As I was sitting down for this interview, I couldn’t help but think what a different kind of interview this would be. Brian Arnold is a man of many talents. He certainly is a capable Baritone singer, as he’s singing with one of the premier groups in the country, Chosen Few. He is a remarkable piano player as well. He plays better with one hand than many piano players can play with two. Brian also has an outstanding sense of humor. But, with all of these blessings, Brian has not been without his share of problems either.
I was familiar with a little of Brian’s history, how he lost part of his leg in a lawn mower accident, and how he later lost the use of his left arm in a terrible semi-truck/auto accident. That’s why he can play the piano better with one hand than many can do with two. When you see him sit down at a piano, you immediately understand that he has a love for the piano. It’s interesting that Brian now considers the past events of his life, though tragic, to be vehicles that God now uses for him to minister to lost souls.
Brian is not only talented in all the areas I have listed above, but he is also a gifted songwriter. He loves to team up with his favorite producer, Zane King, when it comes to writing. He has written some great songs such as,
Brian is about to set out on some solo performances. He feels that his handicaps make him very unique and that he can offer something different to his audiences. I couldn’t stop smiling while he was saying that, as I had visions in my mind of last year at the NQC when he literally pulled his artificial foot off while sitting at the piano. The whole place was rolling in the aisles, and I could only imagine how he might use that in a solo performance. Brian said that as he gets older, he has become more comfortable using his handicaps to help him get his point across, and that he sort of likes that shock factor. Brian is looking forward to doing his solo project. He said that he is a Baritone singer and of course Baritone singers never get solos, so in order to get some solos, he has to do his own solo project.
Sometimes interviewers just have a question pop in their head and they ask it. Unfortunately that’s what I did. I couldn’t help but ask Brian if he was related to the other famous Arnold singer, Eddie Arnold. He replied not that he knew of, but if he was Eddie could call him immediately, and then I think he mentioned something about always wanting a rich uncle. Just a quick example of Brian's great sense of humor.
Brian is quick to state that much of their success is due to the time that Chosen Few spent at Silver Dollar City. Brian says that they made fans across the country while there and God knew that when they went into full time ministry they would need those contacts.
In the Chosen Few concerts last year, over 700 souls gave their hearts to the Lord. Brian considers Chosen Few as mainly a church group and that is why they have such success in seeing souls brought into the Kingdom. Chosen Few is also a very unique group, because they have such a diverse portfolio of songs. They reach just about every generation. Though they all love the old quartet music and style of singing, so much so that they recorded their last CD as a tribute to the old quartets, they have evolved into a group that sings many styles, and performs them very effectively. Chosen Few does seem to be going through some changing times. Tenor, Ashley Ellison, has surrendered to the call of ministry and has taken the Pastorate of a church, causing him to step down from the full-time spot of Tenor with the group. He is not leaving the group totally for he will still work in the office and still do some singing as he is available. It also happens that Brian is going to be doing some ministering of his own, so on any dates that Brian is out, Ashley will fill in on the Baritone spot. This of course means that Chosen Few is looking for a qualified Tenor to sing with them. Brian stresses that though they are looking for a talented Tenor, and want as great a vocal candidate as they can find, their main concern is that whoever sings with them has a heart for ministry. They are looking for someone who has a deep desire to use his voice to see souls saved.
Interested candidates who are ministry minded should contact them at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (417) 831-9060.
When Chosen Few comes into your area make sure that you get out seeing them, and, make sure that you meet Brian Arnold.
Don't forget to see Brian and Chosen Few at the 6th Annual Gospel Music Festival Thursday, July 28, 2005 at River of Life in Smryna, TN
Visit Brian Arnold at http://www.brianarnold.com
Visit Chosen few at http://www.chosen-few.com
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/01/2005
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 43
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Dear Deon,
Deon, you did an excellent article on Brian. I have known he and Chosen Few for several years and have been in several concerts and Church services with them and they always do a tremendious job not only in the songs they select and perform, but in grabbing the attention of the audience with their banter back and forth on stage with each other, and when Brian starts his stories, they have your full attention and then they hit with the real message that they share about Jesus and what he has done for them and that
That was an excellent article on Brian and Chosen Few!!! I know that God just Shines through them all. I was one of the 700 to be saved at a Chosen Few Concert and my life has been AWESOME since then. I took my daughter and her friend to Weekend Extreme last year and hope to again this year. I love to hear Brian's CDs. He is the BEST piano player I have ever heard. I love all the songs that he has wrote...especially 'Little Things'. I am looking forward to seeing Brian's Solo Ministry, as well as Chosen Few's continued ministries.
That's a great article about Brian. I have been fortunate to attend a Chosen Few concert in K. C.
The article was a very good tribute to a very talented piano player as well as a true christian man. I try to see the group everytime they are in the area and they truly inspire me and my church family. God Bless each and every one of them.
It is inspiring to see such an amazing Christian man go through so much and still have the courage to thank God everyday. He is truly gifted and Chosen Few is undoubtedly an inspiration to many. If anyone hasn't seen them in concert...you are missing out on something spectacular! YOU WILL BE IN AWE!
Thanks for the great article. I saw this group at NCQ and was really inpressed.
Great article! I heard Brian and Chosen-Few last year on a Gospel network. I found their web-site and ordered a CD. I love their music! I am hoping that they get closer to NY for a performance, so that I can have the priveledge to hear them in person. Take care and GOD BLESS!!!
Your article was great and really hit the hail on the head. I have been a Chosen Few follower for about five years from Silver Dollar City. They really are a fantastic group. They work and minister so well together. I have heard Brian's testimony several times at concerts and am really moved each and every time I hear it. May God continue to work through this group.
Thank you for writing such a great article. I've known Brian and his wife Diane for years. I was there with his wife during Brians recovery from the Semi/vehicle accident. It was a true testament to me to see Brians faith never waiver! He always knew that "God wasn't finished with me yet." He is a inspiration to all.
Deon --
Dear Deon, Great article on Brian & Choosen Few!!I have seen them At Silver Dollar City a buch of times & Twice in Raymond,IL. They were guest on WTSG Radio Station both times they were in Raymond. WTSG is in Carlinville,Il. I volunteer there when they have their shareathon. I truly Love the Choosen Few & Brain very much. I even rededicated my life at one of their concerts. When ever they are in IL. I try to see them if I can. I'm glad that you choose to do a story on Brain & Choosen Few. God Bless You Sheri Huneke
What a fantastic article on Brian and Chosen Few. I had the privilege of working with them at our 2004 County Fair - so personable and easy to work with, and everyone at their concert loved them! Thank you for sharing Brian's witness to others. My prayers are with Brian, Ashley, Casey and Scott that God will continue to use them for His wonderous work!
Dear Deon, Please take off my personal info. I hit the wrong button. Thank you Sheri Huneke
We were excited and pleased to read the article on Brian Arnold. This man is no doubt an awesome talent, but better than that , he is an awesome christian who loves the Lord, and is honored to serve God with the talents he's been given. He persevered through many storms and sees every challenge as an opportunity to draw closer to God. What a testimony and what a witness for Christ! We have been fortunate to attend many Chosen Few concerts and every time has been like a first time, not just a concert but a revival!
What a great article on Brian. I have known Brian and Chosen Few for over 2 years now, and praise the Lord for his/their testimony and inspiration. My son and I see them whenever they visit Granite City, IL, which is at least 4-5 times a year. I have had my share of physical challenges with 2 separate triple by-pass surgeries, aortic valve replacment, hodgkins disease, loss of hearing in one ear to name a few...but when I look at Brian, I see how small my burdens have been in comparison. I also see someone who has "let go and let God" sit in the driver's seat of his life, someone who has truly been a walking, talking example of how God can use what you have for His glory. Praise the Lord for Brian Arnold.
Thanks for the amazing article on Brian Arnold!!I consider Brian to be one of the most gifted and creative people I've met. I am honored to call him my friend.
This past year Chosen few was in concert at our little country church in Butler, OH. I was blown away by the messege, talent and testimonies the group had brought to the stage. I was amazed that a group with such talent and busy touring schedule would take the time to minister to our church when asked to do so. After a day with Chosen Few I know that these guys are in it for the harvest! They have what it takes to draw all age groups to Christ.
Thank you for doing this article on Brian. He is truly and man of God that has a passion to see souls saved.
Thank you for the super article on Brian Arnold and the Chosen Few group. This press is so well deserved for Brian and his talents. His original music and messages touche my heart!! The fact that Brian speaks God's language gives impact to his words!!
It was a great article.I love hearing things about Brian and Chosen Few. I have had the privilage of meeting them several times. They came to my church and my family and I got to eat lucnh with them. It was so much fun and in my opionion the are the best group I have ever heard.
Chosen Few is my favorite gospel group!
What a great article about an awesome guy! I'm so glad Brian chose to use his many talents for the Lord and we can all be blessed by them. I've had the privilege of seeing Chosen Few in concert several times and felt the presence of the Lord every time. It's evident that they are not doing what they do to entertain, but to minister to souls. God will continue to use them in a mighty way as they surrender to Him. I'm guessing that Brian will be leading heaven's choir when that day comes!
God bless!
I've had the blessing of seeing Brian and Chosen Few several times and, as my pastor says, they are the "real deal." They make me laugh and they always touch my heart. Brian's music is the best out there. They are MY standard! I recently saw another Southern gospel group and said, "They're pretty good but they're no Chosen Few!"
Brian has been one of the greatest inspirations in my life. We are some of those who met them in Silver Dollar City and have been seeing them in churches, in a prison ministry, and in conferences. It would be difficult to find men who the Holy Spirit can more move through than these guys. They could be celebrities; instead, they have chosen to be servants. Brian is a marvel. A constant reminder of what the Lord can do when we let him. Thank you for this article.
Thank you for a wonderful article. Brian is an inspiration to me and many others, I am sure. With all his "disabilities" he always has a smile and a positive attitude. God is using Brian in such a great way. Praise God for using us mere humans.
We have heard Brians testamony many times and we always love to listen to Brian give his testamony .He is a good Christian Man .
This is a wonderful man that does his best to serve God in the way in which he has been "Called." The Chosen Few has been willing to follow that call to many communities no matter how small. My husband and I have had the PRIVILEGE of sharing in their ministry for many years. Small communities need exposure to fresh Word and Testimony. Thank you all for your willingness to follow God's leadership in ministry.
Thank you so much for writing that article on Brian! He is not only of many talents given from God, but he is a blessing to my family! I am thirteen, and have loved Chosen Few for years! I used to go to Silver Dollar City all the time and see them.. then there was that little misunderstanding when my (at the time 10 year old) brother was growing his hair out little, and Casey thought he was my "Sister"! I have had time after time fun seeing CF and talking with them! Thanks again for the article!
Brian, I'm proud of you! Keep up the good work and we're looking forward to seeing you again soon. (Do we have to wait for our other daughters weddings?)
Brian is incredible. Our church, New Bridge Baptist booked them (Chosen Few)for a weekend last spring. I haven't stopped listening to their C.D.'S WE will be having them back this April and we just can't wait. While here, they performed at our Middle Scool and many of the students ended up coming to the church to hear their concert. They are all exceptional human beings. You did a great job in the article...he truly does play like he has 3 hands!! GOD BLESS
Brian is one of my buddies. It's good to see him get a little recognition now and then, but everyone should know that if it hadn't been for the Lord and Brian's strong will, this article would not exist. Brian has been a wonderful blessing and a large inspiration in my life. I'm glad to have been able to meet him.
I've known Brian, his family, and Chosen Few since I was a little girl. Now I'm all grown up and in college and there is still no one I'd rather spend time with than Brian Arnold. He is a musical genious and has been a source of inspiration to me. Brian and Nat King Cole, my heroes! : )
yes Brian is a remarkable man of God. Thank you for printing a great article about this man who plays with one arm. I have heard him in Kansas city and in Branson Mo at Silver Dollar City.
Thank you, Deon, for the article on Brian Arnold. I wish the entire world knew of his music abiliy and his message. We've been blessed with his friendship since he was in his halo brace from the pick-up/truck wreck... (The BIG truck won) but Brian has survived to bring his story to the world.I am looking forward to his solo project. I enjoyed doing the newsletter for Chosen Few!
Brian is awesome! I can't think of anybody I respect more than him. Brian is a true man of God... He has been a true friend and an inspiration im my life. I love you man!
THAT IS AN AWSOME AND VERY TRUE ARTICLE. MY GRANDMOTHER BARBARA WILLIAMS AND MYSELF HAVE KNOWN BRIAN AND CHOSEN FEW FOR SOME TIME NOW. WE MET THEM BEFORE THEY STARTED SINGING AT THE NIGHT SHOW AT SILVER DOLLAR CITY. BRIAN IS A VERY INTELLIGENT MAN, AND THROUGH ALL THE TRAGEDIES HE HAS ENDURED HE STILL COMES OUT ON TOP IN EVERYTHING HE DOES. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
I just wanted to thank the person that wrote the article on one of my friends, Brian Arnold. His avorite scripture and his songs has brought me through many rough times. I have a handicapped son who adores Brian and the rest of Chosen Few. Brian, Jon and I just wanted to let you know that we think you are the "greatest" and any help you need, Just ask. Take care
This is a very good article and very inspiring. I am not familiar with Brian but i have a physical disability from birth and I am thankful that there are people out there willing to share like Brian does.
Great article! I have had the great pleasure of meeting Brian while performing with Chosen Few. I go to see them everytime they are in the northern Missouri area. What a true inspiration it is listening to Brians testimony and his great piano playing. It always gives me awesome chills. Thanks and God Bless
Great Article Bigg Daddy Deon,
Great Article!!! Jane and I have been following Chosen Few since 1990 and I can't begin to count the times thay have ministered to us. All the guys, Brian, Ashley, Scott and Casey (& Dan as well), are truly blessed and share that blessing with others so freely. We've attended their conferences in Branson and have received from the Lord thru their ministry of faith on several occasions. They really make loving the Lord fun, especially on the golf course.
That is an amazing article. Chosen Few has been to my school five times and I have enjoyed it 100%. I have heard Brian's testimonial many times and am amazed at what one person can go through. But when the Lord is watching over you, you can do anything.
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