You may not automatically know their names, but if you've seen a Gaither Homecoming video, attended a Billy Graham Crusade, listened to Disney's The Lion King Soundtrack or seen the Grand Ole Opry on television, you've heard the voices of Reggie and Ladye Love Smith.  While their singing talents open many doors for the couple, it is their ability to relate to the personal needs of the people in the seats that earn them a standing invitation at most places where they minister. As a couple and as individuals, the Smith's offer audiences much more than just mere entertainment. Ladye holds a Master's Degree in Counseling and is frequently involved in women's retreats and conferences. Reggie, in addition to producing various album projects, lends his music education background to conducting retreats and praise & worship conferences. It is when they take the stage together, however, appreciating each other's strengths and weaknesses, and loving, laughing, and sharing the special bond created by their long friendship and fourteen-year marriage, that the Smith's truly connect with people around the globe.

You may not automatically know their names, but if you've seen a Gaither Homecoming video, attended a Billy Graham Crusade, listened to Disney's The Lion King Soundtrack or seen the Grand Ole Opry on television, you've heard the voices of Reggie and Ladye Love Smith.  While their singing talents open many doors for the couple, it is their ability to relate to the personal needs of the people in the seats that earn them a standing invitation at most places where they minister. As a couple and as individuals, the Smith's offer audiences much more than just mere entertainment. Ladye holds a Master's Degree in Counseling and is frequently involved in women's retreats and conferences. Reggie, in addition to producing various album projects, lends his music education background to conducting retreats and praise & worship conferences. It is when they take the stage together, however, appreciating each other's strengths and weaknesses, and loving, laughing, and sharing the special bond created by their long friendship and fourteen-year marriage, that the Smith's truly connect with people around the globe.

This talented musical family has enjoyed many popular hit releases during three decades of tremendous success.  Their first Number One release came in 1990 with the song entitled Here I Am. Since that time, five Hopper releases have peaked at number one, including, Jerusalem. In addition to radio success, the Hoppers have enjoyed other national recognition. In 1981, The Hoppers represented Southern Gospel Music at the Religious Inaugural Celebration for President Ronald Reagan. In 1998, they performed a song for Bill Gaither’s video entitled Shouting Time.  Since then, they have often appeared on the Gaither Homecoming tour and in several Gaither Homecoming videos.

This talented musical family has enjoyed many popular hit releases during three decades of tremendous success.  Their first Number One release came in 1990 with the song entitled Here I Am. Since that time, five Hopper releases have peaked at number one, including, Jerusalem. In addition to radio success, the Hoppers have enjoyed other national recognition. In 1981, The Hoppers represented Southern Gospel Music at the Religious Inaugural Celebration for President Ronald Reagan. In 1998, they performed a song for Bill Gaither’s video entitled Shouting Time.  Since then, they have often appeared on the Gaither Homecoming tour and in several Gaither Homecoming videos.

The Martins' vocal and musical talents speak for themselves. Their impact on the Christian music industry has been widely unique and accepted, yet the industry has been unable to appropriately identify their style. Rather than resting in a single niche among the numerous Christian music genres, The Martins have rummaged freely through a stack of style books, grabbing whatever interests them. Sometimes the different elements are unaltered and traditional, but more often they are tossed into the trio's musical blender so that a new -- and exceedingly tasty -- mixture emerges. The result has been labeled simply as Martin Music .

While each of the vocalists grew up firmly and proudly planted in the Southern Gospel tradition, it is not surprising that as they have matured, a broad range of influences have entered their musical mix. Billboard Magazine describes The Martins as, breaking down walls and blurring the lines that separate Southern Gospel from Inspiration, Adult Contemporary, and other popular Christian music formats. The trio is now touring in support of their latest Spring Hill Music release, Decade. This project showcases the trademark harmonies that The Martins have become known for and offers a satisfying taste for every musical palate, ranging from innovative and refashioned hymn arrangements to contemporary songs of praise & worship. There is a lot of variety in our repertoire now, says Joyce. But it's still very recognizably us.

After many years of music ministry, and traveling down some of life's toughest paths, The Martins have garnered six Dove awards and a Grammy nomination to become one of Christian music's most critically acclaimed and best-selling vocal groups. These artists have showcased their stunning and distinctive harmonies before a vast array of audiences, ranging from Bill Gaither s award-winning Homecoming Video and Concert Series to the White House for a televised concert with President and First Lady Bush, called Celebrating America's Musical Heritage. But, perhaps one of their biggest accomplishments is the fact that regardless of their environment, whether performing at historic venues like Carnegie Hall in New York or sharing the platform at crusades with a hero like Billy Graham, The Martins can be seen portraying their usual persona of being identifiable and approachable in a word, real. Regardless of their circumstances, they haven not forgotten from where they have come, and are still trusting God to take them where He wants them to go.

The Martins' vocal and musical talents speak for themselves. Their impact on the Christian music industry has been widely unique and accepted, yet the industry has been unable to appropriately identify their style. Rather than resting in a single niche among the numerous Christian music genres, The Martins have rummaged freely through a stack of style books, grabbing whatever interests them. Sometimes the different elements are unaltered and traditional, but more often they are tossed into the trio's musical blender so that a new -- and exceedingly tasty -- mixture emerges. The result has been labeled simply as Martin Music .

While each of the vocalists grew up firmly and proudly planted in the Southern Gospel tradition, it is not surprising that as they have matured, a broad range of influences have entered their musical mix. Billboard Magazine describes The Martins as, breaking down walls and blurring the lines that separate Southern Gospel from Inspiration, Adult Contemporary, and other popular Christian music formats. The trio is now touring in support of their latest Spring Hill Music release, Decade. This project showcases the trademark harmonies that The Martins have become known for and offers a satisfying taste for every musical palate, ranging from innovative and refashioned hymn arrangements to contemporary songs of praise & worship. There is a lot of variety in our repertoire now, says Joyce. But it's still very recognizably us.

After many years of music ministry, and traveling down some of life's toughest paths, The Martins have garnered six Dove awards and a Grammy nomination to become one of Christian music's most critically acclaimed and best-selling vocal groups. These artists have showcased their stunning and distinctive harmonies before a vast array of audiences, ranging from Bill Gaither s award-winning Homecoming Video and Concert Series to the White House for a televised concert with President and First Lady Bush, called Celebrating America's Musical Heritage. But, perhaps one of their biggest accomplishments is the fact that regardless of their environment, whether performing at historic venues like Carnegie Hall in New York or sharing the platform at crusades with a hero like Billy Graham, The Martins can be seen portraying their usual persona of being identifiable and approachable in a word, real. Regardless of their circumstances, they haven not forgotten from where they have come, and are still trusting God to take them where He wants them to go.

Kevin Williams is an accomplished musician who is no stranger to Southern Gospel Music. His expertise as a guitar player is heavily utilized on the Homecoming video series, as well as many well-known gospel artists’  recordings. While growing up in Russell Springs, KY, Kevin began playing bluegrass and gospel music at the age of 12 for various groups in the area. Within a few years he was playing on radio jingles at a nearby studio. In 1995, he produced the last project for Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters, I Feel Like Singing. He considers that project among his career highlights. Since then, he has performed with Janet Paschal, Buddy Greene and currently can be found backing up the Gaither Vocal Band and Homecoming Friends. Bill Gaither says of Kevin, “His guitar and his spirit always add that special touch.” Kevin is the co-owner of UpFront Recording Studios and he maintains a full-time recording schedule in addition to producing several artists each year. He also has a solo project entitled Homecoming Guitar which features his distinctive guitar sound, along with guest performances by many of the Homecoming instrumentalists including Anthony Burger, Roger Bennett and Buddy Greene. Kevin and his wife, Kathy, reside in Franklin, TN, just outside Nashville. They have two beautiful daughters, Carolina and Olivia Rose.

Kevin Williams is an accomplished musician who is no stranger to Southern Gospel Music. His expertise as a guitar player is heavily utilized on the Homecoming video series, as well as many well-known gospel artists’  recordings. While growing up in Russell Springs, KY, Kevin began playing bluegrass and gospel music at the age of 12 for various groups in the area. Within a few years he was playing on radio jingles at a nearby studio. In 1995, he produced the last project for Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters, I Feel Like Singing. He considers that project among his career highlights. Since then, he has performed with Janet Paschal, Buddy Greene and currently can be found backing up the Gaither Vocal Band and Homecoming Friends. Bill Gaither says of Kevin, “His guitar and his spirit always add that special touch.” Kevin is the co-owner of UpFront Recording Studios and he maintains a full-time recording schedule in addition to producing several artists each year. He also has a solo project entitled Homecoming Guitar which features his distinctive guitar sound, along with guest performances by many of the Homecoming instrumentalists including Anthony Burger, Roger Bennett and Buddy Greene. Kevin and his wife, Kathy, reside in Franklin, TN, just outside Nashville. They have two beautiful daughters, Carolina and Olivia Rose.

Gene McDonald has already accumulated impressive credentials in the Southern Gospel Industry.  He sang with the Plainsmen for two years after having sang with Jack Campbell and the Ambassadors.  You may remember Jack Campbell as the writer of a number of Gospel Classics such as "I Know A Man Who Can" and "Jesus Use Me."

Gene cut his teeth on Gospel singing. He started singing at the age of three.  He said that his parents took him to singing schools and taught him how to read music and harmonize.  Gene says that if not for his parents, he would probably be doing something besides singing today.

Gene attended college at ASU in Jonesboro, AR where he received his Music Education degree and developed his deep, rich bass voice.  In 1989, Gene attended the Ben Speer School of Music.  Ben took a special interest in Gene and took him under his wing when he moved to Nashville.  Gene even lived in Ben's studio for his first six months there.  In 1990, Gene started singing for the Plainsmen Quartet as their lead/baritone.  Then in 1994, Gene had a dream opportunity when Ben invited him to sing on a Bill Gaither session.  Not long after that, Mr. Gaither gave him the privilege to be on the Homecoming video series.  Rex Nelon got to hear and know Gene through the taping sessions they did together for Gaither.  Rex was another person who took a special interest in Gene's career. He asked Gene to sing on the Grand Ole Opry with the Carol Lee Singers, and was also the person who recommended Gene to Les Beasley when The Florida Boys were looking for a new bass singer.  He was recently nominated as Favorite Male Vocalist by the readers of the Gospel Voice magazine.

Gene and his wife Teri have been married for six years and have one child, Nathan Taft. The McDonalds currently reside in Nashville, TN.

Gene McDonald has already accumulated impressive credentials in the Southern Gospel Industry.  He sang with the Plainsmen for two years after having sang with Jack Campbell and the Ambassadors.  You may remember Jack Campbell as the writer of a number of Gospel Classics such as "I Know A Man Who Can" and "Jesus Use Me."

Gene cut his teeth on Gospel singing. He started singing at the age of three.  He said that his parents took him to singing schools and taught him how to read music and harmonize.  Gene says that if not for his parents, he would probably be doing something besides singing today.

Gene attended college at ASU in Jonesboro, AR where he received his Music Education degree and developed his deep, rich bass voice.  In 1989, Gene attended the Ben Speer School of Music.  Ben took a special interest in Gene and took him under his wing when he moved to Nashville.  Gene even lived in Ben's studio for his first six months there.  In 1990, Gene started singing for the Plainsmen Quartet as their lead/baritone.  Then in 1994, Gene had a dream opportunity when Ben invited him to sing on a Bill Gaither session.  Not long after that, Mr. Gaither gave him the privilege to be on the Homecoming video series.  Rex Nelon got to hear and know Gene through the taping sessions they did together for Gaither.  Rex was another person who took a special interest in Gene's career. He asked Gene to sing on the Grand Ole Opry with the Carol Lee Singers, and was also the person who recommended Gene to Les Beasley when The Florida Boys were looking for a new bass singer.  He was recently nominated as Favorite Male Vocalist by the readers of the Gospel Voice magazine.

Gene and his wife Teri have been married for six years and have one child, Nathan Taft. The McDonalds currently reside in Nashville, TN.