Biography

The Inspirations kick off 60th year of music with new album, The Legacy Continues

“As we begin a new year,” says The Inspirations’ Roland Kesterson, “Our hearts are still fixed on the one goal that has been our motive since we started singing together—that motive being to continue the Legacy.”

With that goal in mind, the title for the new Horizon Records album by today’s edition of the long-lived quartet, The Legacy Continues, was a natural choice. And sure enough, the collection offers convincing proof that the four young members (Kesterson, Luke Vaught, Wyatt Austin and Isaac Moore) have not only mastered The Inspirations’ ample catalog — Favorite New Artist honors (for Austin and Moore respectively) and Singing News Fans Award Album of the Year trophies in 2022 and 2023 alongside last year’s Favorite Artist award for the group already made that point — but have found the key to adding to that songbook with new songs that lend themselves to the classic Inspirations treatment. From the opening nod to the past in “I’m Going That Way,” through an inspired retelling of one of the best-loved Biblical stories — “Come To The Well,” now making its way up the charts — to the closing celebration of the Resurrection, “Glory, Glory, Jesus Won,” The Legacy Continues is rich with echoes of The Inspirations’ sound from decades past, yet full of the excitement and vitality that come when young singers dive into tradition with fresh ears and open hearts.

“2024 marks a major milestone for the group,” notes Kesterson. “In April of this year, our group will celebrate 60 years of singing Gospel Music — and what a legacy that is! 60 years ago, four young men gathered around Martin Cook’s piano and began to sing, with no idea of where God would take them. But they chose to honor Him, and in turn, God honored them.

“In much the same way,” he continues, “it was four years ago that we all gathered around my old piano at my house and began to sing, just to see what it would sound like. None of us had a clue what God was going to do, but we all four chose to be completely submissive to God and let His Holy Spirit lead us — and He did. It has been and will continue to be our prayer and sincere desire to honor God in every way on and off stage — and with millions of miles traveled, seventy two albums recorded, countless souls won and lives changed worldwide, we are honored to be carrying on this legacy!”

About The Inspirations

The Inspirations first formed in 1964 in Bryson City, North Carolina and became full time in 1969 after hosting their first "Singing In The Smokies" event. With a number of hit songs through the 1970s, the group rose to national attention and joined the Gospel Singing Jubilee Television program. In January of 1970, they secured their first #1 song on the Singing News Chart, "Jesus Is Coming Soon," marking just the beginning of their chart-topping success. In November of 1973, The Inspirations held the #1 spot for 12 months with "Touring That City." It was followed with the success of "When I Wake Up To Sleep No More" in 1974 and "Jesus Is Mine" in 1976. In 2001, The Inspirations recorded their first album with Horizon Records, titled Pure Vintage. The album's first song, "I'll Not Turn My Back On Him Now," returned the group to the top of the Singing News chart after 26 years. It was followed with more #1 tracks with "I Have Not Forgotten" and "If You Only Knew." The Inspirations are Roland Kesterson, Luke Vaught, Wyatt Austin and Isaac Moore.

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