As life goes on, changes happen. Even in our most stable and admired groups, at sometime a change is going to occur. The good thing is that change is not always bad. Such is the case with Gold City's recent change as Steve Ladd joined this premier quartet in Southern Gospel Music.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Steve Ladd and I want to share what he had to say about how things have changed for him since joining Gold City.
Steve Ladd started singing as a youngster with his family, The Ladd Family. Ladd and his siblings traveled in a trailer singing at tent revivals as their Dad preached. When he and his brother entered high school, they were so busy finding jobs along with extra school activities that they eventually stopped traveling with their Dad, though their Dad continued on preaching the Word by himself.
After high school, Ladd felt the yearning to start singing again, so he sang for a short while with a local group. That didn't last long, and at the age of 20 he joined the Anchormen in 1996. He stayed with them for 8 years, doubling as the road manager for the last four of those years. It was this loyalty that made Ladd attractive to Gold City. Though Ladd felt that a move to Gold City would be an advancement to his musical career it was with much toiling and prayer over the matter that he decided to accept the move.
When asked what it was like moving to another level both musically and emotionally, Ladd replied that the biggest difference that he sees and feels is atmosphere. "Gold City is like a well oiled machine," he said. "The crowds are different, they treat you like royalty." It appears that Ladd is well loved by the crowds as they have been very complimentary to him. He feels that the fans and the men in the group have all been very patient with him and forgiving of whatever few missed notes or words that he might have had.
How does Steve Ladd feel about the comparison of himself to Brian Free? "It is a great compliment to be compared to Brian, because Brian is a great tenor," said Ladd. Though never having tried to copy Brian Free, Ladd does admit that as a youngster Free had a lot of influence on him vocally. Ladd strives to have his own identity as a singer, but does say that if he sounds like Brian Free on the older Gold City songs it's probably to his advantage and the fans seem to love it.
Steve Ladd admits that singing with Gold City is a dream come true and that it is surely a sign that God does give us the desires of our hearts.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 11/01/2004
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 16
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Steve,
Steve is an outstanding person. I hosted a couple of his concerts while he was with The Anchormen. He is a class act, very professional, but also personable. I wish him all the best with Gold City. He spoke to me once about other opportunities that he had to move to other groups, but like the article states, he is very loyal. I really respect Steve and love his singing. God Bless you Steve.
Steve:
Welcome, Steve! You are a delight to know & to listen to. Gold City hasn't missed a beat since Jay has left & you are the reason for that. God bless you.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
I met Steve for the first time at a concert in Pascagoula, Miss. I toldd him then he reminded me so much of Brian Free. He has thhe same smoothness without appearing to be strained on the higher notes. Good bless you Steve in your carrer with Gold City who in my opinion are the premier Quartet in Southern Gospel Music.
I met Steve about 7 years ago and have been a fan ever since. I don't think Gold City could have made a better choice. Congrats Steve.
I think that Steve is a great addition to Gold City... steve is a wonderful tenor singer althrough jay parrack is a great singer and dedicated 10 years to Gold city.. congrats to steve Ladd and continue to enjoy what u do! whatever u do for the all the glory to God! let see how long u can stay in Gold city!
I first met Steve at the NQC this past year and he was one of the most humble people. He, along with Channing Eleton, pianist for Gold City, were a couple of the nicest people there to me. They are down-to-earth people who just want to make friends with their fans and that's what I love about them. Steve once even called me sir. And for someone at his level to call an 18 year old sir, it tickled me to death. I love ya Steve, Channing, and all of Gold City!
Steve,
Dear Steve,
I'm sure Steve is a great person and in the mix of the group he sounds great but I was a little disapointed that Gold City didnt find someone with a little more power. I listened to the new project but found Steves voice to be a little on the weak side when he got into his higher range, maybe it was just the songs. I'm sure he will do fine with Gold City.
Steve, this is you're friend dana. I just wanted to say that you made good decision about going with Gold City. They have 2 new members in the group and their very good. You should know them. Micheal Hayes does not sound like you do on the 'I feel like Running' song.
I first met Steve in October, 2000. I was a new Christian and was helping my dad, Harold Patrick with the promotion of a gospel sing in our home town. Due to circumstances beyond our control, our crowd was down, but the concert was certainly one of our best. The Anchormen came out and sang like there were 10,000 people in attendance. That showed me what a class act Steve Ladd and the other guys in the Anchormen were. When I heard from David Hester (formerly of the Anchormen and now with the Dove Brothers) that Steve was moving to Gold City, I was very pleased. I feel that Gold City made a great choice not only in vocal ability but also in his professionalism and his walk with God. Steve, keep up the good work - yes HE does grant us the desires of our heart as you have learned. God bless you and yours.
I first met Steve three years ago, in Mt Juliet, TN. The concert that night had very few people in attendance. Steve and the Anchormen sang like there was a full house. They were so humble and rpofessional and their love of the Lord shone all over that place. Since then, I have seen him twice more, in Delaware, with The Anchormen. Steve has such a servant's heart, a humble spirit and love for the Lord. I am overjoyed that He has become part of Gold City. ON their newest cd he sings "About the Cross" and it takes the group to a new level. God bless you Steve. Gold City has made an excellent choice in you as their tenor.
i first met steve when he and the anchormen came to jasper, al to sing at a local church. he had just started singing with them and they were staying at a local hotel he had only 2 hours sleep. i called the room and he answered and i ask was any member of the group willing to come on "live" tv at 6:30am in the morning he said yes he was ready in 25 minutes. i pick he up and he done the hour and a half show without missing a beat. he has always called every time they were close by or in the area and ask could he come on the show that has been 8 years now. i count him a true quartet singer and a awsome tenor singer. steve i wish you all the best with gold city.
I just bought the DVD for NQC 2004 and saw Steve Ladd peform with Gold City,and all I can say is Steve is definately an asset to the rest of the fine performers that make up "Gold City"
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