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{{Short description|Former Southern Gospel Quartet 1964-1999}}
'''The Cathedral Quartet''', often known as simply '''The Cathedrals''', was formed in 1964 by bass singer [[George Younce]], lead singer Glen Payne, tenor Bobby Clark, and baritone Danny Koker. The tenor and baritone position changed often during the Cathedrals long career, but the two most stable versions are George, Glen, Danny Funderburk (tenor), and Mark Trammell (baritone) from 1983-1990, and George, Glen, Ernie Haase (tenor), and Scott Fowler (baritone) from 1990-1999. The Cathedrals were thought by many quartet fans to be the epitome of class during their peak of popularity from the 1980's until their retirement in 1999.
{{Multiple issues|
{{original research|date=September 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2011}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
==The early years==
{{Infobox musical artist
The Cathedrals began as a trio consisting of Glen Payne (former lead singer for The [[Weatherford Quartet]]), Bobby Clark, and Danny Koker. They were hired by evangelist [[Rex Humbard]] to be the house gospel group of The [[Cathedral of Tomorrow]], taking the name 'The Cathedral Trio'. Within a year, they had become popular enough that Humbard wanted to expand the trio into a quartet. He enlisted bass singer George Younce, then singing with the [[Blue Ridge Quartet]]. The newly formed quartet became even more popular with the addition of George's smooth bass. Although performing at the Cathedral of Tomorrow was considered a dream job for a quartet, having a permanent base of operation and steady income, it would not last. Due to the demanding nature of the Humbard ministry, and his desire for the singers to also do counselling, George and Glen decided in 1969 that they should go out on their own instead because they felt they would damage the ministry by doing things outside of their calling. It was a risky move (especially since Koker and Clark who had gone on to other interests, while their replacements made the group not yet to the level of the original group). Also, they would now have to travel extensively, while not being guaranteed a steady paycheck. Their lack of name recognition, and the fact that many considered them a "church quartet" instead of a professional one, made it difficult for them to gain an audience base to start with. There were a lot of lean times in those first few years on their own.
| name = Cathedral Quartet
| image =
| image_size =
| image_upright =
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| alt =
| caption = The Cathedrals 1994
| alias = The Cathedrals
| origin = [[Akron, Ohio]]<ref name="southern_gospel_history">{{Cite web |url=https://southerngospeljournal.com/reference/cathedral-quartet/history |title=History {{!}} Southern Gospel Journal |last=Mount |first=Daniel |website=Southern Gospel Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201001334/https://southerngospeljournal.com/reference/cathedral-quartet/history |archive-date=February 1, 2018}}</ref> United States
| genre = [[Southern gospel]], [[Contemporary Christian music|Contemporary christian]]
| years_active = {{start date|1963}}–{{end date|1999}}
| label = {{flatlist|
*Heart Warming
*Eternal
*Cannan
*Riversong
*Homeland
*Chapel<ref name="discogs">{{Cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/2096260-The-Cathedral-Quartet |title=The Cathedral Quartet |website=Discogs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201002114/https://www.discogs.com/artist/2096260-The-Cathedral-Quartet|archive-date=February 1, 2018}}</ref>}}
| past_members = * [[Glen Payne]]
* Danny Koker
* [[Bobby Clark (tenor)|Bobby Clark]]
* [[George Younce]]
* [[George Amon Webster]]
* Mack Taunton
* Lorne Matthews
* Roger Horne
* Haskell Cooley
* Jim Garstang
* Roy Tremble
* Bill Dykes
* Steve Lee
* Kurt Young
* Roger Bennett
* Mark Trammell
* Danny Funderburk
* Gerald Wolfe
* [[Ernie Haase]]
* Scott Fowler
* [[Kirk Talley]]
}}
The '''Cathedral Quartet''', also known as the '''Cathedrals''', was an American [[southern gospel]] [[quartet]] who performed from 1964 to December 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sghistory.com/index.php?n=C.Cathedral_Quartet|title=Southern Gospel History {{!}} C / CathedralQuartet|website=sghistory.com|access-date=2019-10-03}}</ref> The group's final lineup consisted of [[Glen Payne]] (lead), [[George Younce]] (bass), [[Ernie Haase]] (tenor), Scott Fowler (baritone and [[bass guitar]]), and Roger Bennett (piano and rhythm guitar).


==<span id="Group history"></span>History==
Their being on the [[Canaan]] label and Marvin Norcross being willing to keep them on it even when their sales were not great, as well as Florida Boys lead singer, Les Beasley, giving them time on the [[Gospel Singing Jubilee]] TV show helped give them time to develop their sound and a following. They still struggled and tried about everything they knew such as dressing in styles of the day (but not as dramatically as groups like the [[Oak Ridge Boys]] or the [[Imperials]]. They had more personnel changes along the way.
===Formation and early years===
The Cathedrals formed in 1963 as a trio consisting of the California [[The Weatherfords|Weatherford Quartet]] lead singer [[Glen Payne]], tenor [[Bobby Clark (tenor)|Bobby Clark]], and baritone Danny Koker. Initially a house group of [[Rex Humbard]]'s [[Cathedral of Tomorrow]], they called themselves the Cathedral Trio.<ref name="DeBoerMainstay">{{cite news |last1=DeBoer |first1=Terry |title=Gospel music is quartet's mainstay |publisher=[[The Grand Rapids Press]] |date=6 September 1991|id={{ProQuest|284364580}} }}</ref> The group became a quartet with the addition of [[Blue Ridge Quartet]] bass singer [[George Younce]] in 1964. They decided to become a full-time touring group in 1969, leaving the Cathedral of Tomorrow. Koker and Clark left the group to pursue other interests, and were replaced by tenor Mack Taunton and baritone-pianist George Amon Webster. The group signed with [[Canaan Records]]; Canaan producer Marvin Norcross worked with them and [[Florida Boys]] lead singer [[Les Beasley]] to help the group gain exposure. Norcross gave them performance time on the nationally syndicated television ''Gospel Singing Jubilee''. With Canaan, the group experimented with different styles of dress and performance to find their identity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-cathedral-quartet-mn0000064225/biography|title=The Cathedral Quartet - Biography & History|website=AllMusic|access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref>


===Rise to prominence===
Another big "break" eventually came when they made an appearance at [[Bill Gaither]]'s Praise Gathering in Indianapolis, IN, and shortly afterward, they were inundated with requests for appearances.
Gospel singer [[Bill Gaither (gospel singer)|Bill Gaither]] invited the group to perform at his annual Praise Gathering in [[Indianapolis]], and they received more requests for appearances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.last.fm/music/The+Cathedral+Quartet/+wiki|title=The Cathedral Quartet biography|website=Last.fm|language=en|access-date=2019-10-03}}</ref> Gaither collaborated with Younce and Payne to produce their future albums for Word Records. The group began incorporating Younce and Payne's comedy routines, and added Roy Tremble as a tenor. Tremble, Webster, and pianist Lorne Matthews left the group and started their own trio called "The Brothers" in 1979. Their first replacement, [[Kirk Talley]] of [[the Hoppers]], was a tenor; Steve Lee was added to sing baritone and play piano. Shortly before 1980, the group hired Roger Bennett as their pianist after hearing him play for their opening act. Lee left the group, and former member Roger Horne filled in briefly before [[The Kingsmen Quartet|Kingsmen]] bass guitarist and baritone Mark Trammell joined the group. In 1983 they left Canaan (Word), and signed with Riversong (Benson).
Gaither also wanted to produce their future albums for Word.


===<span id="The 1980's"></span>1980s===
They were popular with crowds due to their superior singing and they also owed much of their popularity to George and Glen's stage presence. George was a wonderful emcee, with a humble demeanor and a terrific sense of humor. Glen was usually the butt of George's jokes. In later years, George often made fun of Glen's age (Glen was two years older than George), calling him 'The Old Man' and using his catch phrase, "I love old people!"
Talley left the group in the summer of 1983 to form [[the Talleys]] with his brother, Roger, and sister-in-law, Debra. [[Danny Funderburk]] of the Singing Americans was chosen to replace him in December of that year. This lineup remained in place for several years, until Bennett left to help found Journey Records. Bennett was replaced by young, classically trained pianist and vocalist [[Gerald Wolfe]]. With Wolfe at the piano and singing, the group contributed to ''Symphony of Praise'' a 1987 album with the [[London Philharmonic Orchestra]]. The album included "[[This Ole House]]", "Champion Of Love", "I Can See The Hand" (written by [[Steven Curtis Chapman]]), and "I've Just Started Living". During this period, the group added Trammell's bass guitar and a [[synthesizer]] to its quartet vocals.


===<span id="The 1990's and Gaither Homecoming years"></span>1990s: Gaither Homecoming years===
When they thought things couldn't be much better, disaster struck in the late '70's. The three young guys (tenor Roy Tremble, baritone and bass player George Amon Webster, and pianist Lorne Matthews
In February 1990, Funderburk left to help form the quartet Perfect Heart. The Cathedrals hired tenor Kurt Young to replace him, but Young left the quartet after two months. Young was replaced by [[Ernie Haase]], a young tenor from [[Indiana]]. Later that year, Trammell left to form [[Greater Vision]] with Gerald Wolfe. Scott Fowler, former lead singer of the Sound, became the quartet's baritone and bass guitarist; this was the final version of the Cathedrals. The full group (including present and former members, except for Danny Koker, Roger Horne, Lorne Matthews, Bill Dykes, Jim Garstang, Steve Lee and Kurt Young) recorded a concert, ''The Cathedral Quartet: A Reunion'', in 1995.
formed their own group after being convinced by a promoter that they were being held back by the "old men." To make matters worse, Glen heard a rumor about it before being told by the three guys, and found it to be true when he checked. It was tough, but many promoters told Glen and George to get a pianist and come anyhow. Soon they got Kirk Talley (from the Hoppers) to sing tenor and Steve Lee to sing baritone and play piano, doing double duty as baritones such as Danny Koker and George Amon Webster had done for them in the past.


[[Bill Gaither (gospel singer)|Bill Gaither]] and the [[Gaither Vocal Band]] recorded ''Homecoming'', a tribute to [[Southern gospel]] music, during the early 1990s. Gaither enlisted George Younce and Glen Payne for the album (which inspired the ''[[Gaither Homecoming]]'' videos), and the Cathedral Quartet was included on later videos in the series. In addition to touring and appearing in the ''Gaither Homecoming'' videos, the group appeared three times on NBC's ''[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]'' show during the decade.
Steve and Kirk heard a great piano player playing for a local group who was opening for the Cathedrals. They urged George and Glen to get off of the bus and come listen to him and hire him. After much pleading got them to. They too were blown away and did indeed hire him. This was fortunate for them because not too much later, Steve Lee decided life on the road was not for him, and quit the group. They hired Mark Trammell, bass guitarist and sometime vocalist from the Kingsmen to sing and eventually play bass guitar for them.
This combination lasted for a while and became a very successful group with songs like "Step Into The Water", "Moving Up To Gloryland", "I Know A Man Who Can" etc. They eventually left Canaan (Word) and went to Riversong (Benson). They then first recorded Glen's signature song, "We Shall See Jesus."


===Final years and farewell tour===
==The 1980s==
Younce and Payne's health began to decline; Younce had kidney failure and heart disease by 1999, and Payne was diagnosed with liver cancer. They decided to disband the group after a farewell tour, as the group's health permitted. The Gaithers and the Cathedrals recorded a live Cathedrals Farewell Celebration video on May 18, 1999, on which they were joined by [[The Statler Brothers]], [[The Oak Ridge Boys]], [[Sandi Patty]], [[Guy Penrod]], and the [[Gaither Vocal Band]]. The Cathedrals would make their final appearance at the [[National Quartet Convention]] without Payne. During a performance Payne called via telephone from his hospital bed, he sang the song ''I Won't Have to Cross Jordan Alone'' to which the audience gave him a standing ovation at the end. On October 15, 1999, Payne died from liver cancer at aged 72. After Payne's death, Bennett sung Payne's part until the group final concerts on December 9, 10 and 11, 1999 in [[Akron, Ohio]].


===<span id="Post-disbanding"></span>After the group===
Kirk Talley decided around 1983 that he wanted to start a group with his brother Roger and Roger's wife Debra Talley. They did and toured with the Cathedrals for a while when they first started out. The Cathedrals hired Danny Funderburk from the Singing Americans to take Kirk's place. Danny and his genuine love for people was an instant hit, and when he found his place in the groups arrangements, he became much more so. This version of the Cathedrals with Funderburk along with George, Glen, Mark Trammell, and piano player Roger Bennett soon became the most popular they had ever been. The Cathedrals had finally reached the peak of their creativity and popularity. Funderburk had a distinctive voice that stood out from other tenors. He had soul, passion and pathos in his voice unlike other gospel tenors of the day who voices were more often than not thin and feminine sounding. His unique, powerful tenor voice
In 2000, former members Fowler and Bennett formed the Southern gospel group [[Legacy Five]]; Fowler was the lead singer and bass guitarist, and Bennett was the group's [[Master of ceremonies|emcee]] and pianist. Haase continued a solo career he had begun and, with Gaither's help, formed The Old Friends Quartet with Younce, [[Jake Hess]], Wesley Pritchard, and [[Gold City]] alumnus Garry Jones on piano. They recorded two albums and a concert video for the ''Gaither Homecoming'' series, but Younce and Hess's poor health brought an end to the Old Friends two years later. In 2003, Haase and Garry Jones formed the Signature Sound Quartet. After Jones and Haase developed artistic differences, Jones left. Signature Sound Quartet became associated with Gaither and his Homecoming tour, and changed its name to [[Ernie Haase & Signature Sound]].
was used to good effect on songs like "I Just Started Living" and "Somebody Touched Me" in which he had the lead.


After leaving the Cathedrals, Trammell was the original baritone of Greater Vision before leaving to join Gold City. In 2002, Trammell formed his own quartet called [[Mark Trammell Quartet]]. Gerald Wolfe is emcee and piano player with Greater Vision and Danny Funderburk has recorded solo and has been in several groups since leaving Perfect Heart. Kirk Talley had a solo career from the Talleys breakup to December 2012, when he developed vocal problems. On April 11, 2005, George Younce died from kidney failure, aged 75.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ohio/obituary.aspx?n=george-w-younce&pid=3408778&fhid=2661|title=George W. Younce obituary, Akron Beacon Journal|date=13 April 2005|website=Legacy.com|access-date=27 February 2020}}</ref> On March 17, 2007, Roger Bennett died aged 48 after battling {{frac|11|1|2}} years of leukemia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-03-17 |title=Legacy Five Pianist Roger Bennett Dies |url=https://www.chattanoogan.com/2007/3/17/103767/Legacy-Five-Pianist-Roger-Bennett-Dies.aspx |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=www.chattanoogan.com |language=en}}</ref> On February 17, 2008 original baritone Danny Koker died aged 74.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/lvrj/name/danny-koker-obituary?id=39577087|title=Danny Koker Obituary (2008) - Las Vegas, NV - Las Vegas Review-Journal|website=Legacy.com}}</ref> In 2010, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound released ''[[A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet]]'' DVD/album set and was nominated for Southern Gospel Album of the Year at the [[42nd GMA Dove Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dove Awards |url=https://doveawards.com/nominees.php |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710145827/http://www.doveawards.com/nominees.php |archive-date=July 10, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
This lineup stayed in place for a few years when Roger Bennett decided to leave and help start a record company. He was replaced by Gerald Wolfe. With Wolfe at the piano and doing some singing, the group improved more and eventually recorded half of an album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the other half of it acappella. Out of this came songs like "This Ole' House" and "Champion Of Love" (which had Gerald Wolfe on lead vocals.)
Combined with Mark Trammell's fine baritone and George and Glen's usual excellence, they were regularly reaching the top of the gospel charts, with #1 singles "Champion Of Love", "I Can See The Hand", and "I Just Started Living". During this period, they began doing more contemporary songs with larger production, while never leaving their simple "four-guys-and-a-piano" sound. From now until their retirement, The Cathedrals would balance their albums with a combination of styles. Other groups began copying The Cathedrals' use of taped music tracks on stage, which allowed them to do the larger-production style songs.


On September 28, 2013 Webster died aged 67 from cancer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-journalonline/name/george-webster-obituary?id=17825044|title=George Webster Obituary (2013) - Ormond Beach, FL - Daytona Beach News-Journal|website=Legacy.com}}</ref> In 2014, former members Haase, Fowler, Funderburk, Trammell and Wofle (except for Talley) released the ''Cathedrals Family Reunion'', a DVD/album set to commemorate the Cathedrals 35 years journey in stories and songs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/cathedrals-family-reunion-mw0002585152|title=The Cathedrals - Cathedral's Family Reunion Album Reviews, Songs & More &#124; AllMusic|via=www.allmusic.com}}</ref> On May 22, 2014 original tenor Bobby Clark died aged 78 from a stroke.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gastongazette.com/story/entertainment/2014/07/03/gospel-music-rick-strickland-sharing/34353066007/|title=Gospel music: Rick Strickland sharing his musical ministry this weekend|first=Jack|last=Kimbro|website=Gaston Gazette}}</ref> In December 2017, Steve Lee died.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://singingnews.com/news/former-cathedral-member-steve-lee-passes-away/|title=Former Cathedral Member Steve Lee Passes Away|date=December 5, 2017}}</ref> On June 13, 2023 Roy Tremble died aged 76 from a brief illness.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://obituaries.heraldbulletin.com/obituary/roy-tremble-1088420849/|title=Remembering the life of Roy Tremble|website=obituaries.heraldbulletin.com}}</ref>
After being with the Cathedrals a couple of years or so, Gerald Wolfe moved on to a solo career. His replacement, Roger Bennett. Roger had missed the work on stage and was glad to be back. Within a year or two, Danny Funderburk left to start a solo career. After recording a cassette, he was tapped to sing tenor in a new group, Perfect Heart.
On September 28, 2023 Roger Horne died aged 77.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.williamsonherald.com/obituaries/obituary-roger-lewis-horne/article_46ab6100-6147-11ee-ac83-e79915acc3fc.html|title=Obituary: Roger Lewis Horne|date=October 2, 2023|website=Williamson Herald}}</ref> On April 2, 2024 Haskell Cooley died aged 84 after battling [[Alzheimer's disease]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/haskell-cooley?fbclid=IwAR03wFsDvzxs25XQA_DFZnraDz_n5AI139qoCCSePjxh_m20_5f4nnlc1ws_aem_AV55xeaw5Q_Jf9l2f9OVyYrYYH9HuITw0ymJhngqU-Gyemm-v7SMx-f5VwcEyvq0WQ-TkDotccAfLBEmJgP-_b--html|title=Obituary: Haskell Leon Cooley|date=April 2, 2024|website=Cozine}}</ref>


==Members==
==The 1990s and Gaither Homecoming years==
<span id="Line-ups"></span>
The group hired tenor [[Kurt Young]] to fill Funderburk's place. Although Young's voice was reminiscent of Kirk Talley's voice, he had difficulty hitting high tenor notes consistently. After several months with the quartet, he left and was replaced by [[Ernie Haase]], who later married Younce's daughter Lisa.
{| class="toccolours" style="float: width: 375px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2;" border="1" width="99%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"
|-
! width="25%" valign="top" bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | 1963-1964
(As the Cathedral Trio)
! width="25%" valign="top" bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | 1964-1967
(As the Cathedral Quartet)
! width="25%" valign="top" bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | 1967-1969
|-
| valign="top" |
*Bobby Clark – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Danny Koker – baritone, piano
| valign="top" |
*Bobby Clark – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Danny Koker – baritone, piano
*George Younce – bass
| valign="top" |
*Mack Taunton – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Danny Koker – baritone, piano
*George Younce – bass


|-
Several months after Haase joined the group, [[Mark Trammell]] left to form Greater Vision with [[Gerald Wolfe]]. Upon recommendation by Ernie, George Younce and Glen Payne hired [[Scott Fowler]] as baritone and bass guitarist. This was the final version of Cathedrals.
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1969-1971
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1971
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1971-1972
|-
| valign="top" |
*Mack Taunton – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*George Amon Webster – baritone, piano
*George Younce – bass
| valign="top" |
*Mack Taunton – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*George Amon Webster – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Lorne Matthews – piano
| valign="top" |
*Roger Horne – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Roy Tremble – baritone
*George Younce – bass
*Lorne Matthews – piano, vocals


|-
Around this time, [[Bill Gaither]] and the [[Gaither Vocal Band]] were recording 'Homecoming', a tribute album to classic Southern Gospel songs. For one of the songs, "Where Could I Go", Gaither wanted to include as many of his childhood Southern Gospel heroes as possible. Among many others, George Younce and Glen Payne were among Gaither's little group of singers he called on to sing on the song. Out of this recording, the Gaither 'Homecoming' videos were born. At first, the whole group of Cathedrals were not included, just George and Glen. Several Homecoming videos later, the full Cathedrals were included, where they gained a whole new fan base.
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1972
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1972-1973
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1973-1974
|-
| valign="top" |
*Bobby Clark – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Roy Tremble – baritone
*George Younce – bass
*Lorne Matthews – piano
| valign="top" |
*Roy Tremble – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Bill Dykes – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Jim Garstang – piano
| valign="top" |
*Roy Tremble – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Bill Dykes – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*George Amon Webster – piano


|-
The Cathedrals soon became one of the most popular groups to be featured on the Homecoming videos. George even starred in some of Gloria Gaither's children's Homecoming videos with Vestal Goodman. (Children had written many fan letters to the Gaithers, and George Younce and Vestal Goodman were the favorites). George used his onstage clowning to good effect on these children's videos, riding a tandem bicycle with Vestal and singing fun songs like "The Laughing Song" and "Led Out Of Bondage", as well as a tender duet with young Madison Easter (daughter of fellow Gaither singers Jeff and Sheri Easter) on "God Loves To Talk To Little Boys When Their Fishin'".
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1974-1979
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1979
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1979
|-
| valign="top" |
*Roy Tremble – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*George Amon Webster – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Haskell Cooley – piano
| valign="top" |
*Roy Tremble – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*George Amon Webster – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Lorne Matthews – piano, vocals
| valign="top" |
*Kirk Talley – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Steve Lee – baritone, piano
*George Younce – bass


|-
The Cathedrals sang many of their classic songs on the Homecoming videos, as well as some of their new hits as Haase and Bennett were songwriters and recorded the songs co-written by both members. Ernie Haase delivered a stirring rendition of the Rosie Rozell classic "Oh, What A Savior" which he had earlier recorded on a solo cassette and on his first CD with the Cathedrals as well. George sang one of his favorites, "Suppertime". Glen and Guy Penrod sang a classic version of "The Haven Of Rest". The Homecoming Friends gave a tribute to Glen Payne for 50 faithful years in gospel music. The Cathedrals scaled back on traveling so they could last longer.
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1979-1980
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1980
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1980-1983
|-
| valign="top" |
*Kirk Talley – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Steve Lee – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Roger Bennett – piano
| valign="top" |
*Kirk Talley – tenor, bass guitar
*Glen Payne – lead
*Roger Horne – baritone
*George Younce – bass
*Roger Bennett – piano
| valign="top" |
*Kirk Talley – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Roger Bennett – piano, vocals


|-
==The Cathedrals' farewell==
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1983-1986
They had had many successes over the years, but in addition to some of the struggles above, George had also had health problems off and on with his heart, and later his kidneys. By 1999, George Younce was suffering from kidney failure, and his heart was too weak for a kidney transplant. He was put on dialysis, and was noticeably paler and thinner on the Gaither videos. George and Glen decided it was time for the Cathedrals to retire. They had decided to do a farewell tour of selected concerts, as George's health allowed. Bill Gaither wanted to do a Cathedrals Farewell Celebration video. The video which was recorded live on May 18, 1999 is a great example of the Cathedrals stage style, and was highlighted by George's hilarious emcee job. They were joined on the video by The Statler Brothers, The Oak Ridge Boys, Sandi Patty, Guy Penrod, and Bill Gaither himself. Several months after this was recorded, in the late summer of 1999, Glen Payne was diagnosed with liver cancer. It was a shock to everyone, as George Younce's health was the reason the Cathedrals were retiring. Roger Bennett filled in as lead vocalist in Glen's absence.
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1986-1988
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1988-1990
|-
| valign="top" |
*Danny Funderburk – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Roger Bennett – piano, vocals
| valign="top" |
*Danny Funderburk – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Gerald Wolfe – piano, vocals
| valign="top" |
*Danny Funderburk – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Roger Bennett – piano, vocals


|-
Glen was in Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, TN when the Cathedrals traveled to the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. Much to the surprise of the audience, he made a special appearance, over the phone from his hospital room, with a stirring rendition of "I Won't Have To Cross Jordan Alone." It would be his last public performance, as he died almost two months later on October 15, 1999. Roger Bennett covered Glens vocals and they finished out the tour for the fans as well as the fact that Glen made George promise to meet their obligations. Glen and the younger guys had sung before without George a few times when he was ill, and George felt like he owed him and the fans. Instead of calling Glen the old man, George turned the old man jokes on himself. However, as well as they sang, and as good as they put on these shows, going on without Glen was tough. They did it the same way they always sang, with class. The final Cathedrals concert was held where it all started for the group, in Akron, OH.
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1990
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1990
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" width="25%" valign="top" | 1990-1999
|-
| valign="top" |
*Kurt Young – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Roger Bennett – piano
| valign="top" |
*Ernie Haase – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Roger Bennett – piano, vocals
| valign="top" |
*Ernie Haase – tenor
*Glen Payne – lead
*Scott Fowler – baritone, bass guitar
*George Younce – bass
*Roger Bennett – piano, vocals
|}


===<span id="Musicians"></span>Backing musicians===
==After the cathedrals==
*[[George Amon Webster]]: bass guitar (1971, 1974–79)
In 2000, former Cathedrals Scott Fowler and Roger Bennett formed the popular traditional Southern Gospel group Legacy Five. In this group, Scott sang lead instead of baritone as he had in the Cathedrals. He had not been lead singer in a group since he had sung for The Sound before joining the Cathedrals. Ernie (who by the time married George's daughter Lisa) went on to continue a solo career he had already been developing. George recovered from his health problems enough to continue to appear on some more Homecoming videos, contributing a memorable version of the old Statesmen quartet song "Up Above My Head" with former Statesemen lead singer Jake Hess.
*Steve Lee: bass guitar (1979–80)
*[[Kirk Talley]]: bass guitar (1979–83)
*Victor Clay: rhythm guitar (occasional appearances from 1964)
*Roger Bennett: rhythm guitar (1985)
*Robbie Willis: drums (occasionally)


==== Timeline ====
Later with some help from Bill Gaither, Ernie and George started The Old Friends Quartet with [[Jake Hess]] and Wesley Pritchard, and with Gold City alumnus, Garry Jones as their pianist. They recorded two albums, and did a concert video for the Gaither Homecoming series. George and Jake's poor health brought an end to the Old Friends a couple of years later.
<timeline>
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Colors =
In 2003, Haase (with help from his famous father-in-law) and Garry Jones put together The Signature Sound Quartet. After a while, Garry Jones and Ernie discovered they had different visions and ways of running the group so Garry and the groups lead singer Shane Dunlap left the group. Signature Sound later became associated with Gaither and eventually were called "Ernie Haase and Signature Sound." They are one of the most popular new groups, and joined the Gaither Homecoming Tour as a featured quartet.
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id:baritone value:rgb(1,0,0) legend:Baritone
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After leaving The Cathedrals, Mark Trammell was the original baritone of Greater Vision before leaving it to join Gold City after lead singer Ivan Parker and tenor Brian Free both quit the group and their baritone Steve Lacey moved up to lead. He left Gold City in 2002 to form the Mark Trammell Trio so that he would not only sing, but be able to preach as well. Gerald Wolfe still sings lead with Greater Vision, and is the only original member left. Danny Funderburk has recorded solo recordings and have beein in several groups since leaving Perfect Heart. Kirk Talley started a solo career after the Talleys broke up. Later, Roger and Debra had their daughter Lauren sing with them and they restarted the group but called it the Talley Trio instead of The Talleys (as the group was known when Kirk sang with them.) On [[April 11]] [[2005]], George Younce died. The Cathedrals are still seen on reruns of old Homecoming videos, and their albums are still selling. The Cathedral Quartet has left a rich legacy in [[Southern Gospel]] Music, and will not soon be forgotten.


ScaleMajor = increment:4 start:1963
==Members==
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1963
Tenor

*[[Bobby Clark]] (1963-1968)
LineData =
*[[Mack Taunton]] (1968-1972)
width:1
*[[Roger Horne]] (1972)
at:04/02/1963 color:album layer:back # Introducing the Cathedral Trio
*[[Bobby Clark]] (1972)
at:04/08/1963 color:album layer:back # When the Saints go Marching in
*[[Roy Tremble]] (1972-1979)
at:04/02/1964 color:album layer:back # Presenting The Cathedral Trio, Mariner’s Quartet, Gospel Harmony Boys
*[[Kirk Talley]] (1979-1983)
at:04/08/1964 color:album layer:back # Beyond the Sunset
*[[Danny Funderburk]] (1983-1989)
at:04/02/1965 color:album layer:back # Taller than the trees
*[[Kurt Young]] (1989-1990)
at:04/08/1965 color:album layer:back # Presenting The Cathedral Quartet, Mariner’s Quartet, Gospel Harmony Boys
*[[Ernie Haase]] (1990-1999)
at:04/12/1965 color:album layer:back # The Cathedral Quartet with Strings
at:04/02/1966 color:album layer:back # The Cathedral Quartet with Brass
at:04/08/1966 color:album layer:back # Greatest Gospel Hits
at:04/12/1966 color:album layer:back # Land of the Bible
at:04/02/1968 color:album layer:back # Family Album
at:04/08/1968 color:album layer:back # Focus on Glen Payne
at:04/12/1968 color:album layer:back # I Saw The Light
at:04/02/1969 color:album layer:back # Jesus is Coming Soon
at:04/02/1970 color:album layer:back # I'm Nearer Home
at:04/08/1970 color:album layer:back # A Little Bit of Everything
at:04/02/1971 color:album layer:back # Everything's Alright
at:04/08/1971 color:album layer:back # Somebody Loves Me
at:04/12/1971 color:album layer:back # Right On
at:04/10/1972 color:album layer:back # Welcome to Our World
at:04/02/1973 color:album layer:back # Seniors in Session
at:04/08/1973 color:album layer:back # Town and Country
at:04/12/1973 color:album layer:back # The Last Sunday
at:04/02/1974 color:album layer:back # Our Statue of Liberty
at:04/08/1974 color:album layer:back # Live in Concert
at:04/02/1975 color:album layer:back # Plain Ole Gospel
at:04/09/1975 color:album layer:back # For Keeps
at:04/02/1976 color:album layer:back # The Cathedrals sing Albert Brumley Classics
at:04/09/1976 color:album layer:back # Easy on the Ears, Heavy on the Heart
at:04/07/1977 color:album layer:back # Then and Now
at:04/02/1978 color:album layer:back # One at a Time
at:04/08/1978 color:album layer:back # Oh What a Love
at:04/12/1978 color:album layer:back # Sunshine and Roses
at:04/02/1979 color:album layer:back # You ain't Heard Nothing Yet
at:04/04/1979 color:album layer:back # Live
at:04/08/1979 color:album layer:back # Keep on Singing
at:04/12/1979 color:album layer:back # Interwoven
at:04/02/1980 color:album layer:back # Smooth as Silk
at:04/08/1980 color:album layer:back # Better Than Ever
at:04/12/1980 color:album layer:back # Telling the World About His Love
at:04/02/1981 color:album layer:back # Cherish That Name
at:04/08/1981 color:album layer:back # Colors of His Love
at:04/02/1982 color:album layer:back # Greater
at:04/08/1982 color:album layer:back # Oh Happy Day
at:04/12/1982 color:album layer:back # Something Special
at:04/02/1983 color:album layer:back # Favorites Old and New
at:04/04/1983 color:album layer:back # Individually
at:04/08/1983 color:album layer:back # Voices in Praise Acapella
at:04/12/1983 color:album layer:back # Live in Atlanta
at:04/04/1984 color:album layer:back # Distinctively
at:04/09/1984 color:album layer:back # The Prestigious Cathedral Quartet
at:04/02/1985 color:album layer:back # An Old Convention Song
at:04/08/1985 color:album layer:back # Especially For You
at:04/12/1985 color:album layer:back # A Cathedral Christmas Acapella
at:04/06/1986 color:album layer:back # Master Builder
at:04/12/1986 color:album layer:back # Travellin' Live
at:04/03/1987 color:album layer:back # Land of The Living
at:04/09/1987 color:album layer:back # Symphony of Praise
at:04/07/1988 color:album layer:back # Goin' in Style
at:04/04/1989 color:album layer:back # I've Just Started Living
at:04/09/1989 color:album layer:back # 25th Anniversary
at:04/10/1990 color:album layer:back # Climbing Higher and Higher
at:04/07/1991 color:album layer:back # The Best of Times
at:04/08/1992 color:album layer:back # Camp Meeting
at:04/04/1993 color:album layer:back # High and Lifted Up
at:04/09/1993 color:album layer:back # Worship His Glory
at:04/05/1994 color:album layer:back # Raise The Roof: 30th Anniversary
at:04/08/1995 color:album layer:back # A Reunion
at:04/03/1996 color:album layer:back # Radio Days
at:04/12/1996 color:album layer:back # Live in Chicago
at:04/08/1997 color:album layer:back # Alive! Deep in The Heart of Texas
at:04/08/1998 color:album layer:back # Faithful
at:04/05/1999 color:album layer:back # Live in Jacksonville, Florida
at:04/09/1999 color:album layer:back # A Farewell Celebration

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textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(3,-5) width:11
bar:Clark from:01/01/1963 till:01/10/1967 color:tenor
bar:Tauton from:01/10/1967 till:01/07/1971 color:tenor
bar:Horne from:01/07/1971 till:26/08/1972 color:tenor
bar:Tremble from:26/08/1972 till:01/07/1979 color:tenor
bar:Tremble from:01/04/1971 till:26/08/1972 color:baritone
bar:Talley from:01/07/1979 till:15/04/1983 color:tenor
bar:Funderburk from:15/04/1983 till:01/02/1990 color:tenor
bar:Young from:01/02/1990 till:01/07/1990 color:tenor
bar:Haase from:01/07/1990 till:end color:tenor
bar:Payne from:01/01/1963 till:end color:lead
bar:Koker from:01/01/1963 till:14/04/1969 color:baritone
bar:Webster from:14/04/1969 till:01/04/1971 color:baritone
bar:Webster from:26/08/1974 till:01/07/1979 color:baritone
bar:Dykes from:26/08/1972 till:26/08/1974 color:baritone
bar:Lee from:01/07/1979 till:01/07/1980 color:baritone
bar:Trammell from:01/07/1980 till:01/11/1990 color:baritone
bar:Fowler from:01/11/1990 till:end color:baritone
bar:Webster from:07/04/1973 till:17/04/1974 color:piano
bar:Younce from:01/07/1964 till:end color:bass
bar:Matthews from:01/04/1971 till:17/04/1972 color:piano
bar:Garstang from:17/04/1972 till:17/04/1973 color:piano
bar:Cooley from:17/04/1974 till:17/06/1979 color:piano
bar:Bennett from:17/06/1979 till:01/04/1986 color:piano
bar:Bennett from:01/09/1988 till:01/12/1999 color:piano
bar:Wolfe from:01/04/1986 till:01/09/1988 color:piano
</timeline>

<span id="The Brothers"></span><span id="Line-ups"></span>

==<span id="Cathedrals Family Reunion Members"></span>Cathedrals Family Reunion members==
{| class="toccolours" style="float: width: 375px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2;" width="99%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1"
|-
! width="25%" valign="top" bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | 2009
(As Cathedrals Remember The Music)
! width="25%" valign="top" bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | 2012
! width="25%" valign="top" bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | 2013–2014
(As Cathedrals Family Reunion)
|-
| valign="top" |
*Danny Funderburk – tenor
*Scott Fowler – lead
*Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
*Glenn Dustin – bass
*[[Tim Parton]] – piano
*Gerald Wolfe – piano, vocals
| valign="top" |
*[[Ernie Haase]] – tenor
*Scott Fowler – lead
*Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
*Glenn Dustin – bass
*Gerald Wolfe – piano, vocals
| valign="top" |
*Danny Funderburk – tenor
*Ernie Haase – tenor
*Scott Fowler – lead
*Mark Trammell – baritone
*Pat Barker – bass
*[[Matt Fouch]] – bass
*Paul Harkley – bass
*Trey Ivey – piano
*[[Wesley Pritchard]] – bass guitar
*Gerald Wolfe – piano, vocals
|}

==Discography==
===Studio albums===
*1963: ''Introducing the Cathedral Trio''
*1963: ''When the Saints Go Marching In''
*1964: ''Beyond the Sunset''
*1965: ''Taller Than Trees''
*1965: ''Presenting the Cathedral Quartet, Mariner’s Quartet, Gospel Harmony Boys''
*1965: ''The Cathedral Quartet with Strings''
*1966: ''The Cathedral Quartet with Brass''
*1966: ''Greatest Gospel Hits''
*1966: ''Land of the Bible''
*1967: ''I Saw the Light''
*1968: ''Family Album''
*1968: ''Focus On Glen Payne''
*1969: ''Jesus is Coming Soon''
*1970: ''I’m Nearer Home''
*1970: ''It’s Music Time''
*1970: ''A Little Bit of Everything''
*1971: ''Everything’s Alright''
*1971: ''Somebody Loves Me''
*1971: ''Right On''
*1972: ''Welcome to Our World''
*1973: ''Seniors in Session''
*1973: ''Town and Country''
*1973: ''The Last Sunday''
*1974: ''Our Statue of Liberty''
*1975: ''Plain Ole Gospel''
*1975: ''For Keeps''
*1976: ''The Cathedral Quartet Sings Albert E. Brumley Classics''
*1976: ''Easy on the Ears, Heavy on the Heart''
*1977: ''Then and Now''
*1978: ''One at a Time''
*1978: ''The Cathedral Quartet Featuring Oh, What a Love''
*1978: ''Sunshine And Roses''
*1979: ''You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet''
*1979: ''Keep On Singing'' (2 Versions)
*1979: ''Smooth as Silk''
*1980: ''Interwoven''
*1980: ''Better Than Ever''
*1980: ''Telling the World About His Love''
*1981: ''Cherish That Name''
*1981: ''Colors of His Love''
*1982: ''Something Special''
*1982: ''Greater''
*1982: ''Oh Happy Day''
*1983: ''Individually''
*1983: ''Voices in Praise/A Cappella''
*1984: ''Distinctively''
*1984: ''The Prestigious Cathedral Quartet''
*1985: ''An Old Convention Song''
*1985: ''Especially For You''
*1985: ''A Cathedral Christmas A Cappella''
*1986: ''Master Builder''
*1987: ''Land Of Living''
*1987: ''Symphony of Praise''
*1988: ''Goin’ In Style''
*1989: ''25th Anniversary''
*1990: ''Climbing Higher and Higher''
*1991: ''The Best of Times''
*1993: ''High and Lifted Up''
*1993: ''Worship His Glory: Acapella Praise''
*1994: ''Raise the Roof: 30th Anniversary''
*1996: ''Radio Days''
*1998: ''Faithful''
*2013: ''Cathedrals Family Reunion''

===Live albums===
*1974: ''Live in Concert''
*1979: ''Live With The Cathedral Quartet''
*1983: ''Live in Atlanta''
*1986: ''Travelin’ Live''
*1992: ''Camp Meeting (Live)''
*1995: ''A Reunion'' (recorded live in 1993)
*1997: ''Alive! Deep In The Heart Of Texas''
*1999: ''A Farewell Celebration''
*1999: ''Live in Jacksonville''
*2012: ''Moody Radio Presents... Live In Chicago'' (recorded live in 1996)
*2014: ''Cathedrals Family Reunion: Past Members Reunite Live In Concert''


===Compilations===
Lead
*1971: ''Hits'' (Eternal)
*[[Glen Payne]] (1963-1999)
*1971: ''Request Time'' (Skylite)
*1976: ''The Best Of The Cathedral Quartet'' (Eternal)
*1976: ''Music Time'' (Eternal)
*1979: ''Then I Found Jesus'' (Eternal)
*1979: ''Oh What A Love'' (Eternal)
*1980: ''Special''
*1982: ''A Collection of Their Best'' (Canaan)
*1983: ''Favorites Old and New'' (old recordings and new recordings)
*1983: ''Featuring George Younce''
*1983: ''Featuring Glen Payne''
*1984: ''Classics'' (Heartwarming)
*1986: ''Classics Vol. 2'' (Heartwarming)
*1988: ''Collection, Volume 1'' (Riversong)
*1989: ''Collection, Volume 2'' (Riversong)
*1990: ''The Collector’s Series'' (Homeland)
*1991: ''Collection, Volume 3'' (Riversong)
*1993: ''Some of Their Finest Moments''
*1995: ''20 Favorites Volume 1'' (Benson)
*1996: ''20 Favorites Volume 2'' (Benson)
*1996: ''The Cathedral Collection'' (Homeland)
*1998: ''20 Gospel Classics'' (Landmark)
*1999: ''Anthology: A 35 Year Musical Journey'' (Homeland)
*1999: ''Through the Years: 21 Favorite Hymns and Songs of the Church'' (Homeland)
*1999: ''20 Convention Classics'' (Diamante)
*1999: ''Hymns and Spiritual Songs '' (Riversong/Heartwarming/Benson)
*2000: ''Signature Songs, Vol. 1'' (Homeland)
*2000: ''Signature Songs, Vol. 2'' (Homeland)
*2000: ''Southern Gospel Treasury Series'' (Epic Records)
*2000: ''Super Hits'' (Word Records)
*2002: ''Years Gone By, Vol 1'' (Homeland)
*2002: ''The Best of the Cathedrals'' (Canaan)
*2003: ''Live in Concert/Live With the Cathedral Quartet'' (Cathedral)<ref>{{cite web |title=The Cathedral Quartet |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-cathedral-quartet-mn0000064225/discography/all |website=Allmusic |access-date=2 March 2020}}</ref>


===Appearances on the Gaither Homecoming videos===
Baritone
*1994: ''A Christmas Homecoming'' - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
*[[Danny Koker]] (1963-1969)
*1994: ''The Cathedrals: 50 Faithful Years'' - All songs
*[[George Amon Webster]] (1969-1971)
*1995: ''The Sweetest Song I Know'' - "An Old Convention Song"
*[[Roy Tremble]] (1971-1972)
*1996: ''Moments to Remember'' - "This Old House"
*[[Bill Dykes]] (1972-1974)
*1997: ''Feelin' At Home'' - "New Born Feeling"
*[[George Amon Webster]] (1974-1979)
*1997: ''This Is My Story'' - "Boundless Love"
*[[Steve Lee]] (1979-1980)
*1998: ''Singing With The Saints'' - "Mexico"
*[[Mark Trammell]] (1980-1990)
*1999: ''Singin' In My Soul'' - "He Made A Change"
*[[Scott Fowler]] (1990-1999)
*2000: ''Good News'' - "Trying To Get A Glimpse"


==References==
Bass
{{Reflist}}
*[[George Younce]] (1964-1999)


==External links==
Piano
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20101224201123/http://www.southerngospelblog.com/reference/cathedral-quartet Cathedrals History and Discography]
*[[Danny Koker]] (1963-1969)
*[[George Amon Webster]] (1969-1971)
*[[Lorne Matthews]] (1971-1972)
*[[Jim Garstang]] (1972-1973)
*[[George Amon Webster]] (1973-1974)
*[[Haskell Cooley]] (1974-1979)
*[[Lorne Matthews]] (1979)
*[[Steve Lee]] (1979)
*Roger Bennett (1979-1986)
*[[Gerald Wolfe]] (1986-1988)
*Roger Bennett (1988-1999)


{{Authority control}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.cathedralquartet.com/ Official Cathedral Quartet site]
* [http://www.georgeyounceonline.com/ George Younce official site]
* [http://www.cathedralstribute.com/ Cathedrals History and Discography]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Cathedral Quartet, The}}
[[Category:Southern gospel performers|C]]
[[Category:American Christian musical groups]]
[[Category:Gospel quartets]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1999]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1964]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Ohio]]
[[Category:Southern gospel performers]]

Latest revision as of 19:03, 2 January 2025

Cathedral Quartet
Also known asThe Cathedrals
OriginAkron, Ohio[1] United States
GenresSouthern gospel, Contemporary christian
Years active1963 (1963)–1999 (1999)
Labels
  • Heart Warming
  • Eternal
  • Cannan
  • Riversong
  • Homeland
  • Chapel[2]
Past members

The Cathedral Quartet, also known as the Cathedrals, was an American southern gospel quartet who performed from 1964 to December 1999.[3] The group's final lineup consisted of Glen Payne (lead), George Younce (bass), Ernie Haase (tenor), Scott Fowler (baritone and bass guitar), and Roger Bennett (piano and rhythm guitar).

History

[edit]

Formation and early years

[edit]

The Cathedrals formed in 1963 as a trio consisting of the California Weatherford Quartet lead singer Glen Payne, tenor Bobby Clark, and baritone Danny Koker. Initially a house group of Rex Humbard's Cathedral of Tomorrow, they called themselves the Cathedral Trio.[4] The group became a quartet with the addition of Blue Ridge Quartet bass singer George Younce in 1964. They decided to become a full-time touring group in 1969, leaving the Cathedral of Tomorrow. Koker and Clark left the group to pursue other interests, and were replaced by tenor Mack Taunton and baritone-pianist George Amon Webster. The group signed with Canaan Records; Canaan producer Marvin Norcross worked with them and Florida Boys lead singer Les Beasley to help the group gain exposure. Norcross gave them performance time on the nationally syndicated television Gospel Singing Jubilee. With Canaan, the group experimented with different styles of dress and performance to find their identity.[5]

Rise to prominence

[edit]

Gospel singer Bill Gaither invited the group to perform at his annual Praise Gathering in Indianapolis, and they received more requests for appearances.[6] Gaither collaborated with Younce and Payne to produce their future albums for Word Records. The group began incorporating Younce and Payne's comedy routines, and added Roy Tremble as a tenor. Tremble, Webster, and pianist Lorne Matthews left the group and started their own trio called "The Brothers" in 1979. Their first replacement, Kirk Talley of the Hoppers, was a tenor; Steve Lee was added to sing baritone and play piano. Shortly before 1980, the group hired Roger Bennett as their pianist after hearing him play for their opening act. Lee left the group, and former member Roger Horne filled in briefly before Kingsmen bass guitarist and baritone Mark Trammell joined the group. In 1983 they left Canaan (Word), and signed with Riversong (Benson).

1980s

[edit]

Talley left the group in the summer of 1983 to form the Talleys with his brother, Roger, and sister-in-law, Debra. Danny Funderburk of the Singing Americans was chosen to replace him in December of that year. This lineup remained in place for several years, until Bennett left to help found Journey Records. Bennett was replaced by young, classically trained pianist and vocalist Gerald Wolfe. With Wolfe at the piano and singing, the group contributed to Symphony of Praise a 1987 album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The album included "This Ole House", "Champion Of Love", "I Can See The Hand" (written by Steven Curtis Chapman), and "I've Just Started Living". During this period, the group added Trammell's bass guitar and a synthesizer to its quartet vocals.

1990s: Gaither Homecoming years

[edit]

In February 1990, Funderburk left to help form the quartet Perfect Heart. The Cathedrals hired tenor Kurt Young to replace him, but Young left the quartet after two months. Young was replaced by Ernie Haase, a young tenor from Indiana. Later that year, Trammell left to form Greater Vision with Gerald Wolfe. Scott Fowler, former lead singer of the Sound, became the quartet's baritone and bass guitarist; this was the final version of the Cathedrals. The full group (including present and former members, except for Danny Koker, Roger Horne, Lorne Matthews, Bill Dykes, Jim Garstang, Steve Lee and Kurt Young) recorded a concert, The Cathedral Quartet: A Reunion, in 1995.

Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band recorded Homecoming, a tribute to Southern gospel music, during the early 1990s. Gaither enlisted George Younce and Glen Payne for the album (which inspired the Gaither Homecoming videos), and the Cathedral Quartet was included on later videos in the series. In addition to touring and appearing in the Gaither Homecoming videos, the group appeared three times on NBC's Today show during the decade.

Final years and farewell tour

[edit]

Younce and Payne's health began to decline; Younce had kidney failure and heart disease by 1999, and Payne was diagnosed with liver cancer. They decided to disband the group after a farewell tour, as the group's health permitted. The Gaithers and the Cathedrals recorded a live Cathedrals Farewell Celebration video on May 18, 1999, on which they were joined by The Statler Brothers, The Oak Ridge Boys, Sandi Patty, Guy Penrod, and the Gaither Vocal Band. The Cathedrals would make their final appearance at the National Quartet Convention without Payne. During a performance Payne called via telephone from his hospital bed, he sang the song I Won't Have to Cross Jordan Alone to which the audience gave him a standing ovation at the end. On October 15, 1999, Payne died from liver cancer at aged 72. After Payne's death, Bennett sung Payne's part until the group final concerts on December 9, 10 and 11, 1999 in Akron, Ohio.

After the group

[edit]

In 2000, former members Fowler and Bennett formed the Southern gospel group Legacy Five; Fowler was the lead singer and bass guitarist, and Bennett was the group's emcee and pianist. Haase continued a solo career he had begun and, with Gaither's help, formed The Old Friends Quartet with Younce, Jake Hess, Wesley Pritchard, and Gold City alumnus Garry Jones on piano. They recorded two albums and a concert video for the Gaither Homecoming series, but Younce and Hess's poor health brought an end to the Old Friends two years later. In 2003, Haase and Garry Jones formed the Signature Sound Quartet. After Jones and Haase developed artistic differences, Jones left. Signature Sound Quartet became associated with Gaither and his Homecoming tour, and changed its name to Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.

After leaving the Cathedrals, Trammell was the original baritone of Greater Vision before leaving to join Gold City. In 2002, Trammell formed his own quartet called Mark Trammell Quartet. Gerald Wolfe is emcee and piano player with Greater Vision and Danny Funderburk has recorded solo and has been in several groups since leaving Perfect Heart. Kirk Talley had a solo career from the Talleys breakup to December 2012, when he developed vocal problems. On April 11, 2005, George Younce died from kidney failure, aged 75.[7] On March 17, 2007, Roger Bennett died aged 48 after battling 11+1⁄2 years of leukemia.[8] On February 17, 2008 original baritone Danny Koker died aged 74.[9] In 2010, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound released A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet DVD/album set and was nominated for Southern Gospel Album of the Year at the 42nd GMA Dove Awards.[10]

On September 28, 2013 Webster died aged 67 from cancer.[11] In 2014, former members Haase, Fowler, Funderburk, Trammell and Wofle (except for Talley) released the Cathedrals Family Reunion, a DVD/album set to commemorate the Cathedrals 35 years journey in stories and songs.[12] On May 22, 2014 original tenor Bobby Clark died aged 78 from a stroke.[13] In December 2017, Steve Lee died.[14] On June 13, 2023 Roy Tremble died aged 76 from a brief illness.[15] On September 28, 2023 Roger Horne died aged 77.[16] On April 2, 2024 Haskell Cooley died aged 84 after battling Alzheimer's disease.[17]

Members

[edit]

1963-1964

(As the Cathedral Trio)

1964-1967

(As the Cathedral Quartet)

1967-1969
  • Bobby Clark – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Danny Koker – baritone, piano
  • Bobby Clark – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Danny Koker – baritone, piano
  • George Younce – bass
  • Mack Taunton – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Danny Koker – baritone, piano
  • George Younce – bass
1969-1971 1971 1971-1972
  • Mack Taunton – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • George Amon Webster – baritone, piano
  • George Younce – bass
  • Mack Taunton – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • George Amon Webster – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Lorne Matthews – piano
  • Roger Horne – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Roy Tremble – baritone
  • George Younce – bass
  • Lorne Matthews – piano, vocals
1972 1972-1973 1973-1974
  • Bobby Clark – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Roy Tremble – baritone
  • George Younce – bass
  • Lorne Matthews – piano
  • Roy Tremble – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Bill Dykes – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Jim Garstang – piano
  • Roy Tremble – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Bill Dykes – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • George Amon Webster – piano
1974-1979 1979 1979
  • Roy Tremble – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • George Amon Webster – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Haskell Cooley – piano
  • Roy Tremble – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • George Amon Webster – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Lorne Matthews – piano, vocals
  • Kirk Talley – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Steve Lee – baritone, piano
  • George Younce – bass
1979-1980 1980 1980-1983
  • Kirk Talley – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Steve Lee – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Roger Bennett – piano
  • Kirk Talley – tenor, bass guitar
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Roger Horne – baritone
  • George Younce – bass
  • Roger Bennett – piano
  • Kirk Talley – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Roger Bennett – piano, vocals
1983-1986 1986-1988 1988-1990
  • Danny Funderburk – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Roger Bennett – piano, vocals
  • Danny Funderburk – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Gerald Wolfe – piano, vocals
  • Danny Funderburk – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Roger Bennett – piano, vocals
1990 1990 1990-1999
  • Kurt Young – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Roger Bennett – piano
  • Ernie Haase – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Roger Bennett – piano, vocals
  • Ernie Haase – tenor
  • Glen Payne – lead
  • Scott Fowler – baritone, bass guitar
  • George Younce – bass
  • Roger Bennett – piano, vocals

Backing musicians

[edit]
  • George Amon Webster: bass guitar (1971, 1974–79)
  • Steve Lee: bass guitar (1979–80)
  • Kirk Talley: bass guitar (1979–83)
  • Victor Clay: rhythm guitar (occasional appearances from 1964)
  • Roger Bennett: rhythm guitar (1985)
  • Robbie Willis: drums (occasionally)

Timeline

[edit]

Cathedrals Family Reunion members

[edit]
2009

(As Cathedrals Remember The Music)

2012 2013–2014

(As Cathedrals Family Reunion)

  • Danny Funderburk – tenor
  • Scott Fowler – lead
  • Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
  • Glenn Dustin – bass
  • Tim Parton – piano
  • Gerald Wolfe – piano, vocals
  • Ernie Haase – tenor
  • Scott Fowler – lead
  • Mark Trammell – baritone, bass guitar
  • Glenn Dustin – bass
  • Gerald Wolfe – piano, vocals
  • Danny Funderburk – tenor
  • Ernie Haase – tenor
  • Scott Fowler – lead
  • Mark Trammell – baritone
  • Pat Barker – bass
  • Matt Fouch – bass
  • Paul Harkley – bass
  • Trey Ivey – piano
  • Wesley Pritchard – bass guitar
  • Gerald Wolfe – piano, vocals

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
  • 1963: Introducing the Cathedral Trio
  • 1963: When the Saints Go Marching In
  • 1964: Beyond the Sunset
  • 1965: Taller Than Trees
  • 1965: Presenting the Cathedral Quartet, Mariner’s Quartet, Gospel Harmony Boys
  • 1965: The Cathedral Quartet with Strings
  • 1966: The Cathedral Quartet with Brass
  • 1966: Greatest Gospel Hits
  • 1966: Land of the Bible
  • 1967: I Saw the Light
  • 1968: Family Album
  • 1968: Focus On Glen Payne
  • 1969: Jesus is Coming Soon
  • 1970: I’m Nearer Home
  • 1970: It’s Music Time
  • 1970: A Little Bit of Everything
  • 1971: Everything’s Alright
  • 1971: Somebody Loves Me
  • 1971: Right On
  • 1972: Welcome to Our World
  • 1973: Seniors in Session
  • 1973: Town and Country
  • 1973: The Last Sunday
  • 1974: Our Statue of Liberty
  • 1975: Plain Ole Gospel
  • 1975: For Keeps
  • 1976: The Cathedral Quartet Sings Albert E. Brumley Classics
  • 1976: Easy on the Ears, Heavy on the Heart
  • 1977: Then and Now
  • 1978: One at a Time
  • 1978: The Cathedral Quartet Featuring Oh, What a Love
  • 1978: Sunshine And Roses
  • 1979: You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet
  • 1979: Keep On Singing (2 Versions)
  • 1979: Smooth as Silk
  • 1980: Interwoven
  • 1980: Better Than Ever
  • 1980: Telling the World About His Love
  • 1981: Cherish That Name
  • 1981: Colors of His Love
  • 1982: Something Special
  • 1982: Greater
  • 1982: Oh Happy Day
  • 1983: Individually
  • 1983: Voices in Praise/A Cappella
  • 1984: Distinctively
  • 1984: The Prestigious Cathedral Quartet
  • 1985: An Old Convention Song
  • 1985: Especially For You
  • 1985: A Cathedral Christmas A Cappella
  • 1986: Master Builder
  • 1987: Land Of Living
  • 1987: Symphony of Praise
  • 1988: Goin’ In Style
  • 1989: 25th Anniversary
  • 1990: Climbing Higher and Higher
  • 1991: The Best of Times
  • 1993: High and Lifted Up
  • 1993: Worship His Glory: Acapella Praise
  • 1994: Raise the Roof: 30th Anniversary
  • 1996: Radio Days
  • 1998: Faithful
  • 2013: Cathedrals Family Reunion

Live albums

[edit]
  • 1974: Live in Concert
  • 1979: Live With The Cathedral Quartet
  • 1983: Live in Atlanta
  • 1986: Travelin’ Live
  • 1992: Camp Meeting (Live)
  • 1995: A Reunion (recorded live in 1993)
  • 1997: Alive! Deep In The Heart Of Texas
  • 1999: A Farewell Celebration
  • 1999: Live in Jacksonville
  • 2012: Moody Radio Presents... Live In Chicago (recorded live in 1996)
  • 2014: Cathedrals Family Reunion: Past Members Reunite Live In Concert

Compilations

[edit]
  • 1971: Hits (Eternal)
  • 1971: Request Time (Skylite)
  • 1976: The Best Of The Cathedral Quartet (Eternal)
  • 1976: Music Time (Eternal)
  • 1979: Then I Found Jesus (Eternal)
  • 1979: Oh What A Love (Eternal)
  • 1980: Special
  • 1982: A Collection of Their Best (Canaan)
  • 1983: Favorites Old and New (old recordings and new recordings)
  • 1983: Featuring George Younce
  • 1983: Featuring Glen Payne
  • 1984: Classics (Heartwarming)
  • 1986: Classics Vol. 2 (Heartwarming)
  • 1988: Collection, Volume 1 (Riversong)
  • 1989: Collection, Volume 2 (Riversong)
  • 1990: The Collector’s Series (Homeland)
  • 1991: Collection, Volume 3 (Riversong)
  • 1993: Some of Their Finest Moments
  • 1995: 20 Favorites Volume 1 (Benson)
  • 1996: 20 Favorites Volume 2 (Benson)
  • 1996: The Cathedral Collection (Homeland)
  • 1998: 20 Gospel Classics (Landmark)
  • 1999: Anthology: A 35 Year Musical Journey (Homeland)
  • 1999: Through the Years: 21 Favorite Hymns and Songs of the Church (Homeland)
  • 1999: 20 Convention Classics (Diamante)
  • 1999: Hymns and Spiritual Songs (Riversong/Heartwarming/Benson)
  • 2000: Signature Songs, Vol. 1 (Homeland)
  • 2000: Signature Songs, Vol. 2 (Homeland)
  • 2000: Southern Gospel Treasury Series (Epic Records)
  • 2000: Super Hits (Word Records)
  • 2002: Years Gone By, Vol 1 (Homeland)
  • 2002: The Best of the Cathedrals (Canaan)
  • 2003: Live in Concert/Live With the Cathedral Quartet (Cathedral)[18]

Appearances on the Gaither Homecoming videos

[edit]
  • 1994: A Christmas Homecoming - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
  • 1994: The Cathedrals: 50 Faithful Years - All songs
  • 1995: The Sweetest Song I Know - "An Old Convention Song"
  • 1996: Moments to Remember - "This Old House"
  • 1997: Feelin' At Home - "New Born Feeling"
  • 1997: This Is My Story - "Boundless Love"
  • 1998: Singing With The Saints - "Mexico"
  • 1999: Singin' In My Soul - "He Made A Change"
  • 2000: Good News - "Trying To Get A Glimpse"

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Mount, Daniel. "History | Southern Gospel Journal". Southern Gospel Journal. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018.
  2. ^ "The Cathedral Quartet". Discogs. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018.
  3. ^ "Southern Gospel History | C / CathedralQuartet". sghistory.com. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  4. ^ DeBoer, Terry (September 6, 1991). "Gospel music is quartet's mainstay". The Grand Rapids Press. ProQuest 284364580.
  5. ^ "The Cathedral Quartet - Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  6. ^ "The Cathedral Quartet biography". Last.fm. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  7. ^ "George W. Younce obituary, Akron Beacon Journal". Legacy.com. April 13, 2005. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  8. ^ "Legacy Five Pianist Roger Bennett Dies". www.chattanoogan.com. March 17, 2007. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  9. ^ "Danny Koker Obituary (2008) - Las Vegas, NV - Las Vegas Review-Journal". Legacy.com.
  10. ^ "Dove Awards". Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  11. ^ "George Webster Obituary (2013) - Ormond Beach, FL - Daytona Beach News-Journal". Legacy.com.
  12. ^ "The Cathedrals - Cathedral's Family Reunion Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  13. ^ Kimbro, Jack. "Gospel music: Rick Strickland sharing his musical ministry this weekend". Gaston Gazette.
  14. ^ "Former Cathedral Member Steve Lee Passes Away". December 5, 2017.
  15. ^ "Remembering the life of Roy Tremble". obituaries.heraldbulletin.com.
  16. ^ "Obituary: Roger Lewis Horne". Williamson Herald. October 2, 2023.
  17. ^ "Obituary: Haskell Leon Cooley". Cozine. April 2, 2024.
  18. ^ "The Cathedral Quartet". Allmusic. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
[edit]
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