The Mystermen Quartet is a very interesting name for a Southern Gospel Quartet. Give us a little history as to how you came up with that particular name.
First of all have you tried to come up with a name for a new group these days? It is very difficult. However when we need answers to the questions of life where do we go, The Word of God. The Bible. We went searching and praying and finally came across Ephesians 6:19 where the Bible says "give me utterance that whenever I open my mouth I will boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel." Who better to do that than The Mystery Men?
Introduce us to the members of The Mystery Men.
Of course most would remember me with the days of The Kingsmen. I sing the baritone and manage the group I am Ed Crawford.
Our lead singer comes with much heritage as well, he sang with The Weatherfords, Jerry Goff, The Tribunes and Envoys of years gone by, and has recently been one of the featured artists with Christ Church Choir. His years of experience help to build the foundation for the Mystery Men Quartet. His name is "Tank " Tackett.
Our bass singer as well comes from good southern gospel music stock. His father pioneered The Pine Ridge Boys way back when, and they are still traveling today. His name is Miles Cooper and many may know him from leasing buses and driving most of the groups in our business at one time or an other.
His son Chip "Mr. Smoothie" Cooper holds down the bass and is one of the most dedicated men I know in Gospel music.
Our newest member is Jim Peretic from Pittsburgh PA via Boca Roton Fl. He comes to us with little southern gospel music background, but his testimony, heart, and his singing ability won our hearts and I truly believe that he is destined to become one of the premier tenors in gospel music.
Who decides what songs and material you guys sing, and what are you looking for when you choose these songs?
I make the final decisions as to material however, input is brought by everyone. We try to keep a good balance of old and new songs which seems to please the audiences. The main thing is that the material is scripturally sound, biblically based, uplifting, and hopefully moving.
Most singers have lofty dreams of where they want to sing. Where have you NOT sung yet that you would love to sing at?
Wow! Me personally, I have been blessed to have sung in most arenas in this country and others, sung before presidents and kings, had dinner with very influential people and God allowed me to fulfill my dream years ago. Having done 6 live albums, sung at The White House, sung the opening of The World's fair, sung at The Grand Ole Opry, there isn't a lot left for me personally. But to help my guys experience any or all of those things would be my biggest dream. If there were any places left, it would be Carnegie Hall in New York City or to be able to sing southern gospel music at The Vatican, that would be great.
If I am the Pastor if a church, why should I want The Mysterymen to come sing at my church?
We would hope that the pastors of churches would want the Mystery Men because we are told it is an unforgettable evening of Christian fellowship. A Pastor will find, that we have a great time, a lot of fun, and yet are able to minister to all ages thru the gospel in song. We always have an evangelistic approach to our ministry as well as laughter. We have been blessed to see countless numbers of souls won to the Lord, families brought back together, and lives changed. That's why we believe it would be beneficial to have us at any church, civic function, or festival or concert. We are always ambassadors for Christ.
What lies ahead for The Mysterymen Quartet? What direction do you see yourselves going in the future?
Only God knows what lies ahead, but we certainly have reason to be optimistic in our thoughts. Much has happened for The Kingdom of God through the ministry of The Mystery Men in only three short years. I can only imagine that much still lies ahead. We never get the right to stop till the work is done. We will continue to sing southern gospel music, continue to travel and get in as many homes and lives as we possibly can. Our new record company has gotten behind us and has some new innovative ways of sharing Gospel Music with the masses.
How are The Mysterymen trying to reach young people today, enticing them to enjoy Southern Gospel Music?
We have found that reaching the young people is not as difficult job as we sometimes seem to make it. We believe that our youth want something real. As long as the music is good, the people singing it are real, and the message is true, we will continue to reach the youth. We have been blessed to receive numerous emails and letters in our office from young people who have said, they didn't like gospel music until they experienced an evening with The Mystery Men Quartet. Again, isn't that what it is all about? Making an experience with and about the Word of God.
What question didn't I ask that you were wanting asked?
I guess the only question left to ask is why do you do what you do? The only answer to that is that this truly is a calling. I was perfectly happy doing solo work, adjusting my own schedule, and not worrying about other families. I also had already been at the pinnacle of Gospel Music with The Kingsmen. I had nothing to prove to any one. But God had a different idea. We do what we do is personified in our mission statement. To share the Gospel in song while preserving southern gospel music in quartet form. Just a note to say thanks to SoGospelNews for a heart of southern gospel music. If we can be of any help, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Ed Crawford and The Mystery Men Quartet.
Visit Ed and The Mystery Men Quartet online at http://www.themysterymenquartet.com
Also make plans to see the Mystery Men at the 6th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival, Thursday July 28, 2005 in Smryna TN.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 05/31/2005
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 6
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Gayle,
I've been in concert with these guys and they are awesome. The vocal blends are very tight and Ed Crawford Pulls everything together with his seasoned baritone voice. If you haven't heard them in concert, I highly recommend the Mystery Men Quartet.
In November 2004, my husband and I had the wonderful surprise that the mystery men quartet were singing at the hotel in which we were staying. We were invited to come to the "show" that evening - what a blessing. In January 2005 my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, underwent therapy and had surgery - by the grace of God and prayers from people we did not know - he is doing well and recovery seems promising. When times were so difficult and praying was just not to be done - I would put my Mystery Men Quartet in the car CD (we were 4 hours away from his hospital) and listen to wonderful uplifting sounds - Til the Storm Passes By - took my prayers to heaven when I could not form the words - You performed with a group Uplifted and my husband and I both feel we were directed to that gathering in Pigeon Forge in November -
I enjoyed this article on the Mystery Men. I have had the privilege of hearing them several times. However, I have a question. Last time I saw the Quartet Tank was with them, and he is mentioned in this article; however, he is not in the picture above that keeps flashing on the front page, is he? Has he left the group, is this an older picture, or am I just confused!? <smile>!
I had the joy of hearing the Mystery Men Quartet last summer in Marion, Indiana (2005). What a thrill to hear such fine music. Their bend is fabulous and their message rings true. You have a blessed ministry and I pray you continue to sing praises of our Lord.
the mysterymen quartet is up and comming and i'm excited for them. i'm sure all will go well for them. thye wonderful voice of ed crawford will make this group go places. i've known him for meny years and he's a wonderful person. i hope to see them in concert very soon. kay cash
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