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WHO WE ARE
CAROLINA began in mid-2006 following the official retirement of the Melody Masters Quartet, a name synonymous with quality southern gospel music. Legendary names such as James “Big Chief” Wetherington, Jake Hess, and Wally Varner were Melody Masters whose tradition had been carried on by Scott Whitener, Roger Burnett, and Chris Roberts in a very popular and critically-acclaimed version of MMQ in the late 1990’s. One by one, MMQ members began leaving the road and following a brief Melody Masters reunion tour in 2004-2005, Scott, Roger and Chris decided to launch a new endeavor.
Today CAROLINA performs in all types of venues and outdoor events, even appearing with Elvis from time-to-time as J.D. Sumner and the Stamps. Their sound is characterized by rich harmonies, their music is absorbed in solid and meaningful lyrics, and their style and presentation is synonymous with many of the great quartet vocal groups.
CAROLINA will challenge and strengthen your trust in God as they share the love of Jesus Christ in a celebration of our faith, family, and freedom. Make plans to hear them soon!
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.
Andy King
Vocals/Keys/Horns
Andy was born in the scenic and historic coastal town of Wilmington NC in 1970. He started singing as early as he could talk and learned to play piano at age 5, and began making money playing and singing by age 12. In his formative years, Andy spent most of his time working in churches as well as regional gospel groups. After receiving his degree in music from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, he worked extensively in the theater industry. Over the years, Andy has had the pleasure to be the lead singer with the legendary Catalinas, pianist for JD Sumner and the Stamps, The Hoppers, as well as musical director and pianist for the Dove Brothers Band, just to name a few. Before joining Carolina- The Band, Andy worked a 5 year tenure at Calvin Gilmore’s prestigious Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Andy has worked on cruise ships, toured throughout the United States, Great Britain, Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia with various artist covering Gospel, Country, Jazz, and Rock genres. He feels humbled and blessed to be able to perform and create music that uplifts and inspires others. In a quote Andy says, “Over the years I’ve always strived to develop as a better singer and musician which is important, but, I also realized at a young age, the impact that music can make on others so I feel it an honor to be a small part of such a powerful medium.
When Andy isn’t on stage, he spends most of his time running his recording studio. “I love wearing many hats,” Andy says, as he works as Producer, Writer, Arranger, Engineer, Session Player/Singer and “chief bottle washer…” “ I just love the creative process. To be able to create something from just an idea and hear or see it come to fruition is an incredible feeling.
For fun, Andy loves to be at home, spending time with his parents, playing catch with my little dog “Fender,” grilling out, woodworking and believe or not, yard work.
Andy credits God and the love, support and patience of his mom and dad over the years to the success he has seen in the music industry.
“I am so excited to be a part of Carolina- The Band. Everyone in this group is multi-talented and has a passion to be here. Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. I look forward to our future as we continue to work and grow as a group. And we look forward to meeting you and seeing you at a future event!”
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, auditorium s 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