History, experience and spiritual wisdom are three attributes that can be used to describe the foundation of the Freemans ministry. Deeply rooted with family, the Freemans experience spans over 30 years. From Darrell’s entrance at age 16 with his family’s group, the Pathways, from Sandusky, Ohio to Chris’s award-winning teenage years with the Hinsons, from Hendersonville, Tn. The Freemans know the ins and the outs of Southern Gospel Music.
No doubt, Chris’s unique sound is the reason she was the youngest female artist ever to receive the coveted “Queen of Gospel Music” award two years in a row (1976, 1977).
As voted by the readers of the Singing News Magazine. In 1980, Darrell Freeman and Chris Hawkins were married. Darrell’s Family retired from the road in 1985, which is when Darrell and Chris moved back to Hendersonville, Tn. Soon after the move from Ohio, Darrell’s cousin Joe Freeman joined the Freemans, as their keyboard player and third part harmony. With this sound they have garnered tremendous growth and success.
Darrell and Chris feel so blessed to have their two children traveling with them. Misty, their daughter, began playing acoustic guitar with the group and then began singing. She then recorded a solo project in 2001. Her first single, “What Judas Didn’t Know” quickly climbed the charts to become a top ten song in the top 40 songs for the year of 2002. With her young and vibrant sound she is quickly broadening the base of Gospel music.
Caylon Freeman, the youngest child, decided to join his family full-time in 2002. He is the Drumming sound of the group. He is also singing on the Freemans new CD. At 18 years old, he is studying music and hopes to do studio work in the family’s studio.
The Freemans, have had many number 1 songs and more than 40 top 10 songs in the charts. They have been awarded the Indie award for Album of the year. BMI presented The Freemans, with the award for recognition of The Great National Popularity for the most Broadcast Performances on Radio and Television, for the song “He’d Have To Walk Through The Blood”. In 2006 Chris Freeman along with The Hinsons were Inducted into The GMA Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.
The Freemans do approximately 175 dates a year, and continue to experience tremendous success. They stared 2007 off with a new project “EYES ON THE PRIZE”. Also a Number 1 song “He Chose Me” They just tapped three new videos with Bill Gaither. The Freemans feel so BLESSED to be able to continue their ministry. They truly are one of Gospel Music’s favorite families.
You can learn more about the Freemans at their website www.the-freemans.com