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Primitive Quartet still shines the light on Jesus

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Primitive Quartet sings at Paramount Arts Center, Ashland, Ky., April 1, 2023. From left are Reagan Riddle, Randy Fox, Jeff Tolbert, Mike Riddle and Larry Riddle. (Photo by John Herndon)
Nearing the end of its traveling ministry, beloved group still has a song

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

ASHLAND, Ky. – I will admit, I was choked up more than once as I watched and listened to Primitive Quartet in concert on April 1.

My friend, Paul Belcher, who was promoting the concert at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, had invited my wife, Stephanie, and me to watch these legendary gospel singers from backstage. It was an experience I will never forget as those three hours allowed me to observe Primitive Quartet up close and personal in a way I never had before. And in my final Primitive Quartet concert, I was reminded in a different way why these men are so beloved.

Larry and Reagan Riddle have been singing together since they and a couple of friends went on that now-famous fishing trip in 1973. A few years later, The Inspirations’ Martin Cook booked Primitive Quartet to travel with his group, which was at the top of gospel music at the time. 

Primitive Quartet sings at the Paramount Arts Center, Ashland, April 1, 2023. The Inspirations look on from backstage. (Photo by John Herndon)
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‘Old Souls’ Happy to Share Traditional Message with New Fans

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The Inspirations, from left, Roland Kesterson, Wyatt Austin and Isaac Moore, perform at New Liberty Christian Church, Lawrenceburg, Ky., on May 1. Pianist Lucas Vaught is not seen in this photo.

Inspirations remain true to old-time gospel roots

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. – No one has to ask The Inspirations what kind of music they bring or the kind of worship experience they prefer. No one.

But somewhere in the concert set list, they are going to give you a rousing reminder.

I like the old-time preaching, praying, singing, shouting

I like the ole time reading of God’s Word

I like to hear those ‘Glory, Hallelujahs’ ringing

I like the old-time worship of the Lord.

– “Old-time Camp Meeting Days,” by Doc Watson

Video from 2021 National Quartet Convention

And there’s little doubt that the packed house at New Liberty Christian Church likes it to. On a Sunday night in early May, they’d descended on this little country church, located more than 17 miles from the nearest towns, for some old time singing and shouting.

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