
Karen Peck is most known for her flawless and beautiful soprano voice. That voice has garnered her 11 Favorite Soprano Fan Awards with the Singing News Magazine.
Karen's beautiful voice was first brought to the attention of fans during her 10 years with the Rex Nelon Singers. In 1991, Karen and sister Susan, along with Karen’s husband Rickey, organized the musical group of Karen Peck & New River. Today the New River team consists of Karen, Susan, and Devin McGlamery. Karen’s husband Rickey serves as the group’s road manager and sound technician, while Susan’s husband David coordinates the group’s merchandise sales. Dawn Hughes has traveled with the group for over two years, assisting with the care of Karen and Rickey’s children, Matthew and Kari, as well as Susan and David’s son Joseph, making New River a true family affair.
Not only has Karen Peck and New River been a real hit with the fans, but radio certainly loves this group as well. They have enjoyed five Number One hits. In addition, the number one hit, “Four Days Late,” was also named Song of the Year by The Singing News Magazine in 2001.
Anyone who meets Karen Peck today falls instantly in love with this southern girl with a voice like an angel. Karen Peck, Susan Peck Jackson and Devon McGlamery have set a new standard for musical perfection. Their rich harmonies are tinged with true southern gospel richness, accompanied by country and progressive stylings.
Deon recently had a chance to catch up with Karen Peck and had a few questions to ask her.
The first time I ever saw Karen Peck Gooch; she was a pretty, young, blonde singing for the Rex Nelon Singers. How did Rex find you and what were you doing before the Rex Nelon Singers?
I was traveling with a part-time group who opened for "The Rex Nelon Singers" every time they were in town. They were my favorite group!
You have been through several male singers, but you seem to have kept the female singer for a long time. Why is that?
The male singers we've had in the past have made an impact on our ministry. We've been very blessed. Susan and I are sisters. We've been through a lot, but God has been faithful.
I think that this may be the best combination of singers that you have ever had. Devon came from a male quartet background. What kind of adjustments had to be made on your part and on his part to get this complete sound that you have today?
Devin was used to singing a different part. When he auditioned, he was able to sing the high notes. We had never sang with a "quartet man" before. I am very pleased with Devin.
It's quite an accomplishment for a woman to have such a successful Southern Gospel group. Have there been struggles to overcome?
Absolutely. I am constantly leaning on God for guidance.
KP&NR is known for the great power ballads that you sing. You seem to have such a gift at interpreting ballads. Are these your favorite type of songs to sing? If not, what is? If so, what's your second favorite type of song to sing? Why?
I love any song that ministers to me. I love simple ballads with power words.
What part do the husbands play in KP&NRs ministry?
My husband, Rickey, manages the group and is the sound tech. David, Susan's husband, runs our product table and takes care of the bus.
Are your kids showing any interest in becoming a part of KP&NRs ministry in the future?
Matthew is running our multimedia. Kari and Joseph help with the product. They are also singing and taking piano lessons.
Can you imagine yourself as ever being anything other than a Gospel singer? What about Susan and Devin?
No. I hope and pray the Lord will allow me to sing forever. I believe the same is for Susan and Devin.
Rumor has it that you've been contemplating a solo CD. Is anything in the works for us to be looking forward to?
Not now. We had discussed it a few months ago while we were waiting on a singer to join us. Devin cam along and we recorded the album "Good To Be Free."
Be sure to catch Karen Peck and New River during their performance, Saturday, July 29, 2006 6:00 pm at the 7th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival in Smyrna, TN.
Visit KPNR on their website at http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
Great article on a great trio. I love Karen to death. She's such a sweetheart & a great singer as well.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
One of my favorite groups.... Karen Peck and New River, they are a such a polished and professional group who minister the Gospel in such a wonderful way. Always turning out great projects with a great selection of songs they are continually on my play list...They are well thought of in Scotland where they ministered last year as well as on Downtown Radio here in Ireland....may I wish them every Blessing in their ministry.
Great. Kp&NR; is one of my very TOP favorite groups. Karen is one of the best sopranos out there. She truly DOES have the voice of an angel. I love to hear this group sing! I have never seen them in person, but I have high hopes of it someday, and getting to meet them. KEEP ON KEEPING ON, KP&NR;!! Love ya!!!
This is my kind of southern gospel music and it is a delight to see Karen and Susan's families involved. Being the avid sgm fan I am, I have never heard anyone question the integrity and character of these two ladies [and I'm sure Devon is a fine gentleman also]. Rex Nelon, no doubt, influenced a bunch of people who are out there in sgm now and I am so glad we were privliaged to see and hear them on many occasssions in Greenville MS. Karen, Susan, and Devon are making their own mark now and I am so glad. Though we are not persoanlly aquanited, their warm personalities make everyone seem almost part of family. I pray that I will be blessed to have them in my church in the future. Rev.Charles Runnels, Minter City MS.
hi karen just thought i would say hi and how much i loved your show at the the woodchoppers fest a few yrs back. you have the voice of an angel! you are so inspireing, i baight one of your tapes at the show and wouldnt you know i kept it in my car because i love to hear you sing, i sold the car and forgot the tape in it oh well like i always say live for the momet and every thing will work out. i listen to southern gospel on a webster springs radio station i hear you ocasionaly but not near enough, GOD bless you and your family love you ron WVA
Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages