Group Biographies
Mike and Kelly Bowling
Are you ready for what just may be the greatest artist to ever emerge
onto the Christian music scene? Mike and Kelly Bowling combines
talent, sincerity, and experience, which God has chosen to ordain and
anoint for such a time as this, to create one of the best musical
packages of all times! The group consists of Mike Bowling, his
wife Kelly Bowling, and newcomer Jeff Synder, along with pianist Roy
Collett. This husband and wife team brings about a fresh desire to
impact the world around them through the music and lyrics of their
Savior!
Mike Bowling is certainly no stranger to the Christian music world having to his credit a long list of accomplishments during his vocal career. While he began singing and p laying piano at a very young age, Mike had a very impressive musical beginning at only 16 years old; a two year span with the legendary LeFevres. Mike then went on to earn a degree in Respiratory Therapy before returning to the music world. In 1995, he joined the New Hinsons, a perfect blend considering Mike's vocals are very distinctively similar to those of the late Kenny Hinson. After lending his vocal abilities to several of their high-charting songs, Mike went on to join another successful family group, the Perrys. While with the Perrys, Mike was featured on songs such as "God Sent Angels," "By Faith I Can Touch Him Now," "Not Even A Stone," "Redeemed," "When He Spoke," and many others. After his marriage to Kelly, female vocalist for the Crabb Family, Mike has spent the past six years traveling as a soloist garnering a tremendous amount of success. In fact, he has been noted as the first Southern Gospel soloist to achieve back to back number one positions on the Singing News Top 80 charts. Mike has appeared regularly on the Gaither Homecoming series concerts and videos. Mike and Kelly Bowling will very soon land at the top of Mike's list of accomplishments as he has entered this new endeavor with a fresh zeal and a desire for excellence in carrying the name of Christ!
Kelly Bowling was previously a member of the three-time Grammy nominated Crabb Family. With 10 Dove Awards, 16 number one songs and numerous other accomplishments, Kelly spend her life devoted to the Crabb Family ministry. Kelly's matchless voice could be heard on the family's hits "Don't You Wanna Go," "Good Day," "Promise Land," " One Day," as well as singing harmonies on all the others. After the birth of the Bowling's third child, Kelly realized it was time to join her husband on stage as Mike and Kelly Bowling.
The newest member is Jeff Snyder, Jeff, an Owensboro, KY native, has been filling the tenor position since November. Jeff is a graduate of Kentucky Mountain Bible College with a degree in Theology and has studied music at God's Bible College.
Roy Collett of London, KY assumes the position of pianist to round out this amazing trio.
Mike and Kelly Bowling are excited to finally be in ministry together. They are excited about the team they are working with and can not wait to see how the Lord uses them!
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Jeff and Sheri Easter
For Jeff and Sheri, gospel music is genetically programmed into their
DNA. As members of acclaimed musical families--Jeff's father is
one of the Easter Brothers and Sheri's mother is a member of The Lewis
Family--they grew up surrounded by the sound of people praising God
through their musical gifts.
In August of 1984, both were at the Albert E. Brumley Sundown to Sunup Gospel Singing in Arkansas. Jeff, who was playing bass for the Singing Americans at the time took the opportunity to reintroduce himself to Sheri's mother Polly; they had met on a previous occasion. Polly introduced Jeff to Sheri and the two were married ten months later.
They traveled and performed as part of The Lewis Family for several years. But in 1988 they decided it was time to strike out on their own, and they haven't looked back since. Also joining Jeff & Sherri on the road is their son, Madison, who plays electric guitar for the group and their daughter, Morgan, who joins them on occasion for a special solo when she's not helping with the newest addition to the Easter family, Maura Grace. Greg and Charlotte Ritchie have been performing with Jeff & Sherri since 1994 and 1996, respectively. Their son, Landon, is a regular highlight of Jeff & Sheri's program, offering a little comedy help from Jeff.
Jeff & Sheri have been nominated for numerous Dove Awards and won three. They've also received a Grammy nomination, and Sheri has been named the Singing News Favorite Alto ten times and the Singing News Female Vocalist four times. Jeff & Sheri's was of awards also include three Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Awards, two International Country Gospel Music Association, nine Voice Awards for Female Artist, five Voice Awards for Song/Single of the Year, two Voice Awards for Christian Country Group, four SGM Fan Fair/USGN Awards, five SGN Scoops Diamond Awards, four Hearts Aflame Awards, and three Cash Box awards. They have also participated in the Gaither Homecoming Video Series since 1993, which has sold over 15 million units.
Apart from their frequent appearances on the Gaither Homecoming tour
and videos, Jeff & Sheri have a fairly heavy touring schedule of their
own. "When we perform, we want people to leave a little different
than when they came in," Sheri explains. "We want them to have a
great time smiling, laughing, crying and healing. We want them to
know God loves them and that He is in control."
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Jason Crabb
It is a rarity in any genre of musical entertainment that someone comes along with an individual talent that can captivate an audience for an entire performance. Even more of a rarity is when someone comes along with not only the talent, but the anointing that makes the difference. Jason Crabb is not only a multi-talented man of God, but the hand of God is evidently on his life. At a very young age, Jason and everyone around him knew there was a special calling on his life. At an early age, Jason began to sing and play various musical instruments. As he grew older and made a commitment to use his talents for the purpose which they were given; God placed a unique anointing on his life that has made him one of the most sought-after male vocalists of his day.
During his musical career, Jason has made his mark as lead vocalist for his family, the Crabb Family. While with the Crabb Family, Jason has been featured on numerous number one songs and has been the recipient of too many awards and accomplishments to name. Jason is most remembered for songs such as "Please Forgive Me," "Please Come Down to Me," and the Crabb Family's signature song "Through the Fire," since recorded by several choirs and artists.
Jason has made multiple appearances on the Trinity Broadcasting
Network's "Praise the Lord,"
the Grand Ole' Opry, the Brooklyn
Tabernacle, the Potter's House, Church Without Walls, World Harvest, and
many churches and annual events all across the nation. He was also
featured on the song "I'm Amazed" with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir,
under the direction of Carol Cymbala and performed live on Billy
Graham's farewell crusade in New York.
In addition to his phenomenal music career, Jason has been preaching for several years. In 2001, Jason answered the call to preach the gospel. Since that time, he has not slowed down. Often incorporating his preaching ministry into his musical appearances, Jason has witnessed countless souls come to know Jesus as their Savior and has seen hears and lives changed by the power of God! Despite the name he has certainly made for himself, Jason's true delight is in seeing God move in people's lives.
After much prayer and direction from the Lord, Jason has made the decision to step out into a more personal level of ministry. As much as Jason enjoys singing with his siblings, he believes God has great things in store for his immediate family. Before the birth of their two daughters, Ashleigh and Emmaleigh, Jason and his wife Shellye suffered their own personal hardships. As a result, God has given them a special heart for people who are hurting. It has been said that to help a hurting person, one must first hurt, and of that Jason and Shellye are true examples.
Jason is excited to step out into an evangelical ministry with his family. Jason plans to continue singing wherever God opens the door but also feels that God i stirring his preaching ministry. Jason is known for giving everything he does 100% no matter how he feels or what is going on in his life. If his singing thus far is in any way indicative of what is to come, the Kingdom of God will never be the same!
