“The Legacy Lives On” The LeFevre Quartet By Angela Griffin

The LeFevre name has been synonymous with gospel music since the 1920’s. The heritage behind the name “LeFevre” is one of quality, commitment and professionalism. The LeFevre Quartet carries the legacy into the third generation, as Jordan LeFevre becomes the lead vocalist for the quartet.

In 2006, after just one year of formation, gospel music fans voted the LeFevre Quartet “Horizon Group of The Year.” In 2007 the group clinched the SGN Award for “Breakout Artist of The Year” and in 2009 their hit single “Big Mighty God” was nominated for a Dove Award. This beloved group doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. In fact, they are full throttle ahead with a very demanding schedule for 2012.

In the 1960’s the television show “The Gospel Caravan” made the LeFevres a household name to gospel music fans across the country. The show’s success led them to form The Gospel Caravan concert tour with The LeFevres, The Johnson Sisters, The Blue Ridge Quartet and The Prophets. A few years ago Mike had a brainstorm and thought it would be neat to bring back the concert series with some of the oldest names in gospel music, which were still in some capacity carrying on the group or family tradition. Two names stood out… The Blackwood Brothers and The Chuck Wagon Gang. Mike spoke with Jimmy Blackwood and also contacted the Chuck Wagon Gang and plans were set in motion. Daywind Records agreed to produce a CD and it turned out to be an incredible project! On the tour they bring to the stage the old mics and incorporate multi-media of the original LeFevres, Blackwood Brothers and  The Chuck Wagon Gang  into their program. In fact they show a clip where Eva Mae LeFevre speaks to the audience. It is an awesome experience for fans to take a trip down memory lane and to see future generations carrying on their legacy.    

Mike LeFevre who proudly carries on the LeFevre legacy, is a three-time award winner of “Favorite Baritone Singer” voted by the fans of the Singing News. Mike had a 7-year tenure with Gold City… one of Gospel Music’s most award-winning groups before forming The LeFevre Quartet. Mike also traveled with award-winning artists like Brian Free & Assurance and the Singing Americans.

Mike will embark on a new adventure in 2012. “Sound Stage with Mike and Brian” is a new TV program that will air in early spring on the Daystar Network. Mike along with Brian Free received calls from their longtime friends, Danny and Dee Kramer, formerly of the gospel group The Encouragers. Gospel music fans may also remember them for their writing capabilities as well. Dee wrote a song entitled “He’s In The Midst Of The Storm” made popular by The Bishops.  Danny and Dee are no strangers to producing a successful TV show. In fact, they had an idea for a program that later became “Great American Gospel” hosted by Ed O’Neal. It proved to be a very successful show. When a new program idea came to the forefront, the Kramers knew that Mike and Brian would make great hosts. Danny pitched the idea to them and they both loved their ideas. The four decided to meet at a restaurant in South Georgia to work out the details. Mike and Brian recently taped their segment of the program. Be watching for the shows debut in early spring.

Jordan LeFevre, Nominee for “Favorite Young Artist” by the Singing News Fan Awards, started out playing drums at a very early age for the quartet.  In fact, at that time, Jordan was one of the youngest drummers in the industry and later became the sound engineer for the quartet. 2011 proved to be a monumental year for Jordan, as he moved into the lead vocalist potion, standing beside his legendary dad, Mike; and carrying on the LeFevre legacy.

In Jordan’s words: “Growing up as a child whose father was a part of Southern Gospel Music, I was naturally attracted to it. I grew up singing and striving to be like my dad. I would listen to old Gold City and Brian Free and Assurance records. It was in my blood since day one! In fact, dad bought me a play microphone and I would dress up in a suit, stand beside my radio and sing with my dad’s recordings. As I grew older my love for gospel music did as well. I always dreamed that one day I would get the opportunity to stand beside my father and sing. However, if you had told me two years ago I would actually be standing beside him singing, I wouldn’t have believed you. When my dad first approached me about the lead position I said ‘You’re crazy- I can’t sing lead.’ It took some convincing from dad. Naturally growing up singing baritone you don’t consider yourself a lead singer. God begin to move in my spirit and said ‘You can do this’. I did take the position and it is literally a dream come true for me to be able to stand beside my best friend in the whole world, my dad. To get to serve the Lord in this capacity is just unbelievable to me at such a young age. I am just blessed and honored to get to sing with these fine guys! I’m just glad it all worked out.”

Mike recalls lying in his bunk when Jordan called him on his cell phone. Jordan was driving the bus at the time, so he asked Mike to walk up front. Mike shares: “It was a very proud moment for me when Jordon said ‘I would like to try the lead position.’ I actually had goose bumps! I knew the Lord had a plan and was working in this ministry.”

Harold Reed is the newest member of the LeFevre Quartet and is a veteran in the gospel music industry. In fact, Harold has a reputation of being one of the best tenors in gospel music today. Harold held the tenor position for The Kingsmen Quartet before joining the LeFevre Quartet. He also traveled with the Dixie Melody Boys for ten and half years and with the Florida Boys until they retired.

Brandon Barry is the bass vocalist for the quartet. He is no stranger to the gospel music industry. He was voted Bass Vocalist in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and nominated as Favorite Young Artist in 2009 by the fans of Southern Gospel Music through the Tennessee Association of Gospel Music. Brandon captivates audiences across the country with his rich smooth tones. Everybody that meets Brandon just falls in love with him.

The LeFevre Quartet just signed with Mansion Entertainment and is currently working on a new project. The material has been selected and Jason Clark of “The Nelons” will be producing. Jason is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer. The group will start tracking in about three to four weeks. The new CD should be available by late March, early April.

Change is inevitable but it’s what you make of the changes that count. As far as this quartet, Mike got it right! Taking his time to find an exceptional bass singer, Brandon Barry, moving Jordan into the lead position, and extending the tenor position to the phenomenal Harold Reed will make for one of the finest quartets in gospel music today.

Read more about The LeFevre Quartet and also order music and check out tour information on their website at: http://thelefevrequartet.com/.

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