The Songfellows were established by Bob Jones Sr. and based in California for over fifty years.
Moving to Nashville in 2006, The Songfellows now tour and appear in concerts all across the nation. Their style is traditional, big full harmony Southern Gospel singing. "There are not many left like us. The days of the Statesmen, Stamps and Cathedrals have passed but a love for that sound and feel in gospel music has not," added Bob Jones Jr.; "With this line-up of veteran singers, the folks who missed those great groups will get a taste of what it was like in the 'Golden Era' and discover the music that launched this great style of Gospel Music."
The Songfellow’s perform in the best tradition of Southern Gospel Music, but their primary purpose is to present the message of Jesus’ love through song and testimony.
Bob Jones Jr. joined the quartet as a teenager. First he was the baritone and later as the lead singer. Both Bob Sr. and Bob Jr. managed the group until Bob Sr. passed at age 93. His last performance was at age 92 at his induction ceremony at Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. In 2006, Bob Jr. moved the quartet from Los Angeles, California to Nashville, Tennessee.
Tank Tackett sang tenor briefly for the Statesmen in 1993. He also performed with the Plainsmen and the Weatherfords. He is well known for an extensive run with Jerry Goff & The Goffs. He currently fills the baritone position with The Songfellows.
Rick Strickland, who currently resides in Greeneville,TN. is a multi-year veteran in Gospel Music. Rick began his career in 1982 with The Singing Americans when "I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy" was a multi-award winning song. That became a signature song of The Singing Americans throughout the rest of their career in Gospel Music. Most gospel music fans loved the classic renditions Rick sings like "Glory Road" and "You’ll Never Walk Alone". Rick has spent over 27 years with other artists as tenor with groups such as The Sound, The Kingdom Heirs and JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet and has appeared on numerous Gaither videos.
