Biography

“We are excited to share this new music,” says the Down East Boys’ Ricky Carden, as he and his colleagues announce the forthcoming release of Something to Shout About, their first full-length album for Sonlite Records since 2020’s Faithful Still — and though he doesn’t say it, that excitement builds on what’s already been generated by the Southern Gospel quartet’s release of a series of singles over recent months.

Produced and arranged by Jason Webb, Something to Shout About is a collection that makes frequent use of expansive orchestration, lending an air of musical sophistication to the inspirational messages embodied in its 10 songs, from the bold opening notes of their latest single, “When Believers Will Be Leaving,” to the gentle close of “That’s What Heaven Holds,” with its wistful, yet certain vision of eternity:

That’s what Heaven holds for me
In the presence of Jesus
What a moment that will be
Embracing my loved ones waiting there
Freedom from all my earthly care
One in the song of praise to Him
For all eternity
That’s what heaven holds for me

Indeed, while there are plenty of spirited numbers on Something To Shout About — including the title track, the stirring “Mercy River” and “Go Tell,” with its lively invocation of Jesus’ coming — some of its most memorable moments are heard in the tender, lushly arranged Mosie Lister classic, “His Hand In Mind,” the stately ballad, “I’ll Have A New Name” and a new version of second single (and another classic), “He Looked Beyond My Fault,” that features an extended instrumental introduction to set the mood for its powerful message of redemption. Add it all up, and Something to Shout About is a set that’s sure to please old fans, and to make some new ones, too — for both its musical ministry and the artistry of the Down East Boys.

Most importantly, says Carden, “From the first note to the last, our prayer is that God will use this collection of songs to lift your spirit and draw you closer to Him.”

About Down East Boys
Since their inception in 1985, the Down East Boys have been making great music. A mainstay in the Gospel Industry, their name is synonymous with classic quartet harmony and songs that have stood the test of time. Though their tenure as a leading quartet spans several decades, their music remains relevant and their name is consistently at the top of the radio singles chart. Despite their success and the many accolades that have come their way, their goal remains the same as it was when they started — to take the Gospel of Jesus to all the world.

Lead vocalist Ricky Carden joined the group in 1990 at the young age of 19. He became the owner in 1994 and, under his management, the group has continued to thrive. This group of men continues to thrill and inspire audiences all across North America. While their name depicts the area of eastern North Carolina from which they are based, the Down East Boys have no boundaries on where they are willing to take their music.

Musically, this group has given gospel music many treasured and popular songs. Early in their career, their single “Beautiful Valley” stayed on the top 40 of the Singing News Radio Chart for ten months and solidified Down East as a nationally known artist. It would be this song that would prompt readers of Singing News Magazine to vote the quartet the Horizon Group of the Year in 1990. More recently, the group has topped the charts several times with songs such as “Beat Up Bible,” “Testimony Time,” “I'd Like To Tell It Again,” “Amazing Amounts Of Amazing Grace,” and “What Love.”

Recording on the Sonlite label of Crossroads Music Group based in Asheville, NC, the Down East Boys have recorded over 20 albums and amassed five number one songs to date. They've received multiple nominations for Group Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year, and have graced the stages of the biggest musical events in gospel music, including National Quartet Convention, Silver Dollar City, Dollywood, The Ark Encounter, Memphis Quartet Show, Singing In The Sun, and Singing At Sea Cruise. Whether they’re performing on a large concert stage, the local church, dinner theater, fair, or an evangelism conference, their music resounds with the love, joy, and peace that comes from the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ which they continue to share with great passion.

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