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Bands and Performers
5
 Rick May - mandolin, guitar; lead & harmony vocals
Johnny Branham - banjo; harmony vocals
Pat Holbrook - acoustic bass guitar; baritone & bass vocals
John Thornsberry - guitar; lead & harmony vocals
Albon Lee Clevenger - fiddle
Performing Area: National
This is the general performing area of this band.
They may perform in other areas as well.
Out of the foothills of Eastern Kentucky, known both for its production of coal and some of the leading bluegrass and country singers this country has known during the past forty years, comes the high energy bluegrass gospel group, 5 for the Gospel.
This dynamic group, started in 1989, has developed their version of the Eastern Kentucky flavor by combining bluegrass, southern gospel and country, applied to their own original compositions and arrangements, and enhanced by their spiritual convictions. Their performances are marked by their soaring vocal renditions in three and four part harmony.
5 For The Gospel is a bluegrass gospel ministry. They are a full time traveling road group which is desirous, and capable, of traveling anywhere in the world to present their message in song. Formed in 1989, the band has only recently gained a measure of national (and international) recognition. They performed on a successful three-week tour of England and Wales in April 1996. They made a repeat trip to the UK in April-May 1998, performing in England, Wales and Ireland. The band typically has 3 to 4 performances per week, throughout the year, with venues including churches, concerts and bluegrass festivals.
Bandmembers live within an hour's drive of each other in the Louisa, Kentucky area. They have all performed music since they were big enough to hold an instrument. Rick and Johnny cut their professional bluegrass music teeth with bands they originated and with well known groups such as the Goins Brothers and Dave Evans. Pat, John and Albon Lee have honed their musical talents in church music and with the current group. Rick and John are prolific songwriters, providing a significant portion of original material for their performances and recordings.
5 For The Gospel was named Traditional Gospel Group of the Year at the SPBGMA National Awards Show in Nashville in 1997 and 1999. The group has four albums (CD and cassette) and two concert videos released on the Hay Holler label.
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