In a day and time when "traditional" may not be viewed as the in thing, The Journeymen have been singing Southern Gospel Music for 53 years and have kept that standard.
From their beginnings gathered around a family piano in the fall of 1957, The Journeymen have watched in amazement as God grew their ministry, this solid traditional Southern Gospel Music style has formed the foundation of every song the group has chosen to sing and the audiences have loved it. Over the years there have been many personnel changes. However, The Journeymen have never compromised their male quartet style or sound. When asked what has been the driving force behind their style of singing, they simply reply, "It's our commitment to God and the music we sing". On stage, in an auditorium, arena, fair or church, The Journeymen always strive to show their audience the love of God. When the group is performing to a musical number you can always expect to share a lot of love and lots of laughter.
Spreading the eternal message of Christ without compromise is the foundation and cornerstone of any career in the ministry of the Gospel. Many talented vocalists and musicians step onto concert stages across the country each week; however, only the faithful and dedicated overcome the pressures of life on the road to delight in the blessings that are reaped by the faithful servant. John Bledsoe joined The Journeymen at age 16 and became owner and manager of the quartet just a few years later. During the past three decades The Journeymen, led by Big John have enjoyed tremendous success.
Present group membership includes Big John, who provides the foundation with his distinct lead style that keeps The Journeymen’s driving sound. Blake Aaron, from Milton, W Virginia, who includes a rich tenor sound. Returning to the group Kurtis Morgan who hails from Ironton, OH provides the great harmony with his Baritone Vocals, and Jason McSweeney, of Huntington, W. Virginia, who contributes their rich, smooth bass vocals.
The thrill and excitement of performing experienced by each Journeymen member night after night is most evident at each concert. Their goal of delivering a first-class performance filled with excitement, energy and lots of great traditional, Southern Gospel Music are traits which have proven to play an essential role in the success they have enjoyed.
These characteristics, united with their desire to never compromise their responsibility to spread the Gospel through Southern Gospel Music in a Christlike, professional manner have allowed The Journeymen to firmly establish their place. As The Journeymen have found, the miles on the road may sometimes be long, but God continues to bless the hard work of His faithful servants, as He continually offers new excitement with each new endeavor.
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Lead vocalist "Big" John Bledsoe, who hails from Milton, West Virginia, brings to The Journeymen over 40 years of experience in the Southern Gospel Music genre. His ability to effectively deliver a song vocally as well as emcee the groups' concerts makes him a natural favorite on stage with fans everywhere. He gives credit to the late Jim Hamill of the mighty Kingsmen for this ability. Off stage, Johns leadership and management qualities are equally important to the group. His love for Southern Gospel music is evidenced in his tireless work to keep the tradition within the quartet. He has been labeled many times of having a quartet with a big sound. John started singing with The Journeymen at 16 years old and is the only one to have sung with the originals. John came off the road in the early 80's for nearly seven long years, after the tragic death of his daughter. He is a witness to the grace and love of our savior, and how we serve a God of a second chance. John is married to his lovely wife Debbie, and together they have two sons.
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Blake Aaron, residing in Milton, WV, is The Journeymen's tenor. Although at age 23 he's the youngest, he loves singing traditional quartet style harmony. He was saved a little country church at the age of 12. Squirrel, as known by group members, joined the quartet at age 16 and has been singing with The Journeymen for 8 years. After his first concert he told the group " There was something about tonight that has shown me what I want to do for the rest of my life." He truly has a heart for reaching souls and a desire to witness to the younger crowd. Still at a young age he has been according to his dad, "One of the most willing to learn members we have ever had. Blake is a true blessing and always strives to do better." His love for God, people, and gospel music is displayed each time he steps on stage.
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Baritone vocalist Kurtis Morgan has rejoined The Journeymen effective March, 2010, after a three-year hiatus from the group. Originally, Kurtis traveled with the group in 2004, and after taking a few years off , the talented 26-year-old was happy to receive the call to once again become a member of the group. The Ironton, Ohio native, being a second generation Journeymen, is delighted to be back on the road traveling full-time with the Quartet. In his spare time he enjoys doing construction. Kurtis is excited to get back out on the Circut and see many of the fans he hasn't seen in quite some time. Big John stated "It is such an honer to have what I consider the best baritone I have ever sung with back on the road!"
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The rich bass tones of Deo Young complete The Journeymen's outstanding quartet sound. Deo, who is originally from Michigan and now resides in Lexington, KY has a clear, distinct bass voice--one that blends well with quartet singing but is also of superb solo quality. Deo has been singing for many years and is greatly respected for his ability. Those who meet Deo are immediately impressed by his sincerity and his compassion for others. He has a heart for seeing souls saved and making a positive impact on audiences through his music. His style and his voice are both natural assets to The Journeymen and its goal to encourage and inspire others. Deo and his wife Pam have four children between them (Joel, Sarah, Kelsey, Thair), one dog, and a bird.
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Although new to the Gospel Music Curcuit, Jason will no doubt leave his mark. At the young age of 26 years old his stage presence and ability to sing the bass has already had great reviews. Coming from a Singing Family it has been easy for Jason to adapt. Jason hails from Huntington, WV and is very excited about meeting a lot of new friends on the road. If asked he will be quick to tell you one of his early influences was his "Papaw" McSweeney whom he loved to hear sing bass. And The Greatest Day of his life was when the late, great George Younce gave him a personal phone call.
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