Singing Christians

The Singing Christians

Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1973
Defunct	1979
Headquarters	Texas , United States
Key people	Wayne Christian (leader)
Products	Southern gospel music albums

The Singing Christians were a prominent Southern gospel music ensemble that produced five albums through Canaan Records and achieved chart success within Southern gospel radio circles.

Under the leadership of Wayne Christian, the group toured extensively throughout the southern and southwestern regions of the United States. By 1975, they had become frequent headliners on the Wally Fowler Show and organized a popular East Texas music festival that drew thousands of Christian music enthusiasts each year. Additionally, they earned the distinction of being the inaugural headliners at the Kerrville Gospel Jubilee.

Several band members went on to establish distinguished careers in both music and business: Wayne Christian held the presidency of the Gospel Music Association and subsequently served as a Texas House Representative for District 9 over a span of 16 years. Gary Goss collaborated with Governor Jimmie Davis before assuming the role of music and tour director for country artist Johnny Rodriguez in 1986. John Mays performed bass duties for the Speer Family prior to managing Benson Records and Canaan Records. Emory Atkins developed a career in Nashville as a record producer, singer-songwriter, and audio engineer.

Following their disbandment in 1979, eight members regrouped under the name Mercy River Boys, shifting their focus toward Christian country music.

In 2015, Wayne Christian, Emory Atkins, Danny Hollis, Ronny Ricks, Gary Goss, along with other members from both ensembles, were honored with induction into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Lineups

1973–1975	1975–1976	1976–1977
Calvin Christian – tenor vocals James Christian – lead vocals, fiddle/violin Wayne Christian – lead vocals Frank Horton – baritone vocals Galen Sawyer – drums	Calvin Christian – tenor vocals James Christian – lead vocals, fiddle/violin Wayne Christian – lead vocals Frank Horton – baritone vocals Rusty Oxford – bass guitar Gary Goss – piano Bill Horton – steel guitar John Mays – bass guitar Johnny Pope – drums	Calvin Christian – tenor vocals James Christian – lead vocals, fiddle/violin Wayne Christian – lead vocals Frank Horton – baritone vocals Rusty Oxford – bass guitar Gary Goss – piano Emory Atkins – bass guitar
1977–1978	1978–1979
Danny B. Smith – tenor vocals James Christian – lead vocals, fiddle/violin Wayne Christian – lead vocals Danny Hollis – baritone vocals, guitar Rusty Oxford – bass guitar Gary Goss – piano Emory Atkins – bass guitar Kevin Bailey – electric guitar Ronny Ricks – drums	Danny B. Smith, tenor vocals Wayne Christian, lead vocals Danny Hollis – baritone vocals, guitar Rusty Oxford – bass guitar Gary Goss – piano Emory Atkins – bass guitar Kevin Bailey – electric guitar Ronny Ricks – drums

Discography

Year	Album Title	Record Label
1973	I’d Rather Live in the Sunshine (The Singing Christians)
1974	When I Begin to Live My Life (The Singing Christians)	Canaan Records
1975	Good Times are Coming (The Singing Christians)	Canaan Records
1976	The Promise (The Singing Christians)	Canaan Records
1977	Something For Everyone (Singing Christians)	Canaan Records
1978	Refresh Our Spirit (Singing Christians)	Canaan Records