GROUP HISTORY: GOLD CITY
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
A HISTORY OF GOLD CITY QUARTET (1980-Present)
In 1980, five men in Dahlonega, Georgia came together to form what is now one of the most celebrated and most beloved Southern Gospel groups, Gold City. The original lineup consisted of Bob Oliver (Tenor), Jerry Ritchie (Lead), Ken Trussell (Baritone), Dallas Giliand (Bass) and Larry Goddard (Piano). Gilliand would be replaced shortly after formation with a man who has since become synonymous with the group, Tim Riley. A multiple Singing News Fan Award winner and Gospel Music Hall of Fame member, Tim Riley is well known for his incredibly rich and clear bass voice. Riley became a stalwart member (until 2004, and later 2014) of the group whose lineup has experienced many changes over the years. Many great vocalists have lent their talents to this popular group including: tenors Brian Free, Jay Parrack, and Steve Ladd, leads Ivan Parker and Jonathan Wilburn, as well as baritones Mike LeFevre and Mark Trammell and bass singers Bill Lawrence and Aaron McCune. Each of these men has carried on the legacy of Gold City with their own groups which include Brian Free & Assurance, Jay Parrack & Vocal Event, Mark Trammell Quartet, and Wilburn & Wilburn. Despite all of the changes, one thing remains the same: their desire to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and their love of Southern Gospel Music. Each lineup maintains that distinctive Gold City sound and today’s group does not stray from this at all.
Daniel Riley, one of Tim Riley’s talented sons, has sung baritone for the group since the departure of Mark Trammell in 2002. He also serves as the owner and manager of the now legendary quartet. His father Tim Riley rejoined the group as the bass singer in 2009 after a brief retirement. He remained with the group full time until last year when the elder Riley suffered a stroke. Riley is currently on the mend and is doing well. In his place, audiences are treated to the booming bass voice of former Mercy’s Mark vocalist Chris West, who came on in 2014 as a "long-term interim fill-in,” but now has assumed the role full time. Following the departure of tenor Dan Keeton in 2013, former Palmetto State Quartet member Robert Fulton joined the quartet. Fulton’s clear, resonant tenor voice stays true to the classic Gold City sound and delights audiences all over the world. Bryan Elliot, formerly of the Perrys, has served as the pianist for the group since 2010. Elliot’s skill on the keys is comparable to Anthony Burger and Gordon Mote. Rounding out the group is lead singer Chip Pullen, whose powerhouse vocals and great personality have endeared him to the fans. Pullen joined the Gold City in 2013 after performing with the Anchormen for a number of years. In addition to the vocalists, another vital part of the group is road manager and sound man Chuck Howe.
This beloved quartet has experienced great success over their long career as evidenced by their many awards and accolades. Among these are Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Group (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993), Favorite Traditional Male Quartet (2000, 2001, 2003), Album of the Year (1989 - Movin' Up; 1991 - Windows Of Home; 1993 & 1994 - Pillars Of Faith; 2001 - Are You Ready), Song of the Year (1987 - When I Get Carried Away; 1988 - Midnight Cry; 1993 - There Rose A Lamb), Favorite Band (1998, 2000),and Favorite Video (1988 - Moving Up To Gloryland; 1989 - Movin' Up; 1992 - KingsGold with the Kingsmen Quartet). They have also had several number one songs including: “Midnight Cry,” “When I Get Carried Away,” “I’m Not Giving Up,” “In Time, On Time, Every Time,” and most recently “Peter, James, And John.”
Even with the success, the quartet stays humble and dedicated to spreading the Gospel. They have big plans for the coming year, their 35th, including a new project, a Heritage of Gold Tour (featuring former members of Gold City), and special concerts featuring Tim Riley. The legendary group conitnues to delight audiences with the music and heart which truly makes them 24 karat gold.
For more information on Gold City, visit their website: http://www.goldcityqt.com/