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Considered the most popular mixed group in Southern Gospel Music today. The McKameys have had eleven #1 songs and have been honored through the years with many awards and acolades.
Some things just get better with time and at the top of that list is surely the music of Peg McKamey Bean, Ruben Bean,Connie Fortner and Carol Woodard - better known to Gospel music fans across America as The McKameys. The McKameys have been singing the gospel for almost four decades and although the composition of the group has undergone some change, the motive has remained the same -- to honor Him who is worthy of all praise.
The McKameys began when Peg, Carol and their sister Dora formed a gospel trio in 1954. Later Ruben joined the group playing the guitar and singing bass and later joined the family by marrying Peg in 1959. In 1971, both Carol and Dora left the group to fulfill family obligations. Peg and Ruben's daughters, Connie and Sheryl replaced them.
In September of 1984, the group had its first number one release, "Who Put the Tears in the Eyes of the Lamb," and shortly after that Sheryl decided to leave the group to fulfill her obligations as a mother and pastor's wife. When Sheryl departed, it was at this time that Carol returned, and that family foursome has remained intact ever since.
Currently the McKameys have a two-member band, consisting of Randall Hunley as pianist and Roger Fortner as bass guitarist.
The McKameys have enjoyed tremendous success from the beginning but most of the national recognition has occurred within the last decade. Since the current crop of McKameys came together in 1984, they've scored eleven number one Southern Gospel hits, two of which went on to be named songs of the year,"God on the Mountain" and "Arise". Almost every single released has charted in the Singing News Top 40 Charts. For six years consecutive years, the Singing News Fan Awards have honored (1989-1994) Peg McKamey Bean as the Favorite Female Vocalist.
The McKameys have won the hearts of Southern Gospel music lovers across the country. They do not boast of a formal education in music or entertainment, but they have a rich family heritage that instilled in them the meaning of worship, and perhaps it is this realization that sets them apart.
Whenever you see The McKameys the pervasive spirit of worship that is evident will inspire you when they minister before an audience.
The McKameys have always been based out of Clinton, Tennessee, a small town about 18 miles north of Knoxville, where their office and publishing company are located. They are pleased to be associated with Horizon Records in Arden, NC and The Harper Agency in Nashville, TN.
 Popular gospel music studio musician David Johnson was recently inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame in Wilkesboro, NC. Johnson has appeared over the years on many, if not most, of yesterday’s and today’s top gospel artists recordings, a list much too long to list. His incredible musicianship through acoustic and electric guitar, fiddle, steel guitar, harmonica, banjo, resonator guitar and mandolin has been appreciated and enjoyed by scores of listeners. David is also an accomplished songwriter, with artists such as the McKameys, the Kingsmen and the Isaacs recording his songs.
Tim Surrett presented the award at the event, stating famed bluegrass guitarist Tony Rice’s comment that David Johnson was “possibly the best musician he had ever known.”
Other inductees included Dolly Parton, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and six others.
David is also a former two-time recipient of the SGMA studio musician award.
Crossroads is very proud of this honor for David, one long overdue in our opinion!
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