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Paul EstepPaul Estep has been traveling for many years now - first with The King's Strings for about 6 years. When that group disbanded in 2000, he decided to continue on with his son Jonathan. Paul sings lead, tenor, or baritone, and plays lead guitar. He is also a full-time evangelist and loves to preach as much as he loves to sing. He is the founder and driving force behind Revival Ridge. If you haven't figured it out, Paul loves to talk. It is said that "he never met a person he didn't know." Paul teaches music in a private school and gives guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin and piano lessons.
Paul is also an accomplished pianist and songwriter. He is a trained classical pianist and studied music while in college. He's written several songs, including one that made it to number 2...on the "They Need Jesus" CD. Paul was called to preach at the age of 17 and now is fulfilling the call through full-time ministry. He had dreamed about full-time ministry for over 10 years. Now the Lord has opened the doors and Paul is more than ready to heed the call. In August, 2008 Paul became the Minister of Music at his home church, MISSION Church of God.
Paul plays a custom-built Grey Eagle Guitar and a Martin DM Guitar.
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Jonathan EstepJonathan Estep is 18 years old, and, even though he’s young, he’s still quite an accomplished musician and can play the mandolin, upright bass, guitar, and piano. He can sing just about any vocal part. Jonathan is home-schooled and his favorite subject is History. Jonathan is a HUGE Doyle Lawson fan. Just ask him, he’ll tell you all about Doyle. On second thought, you don’t have to ask.
Jonathan started singing in church at the age of 2 1/2. At first Jonathan sang the tenor parts. But during his first recording session (at age 9) Dale Perry said that Jonathan's voice would drop someday. Sure enough, it did...right in the middle of cutting the "Coal to Diamonds" CD. Now Jonathan has a strong baritone voice and is working on strengthening his lead and bass vocals. Every once in a while he can still hit those tenor parts, but not too often. Jonathan started playing the bass at the age of 8 1/2 with The King's Strings. He was so short, and the bass so tall, that he had to stand on a milkcrate to play the instrument. His dream is to someday play in the band with Doyle Lawson. See, there's that name again. He just can't get away from it.
Jonathan plays a custom-built Grey Eagle Mandolin.
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Parker MorganThe newest member of Revival Ridge is Billy's son Parker Morgan. Parker plays the upright bass and does a great job. He's only 14, but he has a great desire to play music. He's a blessing because he stepped in to meet the need when the group needed a bass player.
Parker plays an Upright Bass.
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Bill MorganWhen I was young, I used to tell my father that I wanted to grow up and be a banjo player. He would always respond in a deep voice, “Son, you know you’ll have to choose because you can’t do both”. Back then, dad had a banjo in his closet that I would pull out from time to time and strum the strings; I loved the rich sound and was fascinated with how banjo players could get so much sound out of that instrument. At the age of 13 I stumbled into an outstanding teacher; Nashville's Pam Gadd and began lessons. Now at 40, I am getting the hang of it. I still love the music and the sound that a banjo brings to a band and I enjoy every time we play.
After playing in several other bands, in 2004 God moved in my life and gave me the conviction to commit to playing Gospel music. I searched the internet for a Cincinnati area bluegrass gospel band. The first hit I got was Paul Estep and Revival Ridge. I sent a message to Paul to let him know that if he ever needed a substitute banjo, I would be glad to help out. By a remarkable coincidence (God taking control), Paul replied immediately and let me know that their current banjo player had just decided to step down and they were looking for a new one. A week later, I was playing with Jonathan, Paul and Jeff Blackburn (and later Ron) and loving every minute of it. Now, after about two years we have become a band that not only plays together and ministers to other people, but that deeply cares about, and ministers to each other. As far as true friends and true Christians, I will say that these fellows are the real McCoy. I think this is what comes across on stage - that we care about the crowd, about each other and about serving the Lord. That is why I think we have enjoyed the success that we have had.
God bless and I hope to see you soon!
Billy plays a Stelling Red Fox Banjo. | |
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