I’ve always thought there was just something special and enrapturing about family harmony. We see this by looking back at the first family of gospel music, The Speers. Then along came The LeFevre Trio, The Hopper Brothers & Connie, and the Lewis Family to name a few. When that close family harmony is combined with pure talent and a love for people and reaching souls for Christ, it creates a ministry in which the Lord can use in a powerful way. Such a group exists in the next generation of Christian music, much like the one just described.
THE ERWINS started singing as soon as they were each able to talk. Appearing over 270 dates a year with their mother and father, who have been in full-time evangelism for 40 years. They have been traveling full-time their entire life singing in concerts, revivals, and conferences all across the country. The three male siblings performed as a trio until 2013, when the group announced that their little sister, Katie would be joining the group full-time on stage officially making them a Mixed Group.
Born in 2000, Katie loves singing, shopping, texting, and computers. She has been singing since she was 3 and meeting new friends in gospel music and singing with her family, is what she likes most about traveling. From Chinese fare, to buttered popcorn, BBQ chips, Skittles, Starbursts, and Coca-Cola are just a few of the things that make her an “everyday girl” just like any other teenager. Here’s a few questions I asked to help her fans and friends in gospel music become more familiar with, KATIE ERWIN!
Chris Jenkins– How did you first discover Southern Gospel?
Katie Erwin– I first discovered Southern Gospel music when I was born. I grew up in a home with parents that loved the music and they put the same love for it in my heart. That’s all I ever remember listening to.
CJ– What is playing right now in your car or iPod?
KE– Right now, in my iPod, I am either listening to “How Can It Be” by Lauren Daigle or “If I Shout” by Jason Crabb.
CJ– Who is some of your musical mentors/heroes?
KE– I would definitely say one of my musical heroes/mentors would be TaRanda Greene! I’ve always looked up to her and have always listened to her music. I actually learned how to sing harmony by listening to The Greenes. TaRanda is an amazing vocalist and now an incredible friend!
CJ– If you could make your own all-star quartet, trio, or duo, who would the members be? 
KE– Wow…great question! If I could put together my own “all-star quartet”, I would get Joseph Habedank, TaRanda Greene, Jason Crabb and of course Paul Harkey. (I would just find a place to stand with them…haha)!
CJ– What’s the top album every SG fan should have?
KE– This answer would probably change every day for me, but, today I would say every SG fan should have the “Whatever the Road” by Jason Crabb. (Can you tell I LOVE Jason Crabb?)
CJ– Where have you always wanted to perform and why do you hope to get to someday?
KE– I have always heard about the incredible Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York and would love to perform there someday. Not only does it have a wonderful reputation of having only the best in the music business, but it’s also close to New York, NY and I have always wanted to go there.
CJ– What is the most interesting fact about you?
KE– An interesting fact about me is that I love make up, as most girls do. In fact, I say that I “collect” makeup. I also like to watch makeup tutorials on YouTube and try new looks. I would even love to be a makeup artist one day…if I could work it in with singing. I always want to sing, but I would love to do makeup on the side.
CJ– How do you feel about the direction of Southern Gospel music? What would you change if you could?
KE-Southern Gospel music has come a long way! I love all styles of SG music, but I really like the more youthful sound of some of the new stuff that’s coming out now. That is why my brothers and I are trying to keep the heritage of the music, while also trying to put a young “spin” on some of the songs we sing. We are young and hope to introduce people our age to this great music. In fact, the one thing I would change if I could, it would be to have younger people in the audience. Don’t get me wrong, I adore those that come now, but, I want our generation to love this music as much as I have for my 15 years. This music is not just for older people, and I want the whole world, all ages, to hear it!
Their latest recording from THE ERWINS on Stowtown Records is available on their website, www.erwinministries.com. You can also connect with Katie and The Erwins through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and The Dominion Agency.
Facebook: The Erwin Family
Twitter: @erwinministries
Instagram: the_erwins
