It's Music Time! Today's Artist Spotlight

During the last 10 years of the stellar career of the world-famous Cathedral Quartet, the group had a tenor singer by the name of Ernie Haas.  Ernie had big shoes to fill.  He had just taken the position held by the great Danny Funderburk, who left to form his own group.

But Ernie made his mark in the world of Gospel quartets while traveling with the Cathedrals.

As you have read here before, the Cathedrals decided to retire in 1999, at the top of their game, after 36 years as a group.  Glenn Payne and George Younce were getting older--in their 70s--and they decided it was time to leave the road.

At that point Haas launched a solo career and eventually formed his own group called 'Ernie Haas and the Signature Sound.'  Immediately the group launched several radio hits.  Then, after several personnel changes, the group hit its stride.  They developed a unique stage presentation aimed at having fun, choreographed moves in sync with their singing, and a unique way of dressing for their performances.  Younger people loved it and flocked to Signature Sound concerts, as you will see in the video below.

Haas teamed up with Bill Gaither, and the two groups took America by storm.  Then, Haas and company became so popular that they separated from Gaither (a friendly departure as they still record for Gaither's label).  Still, the group continued to draw massive crowds to their concerts.

Today Ernie Haas and the Signature Sound Quartet is perhaps the most popular Gospel group on the road.  Their record sales are high, and their concerts are well-attended.

The following video is a sample of the quartet's stage work.  You will note that not only do they have a lot of fun while singing, but their songs still hold true to that 'old, old story' told in the Bible.  And their younger audiences respond very positively to their presentation.

Video--Ernie Hass and the Signature Sound Quartet sings 'Pray for Me.'