About
The Commonwealth Quartet
Singing To Make A Difference
The Commonwealth Quartet began in 1993 by Bobby Simpson when he asked Dewayne Harris to join the group as the tenor, which was met with resistance by Dewayne, who was singing in another quartet. Bass, Charley Witty and lead, Gary Martin soon joined the group. As three of the members lived in Kentucky, they came up with the name The Commonwealth Quartet. There have been very few personell changes over the years with Steve Barbour and then Shane Harris at the lead position, Tom Sammons at baritone, and Larry Mayfield and Kevin Sanderson at bass. That was until December 2019 when Tom passed away, Kevin resigned due to a family health issue and Shane decided to retire. Dewayne was at a crossroads. He went to God in fervent prayer and told God that if He wanted the group to continue, then HE would have to put it together...then God began to move in a mighty way. Even with the departure of Richard Harris, Bobby and Dana Simpson recently God has continued to bless the group with new members and the current arrangement was formed.
Curtis Morrison is the lead singer of the Commonwealth Quartet. Curtis brings a rich 50 year experience to Commonwealth. He has had his own group for the past several years. Curtis previously sang in the Yours Truly Trio. Curtis also sang with gospel legend David Reece and the Rangers. Curtis' mother Judy wrote a southern gospel standard made famous by the Kingsmen Quartet, "Child, Child" known all over southern gospel music circles. Curtis has a clear and solid lead that will compliment the quartet. He lives in Clarksville Tennessee.
Dewayne Harris is the original tenor and founding member of the Commonwealth Quartet. He makes his home in Gallatin, Tennessee with his wife Mara. Dewayne and Mara have three children and ten grandchildren and two schnauzers named Tucker and Tillie. Dewayne has been singing since the age of thirteen, He has sung in revivals, concerts and church services wherever he was invited. Singing in a quartet has been his hearts desire since he was a child. Dewayne has followed quartets since childhood, and many of them have been his heroes.
Josh Carey is the baritone for the group. Josh brings an excitement to the group that has not been experienced before. He has a voice that is strong and he is able to touch the hearts of a crowd by his delivery. Even though he is young Josh has sung with the Blakey Quartet for several years and owned and managed his own group Cumberland Thunder. Josh is an accomplished piano player and loves to play and sing the old quartet standards. Josh has his own business as a piano tuner and mover. Josh makes his home in Russell Springs Kentucky with his wife Kristen and their three boys. We are sure you will love Josh as he sings with the group
David Holder joins the quartet at the bass position after playing bass for the group for a short while. Dave has a rich history in gospel music he sang starting at an early age with his family the Holder Family, with his dad mother, and sister. Dave moved to Florida for twenty-five years and sang with the Mark V Quartet and the Florida Sunshine Boys. He has a rich bass voice that is sure to win listener's hearts all over the Southeast. David makes his home with his wife Susan in Scottsville Kentucky. He has been a school administrator for many years and has retired from that profession to be a Talent Coordinator with the Real Southern Gospel Network. We are proud to have David with us. Make him welcome when you see the quartet in concert.
