The Lighthouse Boys

The Lighthouse Boys
The Lighthouse Boys
	(L-R) Mark Underwood, Steve Johnson, Stephen Underwood, Jimmy Woods, Tommy Smith, Bill Underwood
Background information
Origin	Bakersfield, California, U.S.
Genres	Southern Gospel
Years active	1974–present
Members	Mark Underwood; Steve Johnson; Bill Underwood; Stephen Underwood; Tommy Smith; Jimmy Woods
Past members	Tim Cantu; Dathan Fernandez; Ken Edwards; Jon Edwards; Hearl Smith; Ted McClaren; Terry Mullin; Tim Williams; Mike Smith; Kenny Knight; Gary Miller; Frank McNinch; Jeff Edwards; Joe Underwood
Website	TheLighthouseBoys.com

The Lighthouse Boys are a Southern Gospel band from Bakersfield, California, and progenitors of "The Bakersfield Sound". The group began in 1974 by brothers Mark and Bill Underwood and their friend Steve Johnson. In 1976, the trio expanded from a vocal ensemble to a full band with the addition of Frank McNinch, Garry Miller, and Kenny Knight. The band recorded their self-titled debut album in the late 1970s, which was released in 1980. The band has undergone many line-up changes throughout their recording and touring careers, but the core trio has remained at the helm during their history.

Career / Ministry

Founding and early years

Founded in 1974 in Bakersfield, California by Mark Underwood and Steve Johnson, who had been writing songs together since in 1973. By 1974 Mark’s older brother Bill Underwood joined and they began performing all around California.

In 1975 Mark attended a concert that was put on by the Jesus music band Amplified Version, Mark began to talk with them, and they convinced Mark that for The Lighthouse Boys to continue successfully they needed to get a sound system to take with them on the road. That same year a sound system was purchased. In 1976 The Lighthouse Boys became a full quartet when Frank McNinch joined on bass vocals to fill out the sound. They also added Garry Miller on bass guitar and Kenny Knight on drums to fill out the rest of the band.

In 1977 The Lighthouse Boys performed at The Blackwood Brothers and Gospelares Talent Show in Fresno, California at the Selland Arena. They also made an appearance on The Bakersfield, CA local broadcast of The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

In 1978, the group began recording their first album. They entered Buck Owens' Recording Studio to record five of the songs that would go on that record. Jim Shaw who produced the album was later quoted as saying "They were fun sessions. I just remember they had a nice, gospel-flavored country sound and that we enjoyed working with The Lighthouse Boys"^[1]

The 80's

By 1980 The Lighthouse Boys finished and released their first album and went through a major member change. Steve took some time away after the departures of Frank, Garry and Kenny in 1979. With new members Tim Cantu, Dathan Fernandez, Ken Edwards, and Jon Edwards along with Mark and Bill the group had won their first award, recorded a live album at the "Western Desert Gospel Sing" on Memorial Day at The San Bernardino Fair Grounds in Victorville, CA. The Lighthouse Boys had become one of the top artists in the west.

In 1983 Mark, Steve and Bill joined up with a few other musicians to form "New Covenant" to perform and record while The Lighthouse Boys took on a very limited schedule. "New Covenant" recorded three songs, two of which were released on a Sampler LP for what was known as The WGA, on that LP was a re-recording of The Lighthouse Boys song "When The Saints of God are Called T'ward Heaven." In 1984 The Lighthouse Boys made another appearance in Bakersfield on the local broadcast of The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. Mark and Steve continued to write songs that would eventually re-define the group’s sound." The group continued to make appearances on local TV programs and various annual events, Mark spent some time with a group out of Taft, CA called "Sonrise." On Memorial Day 1987 The Lighthouse Boys made an appearance performing three sets over two stages at The Western Desert Gospel Reunion at the San Bernardino Fair Grounds in Victorville, CA. In July they entered the studio again to cut a new single that was originally planned to be given to Jimmy Swaggart, instead it sparked a desire to re-emerge on the road, this time joined on drums by Bill’s son Stephen Underwood.

The 90's

In 1989, Mark Underwood, Steve Johnson & Ken Edwards signed a one year contract as writers with a publishing company. The Lighthouse Boys went into the studio to record 6 songs, but soon after the recording Ken Edwards took time away to help his father's radio station in Dry Prong, Louisiana. A young man by the name of Terry Mullin joined as lead singer. The Lighthouse Boys guest appeared for soloist Debra Hoopiiaina on her album "Bought With A Price." In 1993 after Ken Edwards' return and a move down to bass vocals for Terry, The Lighthouse Boys released the previous six songs recorded from 1989 as a compilation album with five songs from their first album. In 1994, The Lighthouse Boys went back into the studio where they felt at home: Fat Tracks - formerly The Buck Owens Recording Studio. They joined the Western States Gospel Music Association and hit a North West US tour in the summer and released their third studio album “Golden Classics.” On December 31, 1994 while The Lighthouse Boys celebrated their 20th anniversary, the original quartet Mark Underwood, Steve Johnson, Bill Underwood and Frank McNinch reunited for one concert in which they performed five songs from their first album.

In 1995 The Lighthouse Boys released the radio single “Midnight Cry” through the Rick Hendrix Company. Between 1995-1997 they toured the North West and Southern parts of the United States. In October 1997 they made an afternoon showcase appearance at Suwannee River Jubilee held in Live Oak, Florida. The fans were so enthused by the performance The Lighthouse Boys were asked to perform on the evening show. The quartet also began performing annually at The Great Western Quartet Convention (a "spin-off" event from the National Quartet Convention).

In 1998 Mark temporarily lost his voice, a young man by the name of Tim Williams had just stepped down as music minister at his home Church at Northland Assembly of God in Bakersfield, CA. Tim was originally joining to play keyboards, but because of Mark's vocal health, Mark continued playing keyboards and Tim took over singing Tenor. The result of the vocal switch was the launch of the career for one of the best Southern Gospel Tenors to ever come out of California in a long time. In 1999, while touring in support of their 25th year, Stephen Underwood (a diabetic since 1991) landed in the hospital with only a 30% chance of living due to Gangrene, it had already entered his blood stream. After many prayers from all over the country, Stephen recovered and rejoined the group on stage just two weeks after surgery.

2000’s

In March 2000, The Lighthouse Boys released “Golden Classics 2”. In October after 20 years with The Lighthouse Boys, Ken Edwards left the group. Terry Mullin and Tim Williams left as well to reform Golden State Quartet. In December of that same year, Bill Underwood underwent ankle surgery and a quadruple bypass within the same week. The Lighthouse Boys took a much needed rest from the road. In 2001, original member Steve Johnson stepped back in, Stephen Underwood moved from the Drums to Lead Vocalist and The Lighthouse Boys set back out on the road. In 2002, they met up with producer Mark Yeary and recorded the single “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.” The song was recorded for a special compilation project called IAMM Volume 1. They also guest appeared on the album "I'll Be There" by Mark Yeary's sister "Cathy Hollowell."

In November 2003, The Lighthouse Boys met up with a piano player originally from Lamont, California. Mike Smith grew up watching The Lighthouse Boys and The Crownsmen perform before moving to the Bible Belt to play with several Southern Gospel groups himself. Upon his return to California, he joined The Lighthouse Boys as their new pianist. With the addition of Mark’s son Joe Underwood on Bass Guitar, and Drummer Jeff Edwards (son of former member Ken Edwards), The Lighthouse Boys were a full live band again. In February 2004, the group celebrated their 30th anniversary. The group was on one of their busiest tour schedules in years. The Lighthouse Boys were rebuilding the core of their ministry with Mike Smith as a main staple in the lineup. In the summer of that year, he bought a motorcycle to help him get from Bakersfield to his home in New Cuyama, California and to his job in Santa Maria, California. July 11, 2004 at Bishop Calvary Baptist in Bishop, California was Mike’s last performance with The Lighthouse Boys and last performance ever. He performed his favorite song “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before,” and “Jesus is a Friend of Mine,” a song he wrote a few years prior to joining The Lighthouse Boys. Later that same week, Mike was found by his bike after falling asleep while driving home from work. He had run off the road in the hills outside of Santa Maria.

In October, Bill Underwood left the road to pastor a church. Steve Johnson had left the year before to start a company with his wife. Mark brought up his son Joe Underwood to sing baritone, they continued with Stephen Underwood as a trio until they briefly shut down in December of 2005.

40

In 2006 Mark, Steve, Bill & Stephen came back together to perform limited concert dates, their first concert back was the 2006 Great Western Southern Gospel Fan Festival at The Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. They again performed there in 2007. In 2008, The Lighthouse Boys went live again for the first time in four years with the addition of Tommy Smith; a veteran Bass Guitarest who had played with the likes of Bobby Durham, Brian Lonbeck, Mark Yeary and filled in with The Buckaroos. In December of 2009 Stephen Underwood returned to the Drums, and Ken Edwards stepped back in to sing lead. April 29, 2010, The Lighthouse Boys returned to the Great Western Fan Fest and released Midnight Cry: The Lighthouse Boys Essential Collection, a 20 song compilation celebrating the years from 1994-2000. On October 30, 2010 for the first time in 10 years, The Lighthouse Boys reunited the most popular version of the group with members Mark Underwood, Bill Underwood, Ken Edwards, Terry Mullin and Stephen Underwood for their entire set during the final 5th Saturday Sing of the year. Tim Williams also joined them on 2 songs.

In December of 2012, Jimmy Woods (son of Bakersfield Country Music Legend, Bill Woods) joined The Lighthouse Boys on keyboards. The Lighthouse Boys returned to The Great Western Fan Fest in Visalia, CA with Tommy Smith singing Lead vocals. In 2014, The Lighthouse Boys announced their 40th Anniversary.

Personnel

**The Lighthouse Boys lineups**
1974-1975	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, bass guitar Steve Johnson – lead vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar With supporting musicians Helen Underwood (Embry) - Piano Sharon Underwood – backup singer Donna Johnson – backup singer
1976-1978	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano Steve Johnson – lead vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Frank McNinch – bass vocals Gary Miller – Bass Guitar Kenny Knight – Drums
1979	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, keyboards Steve Johnson – lead vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Tim Cantu – drums, backup vocals Dathan Fernandez – lead guitar, guitar effects
1979 - 1980	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, keyboards Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar, bass guitar Tim Cantu – drums, background vocals Dathan Fernandez – lead guitar, guitar effects Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar, rhythm guitar Jon Edwards – bass vocals, rhythm guitar
1981-1983 (off and on)	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, keyboards Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar, bass guitar Tim Cantu – drums, background vocals Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar, rhythm guitar Jon Edwards – bass vocals, rhythm guitar
1984-1985 (off and on)	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, keyboards Steve Johnson – lead vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar
1986-1987	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano Steve Johnson – bass vocals, lead vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar, bass guitar Tim Cantu – drums, background vocals Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar, rhythm guitar
1987 - 1991	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar, bass guitar Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar, rhythm guitar Stephen Underwood – drums
1991 - 1992	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Stephen Underwood – drums Terry Mullin – lead vocals, bass guitar
1992-1993	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar Stephen Underwood – drums
1993-1997	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, keyboards Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar Stephen Underwood – drums Terry Mullin – bass vocals
1997	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, keyboards Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar Stephen Underwood – drums Terry Mullin – bass vocals Jeff Johnson - drums, bass guitar, vocals
1997	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar Stephen Underwood – drums Terry Mullin – bass vocals Ted McClaren - piano, keyboards
1998	Mark Underwood – keyboards, vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar Stephen Underwood – drums Terry Mullin – bass vocals Tim Williams – tenor vocals
1998-1999	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, keyboards Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Tim Cantu – sound engineer, drums Stephen Underwood – lead vocals
1999-2000	Mark Underwood – piano, vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Ken Edwards – lead vocals, bass guitar Stephen Underwood – drums Terry Mullin – bass vocals Tim Williams – tenor vocals
2001-2002	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals Stephen Underwood – lead vocals
2002-2003	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, piano, keyboards Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Stephen Underwood – lead vocals Joe Underwood – bass guitar Russ Higgens – drums
2003-2004	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Stephen Underwood – lead vocals Joe Underwood – bass guitar Jeff Edwards – drums Roger Peirce – bass vocals Mike Smith – keyboards, vocals
2004	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, keyboards Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Stephen Underwood – lead vocals, drums Joe Underwood – bass guitar Roger Peirce – bass vocals
2005	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals Stephen Underwood – lead vocals Joe Underwood – baritone vocals
2006-2007	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals Stephen Underwood – lead vocals
2008	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, keyboards Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Stephen Underwood – lead vocals Tommy Smith - bass guitar Chuck Crocker - drums
2009	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, keyboards Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Stephen Underwood – lead vocals Tommy Smith - bass guitar Franky Olds - drums
2009	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, keyboards Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Tim Cantu - drums Stephen Underwood – lead vocals Tommy Smith - bass guitar
2010	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, keyboards Steve Johnson - bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Ken Edwards - lead vocals Stephen Underwood – drums Tommy Smith - bass guitar
2011-2012	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, keyboards Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Tim Cantu - drums Stephen Underwood – lead vocals Tommy Smith - bass guitar
2012	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals, keyboards Steve Johnson - bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Stephen Underwood – drums Tommy Smith - lead vocals, bass guitar
2013-Present	Mark Underwood – tenor vocals Steve Johnson – bass vocals Bill Underwood – baritone vocals, rhythm guitar Stephen Underwood – drums, Vocals Tommy Smith - lead vocals, bass guitar Jimmy Woods - keyboards

Studio musicians

A list of Producers, Engineers and Musicians that The Lighthouse Boys have recorded with over the years.

Jim Shaw – Engineer, Keyboards
Doyle Curtsinger – Bass Guitar
Terry Christoffersen – Guitar, Steel Guitar
Brian Lonbeck - Guitar
Mark Yeary – Producer, Keyboards
Max Reese – Engineer
Tracy Heaston – Producer, Keyboards
Mike Pillow – Producer
Jerry Mulkins - Guitar
Jimmy Woods - Keyboards
Nick Forcillo - Engineer

Discography

Albums

1980 The Lighthouse Boys (TLB Records)
1993 The Lighthouse Boys (TLB Records)
1994 Golden Classics (TLB Records) radio single "Midnight Cry"
2000 Golden Classics 2 (TLB Records)
2003 The Lighthouse Boys - LIVE (TLB Records) Labor day 1980
2003 After I Get to Heaven (TLB Records)
2005 The Best of The Lighthouse Boys 1974-2004 (TLB Records)
2010 Midnight Cry, The Essential Collection (TLB Records/Ultra Entertainment/Indie)

Singles

1995 Midnight Cry Radio (Rick Hendrix Company)
1995 Feelin' Mighty Fine WSGMA 20 Songs (WSGMA)
1995 (I'm) Gonna Walk Them Golden Stairs When I Die WSGMA 20 Songs (WSGMA)
2002 The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power IAMM Volume 1 (Various Artists / IAMM)
2010 (There'll be) Peace In the Valley (For Me) (TLB RECORDS)

Other Appearances

1983 WGA Sampler LP - as members of New Covenant (I'm Goin' Home & When The Saints of God Are Called T'ward Heaven (WGA)
1991 Debra Hoopiiaina - Bought With A Price (Indie)
1995 Rick Hendrix Radio Source 1995 Volume 1 (Rick Hendrix Company)
1995 WSGMA 20 Great Songs (WSGMA)
2002 I.A.M.M Volume 1 (International Association of Music Ministries)
2002 Cathy Hollowell - I'll Be There (Oreely Multi-Media)
2003 Don Hodge - Song Promo (Indie)

References

^ A 30-year musical journey, Bakersfield Californian January 31, 2004

Gospel Voice Magazine June 1994 “Just West of Here”
Resource Publications, "The Christian Music Directories" formerly "The Recording Locator" - http://www.rpinet.com/cmd.html
http://www.thelighthouseboys.com The Lighthouse Boys Official Website
http://www.ccauthority.com/interviews/lighthouseboys.htm Interview with The Lighthouse Boys on CCAuthority.com
http://nl.newsbank.com/cgi-bin/ngate/BCAB?ext_docid=1006D5E2B46C4AB9&ext_hed=A+30-year+musical+journey&ext_theme=bcab&pubcode=BCAB "A 30-Year Musical Journey" Bakersfield Californian Newspaper (must have a user name and password)

External links

[1] A 30-year musical journey, Bakersfield Californian January 31, 2004

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