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Commonwealth News Article Archives November 12, 2009 Hello everyone, I am sorry that it has taken me so long to write news but we have had a busy summer. My own life has changed. Many of you have asked at our concerts about me and Mara. Mara and I were married over the summer. I have been getting adjusted to that change in our life. The group has been everywhere this summer. If you have been watching our schedule you have seen how extensive our travels have been. We continue to sing over the Fall also with a very busy schedule. If you would like to have Commonwealth at your church next year please contact us as soon as possible so that we may get you on our schedule. We have finished a new CD that is being mixed at this writing, so be watching for a release date on the new project. We have not had a chance to title it as yet. Make sure to check out our pictures page. We are finally going to try to get some pictures on the page. We want to say a special hello to Lloyd and Andra Huggins. They have moved from the Memphis, Tennessee area to sunny Hawaii. We have enjoyed a great relationship with Lloyd and Andra and will miss them and hope that we will stay in touch with them. Lloyd was music director at Hartland Baptist Church in Memphis. We will always cherish our visits to Memphis and these fine people. Be watching for more news and we hope to see you soon. In His Service April 28, 2009 It has been a long time since I have had the chance to sit down and write to everyone, but I have a lot of news to share. What a great time we had a the Commonwealth Quartet Reunion. The event was held at the First Church of the Nazarene in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The history of Commonwealth was played out on the platform as easch former member had an opportunity to sing.
The evening began with prayer by Brother Haskel Mc Cubbins, who asked God to bless each member and thanked God for each one that had sang with the group. The first group took the stage. Original lead singer Gary Martin, joined Dewayne Harris and original baritone Bobby Simpson for their set. Commonwealth began as a trio, and it was a solid combination. This group sang songs that they were known for at that time. Gary is very talented and sang his original song "He's Watching Me Grow". This group ended their set with "Jesus is Coming Soon" and the crowd really enjoyed it. The next group that took the stage was the group everyone most remembers. Steve Barbour, Bobby Simpson, Charley Witty and Dewayne Harris. This group was joined by something special. Before Steve, Bobby and Charley left the group, Commonwealth had a live band. The guys were joined by Larry Overton on piano, Jimmy Brown on drums, and current baritone Tom Sammons on bass guitar. This goup sang many classic quartet songs with the live band and the crowd once again enjoyed each song. Charley sang "I've Been to Calvary" as only he could and touched hearts all through the audience. The group ended the set with the powerful song "Heaven Can't be Far Away". Steve did a great job on this song and brought the crowd to their feet. The next group came on with Shane Harris and Larry Mayfield. Jonathan Anderson was unable to attend and we missed him. Larry asked if Bobby could sing on this set. Bobby and Larry sang together many years ago in the Ambassadors of Nashville. It had been several years since they had been together on stage. Larry sang the beautiful song "No One Ever Cared so Much for Me". Larry has a way of touching hearts when he sings and this night was no different. The current group was the next to take the stage, Dewayne Harris, Shane Harris, Tom Sammons and Kevin Sanderson. These guys hit the stage singing and never backed up. Tom sang his son Jake's original song "It Wasn't Me" and really moved the crowd. These guys are proud to carry on the tradition of Commonwealth and do a great job of singing. The finale of the night was when all the former members of the group came on stage and sang "Oh What a Savior" with Dewayne. It sounded like a huge male choir. If you missed this evening you may have a chance to hear it again. There is talk of doing the reunion and doing a special DVD of the evening. Be watching the schedule for that . I have included a couple of pictures from the evening that I think you would like to see.
Finally our new CD, With The Help of a Friend has been released and you can pick it up at our concerts or in the online store. Thanks for stopping by, Dewayne February 9, 2009 Hey Folks, It has been cold and disagreeable here in the volunteer state. The temperatures have been very cold. Tom said "If I knew it was gonna be this cold down south, I would have stayed up north." We have had some snow and freezing rain in our part of the country and it has been a little hard to deal with. We have been in the studio again working on the new project "With the Help of a Friend." You will see the new artwork below. We had some glitches in the first recording of this project and we had to do some re-recording of the vocals. Now everything is fixed and being mixed. We hope to have it released by the end of March 2009. We are really proud of this new project. It has a mixture of old and new songs recorded in different styles. We think you will enjoy.
Wedding bells are soon to ring. Dewayne and Mara are getting married. If you have been to a Commonwealth concert lately you have seen Mara with Dewayne. A date has not been set yet but they hope it will be before the end of the year. Dewayne and Mara were engaged Christmas Eve with family and friends around. Tom said, " A wonderful thing is taking place." We wish them both the best. We heard that our buddy Steve Barbour is the new baritone for the Called Out Quartet. Steve was the lead singer for Commonwealth for many years. We wish him well and hope he has a long tenure with the group. Steve will still appear at the Commonwealth reunion in April. Be watching the schedule for that concert. All of the former members of Commonwealth will be there. Bobby Simpson our former baritone has recovered very well from recent surgery and is back in circulation. Thank you on his behalf for all the prayers that were said for him. We want to say a special hello to Tom Hire of the Music City Boys quartet. Tom is a dear friend of this group. Recently Tom's grandson Dillian passed away after a terrible car accident. We want to remember them in our prayers. The Music City Boys have helped Commonwealth in times past and we will continue to hold Tom up in this time of sorrow. Tom we are praying for you and Patsy. Continue to pray for Commonwealth as we continue to travel and sing. We have several dates open for 2009, so if you need us for a concert or Homecoming just give us a call Until next month
December 18, 2008 Well friends it has been a busy fall for Commonwealth. We have been over the southeast and have sung to a lot of people. The road has been a lot of fun and we have enjoyed singing to new people. We have finally recieved and are almost ready to release the new Live project."The Commonwealth Quartet, Live in the Glass City" will be released in early January. It will be in both CD and DVD formats. If you want to experience a live concert by Commonwealth, you will have to have a copy of the DVD. It was a great evening of worship and great singing. Be watching the online store for this project. We will have it available on the web as soon as it is released. I have placed a copy of the cover below so you can see the excellent art work that Jake Sammons, Tom's son, did on this new project. We are really excited about it.
We were also in the studio in early November and recorded 22 songs for two new CDs. They are being mixed and photography is being done now for these new products. Be watching the store for those. I will update you as soon as they become available. We hope that every one has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God bless you all, K. Dewayne Harris October 27, 2008 Hello Everyone, I know that it has been sometime since I have written here but the quartet has been very busy. We have been to the nations capitol and all around the south. We are anticipating any time to release our new live DVD and CD project from WPOS, in Holland OH. Be watching here for news for this exciting new project. I have heard some bits of the project on the radio and I think it will be an exciting project. We will be going into the studio in November to record new CDs and hope to release them right after the first of the year. Be watching for those. I am glad to report the group is now traveling in the bus. We have taken it out the last two weekends and it has been a real blessing. It is much more comfortable for us to travel in. The ride of the bus is much smoother than the motorhome and everyone is enjoying it. I did want to ask everyone to remember Bobby Simpson, the original baritone of Commonwealth in prayer. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had surgery a few days ago. He came thru fine and will need some time for a full recovery. Remember him as he recovers from surgery. I am also glad to report that we are in the planning stages of a Commonwealth reunion. We are going to try to have all the former members together for a night of singing and reminicsing. Be watching for more details. Thank you so much for stopping by and look for us in your area. K. Dewayne Harris July 29, 2008 I have some news to report to you that has happened in the las few days. After 11 months Larry Mayfield has decided to go back into retirement. We will all miss his friendly manner and smooth bass voice. For this short time Larry has blessed many folks with his solos and bass singing. Larry never met a stranger wherever we traveled. We will miss him and wish him the best. We have extended an invitation to Kevin Sanderson of Gallatin to be the new bass singer for Commonwealth. Kevin has accepted and started to sing with the guys on July 19. Kevin made the Michigan tour with flying colors. We are excited to have Kevin with us and hope we have a long relationship. You will get to hear Kevin on our new live CD and DVD that we recently recorded in Holland Ohio at WPOS FM. Watch our schedule and come out and hear Kevin and the guys sing. K. Dewayne Harris July 1, 2008 We have a lot of news to share with you this month. As you can see if you check our schedule that the summer is really picking up for us. Our travels in July are very extensive and we will be logging quite a few miles. I have some exciting news to share. We will be recording our first live CD and DVD this July. We will be recording at WPOS in Holland, Michigan on July, 19. We will be joined by the Sammons Family and Crossing. This will be a very special time for Tom and Faye because Tom's brother, Jack sings with the Sammons family and Jake, Tom and Faye's son sings with Crossing. It will be a family reunion for Tom and great evening of gospel music. WPOS is providing the facilities to record this live event. Check our links page and you will find a link to WPOS for more information. If you are in the area please attend. For many years now Commonwealth has been traveling in a motorhome and this vehicle has served us well. The motorhome was just not built to take the rigors of the road. We have just purchased a 1960 model GM 4104. Shane, along with our good friend Ron Franklin and Shane's pastor Rev. George Wallace have just returned from Houghton, Louisiana after picking up the bus. The bus belonged to a group in Houghton called New Wind. They have retired and decided to sell the bus after 20 years of ownership. Brother Bo Wilkinson was a singer in this group, and had prayer with Shane and the guys for a safe return to Tennessee in the bus. Brother Bo was glad to see that the bus would be used in the ministry. Here's a picture of the bus so you can see what we are starting out with. We will be painting and doing some minor work to get it ready for the road.
Be watching our schedule for when we will be in your area. Come by and see us. Your in his Service April 2008 Hey friends, We have been busy the last few weeks. Commonwealth has been in some great concerts. In March we had the opportunity to sing at the MS benefit. We were able to help raise over $1000 for this cause. The benefit was held at the First Church of the Nazarene in Gallatin TN. Dr. Wade Powers is in charge of this benefit and he invited Commonwealth to be a part of it. There was a capacity crowd present and the presence of the Lord was felt by all that were there. This was Tom's first appearance with Commonwealth at his home church and he was well recieved It was a great night of singing and helping others. We are looking forward to being at Fairview Baptist Church in Franklin KY. We are singing at Fairview's homecoming. If you are in the area please come by and see us. The Community Singing is coming up on April 26, We will be joining many other groups at the First Baptist Church in Hodgenville KY. At the last Community Singing held in Somerset there were over 600 in attendance. These singings are headed up by Bill Twyman and sponsored by the Kentucky State Singing Convention. Bill will produce a great night of gospel music. Many of your favorite groups will be there and will be singing in the chior as well as featured on the program. Until we see you next time God Bless March 2008 Wow! 2007 was a great year for Commonwealth. The old motorhome was running the highways in 2007. We started out in February at Victory Community church with Pastor Jay Boyd in Elizabethtown KY,and what a time we had. April found us in Nashville TN at Tulip Grove Baptist church for the mens Sunday school class. June, we sang for an enthusiastic crowd at Central Assembly in Huntsville AL. July found us at Sulphur Well United Methodist Church with Ronnie Tucker and the good folks there. In August we sang for a benefit concert at Salmon General Baptist Church in Franklin KY. September, we rolled into Portland TN, at the Stout Family singing, an annual event, that took place at Portland High School. We are always excited to sing for Kenneth Stout at this great event. We were also at the Church of God of Prophecy in Lebanon in September, with Bro. George Wallace and his congregation. October, the great Kentucky State Singing Convention was held and we got to visit with so many of our singing buddies. In November, Lloyd Huggins, our good friend in Memphis TN had us at his church Heartland Baptist. From there we were with the good folks at Carriage Hills Baptist Church in Southaven MS and Bro Matt Brady. We had a motorhome break down and had to have some transmission repair, Ron Franklin came through for us and helped us get back on the road. We are grateful to God for all the chuches and people that helped us this past year. What a great year it was. 2008 brings more excitement, we are already experiencing some great concerts this year. We look forward to seeing you soon. May God bless everyone of you this year. Dewayne Harris
May 22, 2007 Well winter has gone and the ole singing trail is lighting up for Commonwealth. We begin the busy season with a HUGE announcement. Commonwealth has the privilege of announcing that we have a brand new Bass singer, at least to us. He has been around for a few years and has sang with some very well known groups throughout his career. Larry Mayfield has joined Commonwealth and we could not be more honored to stand on the stage with this seasoned veteran. Larry is one of those people that you feel like you have known for a lifetime, even if you’ve only just met him. He has such a kind way about him and really leaves an impression on those that he meets. He is really a perfect fit for our group. It is with great pleasure that we now call ourselves once again “Commonwealth Quartet”. Please keep an eye on our schedule as the bookings are really coming in quickly. We look forward to seeing all of you throughout this summer season. If you would like for us to come and sing for your church or function, please don’t hesitate to call the number on the bottom of our front page. We can always make room for your church or event.
Wednesday, October 4th, 2006 Well, summer is coming to a close and looking back it has been a wonderful summer season. Commonwealth appeared again at the McCubbins singing on the farm, there is a photo from that event at the bottom of the news page. We always very much enjoy spending time with the McCubbins, what wonderful people. As usual it was early July, and it was very hot, but this did not stop all of us there from having a wonderful time. Especially when you throw a shoulder sandwich into the mix. Yum, Yum. It amazes me how long this wonderful family has been traveling and singing for the Lord, and still have the fire and passion for spreading the word through song. Keep it up guys, we love ya! Next it was off to Winston-Salem North Carolina for our private concert at the national conference of International Oddfellows. The Oddfellows have always been very kind and supportive to us whenever we get together. They were there from all over the world and they are a very kind group of people and it is always a joy to sing for them. We can see how much they enjoy the music and the message. Thanks to the Oddfellows for your wonderful support and encouragement. We love you all and hope to see you again very soon. Labor Day weekend is always Stout Family Singing time. This event always attracts a very large crowd to this small farm on the edge of Portland, Tennessee and this year was no exception. It is always fun to get together with the Stout’s and all of the other groups that are there. It was great to see the Music City Boys going strong, we always have a good time with these guys. The evening was a chilly one which brought out the blankets and gloves for some. With this in mind, it was announced that next years event will be held at Portland High School, which is a beautiful facility, and it will be warmer!! Next up for Commonwealth, finishing our new CD! Yes we have a brand new CD that is in the final stages of production and packaging. We are every excited about this new CD. There are many original songs on the CD which is titled “Miracles”. There is a reason for the name of this CD, not only because the Title cut is called “God Still Works Miracles” but it was a miracle we got it recorded. The day we arrived at the studio to record the CD, Dewyane arrived with Laryngitis and could barely talk. After gulping down some sort of Honey soaked lemon drink, we took a shot at recording and he was able to sing, it was amazing. Then about half way through the session, Jon went to pick up a carrying case and wrenched his back and could barely stand. So this CD was recorded with Dewyane suffering from severe laryngitis and Jon in extreme back pain. So we decided to title the CD “Miracles”. Keep checking the schedule for new dates as we are adding them all the time. We are getting ready for a busy season but always have available dates. If you would like for us to come and sing we would love to. Click on the booking link and we will get back with you right away. We always have such a wonderful time wherever we go. Well, I’ll close for now, Love, Joy and Peace to all of you. We hope to see you very soon.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 Well summer is upon us and Commonwealth has been preparing for the summer concert season. As you can see the schedule is filling up fast. There is room for more so let us know if we can come and minister to you. We are preparing to start our latest recording project which is mostly original songs that we know will be a blessing. Look for it to come out in the near future.
We are very excited to be traveling throughout the nation and singing the gospel and seeing God work in marvelous ways. If you have never been to one of our concerts, please find one on our schedule and join us, we would love to meet you.
We will be updating the news more frequently as our concerts take place, so keep an eye on the web site for updates.
Many of you may know that our area recently experienced some very bad weather when an F3 tornado ripped through Gallatin Tennessee and took several lives and destroyed millions of dollars worth of property. Please make it a point to join us in praying for a quick recovery for those who experienced such incredible loss. It is amazing to see the damage. Huge brick homes were wiped away in an instant. This city will never be the same again.
December 4th, 2005 It has been a very busy summer and fall season for Commonwealth as we have literally been traveling all over the South East and we have been as blessed as anyone. We recently traveled to New Brockton, Alabama and ministered to some wonderful folks and two churches in the New Brockton area. We appreciate the opportunity to travel and sing to these wonderful folks. Commonwealth recently sang at the Kentucky State Music Convention and met many wonderful people, as well as visiting with some old friends. It was a wonderful night with some incredible groups and wonderful Southern Gospel Music. We will be back in Scottsville, Kentucky at Allen County High School for New Year's Eve with several other groups as we all bring in the new Year in style! It will be a wonderful time and we hope to see you all there. The program will start at 6PM and there will be many groups ministering at this concert. Commonwealth also recently sang for the International Order of Odd fellows for a private concert and it was great fun as they sang for people that were from all over the country. Those of you who have ever seen us in concert are aware that Dewayne likes to tease Jon about being from Illinois. There were many people in that concert that were also from Illinois and Dewayne for once was out numbered. It was wonderful fun and we were truly blessed. Jon particularly enjoyed it! The Church of God in Alexandria, Tennessee was the sight of Commonwealths most recent concert and it was a blessing. The spirit of the Lord was very evident as Commonwealth closed the evening with “Oh What A Savior” and the spirit of the Lord was so strong that they sang it three times. Commonwealth is always adding new dates to their schedule, please keep your eye on the schedule book. We are also preparing to record our next project which will contain many original songs as well a couple that we perform at our concerts that hundreds of people have asked us to sing. Don’t forget to come celebrate New Year's Eve with us as we usher in 2006 and look for even greater things in the next year. Check back frequently for updates to the schedule. Commonwealth is just coming off of two wonderful concerts over the past couple of weeks.
Thanks to all of the folks and Cherry Mound Baptist Church in White House, TN for their hospitality during our visit. We hope to see you all again very soon.
Also, thanks to everyone at Mt. Calvary Baptist is Gallatin, TN for your kindness to us during our time with you. You have a wonderful little church with a great big heart. Your church is blessed with some great talent. We can't wait to come and visit with you all again
As you can see Commonwealth's schedule has picked up and we are looking forward to a wonderful summer of traveling and singing. The Lord has blessed us so much with wonderful people that we have met along the way and we look forward to seeing you real soon at one of our concert's. Please keep your eye on the schedule as there are new dates added frequently.
Our new CD is complete and is in the process of final production. The new product should be available very soon and will be available at our concert's. There are cuts available for you to hear in the music section of this web site. Please visit there for short cuts of the new music.
Many people at all of our concerts have been asking for the new CD and your wish will come true very quickly. We are very excited to introduce the new CD and hope that it blesses all who hear it as much as we were blessed and honored to record it.
God continues to work and bless in ways that never cease to amaze us.
Don't forget to visit our guest book and leave us a note.
We love you all.
Dewayne, Shane and Jonathan
As Commonwealth took the stage and began to sing “They that Sow,” there was a very real sense that something very special was going to take place. There were several very special moments during the concert. One of which was Dewayne sharing the story of the effect his Grandmother had on his life and the lives of countless others and then hearing the beautiful song called “Faces” which tells a similar story. There was a very real sense of expectation in the air through the entire sanctuary as Commonwealth started singing “He’ll Carry Me.” As the song progressed the Holy Spirit hit the house full force and people began shouting and praising the Lord. You could not help but worship and fall down in the presence of God. It is rare that God moves in such a powerful and tangible way as He did during that song. There were surely lives touched and changed instantly. All in all it was an evening that many will remember for a very long time. Commonwealth would like to thank all who attended and also say thanks for your kindness and hospitality. God Bless you all. If you’re interested in booking Commonwealth simply click on the bookings link located on this website and we will get back with you to schedule a booking. You are never too far away for us. We are planning several trips this spring and summer throughout central and north-central We are excited to announce the addition of a brand new Baritone to our group. Jonathan Anderson came on board in May of 2004 and fit right in to our group. Jonathan is on fire for God and represents our purpose and calling very well. For those of you who have seen us in concert or heard one of our recordings in the past we have some exciting news for you. Commonwealth has always been built on tight harmony and a smooth blended sound. That description is even more fitting now. Many of our recent concerts have resulted in an incredible reception. Commonwealth sounds better now than ever. People everywhere we go are amazed at the Big and tight harmonies of Dewayne, Shane and Jonathan. They are currently booking new engagements and would love to come and minister to you. Whether you have heard Commonwealth before or not, You will be very impressed at the "New" sound of Commonwealth. If You are interested in booking Commonwealth simply reply to the booking link on this website and one of the guys will get back to you with further information on available dates. Commonwealth travels all over the country singing and praising the Lord. No one is too far away. And now for the even bigger news! Commonwealth has just been in the studio with a brand new recording project! Look for thier new CD titled "First Look" in the very near future. There are many very annointed songs included in this new project. Commonwealth has already been performing some of the new material and the crowds love the new music and new sound. Some of the songs you can expect to hear on this new project are of course the title cut called "First Look". Also included are other songs such as "Til I Can Feel Him Hold My hand", "They That Sow", The crowds really seem to like "The Pleasure Is Mine" and one featuring thier new Baritone Titled "Somebody Touched The Lord". There are also 3 Accapella songs on the new project one of which is "Little Is Much". The new project has just been completed and should be available for sale at one of Commonwealth's concert's beginning in November of 2004. Of course Commonwealth's concerts still feature some familiar tunes such as "He Touched Me", "Jesus Is Coming Soon", "He Died For Sinners", "Some Glorious Day", and of course "Oh What A Savior" which features the incredible Tenor Talent of Dewayne, and other songs that you all know and love. New and exciting things are happening and Commonwealth is certainly being blessed and you will be blessed as well when you hear Commonwealth. |
1109 Rome Pike | Lebanon, TN 37087 | 615-444-2858
Bookings@commonwealthquartet.com