The Down East Boys is a name that is synonymous with Gospel Music. For more than 30 years, this quartet has traveled from coast to coast, from Canada to Mexico. Starting in eastern North Carolina, the group chose the name from that region called “Down East.” Although the name was associated with a small area, it did not take long for this group’s boundaries to expand. In just a few short years, the group had their first chart song and was signed to a major recording contract with Sonlite Records. Upon release of their second recording with Sonlite, the group was thrust into the mainstream of gospel music with their song “Beautiful Valley." For 10 months, this song remained in the top 40 of the Singing News chart and took the guys from a regional quartet to a sought after group across the country. In 1990, riding the success of that song, the Down East Boys received the Horizon Group of the Year from the readers of the Singing News. Shortly after, with the demand for the group at an all-time high, the guys began their journey into full time ministry.
During their years of travel, the group has recorded more than 20 projects with over 40 songs reaching the top of the Singing News charts. Their latest project, One Day In The Past, will be released August 24, 2018 and reminds followers of Christ to get back to basics — remember what God has done and can do for you, give Him glory, and tell others His story. The message is built on tradition, a theme carried through the album. The first single, "Beat Up Bible," which is already hitting the national charts, is a rich, heartfelt rendition of the popular Little Big Town song that paints the picture of a “worn out and torn up” book used by generations to teach the value of prayer and unwavering trust in God. The album closes with a new recording of "Beautiful Valley" that has all the elements of a great gospel song: a classic country sound and notes of faith and perseverance.
Group members are vital to any ministry, and the Down East Boys are blessed with a great group of men who love what they do and believe they’ve been called to share gospel music. At the age of 19, Ricky Carden began his journey into gospel music when he took over the lead position in the quartet. He has traveled with the Down East Boys since that time. This year, Carden, who is from Reidsville, North Carolina, celebrates 28 years in gospel music. The baritone is known as the hardest part to sing in a quartet. The part that must always be there but never heard. Daryl Paschal, from Ruffin, North Carolina, has been noted by many industry leaders and singers as one of the best today. His rich vocals have become a mainstay in the group. Doug Pittman, who is from Macon, Georgia, joined the group as the tenor singer in April 2017. Doug has a passion for gospel music and his beautiful vocal tones bring a rich sound loved by people across the country. The newest member, bass singer Zac Barham, is from Summerfield, North Carolina. Zac joined in early 2018 and draws in audiences with the quality of his low notes.
In the past 30 years, the Down East Boys have been afforded many great accolades to their credit. From performing with many evangelists through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, singing at Southern Baptist State Conventions and Evangelism conferences all over the country, to all the awards and nominations and the hit songs, nothing changes that this group’s goal is to share the gospel of Jesus unto all the world.