Testify (Christian band)
Testify (Christian Band) | |
|---|---|
| File:Testify (Christian band) Infobox image.jpg Brent Swanner, Kenneth Swanner, Landon Thompson | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Louisiana |
| Genres | CCM, southern gospel, adult contemporary |
| Occupation(s) | Singers, musicians |
| Years active | 1995 - 2012 |
| Labels | SonSound, SonSound Masterpiece, Chapel |
| Past members | Brent Swanner
Kenneth Swanner Landon Thompson Daniel Steele Philip Bergeron Nathan Thompson |
Testify is Southern Gospel/Contemporary Christian vocal band founded by two brothers, Kenneth Swanner and Brent Swanner in 1995.[1] Testify has performed at the Southern Baptist Convention, multiple State Baptist Conventions, Gaither Homecoming Concerts, Chick-fil-a Corporate Headquarters, Theaters in Branson, at TBN, the Grand Ole Opry, GMT and in Nashville for a concert at Lifeway Christian Resource Center of the Southern Baptist Convention. In October 2001 Testify performed at the Roy Acuff Theater for the "Heal Our Land Benefit Concert" for the victims of 9/11.[2]
History
Brent and Kenneth Swanner grew up in a musical family and started singing at an early age. Both were heavily involved in their church and school music programs. Out of college Kenneth joined The Continental Singers and toured several years all over the world. Meanwhile, Brent, while performing in a school musical was discovered by Waine Self, founder of the Southern Gospel group, Higher Kingdom.[3] In 1994, Brent and Kenneth collaborated at a Youth Evangelism Conference and Testify was born. Brent and Kenneth officially formed Testify in February 1995. After months of concerts with just the two of them they added an old college buddy, Daniel Steele to sing the baritone. They recorded an Independent, Self Titled album at a local studio in 1995. A year later Daniel Steele moved to bass and Philip Bergeron took over the baritone. In the meantime, Testify signed with SonSound Music Group and recorded two albums, Testify "Self Titled", produced by Danny Funderburk of The Cathedral Quartet fame and "Ready to Serve", produce by Danny Funderburk and Lari Goss.
In 1999, Landon Thompson joined the group and Testify began working with Grammy[4] and Dove Award[5] winning producer, Michael Sykes. Michael produced two recordings for Testify, "Something Worth Living For" and "Keep Walking".
In 2003, with the release of "The Highest Call", Testify changed their overall sound. In an effort to keep pushing the creative limits of the group, Testify enlisted Buddy Mullins, former member of The Mullins, The Gaither Vocal Band and Sunday Drive to produce. In addition to "The Highest Call", Buddy Mullins went on to produce two more Testify recordings, "Rhythm of Grace" and "Shine on Us". Buddy's influence and comradery with the guys was undeniable and he became an honorary member of the group filling in for Kenneth Swanner at lead vocals when needed.[6]
The Farewell concert
In 2012, Brent and Kenneth Swanner reevaluated the future of the ministry. After close to eighteen years together, Brent and Kenneth decide to announce their Farewell Tour. On November 17, 2012, they performed their final concert at First West (First Baptist Church West Monroe, LA), the city where Testify's 18-year journey first started. At that concert, various individuals (including family members, record producers, management, former members and Buddy Mullins contributions to Testify's ministry. Several former members and Buddy Mullins performed with Testify.[7] To commemorate the Farewell Tour, Testify recorded their 13th and final album, "Songs We Love" to honor their Southern Gospel and CCM influences.[8]
Discography
Studio albums
source:[9]
| Year | Album | Record label | Record producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Testify - Self Titled | ||
| 1997 | Testify - Self Titled | Son Sound | Danny Funderburk |
| 1998 | Ready To Serve | SonSound Masterpiece | Danny Funderburk, Lari Goss |
| 1999 | Something Worth Living For | Chapel | Michael Sykes |
| 2001 | Keep Walking | Chapel | Michael Sykes |
| 2003 | The Highest Call | CD Baby | Buddy Mullins |
| 2005 | Rhythm of Grace | CD Baby | Buddy Mullins |
| 2009 | Shine On Us | CD Baby | Buddy Mullins, Brent Swanner |
| 2012 | Songs We Love | CD Baby | Brent Swanner |
Compilations
| Year | Album | Record label |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 10th Anniversary[10] | CD Baby |
| 2010 | Greatest Hits[11] | CD Baby |
Live Albums
| Year | Album | Record label | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | A Night of Southern Gospel[12] | CD Baby | Gary McSpadden |
References
- ↑ "Testify: tenth Anniversary". Tower Records. Retrieved 2022-02-12.
- ↑ "Testify - Highest Call CD Album". www.cduniverse.com. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
- ↑ "Higher Kingdom". Discogs. Retrieved 2022-02-12.
- ↑ "Goodman Revival Bio". goodmanrevival. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
- ↑ "Michael Sykes – Gaither Music". gaither.com. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
- ↑ "Testify: 10th Anniversary". Tower Records. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
- ↑ "2012_06_24bulletin" (PDF). First Baptist Lafayette. June 24, 2012. p. 2.
- ↑ Testify - Songs We Love, retrieved 2022-02-13
- ↑ "Testify (6)". Discogs. Retrieved 2022-02-15.
- ↑ Testify: 10th Anniversary by Testify, 2007-02-16, retrieved 2022-02-15
- ↑ Testify - Greatest Hits, retrieved 2022-02-15
- ↑ Testify - A Night Of Southern Gospel - Live, retrieved 2022-02-15
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