western part of the Carolinas and completing dozens of recordings by the late 60’s. By the early 70’s, area natives Eldridge Fox and Ray Dean Reese joined this emerging quartet and in 1974 released their first live recording, “Big & Live” consisting of Fox, Reese, Jim Hamill, and Johnny Parrack. This Dove award winning album brought to gospel music, fresh arrangements and catchy melodies that would later become southern gospel classics, such as “Glory Road,” “Look for Me At Jesus Feet,” and “Love Lifted Me.” This would be the start of many legendary live albums for the Kingsmen. Traveling with a live band, the Kingsmen became one of few groups during this era to be able to perform with three to five musicians, granting them individuality and innovation in the industry.
Always seeking to have a creative edge, they began introducing themselves as, “The Ton of Fun.” Through the late 1970’s and 80’s, more hits were churning from albums such as “Chattanooga Live,” “Live Naturally,” & “Live at The University of Alabama.” These albums combined with high energy and up-tempo music brought music lovers an exciting brand of showmanship. Songs like, “Old Ship of Zion,” “Shake Hands with a Poor Boy,” “Beautiful Home,” “Saints Will Rise,” and “Child, Child” became gospel music staples. In 1981, “Excuses” became the Kingsmen’s biggest hit of that era; it was steady at number one for 18 months, making it the longest running number one song in Southern Gospel Music history.
The successes of The Kingsmen have led to many prestigious opportunities. In 1977, The Kingsmen performed on the south lawn of the White House for President Jimmy Carter and in 1982 they performed at the opening ceremony of the World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN which was broadcast on local and regional TV, with President Ronald Reagan present to open the fair. The Kingsmen was also the first group to film and record a live performance at the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and in 2000 they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame followed by the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2008. They’ve garnered multiple dove awards and numerous Singing News Fan awards including favorite bass vocalist, tenor, baritone, lead, instrumentalist, video, the 1992 favorite song “Wish You Were Here” as well as favorite album by the same name, male quartet of the year, and group of the year. The Kingsmen band was voted favorite band a record 17 times making this quartet one of the most awarded groups in Southern Gospel Music.
About Crossroads:
Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian music and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ music.
