SPOTLIGHT: AN INTERVIEW WITH DOUG ROARK OF THE OLD PATHS

SOUTHERN GOSPEL PRESENTS

AN INTERVIEW WITH DOUG ROARK OF THE OLD PATHS

The Old Paths, formed in 2003, are quickly taking the Southern Gospel Music field by storm! This great group has hit a great stride in the last year or two with several hit songs. One of the founders and baritone singer Doug Roark is a vital part of the success of the quartet. His powerful vocals and passionate delivery of the message are a joy to listen to and watch. I recently contacting Mr. Roark via Facebook for this interview and was once again blessed that he agreed. I hope to see the group out here in California soon! So without further ado, here it is!

J. Gilmore: Hello Mr. Roark, so how did you get your start in Southern Gospel music?

D. Roark: I helped start a group called The Trinity Boys right after I was saved in 1992 at Trinity Baptist church. I was hooked! J. Gilmore: Wow! That’s awesome! I was born in 1992!! Haha Who are your musical influences?

D. Roark: Ron Martin of the Rowland's has been a huge influence both musically and spiritually J. Gilmore: Great! Who is your favorite singer in Gospel or secular music?

D. Roark: My mother. J. Gilmore: Cool! Who are your favorite groups? Past or present

D. Roark: The Kingdom Heirs and The Cathedrals J. Gilmore: Two incredible groups!! Describe the beginnings of the Old Paths.

D. Roark: Tim and I sang with the Rowland's out of Morristown TN. Chad Dominey would sometimes fill in when needed. After Ron Martin took a position as music minister in Va. We divided to keep singing as The Old Paths. We just wanted to sing locally, but God had other plans. We sang in many meetings with renowned preachers like Dr. Vines and Dr. Hoskins for eight years. Then we were given the opportunity to sign with Crossroads and the Harper Agency. God has really blessed our ministry. To Him be the glory!

J. Gilmore: Awesome! What is your favorite song to sing?

D. Roark: I’m Saved. J. Gilmore: What a great song! What is your favorite Scripture verse?

D. Roark: Hebrews 12: 1-2 J. Gilmore: Great! What is something that people might not know about you?

D. Roark: I have severe stage fright!

J. Gilmore: Wow! I would not have known that by watching you guys sing! If you could form a quartet comprised of singers both past and present, who would you choose?

D. Roark: Denny Sutton, Glen Payne, Glen Alred, and Gene McDonald. J. Gilmore: Great choices! What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your years of singing Gospel music?

D. Roark: We were singing at Prospect Baptist Church in Albamarle NC and 26 people came to Christ that night. It was the most powerful move of God I've ever witnessed. J. Gilmore: Awesome! That’s incredible! Any advice for aspiring Gospel artists?

D. Roark: Sing with passion. Love the work more than you love the results it produces.

J. Gilmore: Great! Your new CD entitled Stay is coming in March! Tell us about it!

D. Roark: We've never been more pleased with the songs The Lord has given us. Five were written or co written by Rebecca Peck. We've never had so many by one writer. We found a Pitch CD back stage at the Lawrenceburg Theater in TN. I'm glad the group it was meant for forgot it! Lol. Our first single “Ordinary People” was written by Rodney Birch who wrote three of the four number ones that we've been blessed with. I'm glad God takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary for his glory. We're also very excited about the title cut Stay written by Ray Scarborough. With Stay in mind, we want folks to know that our goal is to stay committed to the call, the cause and together. Stay tuned and listen for the new CD STAY!

J. Gilmore: Looking forward to it!! Thanks for your time!

For more information on Doug and the group and the new CD, visit: http://theoldpathsonline.com/home.html