As many of you have surely noticed, this page of our site has been severely neglected. Though we have made a special effort to keep our “Schedule” page current and our resident photographer has kept a few new photos added, we (or shall I say I) have not kept new information flowing. I CONFESS…..and I promise to do better!

The positive side is that it has been a VERY busy year for StateLine and we are grateful for that. We’ve spent most weekends of the year pounding the pavement, setting up equipment, breaking down equipment, and most importantly singing and telling about Jesus.

It has been rumored that StateLine has broken up but “rumor” is exactly what that is. As my granddaughters have learned from Veggie Tales, “you better watch out for the Rumor Mill”.

The tall and handsome Andy Biggs answered a higher calling in 2006 and has left StateLine to preach the Word. I like to say that we’re all still on the same team though Andy has been moved to another position. We pray that Andy will win many souls to God and we know he prays for us. Andy has bailed us out of a pinch a few times too.

Noel Walters, with his seasoned experience in the ministry, is doing a tremendous job at the lead position and also as spokesman for the group. We are also very excited to have welcomed James Cauley to the bass position. If you have not yet met either of these fine men you are in for a treat. Please see our “About Us” page for more.

Allen has just undergone surgery on one of his ears. He’s recovering now and desires your prayers. Hopefully, Allen will be back in the saddle very soon and we pray that ear will be better than new.

2007 has thus far been an unforgettable year as we have made so many new friends in new places. In June we saw our first Singing News Top 80 song debut at #64. We often hear from towns and cities in many states because of radio and print. At NQC we were able to visit with friends from all over the US and Canada. It was so great to see you all again and we’re already looking forward to next September!

It’s hard to imagine a busier schedule for a weekend group although we don’t believe God wants us to become complacent. I believe I travel and work with a group of men who want to do God’s will. What is His plan for StateLine in the days ahead? Please help us pray that we will know His will….Please help us pray that the StateLine Quartet will have the strength and courage to do His will.

‘Till next time, may God bless.

Larry

 

Many people in Tennessee , especially in the Gallatin area, have been trying to clean up from the recent storms that swept through the area Friday April 7, 2006.  Steve Biggs, our sound technician (Larry's brother and Tim and Andy's uncle) had a close scare with the tornado that went through Gallatin .  Lee Electric, where he worked, was totally destroyed in the tornado.  But, Steve was one of the lucky ones.  The building was a total loss as was his truck.  However, one of his co-worker's, a 29 year old young man, wasn't so lucky.  Everyone was running to take cover in building's safe room but Steve's co-worker didn't make it to the safe room and was killed.  Those that did make it to the safe room had to wait while rescuers moved debris and rubble from the building before they were able to get out.  In fact, rescuers had to knock a hole in a concrete wall to get to Steve and his co-workers.  Please remember Steve, his family and all the employees of Lee Electric as they recover from this tragedy. 

Steve wasn't able to be with us this past weekend in Nashville , Tennessee and Adairville , Kentucky and we sure missed him.  He felt (and we agreed) that he needed to spend time with his family and his co-workers as they prepared for the funeral this past Sunday.  Also please remember Steve in prayers and right now as the employees don't know for sure what the future holds for their jobs.  The person killed was the owner's son and they don't know what kind of re-building will take place.  Whatever the future holds, we know that we are all in God's hand and rely on His will to guide us and keep us whatever comes our way.  I can't help but remember the words to our song—I Can Pray—“ Though the storm around me rages, I can trust the Rock of Ages when I pray.  And the peace I can't explain when I call upon His name.  I just know I'm not the same when I pray.”

The StateLine Quartet signs with Zion Music

In studio now for new album release, due late summer

(APRIL 4) -- The StateLine Quartet began work Thursday on a new project with Zion Music Group of Nashville, TN, scheduled to be released in the late summer or early fall of 2005.

Signing with Zion Music this spring, the quartet held its first studio session on Thursday, March 31, and has two additional studio sessions scheduled for April 25 and May 3, at Oak Valley Studio in Nashville.

"I think this is going to be a great project and really take them to another level," said Kevin McManus, president of Nashville Teleproductions Inc. and Zion Music Group. "I think it is going to make a broad statement for the group, and people will wonder, 'where did these guys come from?' I'm really looking forward to it."

This will be the first album for The StateLine Quartet since a number of changes, including the addition of two new members and a shift from the name "New Heart Family Gospel" in early 2004, to "StateLine Quartet." Additions to the group include tenor Allen Poynter and bass Rick Bradley.

"Everyone will be featured on the new album, and we're really excited about releasing a new project and to be with Zion Music," said Larry Biggs, who with his family founded the original group approximately seven years ago. "It's hard to get out new music through personnel changes and things like that, but we now feel like we're a very well-rounded sound all the way from a deep bass to a high tenor.

"We got an email from Kevin (McManus) from the studio the next morning and he said how good he thought our tracks were, and how this project could really make a statement for us."

With lead vocals spread across the group's members on this new album, its style and theme is varied, with an emphasis as all projects on the saving power of Jesus Christ and relationship through him with God, our Heavenly Father.

"The album titled "Passin' Thru" is a very diverse album," Larry explained. "It's not restricted to any certain style. We've got a song or two on there which are really powerful, and a song or two on there which really rock -- and everything in between. We even have one with a country flavor."

In addition to Rick, Allen, and Larry, other members of the Biggs immediate family make up the group, including Larry's sons Andy and Tim. Andy sings lead vocals, while Tim handles the baritone part. Larry's brother Steve is the sound technician. The Biggs family also has produced two pastors, Larry's eldest son Duane and nephew Kris Freeman. Duane sang with the group at its inception before leaving to pursue pastoral ministry, and Kris works with the group's website.

Larry has been involved in Southern Gospel Music for most of his life, going back to his roots with the Halltown Harmoneers in the 1970s, a group consisting of family members and members of their local church in Portland, TN. His father, C.D., sang bass and has served as a deacon there for over 50 years, and the group also featured Larry's elder sister, Glinda.

The new album will feature songs penned by Larry, Duane and others close to StateLine Quartet, including friend Kendall Bush.

For more information on this project, check back often for updates!