Longtime fans of the Southern Gospel genre may remember a quartet called The Rebels. Active in the 50s and 60s, this quartet saw several of the more well-known names of this music’s history, including Ron Booth, Sr., Jim Hamill, London Parris, and Nick Bruno. They are the quartet that is featured on one of my favorite “vintage SG” clips on Youtube:

Former Statesmen/Palmetto State Quartet baritone Rick Fair even started his career with the group. Now, he’s helping to bring the name back. The lineup for the “revived Rebels” is tenor Mike Young, lead Alan Kendall, baritone David Fair, bass Rick Fair, and pianist Barry Patrick.

If this group has a sound that’s familiar to you, the reason may be that everyone except the lead singer was most recently heard together in the Southern Sound Quartet with Ben Harris. With the addition of Alan Kendall, who has a very “classic Southern Gospel lead” quality to his voice, this group has the potential to go far with their music. I appreciate the fact that a former vocalist for the group has brought back the Rebels name with the blessing of former members and a quality lineup that will match what fans of the original quartet might expect.

The group is traveling on a limited schedule, but I hope to catch them in my area some time soon, if not at NQC. You can find out more about them at their website.

Via an email sent out this morning, as well as a post on Southern Gospel Blog, Liberty Quartet is looking for a lead singer. I won’t recount it all here, but rather encourage you to go to Daniel Mount’s site and watch the video interview that was posted. As a commenter there stated, the bar has been raised on how to handle a lineup change. Rather than put out a written press release about the change (although that can certainly get the job done well and in a classy way, see any posts on here pertaining to a change in Southern Sound Quartet), the group leader and another member go on camera and break the news. This particular case is a great example; it is clear, it is classy, and it leaves no doubt as to whether or not the member leaves on good terms. Dan Gilbert certainly does, and the video alone is evidence of that.

While many in the “main” realm of Southern Gospel music have probably not heard Dan sing since Liberty Quartet is based out of Idaho, I can say from experience that he is one of the most underrated vocalists in the genre. He certainly will be missed, best wishes to him, and I have no doubt that Liberty Quartet will not miss a step with their next hire.

From this press release at AbsolutelyGospel.com:

Rick Fair New Bass For Southern Sound Quartet

We wish to announce that Rick Fair has accepted the position of bass singer with Southern Sound Quartet. Rick brings a long and rich history with great quartet groups including Palmetto State and Hovie Lister and The Statesmen Quartet. We went through an exhaustive search for the right man, both in fine bass voice and Christian character, and Rick is the perfect fit.

Rick replaces Alan Brewster who is leaving the group to have more time to devote to his business in Ringgold, GA. Alan has made many friends during his tenure with Southern Sound, and many in the industry have come to recognize him as one of the finest bass singers ever to grace a stage. Alan and his lovely wife Pam will be missed more than words can say. They brought a touch of grace and character to Southern Sound, and are lasting members of our extended family. Although Alan will not be part of our touring ensemble, he will in fact, always be a member of Southern Sound and very much loved by all of us. Alan, we wish you and Pam only the best, as you have given your best, not only to us, but to your Heavenly Father. These two kind and generous people are the real thing. They both love the Lord and prove it everyday in their walk with Him. Be well my friends and go with God!

And now a new chapter begins with Rick Fair as the anchor of our group. Rick’s calm laid-back style is a perfect fit for our group. His voice is huge and powerful, and we look forward to the months and years ahead. This decision did not come lightly, but only after many hours of praying and asking God for His will. We had many great candidates contact us with interest in becoming our new bass singer, and we are honored by your interest in Southern Sound. In the end, Rick was both the voice and the man we felt fit us the best. Help us welcome Rick Fair to Southern Sound Quartet. And, be sure to come hear Rick on his first engagement with Southern Sound at Grand Ole Gospel Reunion in Greenville, SC in mid August.

Once again, Southern Sound impresses me twofold; they made a great hire in Fair, whose smooth bass voice I’ve missed hearing, and they also handle group changes better than most other groups out there. The press release is written well; they mention the reasons for the change, they commend the departing member on their contributions during their tenure with the group, and make it clear there are no hard feelings. However, they also devote equal attention to welcoming the new member.

I am looking forward to hearing the new vocal lineup of Southern Sound Quartet.