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Christian Brothers Quartet

Change. It's the part of life that is inevitable. Almost like clockwork, just when we thought we knew God's will for our life, he abruptly comes in turns our world upside down. Change has been something that Christian Davis, founder and owner of Christian Brothers Quartet, has come to expect in the daily grind of life.

His story isn't complex or intricate. In fact, it's quite simple. It all began while he was singing bass for the Sounds of Liberty at Liberty University. Being a fan of Southern Gospel, Davis wasn't happy where he was. He approached Dr. Falwell, explaining the situation of his unhappiness. Davis wanted to be involved in Southern Gospel, and Dr. Falwell gave him the opportunity he always wanted.

Beginning that day, the Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet was founded with Christian as the first member. Finally, Christian was at a point where he was happy and content.

Logging in four years with the Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, Christian earned himself several industry award nominations. Things seemed to be going well for this young and exuberant bass singer. However, Davis had an unsettling feeling in his spirit.

"I had been struggling with the fact that God might want me somewhere else," said Davis. "However, it was finally confirmed at a pastor's conference in which the group was ministering."

That pastor's conference was a turning point in the ever changing life of Davis. It was at Prays Mill Baptist Church in Douglasville, Georgia where God confirmed in Christian time and time again what he was to do.

"The group members could tell that something was going on in my life that week," said Christian. "I was very distant, and they really kind of knew what was on my mind."

Soon after, Davis submitted his resignation to the group with plans to start his own Southern Gospel quartet. It was a change that the industry was not expecting, and soon, Christian had to deal with the encompassing rumor and speculation that always seems to follow after a member leaves a group.

"Those kind of challenges were not much of a problem with me," said Davis. "I've seen so many people fall on their face, because they didn't follow the Lord's will for their life. I moved when the Lord said go, so those trials were just a small price to pay."

Things could not be better for Davis. Due to his time in the industry and the connections and friendships that were made, Davis saw the group fall into place in a relatively short amount of time.

Craig Odell, formerly with the now defunct N'Harmony, was filling in with Mended Wings when Christian contacted him about his group. Davis knew that Craig wanted something that would be permanent in which he could settle down.

"I had known Craig for a couple years and knew he was a great guy and a talented singer," Christian said. "He was an easy choice and perfect fit."

Tenor for the group, Michael Hayes has a similar story. Christian met Michael while he was doing some studio work at Millwest Studios in North Carolina.

"We immediately hit it off and became great friends," said Davis in response to his relationship with Hayes.

Michael had recently resigned his position with another group, Chapter IV, and he did not hesitate to join Davis' new group.

The lead part was not as quite an easy fit. After searching high and low for a qualified lead singer, Davis kept coming back to someone who he figured would not be interested in the least bit.

Byron Pritchard, brother of Wesley Pritchard of the Old Friends Quartet, had never traveled in a group despite his brief stint filling in for Jake Hess in the Old Friends Quartet.

"Byron was an extremely talented singer and was always busy doing studio work at Millwest Studios. We never thought he'd be interested, so we just never bothered asking him," said Christian. "That is until someone gave us a hint that he might be interested. He was so shocked when we asked. He couldn't believe that we would even consider him."

Qualified singers aren't all that make up the group. Davis found Blake Bennett doing sound for Second Edition Quartet in Wilson, North Carolina. A four year degree in sound engineering was something that Davis could not pass up. Soon, Bennett was packing his bags and going on dates with the group while working at Millwest Studios the rest of the time.

With four new members and a great new name, Christian Brothers Quartet, the group was poised to make it big. Even while things seemed to come together smoothly, the group still had to prove themselves to an industry that sometimes is not very kind to newcomers. The group debuted at Bill Gaither's Homecoming event, Family Fest, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

"The response was incredible," said Christian. "The minute we hit the stage the crowd was on their feet clapping and cheering. They stayed on their feet throughout our entire set. We could not have expected a bigger response."

"Everything has been so positive from the industry. Everyone has such kind words to say. There's definitely a level of acceptance in the industry, and we could not be more pleased," said Davis.

With such a high level of acceptance and the word of mouth buzz that seems to be surrounding the Christian Brothers Quartet, it's easy to tell that they will be at the top in no time. Change is not always a bad thing, as Christian Davis can attest.