Gold City
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Contents |
[edit] Early Years
The Mississippi based Christianairs were renamed Gold City at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve to begin the year 1980 with Dallas Gilliland singing bass, tenor Bob Oliver, lead singer Jerry Ritchie, and baritone Ken Trussell. The group owner was initially Floyd Beck. Bass singer Tim Riley would replace Gilliland as the permanent bass singer in July of that same year after the group's relocation to Alabama. The group was an instant success in the industry, appearing on the main stage of the National Quartet Convention in October 1981. By 1982, tenor Brian Free, lead Ivan Parker, and pianist Garry Jones had joined Riley to form a consistent nucleus that remained together until the mid-1990s. Their recordings of upbeat tunes like “I Think I’ll Read It Again” and inspirational songs like “No Other Word For Grace But Amazing” and “Midnight Cry” catapulted the group into the upper ranks of Southern Gospel. The last recording by this popular lineup was the critically acclaimed Acapella Gold (1993).
[edit] The 1990s
After the departure of Free, Jones and Parker, the next consistent lineup for the group included Jonathan Wilburn singing lead, baritone Mark Trammell, and tenor Jay Parrack. Over the years, the group developed a trademark style that relied on brass heavy arrangements for their more driving songs and moving lyrics for their inspirational anthems. Tim Riley turned over management of the group to his sons Doug and Danny after his retirement from full-time singing in 2004. He remains active promoting the group behind the scenes. Gold City's booking is currently handled by The Harper Agency, and the group produces their recordings at The Goldmine, their own studio.
[edit] Recent History
The last few years have brought a period of change and transition to this legendary quartet. Many personnel changes in the front line, as well as the breakup of the Band of Gold have given a new look, as well as a new sound to the group. The most notable, and tragic change occurred in 2006, when Doug Riley, who co-managed Gold City in addition to playing drums and running sound at the group's concerts, was killed in an auto accident.
In March 2006, bass singer Bill Lawrence left the group. Tim Riley filled in for several months while the search for a replacement was underway. Aaron McCune, who at the time was the bass singer with the Palmetto State Quartet, joined Gold City in May 2006. McCune brings to Gold City the trademark smoothness and deep range that has long been a standard for this quartet.
[edit] Full Gold City Membership Roster
[edit] Singers
- Dallas Gilliland, Bass (1980)
- Bob Oliver, Tenor (1980-82)
- Jerry Ritchie, Lead (1980-83); Baritone (1983-85)
- Ken Trussell, Baritone (1980-83)
- Tim Riley, Bass (1980-2004)
- Brian Free, Tenor (1982-93)
- Benny Blackburn, Tenor (1983)
- Ivan Parker, Lead (1983-93)
- Mike LeFevre, Baritone (1985-92)
- Steve Lacey, Baritone (1992-93), Lead (1993-94)
- Jay Parrack, Tenor (1993-2004)
- Mark Trammell, Baritone (1993-2002)
- David Hill, Lead (1995-96)
- Jonathan Wilburn, Lead (1996-present)
- Daniel Riley, Baritone (2002-present)
- Steve Ladd, Tenor (2004-present)
- Bill Lawrence, Bass (2004-2006)
- Tim Riley, Bass (2006; filled in)
- Aaron McCune (2006-present)
[edit] Musicians
- Larry Goddard, Pianist (1980); Bassist (1980-82)
- David Holloway, Steel Guitarist (1980-82)
- Wayne Hussey, Drummer (1980-82)
- Cary Kirk, Bassist (1980)
- John Reinhart, Jr., Pianist (1980-82)
- Jeff Easter, Bassist (1982-83)
- Gary Jones, Pianist (1982-94)
- Jerry Lloyd, Steel Guitarist (1982-84)
- John Noski, Drummer (1982-89)
- Ken Bennett, Bassist (1983-87)
- Kelly Black, Guitarist (1984-85)
- Darryl LaCroy, Steel Guitarist (1984-85)
- Jeff Hullender, Bassist (1987-89)
- Doug Riley, Drummer (1989-2005); Sound Engineer (2005-06)
- Barry Scott, Bassist (1989)
- Mark Fain, Bassist (1989-95)
- David Brooks, Pianist (1994-95)
- Adam Borden, Bassist (1995-2005)
- Shane Jenkins, Pianist (1995-96)
- Randy Matthews, Pianist (1996-97)
- Byron Stewart, Pianist (1997-98)
- Tim Parton, Pianist (1998-99)
- Channing Eleton, Pianist (1999-2005)
- Josh Simpson, Pianist (2005-present)
[edit] Full Gold City Discography
- 1981 First Day In Heaven
- 1981 We Believe
- 1981 Sing Golden Nuggets
- 1981 Songs Of Days Gone By
- 1982 I've Got A Feeling
- 1982 Gold City: Live
- 1983 I Think I’ll Read It Again
- 1983 Hymns Sung By The Gold City Quartet
- 1983 Higher Than The Moon
- 1984 or 1984 Walking With Jesus
- 1984 Walk On
- 1985 Sing With The Angels
- 1986 Gold City Gold
- 1986 Double Take: Live
- 1986 Your Favorite Hymns
- 1986 Top Hits Volume 1
- 1986 Top Hits Volume 2
- 1987 Favorites Volume 1
- 1987 Favorites Volume 2
- 1987 Favorites Volume 3
- 1987 Movin’ Up
- 1988 Portrait
- 1988 Voices Of Christmas
- 1989 Chartbreakers Volume 1
- 1989 Chartbreakers Volume 2
- 1989 Favorite Hymns Volume 2
- 1989 Goin’ Home
- 1990 Windows of Home
- 1990 Instrumentals Volume 1
- 1990 Favorites Volume 4
- 1990 Chart Breakers Volume 3
- 1991 Super 70’s Gospel Hits Vol. 1
- 1991 Super 70’s Gospel Hits Vol. 2
- 1991 Super 70’s Gospel Hits Vol. 3
- 1991 10 Year Celebration
- 1991 Answer The Call
- 1992 Kings Gold
- 1992 Masters of the Gospel
- 1992 Pillars of Faith
- 1993 Kings Gold 2
- 1993 Acapella Gold
- 1993 Requested Hymns Volume 1
- 1993 Requested Hymns Volume 2
- 1993 Requested Hymns Volume 3
- 1994 Renewed
- 1994 Lord Do It Again
- 1994 Classics
- 1994 Kings Gold 3
- 1995 Standing In The Gap
- 1996 Kings Gold 4
- 1996 Having Fun
- 1996 Preparing The Way
- 1997 What A Great Lifestyle
- 1997 Home For The Holidays
- 1998 The Collection
- 1998 Within The Rock
- 1999 Signed, Sealed, Delivered
- 1999 Amazing Grace: A Hymn Collection
- 2000 20th Anniversary Celebration: Vol. 1
- 2000 20th Anniversary Celebration: Vol. 2
- 2000 Are You Ready?
- 2001 Pressed Down, Shaken Together, Running Over
- 2002 The Very Best of Gold City
- 2002 Camp Meetin'
- 2003 Walk the Talk
- 2003 24K Gold
- 2003 Pillars of Faith/Acapella (Double Album Reissue)
- 2003 A Gold City Christmas
- 2004 First Class
- 2005 Heaven
- 2006 Gold City - Their Best
- 2006 Revival
