The Freemans have been singing for 28 years. Darrell and Chris Freeman are no strangers to southern gospel music. Chris spent several years with The Hinsons and earned the coveted award "Queen of Gospel Music." Darrell traveled and sang with his parents in their family group The Pathways. Darrell and Chris met during a concert at intermission and the rest, as they say, is history. Darrell, Chris, Joe, Caylon and Misty have had a very busy and at times difficult few years but have come through smiling and giving praise to God for every trial. I recently sat down with all of The Freemans, and we had a great time chatting about their 28 years of ministry.
The group released their latest project Evidence at the National Quartet Convention in 2010. Fans and friends had waited over 3 years for this CD and it was certainly worth the wait. Their previous project Eyes on the Prize garnered the group some #1's and great radio success with such songs as "He Chose Me", "Three Rugged Crosses" and "Cast in the Sea"
Perhaps the most talked about song on Evidence is the Dianne Wilkinson song "The Father and the Son." Darrell states that the first time he heard the demo from Daywind that he could hear Chris singing it and knew they would record it.
Chris stated, "When we were in the studio cutting tracks, the anointing fell and all of us (singers and musicians) cried. There was such a revelation of the thought that the 'cross became an altar'."
The song has received wonderful response in concert and is doing very well on radio. The family all agrees this song will be in the top ten of all the songs they have recorded.
This new project also features the debut of Caylon Freeman, who has been playing drums with his family since he was 12 and does a fabulous job. Caylon chose the Delbert McClinton song, "Sending Me Angels," to record on this project, and he did a great job. His voice is sure to appeal to younger fans, and Caylon says we'll be hearing more and more singing from him.
The Freemans have had a new addition riding on the bus. Darrell and Chris's daughter, Misty Freeman Callaway and husband Bryce, welcomed Adelaide Rose Callaway in July 2009. Beautiful Adelaide travels with her Mom each weekend and is a delight to have on the bus. PapPap and GiGi are especially thrilled to have another generation of Freemans riding along. Misty says it has been an adjustment traveling with a little one. Misty says there are some rare weekends where she stays home with Adelaide and Bryce so they can attend their home church together and have family time, which is very important to this clan. Fans will be delighted to hear that Misty is getting back into writing and in the early stages of working on her new solo project. Aside from traveling and being a wife and mommy, Misty also works several days a week at a popular salon in Hendersonville, TN where she does hair and makeup. Misty cut a great song, "One Step Further," on the new project and will actually be released as the groups new single this Spring.
One thing that is immediately noticeable about this family is they are real. They do not put on heirs; they are not fake. They are genuine people who love God and are about His business. Chris shares, "We have been through so much in the last 3 years. My brother was found dead in his apartment on his 51st birthday, I was in a terrible car accident and spent months trying to recover. Joe lost two brothers in car accidents. Misty lost two babies. Darrell's Father passed away, then 9 months later his sister had a heart attack and died." Darrell's Mother, Wilma, is also suffering with Alzheimer's and is now living with Darrell and Chris. It's been quite an adjustment for them to manage their family and group and care for Wilma. When they leave to go on the road, Mrs. Freeman goes and stays with Chris's Mom and Sister and they care for her. The family is very quick to point out that through every trial that God has been faithful and been with them every step of the way. They do not complain or ask why they just desire to be obedient to His will and want to continue to encourage people and share their songs and the message of Christ.
Of course, through all of the trials and heartbreak, there has been laughter. Obviously traveling with an infant provides a lot of entertainment. But, Darrell had a humorous story to share. "One night we were working with The Cathedrals in Pennsylvania. I was playing bass and we were singing and I kept feeling something funny up my sleeve between my jacket and my shirt. I finally looked over and I had a dryer sheet hanging out the entire time I was singing. I wondered why there were several ladies laughing at me!"
The Freemans show no signs of slowing down or stopping. Darrell shared, "I don't plan to retire, I plan to re-fire." Chris shared that she hopes her grand baby and future grand babies are singing with the family one day. The group wants to continue to sing great songs, encourage people and offer them hope.
They have a busy year ahead of them. They are working on a new project that they plan to have at National Quartet Convention. Darrell says it is a surprise, but will be something fans will love. Chris shared that she'll be getting together with her old Hinson buddies to rehearse. The Hinsons will sing on Tuesday night of the convention.
The group is also putting together a tour with the Dove Brothers. They have already begun booking dates and will be adding more. In fact, if you are a pastor or promoter and are interested in this exciting package, contact Darrell. (http://www.the-freemans.com) Darrell said they are working on a new song to share together in the concerts, and there will be some surprises as well.
Chris is excited about a "Reunion at Sea" Cruise that they are putting together. It will feature The Freemans, The Hinsons, The Steeles and several other surprise groups and guests. More information and details will be coming, but they are looking forward to cruising the Caribbean in January 2012.
One thing is clear with this anointed and talented family group. They are real. They are great performers. They sing great songs.They love what they do and they love each other. They want to continue to spread the gospel and encourage people with the message of God's love. This family has dealt with the same things everyone else has, but you can clearly see the evidence of God's grace in all of their lives.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/01/2011
| 
Category:
| 
Comments: 4
RSS Feed
| (What's an RSS feed?)
|
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
Have loved you guys for many years. Even when it gets so hot Darrell had to turn the bus to give us shade.
Love You guys... Hope to hear you singing some of my songs in the future...Maybe? Well in the shower at least!
good
Hello first of all we love your music,Our Mom was friends with your Mom her name is Thelma Perry. We have called your mom and we just found out she was living with you. we are concerned can you let me know how she is doing we love her so. thank you may God Bless you all and keep you safe. Ruby, Ron & Judy Perry
Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages
