About | Beginnings | Lindsay | Sarah | Emma Grace | Matthew

Quote from Mr. Jack Rouse, formerly of

“The Melodyaires”

The folks at Callahan Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, quickly ran out of superlatives when discussing the music of Southern Raised on Sunday morning, December 4th!  This attractive, conservatively dressed, clean-cut group of young people brought the members of the congregation to their feet with a stunning program of beautifully arranged gospel songs, hymns, and carols.  As we gathered for prayer before the service, Pastor Sasser commented that he didn’t want just a performance or entertainment, he wanted “Jesus first of all.”  The congregation got the entire package – the message of Jesus, presented with respect, professionalism, quality, and huge talent.  Lindsay didn’t preach, but there were well-chosen, inspiring words to segue from song to song.  There were charming smiles and utmost confidence, but no clowning.   Pastor Sasser was so impressed that he asked them to remain onstage to sing throughout the service, including the invitation.  Working as a professional pianist, I’m accustomed to working with groups and gifted musicians.  As Southern Raised presented their program, the members of the church band were catching my eye, reacting with big smiles and enthusiastically giving “thumbs up.”  Southern Raised impressed me in two ways:  First, I’m convinced that every one is a true Believer.  Somehow, you will never question their sincerity and determination to “put Jesus first.”  Second, individually and collectively, they are the most musically capable group I have seen in years.  No mistake, they are BLUE GRASS, but theirs is truly sophisticated and polished blue grass.  The classical training shines through.  Their a cappella rendition of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” was astounding, and a unique arrangement of “What Child Is This?” would charm any classical musician.  Southern Raised was literally “mobbed” after the service and asked, “When are you coming back?”  If you ever consider booking or attending a performance of Southern Raised, don’t hesitate – drive the extra hundred miles.  They are, indeed, the treat of a lifetime.

Jack Rouse –Pianist, Callahan Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee

SOUTHERN RAISED BLUEGRASS

“Spirited musicians who weave their instrumental talents in support of their heart-felt, bone-warming harmonies describe three sisters and a brother who call themselves Southern Raised. But Lindsay, Sarah, Emma Grace and Matthew Reith might just as well be called Wonderfully Raised because of evidence present in their music of their great faith in God, their devotion to family, and their dedication to a musical art form. Go hear ‘em live. Buy their record. They’ll do you proud and you’ll be very glad you listened.” Bill McBee – Veteran Bluegrass Road Dog – A columnist for Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine

~WELCOME TO THE HOMEPAGE OF SOUTHERN RAISED~

Southern Raised is a family band from the Branson, Missouri area. Lindsay is the heartbeat of the band, keeping the rhythm in the ditch and pulling her walking bass lines with a pulsating tone and pitch, as Sarah plays banjo with her nice work on the neck and solid rolls. Emma Grace shuffles between burning the strings on the fiddle and mandolin to emotion filled arrangements. Matthew tears it up on the guitar with hot rides and drives it home with his forward moving solid rhythm. From kickin’ bluegrass to gracefully handing off lead breaks, Southern Raised demonstrates an intuitiveness with each other that comes only from being a family band.

Their musical heritage has it’s beginnings in classical music. The two styles have merged together to create a distinct auditory sensation described as “ethereal”. Southern Raised was honored to take 2nd place in the 2009 National Single Mic Championship Competition at Silver Dollar City. Their travels have taken them from the Heartland to the Atlantic Coast.

“Hey There Folks, Just wanted to say we thought what you did at Hazel Kinder’s Lighthouse tonight was incredible. Very professional in appearance and demeanor, superb musicianship and heavenly voices when either solo or in harmony with the other family members. We are in awe of your talents. My wife and I both enjoyed the show immensely. Thanks! You guys are great! We will be seeing you again!”

Sincerely, Charles Davis

Their style is best described as bluegrass music that is rooted in the value of family, fellowship of friends, hard work, taking care of one another and the need for the Savior, Jesus Christ. Each song is chosen to reflect the rich values that are still alive in these Ozark hills. From toe- tapping to soul-stirring bluegrass, Southern Raised lifts up the name of Jesus so that He may be glorified and made known. You’ll hear pure family harmony that’ll warm your bones, hot picking that’ll make you grin and heart felt singing that’ll make you shout glory!

Thank you for visiting our site. We are honored that you have taken the time to stop by. Grab you a cup of coffee, tea, or a cool glass of lemonade and visit our other pages to learn more about Southern Raised. You can give us a listen on our music page, watch us in action on a video clip or learn more of what fans are saying about Southern Raised.

Hope to see you down the road somewhere!

Regardless of your favorite style of gospel music, everyone will fall in love with the warmth, great talent and love of Jesus you get with “Southern Raised”. This is the best from “back home” that I have heard in long time. “Southern Raised” brings the fun and joy back into any church or group as they present a fresh touch to many of America’s old gospel songs. As a pastor, I promise you there were no disappointments when “Southern Raised” walked in or walked off. I’ll have them back many times! Any Church large of small will love this family band!

Vilas, NC

We were at the Ava Family Theater last evening and found Southern Raised to be the BEST musically talented group we have seen. There are not words to describe how good you all are. All four were very, very talented. We LOVED it. Thanks so much for sharing your music and message with us all!

Beth and Tom Fairbanks

We had the pleasure of meeting you and enjoying your beautiful music at 2 of your shows while you performed at Silver Dollar City. We also purchased you DVD and now that we are back home in Nova Scotia have had a chance to relax and watch it. Doing so prompts me to write you just to say what a wonderful job you did in making this DVD and how much we enjoyed it and will do so for many years to come….not only the beautiful inspirational music but all the added touches. Well done!!! My husband and I send you all sincere best wishes for all the success you deserve as you all advance in you musical careers.

Sincerely, Gordon & Sandra Landry