Green Pastures Gospel Music: Gold City

To thousands, Gold City is Southern Gospel music.

If you measure an artists’ stature by awards and recognitions, that statement may well be inarguable. Over the past quarter of a century, Gold City has won every significant Southern Gospel music award- many more than once. Among their more than 60 accolades are numerous awards for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Group of the Year, and Individual of the Year.

Gold City’s unmatched sales and critical success have come from an endless string of powerful, memorable anthems of the faith, coupled with traditional Southern Gospel vocals.

Possessing some of the tightest four-part harmonies in the genre, Gold City’s uniquely identifiable sound has led to an endless string of #1 radio songs. “Midnight Cry,” “It’s Still The Cross,” “He Said,” “I’m Not Giving Up,” “Calvary Conquers It All,” “I’m Not What I Was,” and “There Rose a Lamb” are Southern Gospel classics.

The group’s earnest commitment to the promise of the Gospel and its reality in each member’s life has endeared so many fans to their musical ministry.

That commitment was put to the test in 2006 when in the midst of recording their new album Revival, drummer Doug Riley was killed in an auto accident on his way to the recording studio. “He was my brother and was like a brother to everybody on the bus,” said Gold City’s Daniel Riley. “He left a void on the stage but an even bigger void on the bus. We miss him more than words can express. We have had to exercise the faith that we sing about and God has brought us through the deepest valley we have ever traveled. Our greatest comfort is in knowing that Doug was a Christian and that we will join him in heaven someday.”

After spending a few years as an independent, Gold City decided to reunite with a major label for Revival. “We signed with New Haven because they are first class and believe in us and what we do,” continued Riley. “We shared our vision for the future of Gold City with New Haven president Ken Harding and he immediately got on board with us. He has spared nothing to help us accomplish our goals. He was also very involved in every aspect of the production of this record and brought a lot of ideas to the table.”

Harding brought in producer Michael Sykes, whose resume reads like a who’s who of Southern Gospel and Inspirational music. “Michael didn’t try to change us,” said Riley, “but he helped us figure out who we are musically. We have in recent years been trying to fit into a mold that was created for somebody else. He broke the mold and we started over.”

Before Revival released, however, Gold City had an unexpected splash onto the national music scene. The group recorded and released a medley of patriotic songs that got unprecedented radio play and a corresponding music video made the regular rotation of many national video and news shows. “We have spent our lives in a free country and enjoy all the benefits that come with that due to the sacrifice that has been paid by a lot of brave men and women,” said Riley. “This was our way of saying ‘Thank You.”

The first single from Revival, “Truth is Marching On,” ties directly into the momentum the Patriotic Medley started. The song champions the Truth of revival that all believers are committed to spreading. “Christian people are discouraged because we have allowed the cynics and scoffers to have a foothold in our nation,” said Riley. “I believe that this song will encourage people to stand for what is right.”

A new label, a new album, a new sound, new members, and powerful new momentum – It’s quite a way to start a second 25 years for Gold City. “Gold City is just a group of young men who love the music they sing – but even more than that, they love the message in the music,” said Riley definitively. “The Southern Gospel landscape has changed a lot over the last 26 years, but the message never changes. And this new generation of men is as excited as ever to be sharing it.”
Notable Quotes

“ A quartet that will go toe to toe with the best quartets in the history of Gospel music.” ~ Les Butler, Singing News

“ Best singing, best song selection, best production in years.” ~ Jim Black, Solid Gospel Radio Network

“ Gold City’s biggest asset is their unparalleled dedication to Ministry. On more than one occasion, I have witnessed Gold City deliver a God given introduction, for the exact perfect song, at the exact perfect moment in somebody’s life in our church. Gold City had no knowledge of the situation… they were simply being attentive to the leading of The Holy Spirit. I consider Gold City more than just the best singers in Christian Music…more than just friends….they’re full partners with us in our Ministry to spread The Gospel.” ~ Phillip Chambers, Grace Broadcasting Services

“ I sense that this is going to be a monumental project for Gold City, they are on fire!’ ~ Michael Sykes, Co-Producer

“ Their sound has never been better and their singing was anointed. I encourage all my pastor friends to have Gold City in their churches. They will challenge the Christless and encourage the Church!” ~ Dr. Phil Hoskins, Sr. Pastor (Higher Ground Baptist Church, Kingsport, TN)

" When I think of the ministry of Gold City. the presence and the touch of God comes to mind first. A sincere burden to reach the lost and encourage believers also comes to mind, in addition genuineness and professionalism that is unparalleled. If tomorrow was my last day on the radio and I had one song left to play, it would be a Gold City song. Gold City has made such an impact in my life, that if they did not exist, I probably would not be in radio today." ~ Randy Catoe, General Manager (WSTS 100.9 The Cross)

“ Some things never change. Through their class, professionalism and spiritual integrity, Gold City remains a standard setter in Gospel Music.” ~Danny Jones, Singing News Magazine
Discography

2006: Revival

2005: Heaven

2004: First Class

2003: A Gold City Christmas

2003: Pillars of Faith

2003: 24K Gold

2003: Walk the Talk Live

2003: Walk the Talk

2002: Camp Meetin’

2002: The Very Best of Gold City

2001: Pressed Down, Shaken Together, Running Over

2000: Are You Ready?

2000: 20th Anniversary Celebration: Volume 1 & 2

1999: Amazing Grace: A Hymn Collection

1999: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

1998: Within the Rock

1998: The Collection

1997: Home for the Holidays

1997: What a Great Lilfestyle

1996: Preparing the Way
1996: Having Fun

1995: Standing in the Gap

1994: Classics

1994: Lord Do It Again

1994: Renewed

1993: Acapella Gold

1992: Pillars of Faith

1992: Masters of the Gospel

1991: Answer the Call

1991: 10 Year Celebration

1990: Windows of Home

1989: Goin’ Home

1988: Voices of Christmas

1988: Portrait

1987: Movin’ Up

1986: Double Take: Live

1986: Gold City Gold

1985: Sing with the Angels

1984: Walk On

1984: I Think I’ll Read it Again
Awards and Recognitions

2007
SGN Music Award Nominations:
Album of the Year – Revival
Song of the Year – “Truth is Marching On”
Pacesetter
Male Vocalist of the Year – Steve Ladd
Male Vocalist of the Year – Daniel Riley
Male Vocalist of the Year – Jonathan Wilburn
Male Group of the Year
Best Live Performer
Producer of the Year (Artist) – Daniel Riley
Traditional Southern Gospel Album – Revival
Fan Favorite

2006
Singing News Fan Award Nominations:
Horizon Individual – Josh Simpson
Favorite Lead Singer – Jonathan Wilburn

SGN Music Awards
Producer of the Year (Artist) – Daniel and Doug Riley
Traditional Southern Gospel Album – Heaven

SGN Music Award Nominations
Male Group of the Year
Song of the Year – “It’s Just Another Red Sea”
Album of the Year – Heaven
Male Vocalist of the Year – Daniel Riley
Traditional SG Song – “It’s Just Another Red Sea”
Traditional Southern Gospel Album - Heaven
Fan Favorite

2005
SGN Music Awards
Male Group of the Year
Producer of the Year (Artist) – Daniel and Doug Riley
Traditional Southern Gospel Album – First Class

SGN Music Award Nominations
Traditional Southern Gospel Song – “That Little Baby”
Musician of the Year – Channing Eleton
Best Artist / Industry Website

Singing News Fan Awards
Favorite Lead Singer – Jonathan Wilburn

For a complete list of awards and recognitions,
go to www.goldcityqt.com
2004
Singing News Fan Award:
Lead Vocalist of the Year

Singing News Fan Award Nominations:
Band of the Year
Pianist of the Year
Song of the Year – “God Handled It All”
Group of the Year
Tenor, Lead, Baritone, Bass vocalists of the Year

2003
Singing News Fan Awards:
Group of the Year, Lead Vocalist of the Year

Singing News Fan Award Nominations:
Band of the Year
Pianist of the Year
Song of the Year – “God Handled it All”
Tenor, Lead and Bass Vocalists of the Year

2002
Singing News Fan Award Nominations:
Band of the Year
Song of the Year – “I Believe”
Group of the Year
Tenor, Lead and Bass Vocalists of the Year

2001
Singing News Fan Awards:
Group of the Year
Album of the Year – “Are You Ready?”
Tenor, Lead, Baritone and Bass Vocalists of the Year

Singing News Fan Award Nominations:
Band of the Year
Pianist of the Year
Song of the Year – “Are You Ready?”
So. Gospel Music Association Awards
Musician of the Year – Channing Eleton

2000
Singing News Fan Awards
Group of the Year
Band of the Year
Tenor, Lead, Baritone and Bass Vocalists of the Year

Singing News Fan Award Nominations:
Album of the Year – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”
Song of the Year
Pianist of the Year

WEBSITES: Gold City
also visit the
Gold City MySpace Page