Organized in 1993 by Joseph Johnson & Charles Houston Jr. in a little country town of Moscow, Tennessee. The Echoaires turned their love for God, His people and music into a thriving ministry.
How did they do it? Quite simple. This group of musicians took their God given talents and combined and developed them into their own unique sound. Their soul stirring testimonies and harmonious voices combined with chord progressions that enable you to feel the words of their songs usher the anointing into any venue. It is these attributes that make them one of the most sought after quartet groups in the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas tri-state area and has blessed them to attain recognition in other sectors.
The Echoaires were participants and 2nd place winners (1998) in the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) New Artist Showcase 1998 and 1999. They were the 2003 winners of the Exclesisa Enterprises Gospel Extravaganza in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2006, they were the showcase winners at the 14th Annual American Gospel Quartet Convention in Birmingham, Alabama.
As an accomplished group, the EchoaAires have traveled throughout the country spreading their music ministry. They have served as the opening worshippers for nationally acclaimed quartets such as Harvey Watkins and the Canton Spirituals, Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs, the Williams Brothers, Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, and Rev. Andrew Cheairs and the Songbirds to name a few.
But all of their success hasn’t come without its trials and tribulations.In 2003, the death of two members, Nicholas Coburn & Rev. Kenneth" BUTCH" Mason, jeopardized their existence.Through it all,the group continued on their crusade for Christ with their ministry. In 2005, while returning from Chicago Illinois, a near fatal accident threatened them once again. But none of these storms deterred the EchoAires from blessing the people of God. “Through all the storms that we’ve suffered, we still find a safe place in God,” says lead singer Joseph Johnson. “Our faith has not been wavered, but made stronger. We know that it was because of His grace that we’re still here.”
In 1996, the group recorded its first independent album, “It’s a Miracle”, and in 2001, their second independent album, “Determined to Make It” live in Slayden, Ms . They recently recorded their third album in April 2007 titled "Transformation" live in Memphis Tn which was produced by Mr. George Dean & co - produced by Joseph Johnson & Stephen Lewis .After which ,group signed their first national record deal in october 2008 under independent label ECKO RECORDS
2010 has been a banner year for the "EA Boyz".Due to the successful release of the group's album,"TRANSFORMATION" .They were nominated in 3 catagories on the 2010 Stellar Award 1st round Ballot.That in itself is quite an accomplishment for the group from the small town of Moscow,TN.
March of 2010 marked the completion of the EA Boyz 2nd DvD release,"Transformation,Live in Memphis".
In July of 2010,the EA Boyz was finally awarded for their hard work.The EchoAires were nominated and won two of their three nominations at the 2010 Rhythm of Gospel Awards held @ The Memphis Cannon Center.They recieved the award for Quartet CD of the Year and the award for Quartet Song of the Year.This was just one more step on the group's ladder to success.
October 5,2010 is the date set for the group's 4th CD release entitled,"OL'SKOOL-NU FLAVA".On this project,group members,Joseph Johnson and Stephen Lewis have written as well as produced a CD worthy of showing the group's love of old ,"hip slapping" traditional quartet with a hint of the contemporary quartet of today.
With the EchoAires eagerness to be a visible vessel in the Gospel Quartet Ministry,and God's favor bestowed upon them,the EchoAires will continue on their spiral of well- deserved success.
The EchoAires are John Chandler, Courtney Clark, Cedric Conner, Joseph Johnson, Stephen Lewis,Dewayne Newson, Gabrieal Mason, Barry Turner,Wallace Harris & Bennie Hall.
