Feature Articles

The English Family

1. Explain a little bit about the history of The English Family. How did you get started and who were your influences?

The English Family began singing over two years ago at a camp meeting in Florida. Phillip had been invited to preach one of the services, and he brought some of his original soundtracks that he had made when the children were just babies. He thought it would be neat for the kids to sing one of them. When Elizabeth began to sing lead, Phillip harmonized with her, then I joined in at alto, and to our surprise Jacob joined in at tenor…then Rebecca added depth through singing lead and alto in different places. We were just sitting around the kitchen island. It was amazing! From that camp meeting we started practicing more songs and began telling people that we were available to come and sing for their church functions. We began singing at events and churches and went to a showcase in Tennessee that first year-that’s where we got our first set of videos. Then Jacob began to show us some of his material, and he would sing it for us in the evenings with his guitar. Needless to say, we were blown away! It has been an exciting journey and because we are not new to the Southern Gospel scene, we know that it takes years to get things moving. We absolutely know that God is furthering this ministry. It would be an impossibility for us to accomplish the things that have been accomplished in two years!

Some of our family’s influences in gospel music are the Happy Goodmans, The Paynes, and of course, The Hinsons. We also have really enjoyed artists like Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, and John P. Kee. Some of our favorite groups currently are Mike and Kelly Bowling and The Perrys. We enjoy full bodied music that makes you want to shout and feel like you are about to step on the streets of Heaven right now!

2. You recently hit the road in full-time ministry, what has that kind of change been like for you guys?

Well, our children love not having to go to school every day! They do still attend when we are in town but since it is a private Christian Academy, all ministerial absences are excused. They just take their work with them when we travel. I actually still work when we are in town, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to do both right now. It has been a blessing for Phillip to be able to handle things with the group and not have to stay up half of the night and still work all day. We just feel so blessed to be able to be together as a family like this. We believe in literally training up our children in the way that they should go and having the time on the road traveling is a wonderful opportunity to discuss Scripture and pray for people’s needs as a family.

3. You recently signed a recording contract with Mansion Records. What drew you to them?

We ALWAYS pray about where God would have us to go and in what direction He would have us to move. He led us to Mansion. Last year at NQC, we auditioned for Mansion Records and they invited us to become Mansion Artists. We waited quite a while before making the move because we wanted to be sure it was the place that God wanted us to be. We are so happy with Mansion. They have just been wonderful and we could not be happier with our recording!

4. Tell us about your new project.

“Out of the Wilderness” is scheduled for release at the end of August. This is our second album together as a family group, and Jacob has three original songs on this album. There is one that Phillip and Jacob wrote together, one that Phillip wrote alone, and one that a friend of ours (Renee’ Smith) wrote. We have one hymn on the album and one song that Phillip’s grandfather and grandmother used to sing together. We included that song as a tribute to them. Then we have one spiritual on the album that Elizabeth sings. This album is amazing! I cry every time I hear the songs! I can’t help it…remember that old song “Who Am I?” Well, that’s sort of how this journey makes me feel!

5. So Jacob wrote several songs on this new album. Jacob, what drew you to songwriting? Who have been your biggest influences?

Jacob: Well, to be honest, it was God. I’ve always enjoyed poetry and things such as that. But God has always been the inspiration of my songs, or rather His songs. He drew me to it. He called me. Who am I not answer the call of the Lord?

I grew up in a home listening to songs my father had written down when he was my age, so my father has definitely been a major influence. But some of my other influences are Gerald Crabb and Mark Schultz. I’ve always been taught that the message in the music is what pricks the hearts of those searching for something and shows them they can find their need in Jesus Christ. And I’m glad the Lord has allowed me to write songs to glorify Him, so I give Him all the glory.

6. If someone brought you guys in for a concert - what can they expect from a worship event with the English Family?

First off, they can expect us to be REAL. We don’t even know how to put on a show--all we know is how to get in touch with God and lead people on a journey while we are there. They can expect some humor…what can we say? We are a funny group of folks! They can expect an altar call unless they ask us not to have one. They can expect an old fashioned camp meeting style of music combined with some progressive sounds. We have worked really hard to mold the old and new together. You definitely will not hear anything else out there like The English Family!

7. What has God been teaching you lately?

We are to always lean on Him. Especially in this day and time, there are so many things that try to pull at us…materialism, ambitions, and our own goals-there are just so many things. But God is looking for a people that will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth; A people that will say “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. In this day and at this time He is looking for a people that are prepared and ready; a people that will stand for Him in such a time as this; a people that will humble themselves and seek His face. He hungers for our fellowship and longs for a people who hunger for Him.

8. Any additional information that you would like to share with our readers?
· Jacob’s song, “Send Down Your Angels” will be released this month. We are expecting great things from this single. It is almost impossible to describe the response that we have gotten from this song! It really ministers to the hearts of people everywhere.
· “Out of the Wilderness” will be available on our website and at our booth at NQC- booth # 561.
· We will be performing Wednesday at the regional artist showcase and also at the Southern Gospel Promoters Association event again this year.
· Jacob’s birthday is September 17th and we will be having cake and ice cream at our booth at 4 pm on Thursday. We would love for everyone to come by and wish Jacob a Happy 16th Birthday.
· You can contact us on our site http://www.englishfamilyonline.com or call at 678-544-3163.
· For bookings contact Spradlen Promotions: 1-863-528-1140.
· We are currently working on a concept video of “Send Down Your Angels”. Be looking for it-we’ll let everyone know when it released.

Visit The English Family at http://www.englishfamilyonline.com