SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: ARTHUR RICE AND KREIS FRENCH OF THE KINGDOM HEIRS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
AND INTERVIEW WITH ARTHUR RICE AND KREIS FRENCH OF THE KINGDOM HEIRS
There have been many great lead singers over the years. Singers such as Glen Payne, Jim Hamill, and Jake Hess are among these legendary second tenors. One name that can be added to the list is Arthur Rice. Rice has been a mainstay in Southern Gospel Music since the mid 1980s and has served as the lead singer for the Kingdom Heirs since 1995. He has been nominated for numerous Singing News Fan Awards including Male Vocalist (16 times), Favorite Lead (16+ times) and several others. Rice also is an accomplished record producer and serves as the president of the Southern Gospel Music Association.
Every group needs a great bass player and group founder and now owner Kreis French is just that. French has been with this incredible group every step of the way and has seen many personnel come and go. His masterful bass playing is part of the backbone of the style and sound of the Kingdom Heirs. French and the rest of the Kingdom Heirs' band have won multiple Singing News Fan Awards as band of the year, an award they have been nominated for 13 times. In addition, he has also received nominations as Musician of the Year.
I recently interviewed the two of them via email. So without further ado, here it is! Enjoy!
J. Gilmore: Hello gentlemen! So, how did you get your start in Southern Gospel music?
A. Rice: My first full time position was with the Kingsmen in 1983.
K. French: Got my start play for fun with my mother on the piano.
J. Gilmore: Great! Who are your musical influences?
A. Rice: Jim Hamill and Jake Hess.
K. French: My mom of course was a big influence . Rusty Holloway my bass teacher. Love to listen to him play.
J. Gilmore: Fantastic! Who is your favorite singer (in Gospel or secular music)?
A. Rice: Ronnie Milsap.
K. French: My favorite male singer is Joe Diffy.
J. Gilmore: Ronnie Milsap is a legend! Who are your favorite groups? Past or present
A. Rice: The Statesmen and The Kingsmen.
K. French: My favorite group is the Kingdom Heirs of course and the old Gold City.
J. Gilmore: Agreed! I love all three of those groups. What is something people might not know about you?
K. French: I am an avid golfer.
J. Gilmore: Awesome! What is your favorite Scripture verse?
A. Rice: 1 John 1:9, John 3:17.
K. French: John 3:16 says it all.
J. Gilmore: Amen! What were the early days of the Kingdom Heirs like?
K. French: Early days were great as well . Had to travel more. Have always had a good group and have always gotten better when there was a change.
J. Gilmore: Great! What has it been like performing at Dollywood all these years?
A. Rice: It's a great opportunity to share our music and message with a secular audience.
K. French: Singing at Dollywood has been a blessing. Got to stay at home and watch our kids grow. Very thankful.
J. Gilmore: That is a special opportunity! What has been the best part of traveling with KH?
A. Rice: Not traveling!!
K. French: Best part of traveling is knowing it's just for a few weeks.
J. Gilmore: Haha. What is your favorite song to sing?
A. Rice: Forever Changed
K. French: Favorite song is Forever Changed.
J. Gilmore: Love that song! What a great message! What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your years of singing Gospel music?
A. Rice: I feel very fortunate to have gotten my start in the '80s, what I think was the hay day of our music.
K. French: My most memorable moment. There have been a lot of me. Winning favorite band was a good one.
J. Gilmore: Awesome! What can fans expect from the Kingdom Heirs in this new year? Any upcoming projects?
A. Rice: We have a new Crossroads release coming out this fall with more great songs. We're so excited to have Brian, the talent and personality he brings just makes our bucket run over.
K. French: Fans can expect some great things out of the Kingdom Heirs. Have a great bunch of extremely talented guys. Can't wait for God to bless.
J. Gilmore: Looking forward to it! Any advice for aspiring Gospel artists?
A. Rice: Keep the Lord first, trust Him with the details.
K. French: Advice is to always try and make it fun. I love my job and look forward to work every day. You got to love the music as well.
J. Gilmore: Great advice! Thank you so much for your time!! God Bless!
For more information on the Kingdom Heirs, visit their website: http://kingdomheirs.com/news