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Testify is a Southern Gospel/Contemporary Christian vocal band founded by two brothers, Kenneth Swanner and Brent Swanner in 1995.[1] Testify has performed at the Southern Baptist Convention, multiple State Baptist Conventions, Gaither Homecoming Concerts, Chick-fil-a Corporate Headquarters, Theaters in Branson, at TBN, the Grand Ole Opry, GMT and in Nashville for a concert at Lifeway Christian Resource Center of the Southern Baptist Convention.[2] In October 2001 Testify performed at the Roy Acuff Theater for the "Heal Our Land Benefit Concert" for the victims of 9/11.[3]
Testify (Christian Band) | |
|---|---|
_Infobox_image.jpg) Brent Swanner, Kenneth Swanner, Landon Thompson | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Louisiana |
| Genres | CCM, southern gospel, adult contemporary |
| Occupation(s) | Singers, musicians |
| Years active | 1995 - 2012 |
| Labels | SonSound, SonSound Masterpiece, Chapel |
| Past members | Brent Swanner
Kenneth Swanner Landon Thompson Daniel Steele Philip Bergeron Nathan Thompson |
History
editBrent and Kenneth Swanner grew up in a musical family and started singing at an early age. Both were heavily involved in their church and school music programs. Out of college, Kenneth joined The Continental Singers and toured several years all over the world.[4] Meanwhile, while Brent was performing in a school musical, he was discovered by Waine Self, founder of the Southern Gospel group, Higher Kingdom[5] In 1994, Brent and Kenneth collaborated at a Youth Evangelism Conference and "Testify" was born. Brent and Kenneth officially formed "Testify" in February 1995. After months of concerts with just the two of them they added an old college buddy, Daniel Steele to sing the baritone. They recorded an Independent, Self Titled album at a local studio in 1995. In 1996 Testify won The Albert E Brumley Memorial Gospel Singing Contest in Springdale, AR.[6] A year later Daniel Steele moved to bass and Philip Bergeron took over the baritone. In the meantime, Testify signed with Son Sound Music Group and recorded, Testify Self Titled, produced by Danny Funderburk of The Cathedral Quartet fame. Testify then released their first single ever, "Jesus Left Heaven for Me" [7] and garnered major radio play and some chart success. In 1997 , Son Sound Music Group promoted Testify to their major label, Son Sound Masterpiece and Testify recorded Ready to Serve, produced by Danny Funderburk and Lari Goss.
In 1999, Landon Thompson joined the group and Testify began working with Grammy Award nominee[8] and Dove Award[9] winning producer, Michael Sykes. Michael produced two recordings for Testify. They are called, Something Worth Living For and Keep Walking.[10] Something Worth Living For included Testify's first ever Top 40 song, "He's Still Keeping Me".[11] Testify and Michael Sykes second collaboration, Keep Walking, produced Testify's first Top 10 single, "Doubter To A Shouter".[12]
In 2004, with the release of The Highest Call, Testify changed their overall sound. In an effort to keep pushing the creative limits of the group, Testify enlisted Buddy Mullins, former member of The Mullins, The Gaither Vocal Band and Sunday Drive to produce. The first single from The Highest Call, "All It Takes Is A Shout", immediately entered the Top 40 on The Singing News chart.[13] Testify's next single from The Highest Call, "In God We Trust", prompted a letter from then President, George W. Bush, to write Testify a letter thanking them for such a timely song.[14] With the success of The Highest Call, Testify was nominated for the 2005 Diamond Award Trio of the Year and SGM Awards Trio of the Year.[15] In addition to The Highest Call, Buddy Mullins went on to produce two more Testify recordings, Rhythm of Grace and Shine on Us. Rhythm of Grace included another Top 40 song, "That's Why He Came".[16] Buddy's influence and comradery with the guys was undeniable. He became an honorary member of the group filling in for Kenneth Swanner at lead vocals when needed.[17]
The Farewell Tour
editIn 2012, Brent and Kenneth Swanner reevaluated the future of the ministry. After close to eighteen years together, Brent and Kenneth decide to announce their Farewell Tour. On November 17, 2012, they performed their final concert at First West (First Baptist Church West Monroe, LA), the city where Testify's 18-year journey first started. At that concert, various individuals (including family members, record producers, management, former members and Buddy Mullins contributions to Testify's ministry. Several former members and Buddy Mullins performed with Testify.[18] To commemorate the Farewell Tour, Testify recorded their 13th and final album, Songs We Love to honor their Southern Gospel and CCM influences.[19]
Life after Testify
editBrent Swanner recorded a solo album in 2013, And the Story Goes On.[20] In 2020 a single was released in honor of his youngest son, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face".[21] Brent currently manages a construction company in West Monroe, LA. Kenneth Swanner works at a bank in North Louisiana and is a pastor at a local church. Landon Thompson is a worship leader at a church in Houston, Texas.[22]
Studio albums
editsource:[23]
| Year | Album | Record label | Record producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Testify - Self Titled | ||
| 1997 | Testify - Self Titled | Son Sound | Danny Funderburk |
| 1998 | Ready To Serve | SonSound Masterpiece | Danny Funderburk, Lari Goss |
| 1999 | Something Worth Living For | Chapel | Michael Sykes |
| 2001 | Keep Walking | Chapel | Michael Sykes |
| 2003 | The Highest Call | Independent | Buddy Mullins |
| 2005 | Rhythm of Grace | Independent | Buddy Mullins |
| 2009 | Shine On Us | Independent | Buddy Mullins, Brent Swanner |
| 2012 | Songs We Love | Independent | Brent Swanner |
Compilations
edit| Year | Album | Record label |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 10th Anniversary[24] | Independent |
| 2010 | Greatest Hits[25] | Independent |
Live albums
edit| Year | Album | Record label | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | A Night of Southern Gospel[26] | Independent | Gary McSpadden |
Singles
edit| Year | Title | Peak positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singing
News[27] |
Gospel
Voice[28] | |||
| 1997 | "Jesus Left Heaven For Me" | 63 | — | Testify |
| "Isn't It Just Like Him" | 57 | — | ||
| "Someone Believed" | 52 | — | ||
| 1998 | "This Little Child" | 43 | — | Ready to Serve |
| "This Love" | 44 | — | ||
| "Do You Know that You Know" | 65 | — | ||
| "Walking in the Light" | 48 | — | ||
| 1999 | "He’s Still Keeping Me" | 34 | 15 | Something Worth Living For |
| "When I Lift Up My Head" | 37 | 17 | ||
| "Three Nails, Three Days" | 44 | 12 | ||
| 2001 | "The Sweet Forever" | 71 | 33 | Keep Walking |
| "Doubter to a Shouter" | 9 | 2 | ||
| "Starting Now" | 41 | — | ||
| 2003 | "In God We Trust" | 11 | 7 | The Highest Call |
| "All It Takes Is A Shout" | 40 | 6 | ||
| 2004 | "Shine On" | 37 | 12 | |
| 2005 | "That's Why He Came" | 28 | 2 | Rhythm of Grace |
| "Glory Road" | 47 | — | ||
| 2009 | "I Will Follow You" | 66 | — | |
| "You are God Alone" | 53 | — | Worship: Shine On Us | |
| 2010 | "I Bowed On My Knees" | 37 | — | Live: A Night of Southern Gospel |
| "The Highest Call" | 70 | — | ||
| 2013 | "In God We Trust" | 17 | — | Testify: Greatest Hits |
| "Doubter to a Shouter" | 31 | — | ||
References
edit- ^ "Southern Gospel History - Testify-Group". www.sghistory.com. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
- ^ "Playground Daily News Archives, Sep 21, 2002, p. 34". NewspaperArchive.com. 2002-09-21. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "11 Oct 2001, Page 3 - The News-Star at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "15 Jul 1999, 14 - The Tribune at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "10 Nov 1993, 7 - The West Carroll Gazette at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "2 Apr 1998, 5 - The Oakdale Journal at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "2 Apr 1998, 5 - The Oakdale Journal at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "9 Jan 1993, Page 24 - The Cincinnati Enquirer at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "25 Mar 1999, Page 3 - The Tennessean at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "14 Jun 2002, Page 16 - Longview News-Journal at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "Accomplishments «". Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ "Southern Gospel History - Singing News Airplay Chart-Apr 2003". www.sghistory.com. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
- ^ "Southern Gospel History - Singing News Airplay Chart-Jun 2004". www.sghistory.com. Retrieved 2022-02-17.
- ^ "1 Jun 2011, Page 21 - Scott County Times at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "26 Jun 2005, Page 33 - The News-Star at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "Southern Gospel History - Singing News Airplay Chart-Oct 2006". www.sghistory.com. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
- ^ "1 Jun 2011, Page 21 - Scott County Times at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "6 Jul 2012, 10 - The Daily Advertiser at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "Testify". www.testify.org. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ And the Story Goes On, 2013-12-30, retrieved 2022-08-11
- ^ "Brent Swanner on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
- ^ "Our Staff". CBC. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
- ^ "Testify (6)". Discogs. Retrieved 2022-02-15.
- ^ Testify: 10th Anniversary by Testify, 2007-02-16, retrieved 2022-02-15
- ^ Testify - Greatest Hits, retrieved 2022-02-15
- ^ Testify - A Night Of Southern Gospel - Live, retrieved 2022-02-15
- ^ Staff. "Home". Singing News Magazine. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
- ^ "Christian Voice Magazine - Your Source for Information & Inspiration". christianvoicemagazine.com. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
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