This article is about the gospel group Gold City. For the mythical city of gold El Dorado, see El Dorado

El Dorado

El Dorado is the name of a Muisca tribal chief who covered himself with gold dust and, as an initiation rite, dived into a highland lake.Later it became the name of a legendary "Lost City of Gold" that has fascinated – and so far eluded – explorers since the days of the Spanish Conquistadors...

 or City of Gold

City of Gold

-Myth and legend:*Quivira and Cíbola, two of the mythical seven Cities of Gold*El Dorado, Mythical city of gold**El Dorado *City of the Caesars, Mythical South American city of great wealth...

Gold City is an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 Christian music

Christian music

Christian music is music that has been written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life and faith. Common themes of Christian music include praise, worship, penitence, and lament, and its forms vary widely across the world....

 group that is based in Gadsden, Alabama

Gadsden, Alabama

The city of Gadsden is the county seat of Etowah County in the U.S. state of Alabama, and it is located about 65 miles northeast of Birmingham, Alabama. It is the primary city of the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 103,459. Gadsden is closely associated with the...

.

Early years

The Mississippi-based Christianairs were renamed Gold City in Dahlonega, Georgia at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve to begin the year 1980 with bass Dallas Gilliland, tenor Bob Oliver, lead singer Jerry Ritchie, and baritone Ken Trussell. The group's owner was initially Floyd Beck, who sold the quartet to Tim Riley, Ivan Parker, Brian Free, and Gary Jones. Bass Tim Riley would replace Gilliland as the permanent bass singer in July of that same year. The group was an instant success in the industry, appearing on the main stage of the National Quartet Convention

National Quartet Convention

The National Quartet Convention is an annual gathering of Southern Gospel quartets and musicians. It is currently held at Freedom Hall on the grounds of the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.-History:...

 in October 1981. By 1982, tenor Brian Free, lead Ivan Parker

Ivan Parker

-Musical career:Ivan Parker was raised in Sanford, North Carolina, where his father was a pastor in a Pentecostal church. In 1982, Parker joined the Singing Americans, and in 1983 he became lead vocalist of the Dove Award-winning group the Gold City Quartet...

, and pianist Garry Jones had joined Riley to form a consistent nucleus that remained together until the end of 1993. Mike LeFevre joined in 1985 to sing baritone, replacing Jerry Ritchie.

The 1990s

Steve Lacey took over for LeFevre in 1992 and after the departure of Free, Jones and Parker in 1993 , Steve Lacey (baritone) took over lead duties while Mark Trammell

Mark Trammell

Mark Trammell played bass and was a part-time vocalist for Kingsmen Quartet from 1979 until 1980, and he was the baritone vocalist and bass guitar with the Cathedral Quartet from 1980 through 1990. After leaving the Cathedrals, he sang with Greater Vision from 1990 through 1993 and with Gold City...

 became baritone and Jay Parrack was named the new tenor. Parrack went on to become the premiere tenor in the history of Gold City. Lacey left to join The Kingdom Heirs

Kingdom Heirs

The Kingdom Heirs Quartet are a Southern Gospel quartet based at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.-Musical career:The Kingdom Heirs perform multiple shows daily at Dollywood during the months that the park is open. While the park is closed, they tour just like any other group. The group has...

. David Hill became lead singer for a while; his departure led to the next consistent lineup for the group, which included Jonathan Wilburn singing lead, Mark Trammell

Mark Trammell

Mark Trammell played bass and was a part-time vocalist for Kingsmen Quartet from 1979 until 1980, and he was the baritone vocalist and bass guitar with the Cathedral Quartet from 1980 through 1990. After leaving the Cathedrals, he sang with Greater Vision from 1990 through 1993 and with Gold City...

 singing baritone, and Jay Parrack as tenor. Over the years, the group developed a trademark style that relied on heavy brass arrangements for their more driving songs, and moving lyrics for their inspirational anthems.

Recent History

The last few years have brought a period of change and transition to this legendary quartet. Many personnel changes in the front line, as well as the breakup of the Band of Gold, have given a new look as well as a new sound to the group. The most notable and tragic change occurred in 2006, when Doug Riley, who co-managed Gold City in addition to playing drums (before taking over running the sound when the group streamlined their operations), was killed in an auto accident on the way to the recording studio early on the morning of January 31, to continue work on a recording.

In March 2006, bass singer Bill Lawrence (who had been handpicked by former bass Tim Riley) left the group. Tim filled in for several months while the search for a replacement was underway. Aaron McCune, who was bass singer with the Palmetto State Quartet

Palmetto State Quartet

- Formation and early years :The Palmetto State Quartet 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...

 at the time, joined Gold City in May 2006. McCune brought to Gold City the trademark smoothness and deep range that had long been a standard for this quartet.

In February 2007, it was announced that the group had returned to The Beckie Simmons Agency (from The Harper Agency). Beckie Simmons, while at Century II and her own agency, has handled the quartet's bookings for the majority of its existence.

In March 2008, lead singer Jonathan Wilburn left the group. Bruce Taliaferro, a Gadsden native who had filled in for Wilburn and Daniel Riley in the past, stepped in to fill the empty position. Gold City released their first recording with Mr. Taliaferro in July 2008. Also, August 2008 saw the Band of Gold return to the scene on a limited basis. The band consisted of pianist Josh Simpson, drummer Kevin Albertson, bass guitarist Taylor Barnes, and lead guitarist Daniel Addison.

On April 28, 2009, tenor, Steve Ladd, announced that he would be leaving Gold City. On June 17, 2009, it was announced that Chris Cooper would be filling the tenor position. It was announced in July 2009 that Josh Simpson would be leaving Gold City in August to go to college. His temporary replacement was Curtis Broadway who played on Band of Gold dates. Gold City Bus driver Jim Korn filled in on keys after the Band of Gold quit traveling with the group. It was announced on August 11. 2009 that Aaron McCune had departed Gold City and a replacement was being sought.

Later in December, it was announced that Chris Cooper left Gold City and a replacement would be found by the end of Christmas break. Over the Christmas break, it was announced that former Legacy Five

Legacy Five

Legacy Five is a Southern Gospel Quartet founded by former Cathedral Quartet members Roger Bennett and Scott Fowler after the owners of the Cathedral Quartet, Glen Payne and George Younce, decided to retire in 1999. Group members attribute their success to the changing face of gospel music and...

 tenor Josh Cobb would be joining the group, and former Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is a Southern Gospel vocal quartet founded in 2002 by Ernie Haase, former Cathedral Quartet tenor, and Garry Jones, former Gold City pianist.-Musical career:...

 pianist Roy Webb would join as the pianist. It was also announced that Tim Riley would be committed to full-time traveling with Gold City.

Later in 2010, however, Roy Webb opted to leave the group to fully pursue a solo career. Josh Simpson filled in on the piano while a new pianist is currently being found. After the National Quartet Convention, it was announced that Perry's pianist, Bryan Elliott, would be filling the piano bench. Months later, tenor singer, Josh Cobb was released form the group for logistical reasons. On October 29, Brent Mitchell was announced as tenor, to start officially November 11, 2010. Bruce Taliaferro announced his resignation the next month on December 18, 2010. His replacement, Craig West, was announced December 19. Then, on March 30, 2011, it was announced that Brent Mitchell left Gold City to care for his daughter who has been experiencing health problems. Dan Keeton, former owner of the Keeton family group was named official tenor singer after a couple of weeks filling in.

Singers

• Dallas Gilliland, Bass (1980)
• Bob Oliver, Tenor (1980–82)
• Jerry Ritchie, Lead (1980–83); Baritone (1983–85)
• Ken Trussell, Baritone (1980–83)
• Tim Riley, Bass (1980–2004; 2006; 2009–present)
• Brian Free, Tenor (1982–83; 1984–93)
• Bill Crittenton, Lead (1983–84)
• Benny Blackburn, Tenor (1983–84)
• Ivan Parker
  Ivan Parker
  -Musical career:Ivan Parker was raised in Sanford, North Carolina, where his father was a pastor in a Pentecostal church. In 1982, Parker joined the Singing Americans, and in 1983 he became lead vocalist of the Dove Award-winning group the Gold City Quartet...
  
  , Lead (1983–93)
• Mike LeFevre, Baritone (1985–92)
• Steve Lacey, Baritone (1992–93); Lead (1994)
• Jay Parrack, Tenor (1994–2004)
• Mark Trammell, Baritone (1994–2002)
• David Hill, Lead (1994–96)
• Jonathan Wilburn, Lead (1996–2008)
• Daniel Riley, Baritone (2002–present)
• Steve Ladd, Tenor (2004–2009)
• Bill Lawrence, Bass (2004–2006)
• Aaron McCune, Bass (2006–2009)
• Bruce Taliaferro, Lead (2008–2010)
• Chris Cooper, Tenor (2009)
• Josh Cobb, Tenor (2009–2010)
• Brent Mitchell, Tenor (2010–2011)
• Craig West, Lead (2010–2011)
• Jerry Pelfrey, Lead (2011–present)
• Dan Keeton, Tenor (2011–present)

Musicians

• Larry Goddard, Pianist (1980); Bassist (1980–82)
• David Holloway, Steel Guitarist (1980–82)
• Wayne Hussey, Drummer (1980–82)
• Cary Kirk, Bassist (1980)
• John Reinhart, Jr., Pianist (1980–82)
• Jeff Easter, Bassist (1982–83)
• Garry Jones, Pianist (1982–94)
• Jerry Lloyd, Steel Guitarist (1982–84,1985–87)
• John Noski, Drummer (1982,1985–89)
• Ken Bennett, Bassist (1982–84)
• Daryll LeCroy, Guitarist, Steel Guitarist (1984–85)
• Kelly Back, Guitarist (1984–85)
• Olan Witt, Drummer (1983–84)
• Rodney LaShum, Pianist (1983–85)
• Jeff Hullender, Bassist (1984–88)
• Doug Riley, Drummer (1989–2005); Sound Engineer (2005–06)
• Barry Scott, Bassist (1989)
• Mark Fain, Bassist (1989–95)
• Daryll LeCroy, Guitarist, Steel Guitarist (1987–93)
• David Brooks, Pianist (1994–95)
• Adam Borden, Bassist (1995–2005)
• Shane Jenkins, Pianist (1995–96)
• Randy Matthews, Pianist (1996–97)
• Byron Stewart, Pianist (1997)
• Tim Parton
  Tim Parton
  Tim Parton is the pianist for the Southern Gospel Quartet Legacy Five. He has also played for Gold City, the Gaither Vocal Band, The Speer Family, Vestal Goodman, The Lesters, and others.- History :...
  
  , Pianist (1997–99)
• Channing Eleton, Pianist (1999–2005)
• Josh Simpson, Pianist (2005–2009)
• Daniel Addison, Guitarist/Sound Engineer (2008–2009)
• Kevin Albertson, Drummer (2008–2009)
• Taylor Barnes, Bassist (2008–2009)
• Curtis Broadway, Pianist (2009)
• Roy Webb, Pianist (2009–2010)
• Bryan Elliott, Pianist (2010–present)

Discography

• 1981 First Day in Heaven
• 1981 We Believe
• 1981 Sing Golden Nuggets
• 1981 Songs of Days Gone By
• 1982 I've Got a Feeling
• 1982 Gold City: Live
• 1983 I Think I’ll Read It Again
• 1983 Hymns Sung by The Gold City Quartet
• 1983 Higher than the Moon
• 1984 Walking with Jesus
• 1984 Walk On
• 1985 Sing with the Angels
• 1986 Gold City Gold
• 1986 Double Take: Live
• 1986 Your Favorite Hymns
• 1986 Top Hits Volume 1
• 1986 Top Hits Volume 2
• 1987 Favorites Volume 1
• 1987 Favorites Volume 2
• 1987 Favorites Volume 3
• 1987 Movin’ Up
• 1988 Portrait
• 1988 Voices of Christmas
• 1989 Chartbreakers Volume 1
• 1989 Chartbreakers Volume 2
• 1989 Favorite Hymns Volume 2
• 1989 Goin’ Home
• 1990 Windows of Home
• 1990 Instrumentals Volume 1
• 1990 Indiana Live
• 1990 Favorites Volume 4
• 1990 Chartbreakers Volume 3
• 1991 Super 70’s Gospel Hits Vol. 1
• 1991 Super 70’s Gospel Hits Vol. 2
• 1991 Super 70’s Gospel Hits Vol. 3
• 1991 10 Year Celebration
• 1991 Answer the Call
• 1992 Kings Gold
• 1992 Masters of the Gospel
• 1992 Pillars of Faith
• 1993 Kings Gold 2
• 1993 Acapella Gold
• 1993 Requested Hymns Volume 1
• 1993 Requested Hymns Volume 2
• 1993 Requested Hymns Volume 3
• 1994 Renewed
• 1994 Lord Do It Again
• 1994 Classics
• 1994 Kings Gold 3
• 1995 Standing in the Gap
• 1996 Kings Gold 4
• 1996 Having Fun
• 1996 Preparing the Way
• 1997 What a Great Lifestyle
• 1997 Home for the Holidays
• 1998 The Collection
• 1998 Within the Rock
• 1999 Signed, Sealed, Delivered
• 1999 Amazing Grace: A Hymn Collection
• 2000 20th Anniversary Celebration: Vol. 1
• 2000 20th Anniversary Celebration: Vol. 2
• 2000 Are You Ready?
• 2000 Through the Years
• 2001 Pressed Down, Shaken Together, Running Over
• 2002 The Very Best of Gold City
• 2002 Camp Meetin'
• 2003 Walk the Talk
• 2003 24K Gold
• 2003 Pillars of Faith/Acapella (Double Album Reissue)
• 2003 A Gold City Christmas
• 2004 First Class
• 2005 Heaven
• 2006 Gold City — Their Best
• 2006 Revival
• 2008 Moment Of Truth
• 2010 A Collection of Favorites Volume 1
• 2011 Somebody's Coming

External links

• Gold City official website
• The Official Gold City Myspace Page