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When you think of Gospel Music, LeFevre is a name that has always been at the top of our field. In 1921, the original LeFevre Trio began traveling and singing across the country and quickly set the standard for quality and professionalism in what would become known as Southern Gospel Music.
For decades, the LeFevres blazed new trails in Gospel Music turning out songs and singers that would become legendary. Their award winning music allowed them to sing for Presidents and Dignitaries of the world. In the late 1970's, some thought the LeFevre name would be retired when the trio retired, but in the 1980's and 90's, Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart became one of the top acts in Contemporary Christian Music. Once again, the LeFevre name continued to break new ground in Christian Music.
Today as we enter a new millennium, the LeFevre name is stronger than ever. The LeFevre Quartet burst onto the scene and shows no sign of slowing down. Within just one year of formation, Gospel Music fans voted them their 2006 Horizon Group of The Year. In 2007, the group was voted "Breakout Artist of The Year" in the SGN Awards and in 2009, their song, "Big Mighty God" was nominated for a Dove Award.
But it takes more than just a legendary name to gain the recognition that this group has attracted, and when you see the pedigree of each member, you quickly see a winning combination.
Few family names in Christian music evoke immediate thoughts of music like the name Crabb. There have been the Winans that certainly blessed us with amazing talent, the Goodmans with their distinct sound, or maybe the Blackwoods as the "original" quartet that toured, hugged babies, and sold records from the back of a station wagon. However, you would have to look long and hard to find a family in modern history that impacted the Christian music world like the Crabb Family.
This family came on the scene back in the mid 90's with enough energy to plow through most obstacles. They blessed us with smiles, music, love, an amazing work ethic, and they were eager to share their lives with those of us that watched and loved them back. It was an overnight success story by most comparisons, with nearly 20 #1 songs, 11 Dove awards and multiple Grammy nods, in less than ten years. They toured from the Grand Ole Opry, to Africa, and many, many places in between! This large family extended to include many singers, writers, and musicians. By 2002, all of the siblings were married, and the need for more buses and strollers was paramount! The family grew so quickly that it became unreasonable to stay intact as one touring entity. So in 2007, the "Crabb siblings" decided to step into the destiny that God had prepared for them individually!
As with every beautiful story, there is always a last chapter, and an ending. But, this ending spawned multiple exciting beginnings! Stay tuned.....these kids are not finished. They are just getting started!!
Where are they now? Adam Crabb ~ Soloist, Musician Jason Crabb ~ Soloist, Musician Aaron Crabb ~ Worship Leader (Cornerstone Church) San Antonio, Texas Terah Penhollow ~ Vocalist (Bowling Family) Kelly Bowling ~ Vocalist (Bowling Family)
Adam has been referred to as the "face of youth" in the Southern Gospel world, often bridging the gap between grandparents, parents and children. Adam's three years as the leader of the fan favorite "Crabb Revival" gave him the front man experience that is now his comfort zone. His youthful approach to traditional lyrics, and his willingness to minister in word or song makes an evening with Adam truly a one man revival! This young man has traveled well over a million miles, sung on more than a million records (sold) and has seen much of the world as a very young man. When God handed out gifts and attractiveness, he sure didn't leave him out. However, if you met him on the street, his unassuming spirit and kind nature would surprise you as it does most. Adam is what we commonly refer to as a "gentle spirit" or "gentleman." He has never met a person he didn't love, and he has never seen a problem that was bigger than God.
Brian Free is undeniably the most recognizable southern gospel tenor of our generation. Since 1982, he has been at the forefront of southern gospel music since first joining Gold City Quartet, then moving on to form his own group.
While Brian and the group have enjoyed tremendous success in their musical careers, their first priority has and always will be their families. Brian, his wife Pam, and his youngest son Bryce currently reside in Winston, Georgia, while his oldest son Ricky and wife Kelly reside in Franklin, Tennessee. Ricky traveled with the group playing drums for nine years, but he is now a full-time studio musician, producer, and writer. Bill Shivers (Lead), along with his wife Michelle and daughters Brittany & Sara-Elizabeth, currently reside in Temple, Georgia. Derrick Selph (Baritone) currently resides in Villa Rica, Georgia with his wife Jennifer and their daughter Lydia. Jeremy Lile (Bass) currently resides in Maryville, Tennessee, along with his wife Nikki and their son Logan.
Southern Gospel music has always been Brian’s first love, and fans have responded to his music by honoring him and the group with awards such as Favorite Male Singer, Favorite Tenor (record of eight times), Favorite Young Artist (twice), Favorite Horizon Group, Favorite Album (4 God So Loved), and most recently, they received a Dove Awards for Southern Gospel Recorded Song, “Long As I Got King Jesus.” Those accolades show the great response to BFA’s music, how God has used them, and how he will continue to use them. While the guys all come from different backgrounds, they all agree on one thing, and that is to use their God-given abilities to take the message of Jesus Christ to everyone they can.
Brian Free and Assurance has achived many honors in southern gospel music, including appearances on Prime Time Country (TNN), Hee Haw (CBS), The "Today Show" (NBC), 27 of the "Gaither Video" series, as well as Brian hosting the hit show "FOUR" on GMC.
