Music has always been a major part of American culture. From the early days on the battlefields to the parlors in the 1920s, mountain hollers to today’s auditoriums, music has been woven into the very fabric of this nation. In 1776, our nation became free. That freedom has expressed itself down through the years in many forms and in the early 1900’s, came along a style of music that is known today as Gospel Music. As we commemorate 250 years of America, the story turns to the mountain hollers of North Carolina where a quartet called The Inspirations has been a staple of this beloved genre of music since 1964. With their unique Smoky Mountain style and conservative image, this anointed group has been blessed with a storied career and patriotic spirit. Many talented vocalists and musicians have filled the ranks of this legendary quartet over the years. Archie Watkins, Mike Holcomb, Troy Burns, Eddie Dietz, Martin Cook, Marlin Shubert, Melton Campbell, Matt Dibler and many more have been a part of the great legacy of this group. Today this cherished tradition is carried on by tenor singer Isaac Moore, lead singer Roland Kesterson, baritone and pianist Luke Vaught, and bass singer Wyatt Austin. Together these young men of God are dedicated to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in song.
This lineup preserves that classic Inspirations sound and their love for Jesus is evident in each song they sing. Their upcoming album Songs For Our American Culture showcases this beautifully. This exciting collection of songs reminds us of the importance of Gospel music in the formation of our nation’s culture. “The inspiration behind the title is that we wanted to pay tribute to America for the 250th Anniversary,” Austin explains, “so we decided to pick songs that would fit our favorite style of gospel music that we grew up with… OUR American culture.”
For the current lineup, much of that culture comes from the 50+ albums The Inspirations have recorded in the past. Luke Vaught explains, “We went back and found nine old Inspirations songs that we love, and most of them are not as well known. One night on the bus, Roland went flipping through an Inspirations songbook and picked out “One More Valley”, “Resting in the arms of a never failing God,” and “Surely Goodness and Mercy.” We all knew and loved those songs, and are excited to bring them back. When we found out our good friend JB Spencer of the Spencer family passed away last year, we started working up a version of a song he wrote, “Then We’ll Be Glad”. The Spencers were well known for this song, and The Inspirations actually recorded it in the late 1980s, but never sang it much. I sing the verses kinda like JB did, then Wyatt does a bass line similar to how Mike Holcomb did on The Inspirations older recording of it, then Isaac added his own tenor step out line on the end. I think the folks will enjoy our new arrangement of this great song, in memory of our friend.”
Of course, we can’t talk about American culture and Gospel Music without mentioning the Red Back Hymnal and it just so happens that The Inspirations recorded a song from the Red Back on this album as well. “In the Shadow of the Cross” is a beautiful song from the Red Back Hymnal.” Vaught continues, “It doesn’t get sung a lot, but I have always loved the words. I first heard it by Carl Story and The Rambling Mountaineers, and I used to sing it with a group I started in high school. This was originally going to be the title song on the album, because it asks an important question, “Are you living in the shadow of the cross?” It gets you to think about what the cross means to you, and how you are living your life knowing that Jesus died for you! I hope it is as much of a blessing to you as it is to us.”
This album also features a special collaboration with another legendary group: The Oak Ridge Boys. While experiencing great success as a country group for over fifty years, The Oak Ridge Boys spent the first three decades of their career as a Southern Gospel quartet. These two quartets join together on a song that has been popular for both artists: “Jesus Is Coming Soon.” Vaught shares a little bit of the history behind this popular song, “Jesus is Coming Soon” has been a part of The Inspirations history for many years. The original lineup learned the song from some of Martin Cooks distance cousins, the Sheltons from South Carolina. The Inspirations version was the first recorded version that was released, and then the group introduced it on the Gospel Singing Jubilee, bringing The Inspirations name and message to a huge audience. Around the time that this was surging in popularity, the Oak Ridge Boys, an already well established major gospel group, recorded a version and brought the song to an even larger audience. Regardless of who was singing, the message was “JESUS IS COMING SOON!” We believe that song is still just as true as we are closer to His coming now than ever before. Roland is friends with the Oak Ridge Boys manager, and that friendship led to us getting to record that song with the group. They were doing guest vocals on several other groups projects, and invited us to do one with them. “Jesus is Coming Soon” was a perfect choice to do with both groups, because of the history both groups had with it.”
In addition to the honor of recording with The Oak Ridge Boys, The Inspirations recently had the honor of performing the song live with them at the Grand Ole Opry. “I didn’t get to see The Oak Ridge Boys in the studio, but the other three got to,” Austin recalls. “We did our part for our album at our recording studio; however, at the Opry, The Oak Ridge Boys were as good as gold to us! They took us in and showed us the ropes, and were incredibly supportive of us.” Vaught says, “It was very kind of them to invite us to come on during their time there and sing two songs with them. They were so friendly and welcoming to let us do that, and we were excited to be able to sing Gospel Music to a crowd that might not have expected to hear that at a well known country music venue and show. And I am thrilled that Jesus is Coming soon is the message they heard!” Roland Kesterson adds: “Two hundred and fifty years ago this country began with ministers such as George Whitefield thundering the message from pulpits in the colonies: ‘Jesus Is Coming Soon.’ And now today, that title embodies the message and mission of The Inspirations. How fitting that this song — first recorded in 1967 by both The Inspirations and The Oak Ridge Boys — now, so many years closer to His coming, has served to bring us all together, proclaiming the same message louder and stronger than ever before.”
Sharing this message of Hope, Salvation, and Freedom is still the mission of the Inspirations. The group travels all over the country ministering to all. Many memories and stories are made while traveling in Gospel music. “I don’t think there’s a single most favorite story from the road because there’s so many,” Austin explains, “but one of the most memorable was when this line up performed in Lebanon, Missouri. That’s when God really started blessing us as a group, and where the crowd really accepted us for the first time.” The people have truly supported this group over the years leading to many memorable encounters. “There are too many to pick just one,” Austin exclaims, “but I’d have to say every time we have the privilege of leading someone to Christ.” Vaught recalls one of those times recently, “A few months ago, Roland had to miss a weekend because of sickness (he is doing fine now!). I was so stressed out about having to do the weekend for the first time without someone I have stood on stage with for years. We were out of our comfort zone, having a fill in singer, and having to do things out of the norm. I remember getting towards the end of the last night singing and thinking, I guess we have survived. About the time I was thinking that, Wyatt gave the invitation and all the sudden, a man came forward and prayed. Turns out he had been a Gospel Music radio DJ, and played gospel music for years. He heard the songs. Knew all the words, but never trusted the Lord. But thankfully, the Lord saved him that night, and it changed all that for him! We immediately started singing “Shouting Time in Heaven” to celebrate, and he even told us that had always been his favorite song! But now, he really knows what it means!”
Leading people to Christ is the ultimate goal of this legendary group. It is evident that these young men are dedicated to not only preserving the heritage and legacy of this music, but more importantly pointing people to Christ. “Well it’s like most things in general, if somebody’s not doing it, it’ll fade away,” Austin notes ,“and this music has been such a blessing to thousands upon thousands of people so much, that we hate to see it fade away. The legacy of The Inspirations has been—and always will be—pointing people to Christ and we fully intend on doing that for years to come!”
Speaking of the future, The Inspirations have several upcoming events that are sure to be a delight to those who attend. “Of course, each year, we have the Singing in the Smokies that is every July Fourth weekend that is kind of like our homecoming, but in October, it’ll be my first time hosting a revival,” Austin explains, “and it’s on Halloween weekend, but I’m calling it “Hallelujah Weekend,” where it will be us singing every day, and a few other groups and I’ll preach every evening and we’re hoping to see many people come to Christ.”
The Inspirations have been truly blessed by God and have become part of our American culture. We are encouraged by their faithfulness in ministry and love for songs that remind the church of the most important things in life…salvation through Jesus Christ and His soon return.
