By Sherri Blevins
FORT PAYNE – Fort Payne’s gospel recording group, The Sharps, has been sharing gospel music with people all over the South for almost forty years—the gospel quartet ministers to listeners in churches, on stage, and through radio airwaves. On October 20, 2023, they released their new single, “Pourn’ Honey,” everywhere digital music can be streamed, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and the group’s website. It is also being played on several radio stations across the country.
The group reorganized in June with the retirement of beloved longtime member Mike Leath, adding tenor David Holt to the permanent lineup. Along with Holt, the group comprises lead singer Andy Sharp, baritone Ben Sharp, bass Tony Lewis, and sound engineer Jason Brown. Ben Sharp is the group’s manager, and MVN spoke with him this week about what is new with the group.
Sharp stated, “We’ve been wide open since our reorganization in June! Currently, we are working on not one but two new CDs; we just released a new song to all digital platforms this past Friday, we are traveling on the weekends, and we have weekly job and home duties. We are wide open!”
The Sharps have partnered with Godsey Media Management throughout this production and rebranding process. Godsey Media CEO Scott Godsey and President Paul Secord took the lead during the A&R phase to find great songs that lined up with the new direction of The Sharps’ ministry. Together, the entire team at Godsey Media has poured into a project that sits on the exciting leading edge of Gospel music while still captivating the traditional Southern Gospel music fans who have loved The Sharps for decades. “Pourin’ Honey” is the first single off their upcoming album and is a testament to The Sharps’ roots and where God is leading them.
Paul Secord states, “Months ago, Brent Baxter sent me a demo of ‘Pourin’ Honey.’ As soon as I heard it, I wanted The Sharps to record it. The song lines up so perfectly with their new sound and positive message; it will surely represent them AND their upcoming album well.”
Ben Sharp said, “A lot of excitement is coming from this release and the entire upcoming project. It has been three years since our last mainstream project, plus our reorganization in June. We’ve been quietly working on this project with Scott, Paul, and the entire Godsey Management team for several months, and it’s all finally here! I’m so excited for everyone to hear not just our new sound but also this new incredible song that is full of encouragement, energy, and hope! We are honored to have a song like this! God is good!” The song features bass singer Tony Lewis.
Group founder Andy Sharp stated, “We are so excited to finally release new music with our new sound. It’s our prayer that someone gets just a touch of encouragement from this new song. We sure have enjoyed being able to record it and now sing it every weekend.”
Ben ended the interview by saying, “Next May is this group’s 40th anniversary of ministry, and the vision remains the same as it did in 1984, with the goal of ministering to the troubled and the lost about our savior, Jesus Christ. Knowing that we, through our efforts, are nothing but directed and guided by The Holy Spirit, we can accomplish ALL things.
The Sharps will release the two new CDs over the next few weeks into the holiday months, so be looking for those. They are already booking for 2024, and if anyone would like to schedule The Sharps for concerts, church homecomings, regular singings, outdoor events, television programs, or benefits, contact them by phone at (256) 997-7115 or through their website at www.thesharpsquartet.com.
