The Legacy Lives On: The Kingsmen Unveil Decades Vol. 3 & 4 in a Monumental Gospel Music Retrospective
With a career that has spanned nearly seven decades, few groups in Southern Gospel can match the legendary status of The Kingsmen. Now, as they gear up for their 70th anniversary, they’re set to make history once again with Decades Vol. 3 & 4, a super-sized collection that promises to be a must-have for fans old and new. Alan Kendall, a longtime member of the group, perfectly captures the excitement and anticipation surrounding this release when he asks, “Where do we start with this massive historic collection?”
For those unfamiliar with The Kingsmen’s legacy, this collection is more than a mere compilation of hits — it’s a deep dive into their archives, offering a window into the evolution of Southern Gospel music itself. Following the tremendous reception of Decades Vol. 1 & 2, Kendall and the group wasted no time in curating an even more expansive set. “We immediately delved into the archives for some more songs,” Kendall shares, hinting at the treasure trove of music that awaits listeners.
With Decades Vol. 3 & 4, the collection not only revisits the high points of The Kingsmen’s extensive catalog but breathes new life into them. Fans will be delighted to find three classic hits — “Saints Will Rise,” “So High,” and “The Judgement” — reimagined by the current lineup, featuring Thomas Nalley, Cole Watson, Brady Jones, and Kendall himself. “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,” says Kendall with pride.
Calling these songs “timeless” is no exaggeration. The Kingsmen have long been a “school of Southern Gospel,” with multiple generations of singers passing through their ranks. And Decades Vol. 3 & 4 is a celebration of that heritage, featuring two dozen Kingsmen alumni, including original members Reece McKinney and Raymond McKinney, along with beloved icons like Big Jim Hamill, Squire Parsons, and Johnny Parrack. Whether you’ve been a lifelong fan or are discovering their music for the first time, this collection is a goldmine.
But it’s not just the hits that make this release extraordinary. Kendall reveals the presence of rare gems that have never been digitally released — a 1992 studio version of “The Cross Has Won Again,” tracks from their earliest albums in the 1960s, and an electrifying instrumental rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Brandon Reese, Nick Succi, and Grant Barker. Perhaps the rarest find is a 1965 recording from the popular Bob Poole’s Gospel Favorites show, featuring a dialogue between host Bob Poole and pianist Ray Talley. These are the moments that make Decades Vol. 3 & 4 not just a collection, but a living history of gospel music.
As Kendall sums it up: “If you love The Kingsmen and love the heritage of Southern gospel music, you will LOVE this compilation!” With 39 songs in total, this compilation will stir memories, rekindle faith, and offer a journey through The Kingsmen’s storied past while showing that their ministry continues to thrive today. Get ready, because this November 22 release on Horizon Records promises to leave an indelible mark on the world of Southern Gospel music — yet again!
