Palmetto State Quartet

PSQ has been a mainstay in Southern Gospel Music since the 1940's. With nearly 70 years of history behind them, PSQ is regarded as one of the premier Christian recording artist in the industry. Over the years, many wonderfully talented men have represented PSQ, always delivering the only finest vocal harmony, and superb stage presence. That tradition continues today with The New "Palmetto State Quartet? In September of 2009, upon the retirement of the group's senior member Kerry Beatty, PSQ bass singer, Larry Strickland, purchased the group. Larry, is a former member of the renowned Stamps Quartet and is married to superstar Naomi Judd. After years of managing Naomi's career, in 2007 Larry decided to return to Gospel Music as the Bass singer for PSQ. Nashville music business veteran, Mark Carman serves as the group's General Manager and manages the day to day operations. Larry Strickland (Bass Vocals, Owner) Larry Strickland's legendary bass vocal provides a robust bottom end to the PSQ vocal sound. He has been singing bass professionally singing since the 1970's when he became a member of J.D. Sumner and The Stamps. As a member of the Stamps, Larry performed as a background vocalist with Elvis Presley until Presley's death in 1977. For a number of years Larry set his musical interests aside in order to manage the career of his wife, Naomi Judd. However, in 2008 Larry returned to Gospel music and accepted the position as Bass Singer with the Palmetto State Quartet. Larry is originally from Raleigh, NC but has resided in Nashville, TN since 1974. Paul Lancaster (Lead Vocals) Paul's velvety smooth voice and vocal range ensures that the PSQ legendary vocal standard is upheld to the utmost. Paul is truly gifted with the ability to paint a picture with song and draw the listener into the story in order to project the message. Paul has been associated with the Gospel music industry for many years and is considered one of the premier vocalist in the industry. He has previously been a member of various popular Christian groups such as The Martins, The Mullins Family, The Greenes and others. Paul continues to be heard today along side others artists as he often lends his voice as a background singer on recordings by some of the most recognized Christian recording artists of our time. Paul Is originally from Gadsden, AL and now resides in Blanchester, OH. Robert Fulton (Tenor Vocals) Robert is a powerhouse tenor with a vocal ability that is often compared with some of the all time Southern Gospel greats. With his exceptional range Robert thrills listeners on recordings as well as in live performances buy singing the roof off. His is a lifelong student of music and has perfected his craft to the highest level. Robert studied music at the University of Rio Grande where he excelled as a vocalist in the university choir. Robert Fulton is rapidly earning a reputation as one of the finest and most exciting gospel tenor singers in the world today. He makes his home in Gallipolis, OH. David Darst (Baritone Vocals) David is an extraordinarily talented singer, songwriter, musician, and speaker all wrapped up in one package. Before joining PSQ, David spent sixteen years in the pulpit as a Pastor. He now serves as the group's Pastor and on stage spokesman. David's ministerial experience gives PSQ the ability to seamlessly transition from Christian entertainment to ministry. He has a definite country quality to his voice that blends beautifully with the traditional group harmony providing a distinctly original quartet sound. His rich baritone voice resonates powerfully rounding out the full blend of the Legendary Palmetto State Quartet. David lives Tyler, TX. Mark Carman (Keyboards/Business Manager) Mark is a multi-talented music industry veteran with more than 30 years in the industry. Over the past three decades Mark has provided his services to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. His recording credentials boast more than two-thousand recordings with numerous awards, nominations and charted singles to his credit. Mark is a writer, musician, arranger, producer, vocalist and music business efficianato. He also an ordained minister and frequently ministers throughout the United States. Mark handles the day to day business affiars for PSQ. After living and working in Nashville for more than twenty-five years, Mark recently moved home back to Virginia Beach, VA. Mchael Carman (Road Manager/Product Manager) Michael Carman is the Road Manager/Product Manager for PSQ. Although still in his teens Michael is a total pro when it comes to matters of logistics and inventory management. Michael has literally grown up in the music industry. Even as a very young child he would accompany his Dad, Mark Carman in the studio, on the road, in business meetings, and just about everywhere else observing and learning every step of the way. Michael's responsibilities include handling most of the "On The Road" business for the group. He also maintains the merchandise ministry products.

Formation and early years The Palmetto State Quartet or PSQ as they are sometimes referred to) has its roots firmly planted in Greenville, South Carolina. Sometime between 1946 and 1947 Jamie Dill, Woodrow Pittman, Clarence Owens, Malone Thomason, and Paul Burroughs, all Greenville natives, joined together to form a Gospel Quartet. This part of the groups? history is a bit cloudy as a majority of the original members of the quartet have now died. Not long after they started singing together these men were able to secure a thirty minute program which would air live on WFBC Radio in Greenville. Legend has it that they held a contest, through their radio program, to name the group. Contestants would mail in their suggestions for the groups name. The votes would be tallied and the name which received the most recommendations would be chosen. Thus, the Palmetto State Quartet was born. The group remained unchanged until 1952 when Jack Bagwell replaced Malone Thomason as baritone singer. So at that time Jamie Dill played piano and managed the group, Woodrow Pittman sang lead, Clarence Owens sang tenor, Paul Burroughs sang bass, and of course Jack Bagwell sang baritone. In 1954 Jack Earl Pittman replaced his first cousin Woodrow Pittman as the lead singer. Later that year Ellison Jenkins replaced Paul Burroughs as the quartet?s bass singer. It is unknown at what point Jack Bagwell and Jack Pittman switched parts. With most quartets the lead singer and baritone are mostly interchangeable on a majority of the arrangements the group performs, and that seems to be the case here as well. According to Jack Bagwell, at first the two would only switch occasionally. Eventually the exception became the rule and Jack Pittman somewhere along the line officially became the groups baritone singer. 1960s and 1970s A couple more personnel changes would take place between 1959 and 1960. Clarence Owens was replaced by Claude Hunter on the tenor part and Ken Turner took over the bass from Paul Burroughs. Many Gospel Music fans will recall that Ken went on in later years to sing with the Dixie Echoes and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. In 1964 Jerry Hovis became the quartet?s tenor singer, replacing Claude Hunter. Then in 1968 Jack Pittman began suffering from some sort of vocal problem and had the leave the road. Laverne Tripp replaced Jack Earl and sang lead for about a year. At some point in 1968 the group decided to leave the road, but apparently the decision was not unanimous because the group continued to travel under the leadership of Jerry Hovis. It is unclear who else sang with the group during this period or how much singing they actually did, but in 1971 the group under the leadership of Jamie Dill returned to the road. Jack Bagwell, Jack Earl Pittman, and Jamie Dill were joined by past tenor singer Claude Hunter and new bass Cliff King when the group reunited in ?71. This group of men sang together for ten years. 1980s In 1981 Joel Duncan started singing bass for the group, Cliff King had decided to leave the road. Eddie Broom came along in 1984 as bass guitarist and from time to time would be given the opportunity to sing. When Claude Hunter left the road in 1986 Eddie became the groups full time tenor singer. A major change took place in 1987 with the death of Jamie Dill, he was 69 years old. Jamie was the founder, manager, and pianist for the group from its inception over 40 years earlier, and would not be easily replaced. With Jamie?s death there were several pairs of shoes that had to be filled. The group found a new pianist, David McCabe. The managerial duties were handed over to long time businessman Jack Earl Pittman. The group would go on despite their loss. Two memorable individuals joined the group in 1989. First was Mr. Gospel Music himself, Hovie Lister. Hovie of course was the founder and manager of The Statesmen Quartet from Atlanta, Georgia. Hovie would play the piano for the group for several years. 1990s 1993 brought the retirement of Eddie Broom from the group and thus the addition of Brion Carter as the tenor singer. Harold Gilley would become the groups bass singer in 1994 when Joel Duncan left. Joel and Eddie would go on to sing together again a little while later in the Travlers. The retirement of Jack Bagwell, Jack Pittman, and Harold Gilley in 1997 brought a major restructuring to the group. Brion Carter and the the other members decided to carry on with the name and tradition of the Palmetto State Quartet. To fill the lead, baritone, and bass singer positions that were left vacant would be a daunting task. Brian turned to Kerry Beatty who filled that position. Tony Peace, formerly of The Wilburns and later Masterpiece would sing baritone for the group, and Jeff Pearles would sing bass.