User:Rebqt

Originated in 1950, in Tampa, Florida, the Rebels Quartet is remembered even today as one of gospel music's greatest singing groups. The Rebels always remained dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Christ through song, and laid the foundation for musical ministry that is so widespread today. Many of gospel music's greatest legends have graced the stage as members of the Rebels. The original members of the quartet were Norman Allman: Bass singer, John Matthews: Baritone singer, Lee Kitchens: Lead singer, Horace Parrish: Tenor singer, and Jimmy Hand: Pianist. Three of their most famous members, "Pappy" Jim Waits, London Parris, and Big Jim Hamill, are members of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Little Jimmy Taylor, Jay Berry, Ron Booth Sr., John Gresham, Nick Bruno, and Charles Booth are among some of the groups most prestigious and loved alumni.

The original Rebels were active business men and family men, active in church and civic affairs in their community. They began devoting their spare time to singing gospel music on radio stations and in the Tampa area schools and churches, as well as performing for multiple non-profit organizations in their community. Over the years, the popularity of the Rebels grew to such an extent that they were considered to be one of the greatest gospel singing groups in the nation. Their recordings were top rated, and equally successful were the Rebels' personal appearances where they drew record crowds wherever they appeared. On any gospel record program, the Rebels' recordings were among the most requested. Their popularity stemmed not only from the quality of their singing, but also from the fact they were considered to be one of the nation's friendliest quartets. While many of the quartets of the day were superb Christian entertainers, the Rebels had a different idea in mind for their concerts. Longtime Rebels pianist Little Jimmy Taylor once stated, "We did our best to give a good program, but our main focus was always to present powerful gospel songs. We were a ministry."

After an absence of over 30 years from gospel music, the Rebels Quartet have re-organized. Having received the blessings of many of the group’s former members, the desire of this quartet is to continue the vision set by the Rebels long ago, by singing many of the songs that the original quartet made famous, introducing new heartfelt messages in song, and seeing souls moved by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The group's bass singer, Rick Fair, who has performed with other popular names such as Hovie Lister and the Statesmen, The Blackwoods, and the Palmetto State Quartet, actually began his gospel music career singing with the Rebels Quartet in 1972. Rick now celebrates his 40th year in gospel music singing in the group with which he began his career, The Rebels Quartet.

With its central base in the Sevierville, TN area, the new members of this legendary group include Rick Fair: Bass, David Fair: Baritone, Alan Kendall: Lead, Mike Young: Tenor, and Barry Patrick: Pianist.