The Kingsmen were known as “The Ton of Fun” back in the day…and they highlight that fact with this 1974 release! Living in the shadow of “Big & Live”, this is a forgotten gem by the guys. Check it out…
James Hales
James is a lifelong fan of Southern Gospel Music. Being exposed to the music through his dad's record collection as a 7 or 8 year old boy in the late 70's, James grew to love the music of the Happy Goodmans, Kingsmen, Inspirations, Rambos, Florida Boys and others. James has been a staff writer for Absolutely Gospel since 2000 writing music reviews and various articles, and he has contributed to Musicscribe and SGHistory.com for several years as well. James also writes for his own music page on Facebook as well, via James' Music Page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063484056683).
The Kingsmen – “Big & Live” (1973)
This album was every bit BIG and every bit LIVE! It has been heralded as one of the greatest albums of our genre! Read all about it…the Kingsmen…BIG and LIVE!!!
The Kingsmen – May Day / Turn Your Radio On / It’s Time to Ring the Bell / Johnny Parrack Out Front / Sing A Lot of Gospel / What the Folks Want to Hear / Just Plain Singin’ / Rev Everett Beverly & Sister Anna Laura (1972/1973)
At last…we are finally talking about a male quartet! Settle in and get ready as we talk about one of the greatest quartet’s in our genre…the Kingsmen!!!
The Paynes – “30th Anniversary Reunion” (2001)
For our final article on the Paynes, we’ll talk about this phenomenal live reunion recording of the group, that has all the feels of an old fashioned Pentecostal campmeeting!
The Paynes – “Storms” / “Made New” (1996/1999)
In 1996, the Paynes re-formed with Mike, Loreen and their daughter Sandra. They released 2 studio recordings over a 3 year period. They were very different from the original version of the group, but had a big sound. Check it out…
Mike Payne – “I’m Still Singin'” / “Workin'” (1992/1994)
After the Paynes retired in late 1990, Mike continued as a soloist for a few years. In this article, we’ll talk about his 2 solo recordings he released in 1992 and 1994.
The Paynes – “God Wants You” (1989)
This would be the last recording by the Paynes before disbanding in 1990. It was a very rustic sounding recording highlighting some great songs, music and vocals.
The Paynes – “This is War!” (1988)
The Paynes did not release a mainline album in 1987, and over the course of this 2 year period, they signed with Riversong and released this new album in 1988. Read all about it…
The Paynes – “Rapture” (1986)
“Rapture” was one of the most innovative albums in our genre. This album truly showcased the Paynes as outstanding musical creators and one of my all-time favorite albums produced by Vic Clay! Check it out!!!