Benton & Company is comprised of Ernie Benton, Kelly Benton and Jon Eagle. Collectively, the members possess experiences from such ministries as The Nelons, Don DeGrate Ministries, Billy Graham Ministries as well as others.
Ernie, tell us a little about the history of Benton and Company.
My wife and I have been singing together since the early 90's. I started ministering with The Ross Family before Kelly and I dated and later married. Kelly's Father led the group. In 1994, He was diagnosed with ALS. Our main focus during the years that followed were to assist Kelly's Mother in the responsibilities of caring for Mr. Ross. God used this trial in the lives of many during this time. We lost Phil in 2001. It was in 2003 that I began praying and seeking direction about what God would have us do ministry wise. Our hearts desire is to encourage and uplift the believer and share the gospel with the lost and hurting. In our search for a third part, we remembered a young man that we had watched on a local Church televised program. We called Jon Eagle and the rest is history. He joins us with the same heartfelt desire to reach the lost and hurting.
Benton and Company is a young, exciting group. You seem to have a lot of energy in your recordings. Is this energy reflected in your live performances?
We definitely have our exciting moments! Where does it come from? I believe we are passionate about the message we share. It is exciting to share good news. That is what a concert with Benton & Company is all about. We laugh a little, cry a little on occassion, praise a lot and hopefully leave the audience with a refreshed, renewed outlook.
You have a new a capella CD coming out soon. What was the inspiration behind this project?
We have always enjoyed singing a cappella. While working in the studio with Lari Goss on the More of You project, we decided to have him produce/arrange an a cappella project for us. It was an honor to work with him on this venture.
Describe for us the style of the Benton and Company sound.
Stylistically, I would say we are progressive Southern Gospel.
Who were the musical influences that had the most impact in your life and ministry?
There are too many to name. We have had many in Southern Gospel as well as other genres of music.
What is in your CD player as you travel for date to date? Have you heard of Willie P Richardson? He is a comedian who has mastered prank calling. Very funny. We like to laugh! As far as our music, we like Brooklyn Tab, Selah, Crabbs, Michael English, GVB, Avalon, Martins and many more.
Who picks out the new music when you decide to record?
We collaborated with Lari (Goss) on the first two projects. The third project we will have even more help in song selection.
Who does the arranging?
Lari Goss
If each of you could only sing one more song and then you could never sing again, what would that song be?
I (Ernie) would sing "Press On." I chose "Press On" because we are always triumphant in Christ. He will carry us through any trial we may face in this life. We must press on and keep the faith.
Kelly would sing "Great is Thy faithfulness" because this truely is her testimony. Through all of lifes trials, God is always faithful and true.
Jon would sing "I'd Rather Have Jesus." Jon stated, "This is the last song I would sing because it is my testimony. It is so easy to be side tracked by the world. Anything can lure our attention such as work, responsibility, material things, etc. Our focus can easily be taken in the wrong direction. I love the message of this song because my relationship with the Lord is all that matters to me. All the temptations of this life pale in comparison to Him."
When fans come to see Benton and Company, what can they expect to see?
We have a total of 12 fans thus far, all family of course! Ha! No seriously, we wish for others to sense sincerity, humility and compassion. We also desire that those who attend a service or concert with B&C to leave refreshed and renewed.
What is a typical Sunday morning service like with the group?
We are definitely more serious on Sunday morning. This is a time when we focus on leading the audience in worship through song.
Learn more about Benton and Company at http://www.bentonandcompany.com
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 07/01/2007
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 2
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Their sound clips are more inspirational with a touch of praise and worship. I imagine they go over well in church settings.
Christian radio station looking for your music. WCTP Radio 4330 Farver Road Gagetown, Michigan. Thanks Jack Thomas Operations Manager
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