The Kingsmen / Decades: Volume 3 & 4

Ranging across the decades of their storied career, Decades Vol. 3 & 4 not only presents a bountiful selection of high points in the quartet’s extensive catalog, but brings the story into the present moment with the current lineup’s reworking of three treasured entries. “We’ve already been re-recording several Kingsmen classics in anticipation of our 70th anniversary with our current team of Thomas Nalley, Cole Watson, Brady Jones, and myself,” reveals Kendall. “Three of those re-cut classics — ‘Saints Will Rise,’ ‘So High,’ and ‘The Judgement’ — we decided to include on this set. We wanted to update these timeless songs in such a manner that they would be refreshing all over again in 2024, and I feel like we accomplished that.”

When Kendall calls those songs “timeless” — and the word applies to the entire set — it’s no exaggeration. As he notes, The Kingsmen are heading toward their 70th anniversary, which makes them not only a musical ministry of unparalleled longevity, but a virtual “school of Southern Gospel,” as generations of singers passed through the ranks. Decades Vol. 3 & 4 drives the point home, as it features some two dozen Kingsmen alumni, including such beloved names as original members Reece McKinney and Raymond McKinney, Eldridge Fox, Big Jim Hamill, Squire Parsons, Ed Crawford, Ernie Phillips and Johnny Parrack. Longtime fans will enjoy having their memories stirred by old favorites, while the collection serves as an indispensable introduction for newcomers — and for old and new fans alike, it includes some rarities that are sure to delight and inspire with abundant talent and unshakable faith.

“There are 39 songs in all on this set, including hits, rarities, and personal favorites selected by members of the Kingsmen,” says Kendall. “Once again, we found some more unique pieces of Kingsmen history that have never been digitally released until now. We found a studio-recorded version of 'The Cross Has Won Again' from 1992 that was only released to radio stations, but never to the public. Two songs from the very first albums by the Kingsmen in 1960 and 1961 are available digitally for the first time. We have included a SCALDING instrumental by Brandon Reese, Nick Succi, and Grant Barker from 2007 of ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,’ which previously was only available for a limited time on a custom live album. And perhaps the rarest of all of them is a transcription from an appearance on the popular Bob Poole’s Gospel Favorites in 1965, complete with dialogue between host Bob Poole and longtime Kingsmen pianist Ray Talley.”

“If you love the Kingsmen and love the heritage of southern gospel music,” he concludes with humble assurance, “you will LOVE this compilation!”