
Who says you have to stockpile a string of hit records and travel the nation’s interstate system in a fleet of new customized buses to call yourself a SUCCESS IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS? There are many ways of looking at success, relative to your position on the highly scrutinized “show-biz” ladder. Like the old adage, The Four Guys choose to look at success as a journey rather than a destination.
Since their professional start on WWVA’s “Jamboree USA” in Wheeling, WV, “The Guys” have had numerous successes, most important of which was an invitation from the GRAND OLE OPRY to join its family of stars in Nashville. Regular member status was offered and accepted after “The Guys” encored their favorite song, “SHENANDOAH,” thirteen consecutive weeks while appearing as a guest act. With their “lifetime contract” in hand, The Four Guys became the first vocal group in the history of that world famous show to be awarded regular membership without a string of “hit records.” Periodic audience polls consistently ranked them among the top three performing acts of the Opry’s sixty member cast of stars.
After joining “The Opry,” it wasn’t long before “The Guys” became regulars in the main showrooms of the most prestigious hotels in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe, Nevada, appearing on their own and with their long-time friend and mentor, Jimmy Dean. Their first major recording deal came later with Mercury Records, along with a three-year touring stint throughout the United States and Canada with Hank Williams, Jr.
Successes continued to mount as “The Guys” were invited to play most of this country’s major theme parks, including DISNEYLAND, SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS, and OPRYLAND USA, where they were featured in their own show four consecutive years. Countless state and county fairs have also been added to their list of performance credits. Seventy-five (75) week long cruises aboard the ships of Commodore and Regal Cruise Lines brought an entirely new group of international fans to follow the group’s diverse career. They are certainly no strangers to television, appearing on many major network shows with the likes of the late Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, and Merv Griffin along with other “big tube” shows featuring Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. “The Guys” performed regularly on The Nashville Network throughout its long tenure during the ‘80s and ‘90s. In fact, they appeared on TNN’s initial broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry Live at the invitation of their idol and friend, the late King of Country Music, Roy Acuff.
The Four Guys say their 33-year Opry Membership has been their most valued achievement. High on the list also, is their long-time association with The Charley Pride Show, which featured “The Guys” and a then up and coming singer named Ronnie Milsap. That association led to another recording opportunity. This time, with one of the most prestigious recording companies of them all---RCA RECORDS. Through the years, The Four Guys scored several nationally charted recordings in the U.S.A. and at least five top five hits overseas.
Whether it’s success in a private enterprise, (The Guys owned and operated their highly popular Harmony House Theatre-Restaurant in Nashville for ten-years), or whether it’s successful careers on the stage, radio, and television, The Four Guys, by any measure, are enjoying a very successful journey. In 1992, The Country Music Association inducted this most talented group of singers-entertainers into their prestigious Walkway of Stars. Over the years, the group has evolved through several personnel changes. However, original member Sam Wellington, together with long-time members Laddie Cain, John Frost, and Glen Bates have refused to sacrifice the dedication to quality and excellence platform on which the group was founded.
Yes, The Four Guys’ success is a journey rather than a destination and this multi-talented group of harmonizers is sure to continue their journey in one or more of their many show-biz arenas. Meanwhile, their fame grows on each year as they continue to win millions of new fans and friends performing as TRULY A BAND OF BROTHERS.
MAJOR RADIO/TV APPEARANCES