SPOLIGHT: A BRIEF HISTORY OF TRIBUTE QUARTET

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TRIBUTE QUARTET

In 2005, a popular group called the Wilburns decided to retire leaving members Josh Singletary (Pianist, also sings Baritone) and Gary Casto (Lead) to embark on a new journey. The two men felt God lead them to start their own group so they hired tenor Marshall Pugh and bass singer Dennis Dugger. This lineup of the Monument Men, as they were called, only lasted until 2006 when Casto, Singletary, and Dugger left the group and formed Tribute Quartet hiring Jason Kitson at the tenor position. During the next few years, this lineup experienced growing success and became widely recognized. Kitson’s soaring tenor, Casto’s energetic lead, Singletary’s crooner style baritone and Dugger’s crowd pleasing bass voice blended well and the group garnered many fans. The group also recorded two great projects during this time featuring songs such as: “In Remembrance Of The Cross,” “You Better Have A Boat,” “Brother Don’t Lose The Shout,” and “My Tribute To You.” In 2008, the group experienced its first personnel change with Jacob Kitson departing to join Greater Vision. Brian Alvey joined the quartet as his replacement in the tenor position. Also in 2008, Tribute Quartet was named Absolutely Gospel Music's Breakthrough Artist of the Year and was also voted the Horizon Group of the Year by readers of Singing News magazine. This lineup recorded one amazing project entitled For This Time which included hit songs such as: “I Love Living In Grace,” “Calvary Wins Again,” and “That’s Why I Love Him So.” In 2009, the group was voted Horizon Artist of the Year by the Singing News magazine. In 2010, Alvey departed and was replaced by the then 18 year old tenor Riley Harrison Clark who remains with the group today. Clark has quickly become one of the most popular tenor singers in the Southern Gospel field earning several awards in the field. His powerful voice and youthful energy are great assets to this group. Another change came to the group in 2011 when original bass singer Dennis Dugger came off the road. He was replaced by former law officer Anthony Davis. Davis’s warm rich bass voice has gelled with the group perfectly. He has become one of the top young bass singers during his tenure with the group. In recent years, the quartet has experienced great success earning several industry awards including: 2013 AGM Traditional Song of the Year for "Homecoming Day" which features Riley Clark and in 2014 Traditional Song of the Year for "Good News From Jerusalem" featuring Josh Singletary. This incredible group is leading the way for the younger generation of Southern Gospel Music in a mighty way. As their website states, “Tribute has remained steadfast in their goal to make great music that is both timely and relevant to the current musical scene and their loyal fan base while never wavering from their God-called mission to share Jesus with everyone with whom they come in contact” (www.tributequartet.com ). True to the call, this dynamic quartet preserves the legacy of groups past and carries this music into the future.

Make sure to pick up their latest record Journey Of Hope which includes great new songs including: "He Can Do It Again," "God Of All My Days," "I Will Rise, " and "I Am A Soldier."

For more information on this great group, visit their website: www.tributequartet.com