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Our Review

Billed as "Dolly's Premier Southern Gospel Quartet," the Kingdom Heirs are the darlings of Dollywood, acting as the long-time resident gospel group for that theme park. Wholesome, smooth, and professionally produced...

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

Our Review

Billed as "Dolly's Premier Southern Gospel Quartet" (Steve French, Arthur Rice, Jodi Hosterman, Jeff Chapman), the Kingdom Heirs are the darlings of Dollywood, acting as the long-time resident gospel group for that theme park. Wholesome, smooth, and professionally produced, The Spirit of Christmas is an inspirational album that effectively delivers eleven polished holiday tunes.

The CD provides a fine balance of religious tunes ("Only God Would Think of That," "Who Would Imagine a King") and cheery secular numbers ("Let It Snow," "Mister Grinch"). Of the 11 cuts, I was familiar with all but three. The quartet has well-executed harmonies, and the instrumentation is lush. I especially enjoyed the exciting "big band" treatment of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Jeff Chapman provides an extraordinarily rich, booming bass that is particularly effective on tunes like "Mister Grinch." "Mary, Did You Know" is another gem, delivering a fine emotional punch.

The Spirit of Christmas closes with the live recording of a honky-tonk number written by the group's drummer, Dennis Murphy. "I Still Believe in Santa Claus" features Santa on the kazoo and includes some audience participation.

If you've never been to Dollywood, then the Kingdom Heirs may be just your ticket to the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee. For the devotees of gospel quartets and family-oriented holiday fare, The Spirit of Christmas is an excellent choice.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Producers: Arthur Rice and Jeff Collins
Engineers: Jack Mascari, Arthur Rice, Danny Brown
Piano and Keyboards: Jeff Collins, Adam Harman
Bass Guitar: Roger Fortner, Jeremy Medkiff, Kreis French
Drums and Percussion: Tony Creasman, Dennis Murphy
Electric Guitar: Jeremy Medkiff
Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle & Steel: David Johnson
Orchestration: Milton Smith
Brass: David Heron,k John Anderson, Gary Lambo
Background Vocals: Jeff Collins, Mylon Hayes, Sharon Hodges, and Debbie Blair

From the Web site:

"Dolly's Premier Southern Gospel Quartet"

The Kingdom Heirs are:
Steve French (owner, baritone, emcee)
Kreis French (owner, bass guitar)
Dennis Murphy (drums)
Arthur Rice (lead singer)
Jodi Hosterman (tenor)
Jeff Chapman (bass)
Adam Harman (piano)

From the Mountains of East Tennessee, Southern Gospel Music fills the air. The home of The Kingdom Heirs, one of the top Male Quartets in Southern Gospel Music.... In 1981, they begin singing at the Silver Dollar City theme park, which is now Dollywood. In 1986, when the theme park took on a new name, The Kingdom Heirs were asked to become the resident gospel group. And now, 19 years later, not only are they one of Dollywood's favorites, but a favorite to millions everywhere.

The Kingdom Heirs have been nominated many times for industry awards such as the SGMA Awards, Dove Awards and The Singing News Fan Awards. Winning Newcomer Group of the Year in 1989, the group has been a constant favorite....

In addition to a nine month schedule performing to over 2 million people a year at Dollywood, the group also tours January through March....

The group is managed by Steve French. Steve and his brother, Kreis, are the owners and are each in their 24th year with the group. Steve is the Baritone as well as the group's MC and statesmen. Kreis plays the bass guitar. He and Steve are the comic relief in the group. Growing up together in a wonderful Christian home, both were raised on Southern Gospel music. With Christian parents, they each give Dad and Mom all the credit for their talent and sense of humor toward life. They both express this on and off the stage.

Dennis Murphy has been with the group for 14 years and is the drummer. Dennis was nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year this past year. In most recent years has begun singing (or trying to). Dennis is a crowd favorite and a very popular member of the group.

Arthur Rice is without question, one of the most talented men to ever come through Gospel Music. Arthur is in his 9th year and is nominated year after year for favorite lead singer and male vocalist. He also does most of the recording and producing for the group. These four men just mentioned are the mainstay of the group. However, these four are very blessed to have three new young men join them.

Jodi Hosterman is from Mifflinburg, PA. Jodi is in his 2nd year, and was nominated for Newcomer of The Year. He is so smooth but yet a powerful tenor voice. There is no doubt that Jodi is already one of the best tenors in gospel music. The bottom notes are sung by Jeff Chapman. Also in his 2nd year with the group, this young man is tremendous. Rich low tones that will fill the house with power and a heart that is truly dedicated to serving God, he is considered one of the best. Jeff is from Brunswick, GA. The youngest and also in his 2nd year is the piano player, Adam Harman. Adam is 26, a newlywed, and is from Baltimore, MD. Drafted by the Orioles to pitch, Adam felt a higher calling and that was to play the piano. A wonderful young man with a great spirit and tremendous talent, he is a key player in the big leagues of gospel music.

In a theme park or in a church, these men bring the message of Christ to the world through their music and song. If you love Southern Gospel Music, you will love the Kingdom Heirs. Come see what God is doing through these men.

The Kingdom Heirs

Spirit of Christmas

Artist link

Track List