GROUP SPOTLIGHT: THE ANCHORMEN (1979- PRESENT)
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
GROUPS SPOTLIGHT ON THE ANCHORMEN
*THE FOLLOWING IS A REVISED VERSION OF AN ARTICLE I WROTE FOR SGN SCOOPS.
Christ Is Your Anchor: A Look at The Anchormen Quartet
One of the definitions of the word anchor is a person or thing that gives strength or support. Many people place their trust and faith in things that cannot provide the strength or support they need. Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ receive His almighty strength. When Christ is your anchor, you can make it through the hardships that life brings your way. The Anchormen, one of Southern Gospel’s premiere groups, is a fitting name for this quartet co-founded by Terry Carter in 1979. Carter reflects on the early days of the group saying “The group started in the spring of 1979. We are now celebrating thirty-six years in ministry. We began singing in three or four states for the first five years of our ministry. In 1985, we were able to travel on a full-time scale. Even through personal changes and trials along the way God has kept his hand on The Ministry of The Anchormen.” The members of this stellar group hold to Christ as their anchor as their music reflects. For more than three decades, the Anchormen have been traveling the country and the world spreading the good news of the Gospel to thousands of people. They perform around two hundred concert dates per year and dedicate their lives to praising Jesus Christ. Not only do they hope to bring joy to their listeners, the quartet’s goal is “to effectively lead audiences to a sincere knowledge of Christ through His music.” The men of this quartet have made it their mission to stay faithful to the call placed on their lives.
The award winning quartet has maintained a unique and solid sound no matter the lineup. Manager Tim Bullins states that they have been influenced musically by groups such as “the Happy Goodman Family, Hinsons, Statesmen, Stamps and The Blackwood Brothers just to name a few.” Carter adds, “Other influences on the group include: the Cathedral Quartet, the Kingsmen of the 70's and 80's, the Stamps, the Statesmen, and the Downings.”Many great vocalists have taken the stage as members of this fine group including: tenors Benny Blackburn, Steve Ladd, Tony Jarman, David Sutton, and Karl Rice; lead singers Biney English, Dale Forbes, David Hill, Jason Funderburk, Chip Pullen, and Phillip Hughes; baritones Chad Smith and Michael Bartlett; and bass singers Jody Medford, Jeff Chapman, Aaron McCune, David Hester, and Paul Harkey. The Anchormen has produced many of today’s powerhouse vocalists. Many former Anchormen now serve in other major groups such as: tenor David Sutton (Triumphant), tenor Karl Rice (The Williamsons), lead Chip Pullen (Gold City), bass Jeff Chapman (Kingdom Heirs), and bass Paul Harkey (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound). Each member brought a different dynamic to the group and helped to make this group what it is today.
The current lineup is marked by the returns of several former members. Terry Carter, who was a founding member of the group, sang baritone for about eighteen years before taking a nine year break. Carter rejoined the group in 2010 and picked up right where he left off. His infectious energy (which makes him a great emcee) and smooth baritone voice delights crowds all over the world. Carter has been nominated in the Top 10 Singing News fan awards and is considered by peers and fans as one of Southern Gospel’s most beloved baritones. Will Lane originally joined the Anchormen in 2003 at just twenty years old as their bass singer. Lane remained with the quartet until 2006 when he left to co-found Driven Quartet. In 2014, he returned to the Anchormen after the departure of Randy Byrd. Lane’s dynamic and rich bass voice has made him a fan favorite over the years. Lead singer Phillip Hughes, whose previous tenure with the group lasted four years, rejoined last year after singing tenor for the Harvesters Quartet. Hughes is well known for his powerful voice and ability to communicate a lyric with great emotion. Tenor Chris Jenkins joined the group this year (2016) following a stint with the legendary Kingsmen Quartet. His incredible tenor voice and story telling ability make him a vital part of this group.
The Anchormen are also known for the incredible and well written songs many of which have made the Top 40 on the Singing News Charts. Terry Carter prides himself on producing top quality recordings as evidenced by the vast catalog of Anchormen records. Their latest CD only continues this tradition of quality songs and production. Strength Renewed, which was released this month, features a variety of old and new songs including "Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me," "Hand On The Plow," "Run On," and "The Hand Of The Lord." Each member shines on this recording. Will Lane's smooth bass voice is featured on the tender ballad "Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me," as well as the upbeat "Run On." Chris Jenkins nails his lead on the powerful ballad "I Heard About A Man." Lead Philip Hughes shines on the assuring ballad "Wherever I Am." Terry Carter's baritone is featured throughout. This record showcases the passion and talent that audiences have come to expect from the group. The Anchormen have experienced great success yet have remained humble giving all the praise and glory to God. The group has been consistently on the Singing News Top 40 charts.
Now in their thirty-sixth year of full time Southern Gospel Music, Terry Carter and the Anchormen have been blessed with longevity in the ministry and with this long history come many great stories. Carter says, “Some highlights for me would be singing at the NQC for the first time in 1982 in Nashville and singing for the first time on national TV on Camp Meeting USA in 1987. But still today the greatest highlight is a soul coming to accept Christ as their Savior.” It is moments like these that make it meaningful for the Anchormen.
The year 2016 brings even more good things for this stellar quartet. The quartet performed for the first at the Memphis Quartet Show earlier this year something the group had highly anticipated.In terms of concerts, group manager Tim Bullins states, “Fans can expect high-energy singing and transparent testimonies along with songs ranging from old classics to today's favorites when attending an Anchormen concert.” Carter adds to this saying, “Our ultimate goal is to do our best for Christ our Savior and that through our efforts many will come to know Christ as their personal Savior.” The Anchormen have held steadfast to this goal and have been truly blessed in their career. Through all the changes, Christ remains their anchor!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ANCHORMEN, VISIT https://theanchormen.bombplates.com/