The Down East Boys are representing a rich tradition that began nearly two decades ago. Additionally, this talented vocal group is carrying on a legacy that began nearly a century ago. Since James D. Vaughn organized the first Gospel quartet in the early 1900's, Southern Gospel Music has evolved to encompass many varying musical groups. A limited number of quartets have stood the test of time to continue the rich tradition Vaughn began. One quartet who has stood the test time and continues to enjoy success, one hit at a time, The Down East Boys.

The original Down East Boys were based in Eastern North Carolina and began singing throughout the Carolina Coastal region. Very quickly, the group began to gain the attention of fans and industry leaders alike with their rich vocal harmony and smooth on-stage delivery.

By 1989, the group enjoyed their very first national hit with the release of "Beautiful Valley," which peaked in the Top Five on all the national radio charts, including The Singing News Magazine, Southern Gospel Music's leading fan and trade publications. The song led the way for more honors and accolades, including the Horizon Group of the Year Fan Award honor in 1991 from The Singing News Magazine.

"Beautiful Valley" marked the first of a string of popular releases The Down East Boys have enjoyed over the past 18 years, including three Top 20 hits from their Mercy recording. The group's brand new recording, The Cross Still Stands, produced by multi-talented producer Wayne Haun, promises to generate even more success for the popular quartet. The recording features songs from such prolific writers as Joel Lindsey, Rodney Griffin, Chris Binion, and Kyla Rowland, just to name a few. And according to Singing News Magazine Editor Danny Jones, The Cross Still Stands is an overwhelming display of the group's true talent. "This is a CD that shows how good these guys really are," Jones commented after reviewing the recording.

As group leader and long-time member Ricky Carden explains, The Cross Still Stands conveys the message and the mission of The Down East Boys. "We always look for songs that have lasting and eternal value.

"We feel we have a calling to share the message of hope with a world that seems to have no hope. The message in the songs we sing conveys that there is hope- hope in Jesus."

Fellow group members Jason Runnels, Stuart Cary and Daryl Paschal share the goals of Carden. "We have a lot to accomplish," states Runnels. "There are so many people who need to hear the message of the Gospel, and we make a conscious effort to select songs that undeniably convey that Gospel message."

The group's desire to consistently present the message of the Gospel with charity and with professional musical excellence has garnered the attention of some of the nation's most noted evangelists. The Down East Boys have been afforded the opportunity to share the platform with many of those evangelists at crusades nationwide. This list includes Franklin Graham, Dr. Ralph Bell, Dr. Jim Wilson, Rick Stanley, Jay Strack, and Kelly Green, just to name a few. Additionally, the quartet has led the musical worship at numerous prestigious events, including a variety of Evangelical Conferences, as well as Chapel Services sponsored by Motor Racing Outreach.

The Down East Boys recognize the importance of a clear mission. The miles get very long on the road and only the committed and called stand the test of time. Over the years, the group has enjoyed its share of successes, yet they remain committed to achieve higher plateaus and reach more people for Christ. "We try to keep our music fresh, without compromising the message," Carden shares. "We're not willing to rest on our laurels. As a group, we do things constantly to challenge ourselves, to try to do something different or better than the last time we did it. We are called to be the best we can be and do our best every time we step out on a stage or into a recording studio. Christ gave His best for us. It's our responsibility to give out best for Him."

And the tradition lives on and on in the lives and musical ministry of The Down East Boys.