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The Crownsmen

The Crownsmen have launched many people into the music industry, enjoying great success not only on the west coast but on a national level as well. Over the past four decades, their lineup has changed as well as their musical styles. However, the group's founder Dan Hunter keeps the message of the Gospel as the main focal point of this Legendary Group.

The Early Years

Formed in the early 70s by Dan Hunter, The original vocal line up was Dan (Bass), Ted Hunter (Dan’s son, Baritone), Jim Davis (Lead) and Randy Price (Tenor). Their first album “Sounds of Reality” was released in 1972 on a local Southern California indie label “Love Inc.” The album featured the original studio version of The Crownsmen’s most requested song “Heaven”

The Manna Years

In 1973, The Crownsmen inked a deal with Hal Spenser's Manna Records, which was a division of Manna Music Inc. They stepped into MCA/Whitney Studios in Glendale, CA to record their first album on the label “I’m Gonna Take a Trip”. The album featured such songs as "The Lighthouse", "Daddy Sang Bass," & Lavern Tripp's classic "I Know". In 1974 The Crownsmen released their 3rd album, and 2nd for Manna “It’s Gonna Be a Morning to Remember.” Original lead singer Jim Davis would leave soon after this album was released. In 1975 Rick Gentry was the new lead singer and The Crownsmen recorded “LIVE”, this album featured an exciting performance as well as one of the first early recordings featuring the Legendary Rev. Dick Hillary as the Master of Ceremonies.

All in the Family

In 1976 all four front members of The Crownsmen were all family members for the first time. Dan Hunter’s daughter Pam along with her first husband Rick Evens joined the group. This quickly became the best version of The Crownsmen ever. With band alumni Terry Cross, Tracy Heaston & Tim Bailey, the sound was unmatched by hardly any other groups at the time. “I’m Gonna Rise” was released in 1978 featuring Rick Evans’s “God Isn’t Dead” which quickly became a favorite among fans all over. In 1979 The Crownsmen recorded “You Gave the Song,” this was probably one of the most versatile albums The Crownsmen ever recorded. “You Gave the Song” featured everything from Southern Gospel, to Country Gospel and Contemporary Christian Music. By 1980 The Crownsmen would soon see changes in the lineup yet again.

The 80s

In 1981 Dan Hunter put together one of the biggest lineups in Gospel Music when The Crownsmen brought back former original member Jim Davis, former member Rick Gentry and new member Joe Wilson. Dan brought in musicians to form a full Live band. The Crownsmen for the first time expanded to 10 members (not including the bus driver).

The Crownsmen released “Back to the Basics” probably one of the best Country/Traditional albums, featuring such songs like “Excuses” & “God Walks The Dark Hills” the album was a return to traditional Southern Gospel Music. In 1982 the excitement of a Crownsmen performance shined through their final live album and their final album for Manna Records. “On Stage” captured some of the best moments ever in a Gospel Concert. The Album featured songs such as “Heaven,” “Where the Soul Never Dies,” and a stirring performance of the song “Empty Handed.” In 1983 the entire band and group would up and leave Dan Hunter in one shot, they would get their own bass singer and start a new group.

Dan quickly picked up the phone and called Ted, Rick Evens and Pam. The family was back and for the first time The Crownsmen didn’t have a band. They performed concerts with just a piano and their voices. This version lasted for only a year or two.

Dan would go through a divorce and battle cancer all within the next couple of years.

The 90s

By 1990 Dan Hunter would see new light coming into The Crownsmen with new wife Debbie Hunter, Brian Beathard on lead vocals & Zack delaRosa singing baritone. Dan would run through a number of musicians through the 90s before Zack finally run the whole band through his keyboard. In the mid 90s Tony Gonzales, a fan of The Crownsmen became the next guitarist, and The Crownsmen were set once again for The Road.

In 1995 Brian Beathard moved to Tennessee, leaving The Crownsmen without a lead singer. Douglas Brown, already a veteran performer on the west coast stepped in to fill the lead part.

Dan got a surprise when former lead singer “Rick Gentry” placed a call. In 1996 Rick Gentry moved back down to Southern California and rejoined The Crownsmen and plans were underway for their next album.

“The Road” was released in 1998 featuring all brand new material, songs written from Debbie, as well as Brian Beathard and Ted & Penny Hunter.

2000 & Beyond

In 2002 The Crownsmen released their final album with Rick Gentry, Debbie Hunter and Zack delaRosa,” the album was simply called "THE CROWNSMEN". The CD featured a new version of “The Coming Of The Lord,” as well as the Heavy Rock N’ Roll version of “The B.I.B.L.E.”

In 2003, Rick Gentry left The Crownsmen to sing with The Watchmen Quartet and Zack took a job with a recording studio. The Crownsmen shut down.

In 2005 Dan moved back to Arkansas where he was born. Dan Hunter is currently working on the next version of The Crownsmen.

Ted Hunter & his wife Penny travel and sing together in their own ministry

Tracy Heaston has become an award winning pianest at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN and the Echo Hollow Jubilee Show in Branson, MO

Rick Evens went on to be a member of the Legendary Californians Quartet, He is now a member of The Artists formerly known as The Imperials.

Randy Price became a member of The Legendary Californians Quartet. He then went on to form his own group called Sweet Water in the 80s before becoming a member of The Songfellows Quartet in the 90s.

Both Jim Davis & Joe Wilson passed away sometime in the 90s

Douglas Brown passed away 4-13-2006

Vocal Members

  • 01. Dan Hunter (Bass) 1970-present
  • 02. Ted Hunter (Baritone) 1970-1980, 1983
  • 03. Jim Davis (Lead, Baritone) 1970-1974, 1980-1982
  • 04. Randy Price (Tenor) 1970-1976
  • 05. Floyd Terry (Lead) 1974
  • 06. Rick Gentry (Lead) 1975-1976, 1980-1982, 1996-2002
  • 07. Pam Hunter (Tenor) 1976-1980, 1983
  • 08. Rick Evens (Lead) 1976-1980, 1983
  • 09. Joe Wilson (Tenor) 1980-1982
  • 10. Debbie Hunter (Tenor) 1990-2002
  • 11. Zack delaRosa (Baritone) 1990-2002
  • 12. Brian Beathard (Lead) 1993-1995
  • 13. Douglas Brown (Lead) 1995-1996

Band Members (not complete)

  • 01. Ted Hunter (Bass Guitar / Steel Guitar) 1970-1980, 1983
  • 02. Jim Stucky (Piano) 1970-1972
  • 03. John Billester (Drums) 1970-1974
  • 04. Danny Potson (Guitar) 1970-1973
  • 05. Jody Barry (Piano) 1973-1974
  • 06. Rich Mayfield (Guitar) 1973-1975
  • 07. Marty Adams (Piano) 1975-1976
  • 08. Mike Gordon (Drums) 1975-1976
  • 09. Terry Cross (Drums) 1977-1980
  • 10. Gary Kauffman (Guitar) 1978-1979
  • 11. Tracy Heaston (Piano/Keyboards) 1979-1980
  • 12. Tim Bailey (Guitar) 1979-1980
  • 13. Zack delaRosa (Keyboards) 1990-2002
  • 14. Tony Gonzales (Guitar) 1995-2001
  • 15. Nelson Beltran (Guitar) 2001
  • 16. Don Wheeler (Guitar) 2001-2002

Discography

References

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