Carolina The Band

Energetic performances, Great songs, clean vocals, enthusiasm, and a true love for the people they sing for are ingredients of a professional music group that can be said only for a few. "Carolina The Band" is a member of that few!

Carolina's sound is defined by the outstanding, recognizable voice of Scott Whitener. After 25 plus years in full-time music, Scott continues with Carolina The Band in a well defined schedule.

Nobody sings tenor any better than Chris "Doc" Roberts. Doc is a retired Pastor of Music in major churches across the Carolinas, and also plays piano with the Band.

Continuing to carve out his path with American music audiences is Chris Parker of York, SC, whose rich bass vocals provide the foundation of the "Carolina" sound. Parker made an immediate impact on the friends and fans of the group when he came on board in August of 2016. His magnetic style is a refreshing addition to an already stellar lineup. Parker is also the nephew of GMA Hall of Famer Ivan Parker and plays Bass Guitar.

Joining Scott, Doc and Parker is a new voice and talent that has already spurned much excitement with the Carolina fan base. Mitchell Whisnant has been a breath of fresh air to the rest of the Boys and has quickly become a "fan favorite" everywhere the Boys sing! This guy can "sing and play!" Mitchell resides in Valdese, NC with his bride Kassie, and will thrill you with his personality as well as his vocal and musical abilities!

Rounding out the Band are 2 standout musicians in their own right.

Greg Fox is the resident GMA Hall of Famer with the group playing a state-of-the-art kit of Gretsch drums, keeping the beat and having a blast doing it once again. "Foxie" as he is affectionately known will win you over with his warm, caring personality. Foxie and wife Robin live in West Jefferson , NC

Journeyman Chris Powell is one of the most versatile players ever! He pulls double-duty both on stage as keyman/backing vocals and as the driver of the handsome Prevost Entertainer Motor coach the group travels in.

As a follow-up to their 2018 recording, "AMERICAN MORNING," the "Boys" have just finished 2 new recordings titled, "TURN A Legacy of American Songs" and "COUNTRY CLASSICS Carolina Style," produced by mega-producer Wayne Haun on the prestigious Club44 Records label of Nashville, TN. These recordings solidify the "Boys" as a true American Music Group featuring songs of Faith, Family, and Freedom straight out of the Great American Songbook and Country Music royalty produced in the group's unique style, and they bring it with a passion to the stage every night!

They are fan favorites everywhere they go, and for good reason! As Doc states, "From an entertainment standpoint, we are committed to working hard every night to assure the fans that they get more than their money's worth!" Then Scott adds, "And most importantly, we want people to know and see that we are dedicated to excellence and continue to strive for a better, more exciting show every time out!" Come see for yourselves. The unforgettable sights and sounds of the Boys from "Carolina The Band" will take your appreciation of Country 4-part male harmony to another level! The Band's touring schedule, product info, pics, and additional information are available online. The Band is booked through The Beckie Simmons Agency and partners with ChildFund at live events.

Chris "Doc" Roberts
Tenor/Keys

CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN ROBERTS was born in Asheville, North Carolina on November 20, 1963. Chris literally "grew up" in the local church since his father was music director and his mother was church pianist. He professed faith in Christ and was baptized at the age of 11.

Chris was just an average kid, attending school and spending most of the summertime at his grandparents' home in Canton, NC. He answered the call to ministry to serve the local church and received three degrees in music and worship ministry, serving churches for over 30 years.

Chris is married to Janet, who he met at Gardner-Webb College, and their anniversary is December 10th. They have a daughter, Tara, and a son, Nathan. Tara is married to Dustin Hayes and they are the parents of Chris and Janet's grandkids, Mollie (6) and Olsen (3). Nathan is married to Cagney and they have the "grand-Dog." Krew.

Chris retired from full-time music and worship ministry in 2018, serving Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC for the final 15 years. He is currently involved in his second interim music position.

Chris also teaches music, worship, and hymnology at Fruitland Baptist Bible College in Hendersonville, NC in addition to his work with Carolina The Band. He traveled in full-time gospel music in the late 1990's with The Melody Masters Quartet and also served Gardner-Webb University in the mid 1990’s as an instructor and choral conductor.

Scott Whitener
Baritone/Rhythm

The group's sound is defined by the recognizable voice of SCOTT WHITENER. Scott is no stranger to gospel music. His first singing experience was with the church trio where his dad pastored. He was an influential member of the regional powerhouse quartet the Regals for many years. In 1987, he joined the award winning Singing Americans. His dynamic voice and interpretations really grabbed the attention of Gospel Music fans. After leaving the Singing Americans, Whitener also sang lead with Jericho – which was formed along with Dwayne Burke of the Singing Americans – until 1996. This group was recognized for their smooth, focused vocals in a church ministry setting.

Subsequently, Whitener transitioned to the Melody Masters in the mid-1990s as lead singer. During that time, the group lineup of Chris Roberts, Whitener, Roger Burnett, and Richard Sanders achieved success with performances at the National Quartet Convention and the Canadian version of the NQC, which was held in Canada's in Red Deer, Alta.

As in life, things come full circle. After more than 20 years in full time Gospel Music, Whitener is now an ordained minister, serving as senior pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Gastonia, N.C. A graduate of Southern Wesleyan (S.C.) University and Wesleyan Fellowship of Leaders Acquiring Ministerial Education (FLAME), when you talk with Whitener you understand his philosophy of life. "I am a simple guy, a husband, a singer and pastor," Whitener explains. "I love blue jeans, T-shirts, boots and buckles. I love my friends. I can't stand fake stuff or people. Just be real. I am blessed with Gospel Music, but I am more blessed with the love of Christ I experience every day."

Chris Parker
Bass Vocals & Bass Guitar

CHRIS PARKER began a passion for music early in life when he joined his fathers gospel group at the age of 12. As a drummer, he traveled locally and played till he turned 17. At that time he was picked up by a local country group, where he played drums and sang. Before he turned 30, Chris had traveled with several country and rock bands that opened for groups like Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad, Johnny Paycheck, Warrant, Molly Hatchet and many others. He married Holly in 2000 and retired from music only to be wooed again in 2009 when he joined his father and brother in a gospel quartet, singing bass for the first time.

Working full-time as a 3d artist for the NCDOT, Chris took a job with a private engineering firm in 2011 and moved to the Charlotte, NC area. In 2016, he and Holly visited Temple Baptist Church to see his uncle Ivan Parker perform. There, he discovered a local group performing called Carolina. After hearing their bass singer was retiring, he turned the page of his history once again.

Chris Powell
Keys/Vocals

CHRIS POWELL, the powerhouse musician comes to Carolina by way of Shelby, NC. Music has been in his blood for over 35 years. He's been a praise & worship leader, a lead vocalist in Southern Gospel groups and is proficient in Piano, bass guitar and steel guitar. Providing piano, organ and background vocals for Carolina in our live shows, Chris has rapidly become a backbone to our performances. No one can deny his persona and his heart for God's people. Gospel music and ministry runs in his family as he also sings with his wife and his dad on limited dates. We are so proud to show him off to our audiences.

G.E. "Foxie" Fox
Drums/Vocals

G.E. "FOXIE" FOX and his lovely wife, Robin have four four kids (& Spouses) and eight grandchildren. Foxie was with The Kingsmen for over 25 years. He has played for three United States Presidents and opened for the 1982 World's Fair. His contribution to the music industry is legendary. He has received multiple Grammy, Dove, Music City News, and Singing News fan award nominations. He has performed in thousands of churches, auditoriums and concert halls across the United States, has played at the largest state and county fairgrounds in the United States, and is a founding member of the first Gospel Music Singing Cruise, the "Singing at Sea" cruise.

Other Accomplishments

19 times Band Of the Year

5 times Artist of the Year

14 Grand Ole Opry appearances

3 time Song of the Year

11 time Dove Award winner

Producer ; Director ; Drummer

Studio and Live Sound Engineer

7 time Album of the Year

4 time Video of the Year

Peabody Video of the Year

Member of the GMA & SGMA Hall of Fame

Smithsonian Institute American Folkways Inductee

Multiple Keys to Cities

Multiple "1" Songs

Multi Platinum music seller

Mitchell Whisnant
Vocals/Guitar

Four Years Old... Mitchell began playing drums at his home church.

Six Years Old... Mitchell learned piano.

Eight Years Old... Mitchell asked the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart, and accepted Him as his personal Savior.

Nine Years Old... Mitchell learned to play guitar, banjo,mandolin, violin, and harmonica, dobro, and steel guitar. He also began his music ministry, which involves traveling to churches and events playing and singing.

Sixteen Years Old... Mitchell was invited to the White House to meet the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump.and sing his hit son There’s One Man. He also recorded his first solo project at 16.

Eighteen Years Old... Mitchell was invited to be a part of the inaugural Christian Country at the Creek in Pigeon Forge, TN. He was chosen as a top performer, and invited to sing on main stage at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention. Over the years, Mitchell has learned to play many other instruments, which has broadened his ability to minister effectively.

Charted Songs

"There's One Man" - #1 - (June 2019)

"All I Want To Be" - #5 - (December 2019)

"When It Hits Me" - #1 - (April 2020)

"Thank You Lord" - #4 - (January 2021)

"Family And Faith" - #1 - (June 2022)

Awards

Soloist of the Year - LGMA (October 2019)

Horizon Artist of the Year - LGMA (October 2019)

Artist of the Year - GWGMP (November 2019)

Soloist of the Year - GWGMP (November 2019)

2020 Favorite musician - Gospel Music Fan Fair

2020 diamond awards - sunrise artist of the year

2021 Favorite musician Gospel Music Fan Fair

2021 Christian country artist of the year - LGMA

2021 song of the year - Thank you lord - LGMA

2021 Male vocalist of the year - LGMA

2021 Soloist of the year - LGMA

2022-musician of the year - Gospel Music Fan Fair