The Couriers
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The Couriers (also known as the "Couriers Quartet", "Dave, Duane and Neil," and "The Original Couriers") were a Gospel/Southern Gospel singing group active from 1953 and touring full time until Dec 31, 2013.[1] They recorded over 60 albums and were known for their innovative modern harmonies. The group and its members collectively won three Dove Awards (GMA).[2] Two members, Neil Enloe and Duane Nicholson were inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. [3] The Couriers performed in over 10,000 concerts in 50 states and more than 70 nations. [4]
The Couriers Quartet was formed by students at Central Bible College, Springfield, MO as an evangelistic music ministry team consisting of four male singers (tenor, lead, baritone, bass) and a pianist. [5] In 1958, they left Central Bible College and began traveling full-time, relocating to Harrisburg, PA. The members at this time were: Don Baldwin (manager, emcee, and baritone), Dave Kyllonen (bass), Duane Nicholson (tenor), Neil Enloe (lead), and Eddie Reece (pianist). [6] Jerry Evans replaced Eddie Reece as pianist in 1961.
In 1963, L.D. Young replaced Jerry Evans as pianist and the Couriers were signed as artists to Warner Brothers records. In 1965, Phil Enloe replaced Don Baldwin as baritone and Eddie Hawks replaced L. D. Young as pianist.
In 1968, The Couriers became a trio, dropping the "Quartet" moniker, consisting of Dave Kyllonen, Duane Nicholson and Neil Enloe. Neil Enloe's songwriting brought greater notoriety to the group, particularly his song, "The Cross Is My Statue of Liberty", which became their hallmark.
Phil Enloe rejoined in 1982, replacing Dave Kyllonen. In 1997, three young singers were added to the group to facilitate a 2.5 year handoff to the next generation. These singers were Kristian Walker, Scot Womble and Larry Moore. In 2000, the handoff was completed and Duane Nicholson, Phil Enloe, and Neil Enloe retired from the Couriers for a few years. This new group lasted several years.[4]
In 2003, Dave Kyllonen rejoined Duane Nicholson and Neil Enloe to form "Dave, Duane and Neil" also called "The Original Couriers". This arrangement continued until their final retirement concert on December 31, 2013 in Camp Hill, PA. The recording of this concert, The Final Bow (CD/DVD) was their 64th album.
References
- ↑ Goff, James R. (2007). "Southern Gospel's Preacher Boys: Remembering the Couriers" (PDF). Assemblies of God Heritage. Vol. 27. Springfield, MO: Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. p. 6. Retrieved August 19, 2026. More than one of
|pages=and|page=specified (help) - ↑ Cusic, Don (2010). Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music (1st ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood Press. pp. 115–117. ISBN 978-0-313-34425-1.CS1 maint: Date and year (link) Search this book on
- ↑ "SGMA Hall of Fame Inductions in Alphabetical Order".
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Our Final Quarter: The Inspiring Stories of Dave, Duane and Neil--The Original Couriers (1st ed.). Dillsburg, PA: DD&N Publishing. 2008. p. 324. ISBN 978-0-615-24721-2.CS1 maint: Date and year (link) Search this book on
- ↑ Hembree, Charles R. (1975). They Sing the Mighty Power: The Unique and Inspiring Story of The Couriers (1st ed.). Stow, OH: New Hope Press. pp. 11–13.CS1 maint: Date and year (link) Search this book on
- ↑ Kyllonen, Dave (1996). Dave Kyllonen: Out of the Ordinary. Shiremanstown, PA: HomeFire family Ministries. p. 41. ISBN 0-942381-11-4.CS1 maint: Date and year (link) Search this book on
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