The Marksmen – “This Is My Crowd”
Throughout my career in music, one of my favorite acts to hear, watch on stage and to know has been the Marksmen Quartet of Murrayville, Ga. I was part of the group for several years in the 1980s and continue to aid them with promoting their weekly tours in venues around the country. That experience continues to emphasis to me the popularity of this two-time Dove Award nominee now marking 45 years of history, has not waned.
Their last two CDs – “God’s Masterpiece” and “Blue Ridge Mountain Memories,” garnered Dove nominations and their latest – “This Is My Crowd” is sure to as well.
The Rural Rhythm CD, is a diverse collection of songs designed to reach as many people with the gospel message through a mix of Bluegrass gospel, country inspirational, old-time Southern gospel, a touch of convention singing and even some blues, according to band member, Mark Wheeler.
“ ‘This Is My Crowd’ contains some of the best songs we have ever recorded,” he said.
Founder and leader Earle Wheeler and his son Mark Wheeler produced the project that was mastered by Steve Gulley.
“We are honored to know that folks draw a blessing out of the talents God gave us to share,” Earle said. “It is a tremendous adventure each time we enter the studio to create new music. It is the creative aspect of what God guides us to do that helps to energize the performances both in the studio and on stage. Each week we share God’s message in song and word wherever He allows us to go and that is what it is all about.”
Les Butler, Bryan McDowell and Jon Edmisten are among the special guests who assisted the Marksmen Quartet in creating 14 songs that will delight their fans and surely make many new ones.
Mark and I have been friends since our youth. And though largely unheralded by the industry for his ability to craft a song, he is one of the finest songwriters tapped by countless artists through the years. But like any good writer, he shares some of his best songs with his own group. That is evident as one listens to their selections on this project.
Their latest radio singles are “Don’t Take Your Life (Take Mine)” and “Stack Them Stones.”
“In their decades of recording, I must say this new release tops them all….Amazing,” said Les Butler, Front Porch Fellowship syndicated radio show host, and Singing News Magazine executive.
Among the other titles are “This Is My Crowd,” “Matthew 24,” “Rock Of Ages,” “John Was A Baptist,” “I Was There When It Happened,” “Last Saturday Night,” “The Original Superman,” “The Upper Room,” “Saints And Pilgrims,” “The Veil,” “The Mule Song,” and “Reuben.”
The four-time Country Gospel Quartet of the Year winners from the Country Gospel Music Guild.
After and more than 40 albums, winning four times as Gospel Bluegrass Band of the Year from SPBGMA, the group continues its legendary musical legacy with Earle, Mark Wheeler, Darrin Chambers, Davey Waller and Mark Autry.
The Marksmen Quartet is an inductee of the Lone Star State Country Music Association Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.
I encourage you to visit their website – www.marksmenquartet.com. and learn more about them.
