History

Harvey Singers
1920

John Harvey, and eleven of his brothers and sisters, started singing about 1920 in his home church choir at Lick Creek Christian Church near Piney Flats, Tennessee. On occasion the Harvey Singers, as they were known, would sing at conventions in the area. At one such event their mother, Susan Umphrey Harvey, was in the audience and when they called on the Harvey family to sing all twelve came forward. A lady seated next to Susan remarked to her, “I just don’t believe they are all brothers and sisters, myself.” To which she replied, “I can assure you that they are.” Then the lady asked, “And just how do you know that they are?” “Because I’m their mother!” she told her. Their names were: Roscoe, Roy, John, Tessie, Ira, Dewey, Lennie, Ed, Grace, Mary, Raymond, and Paul. They sang together as a choir until about 1930.  Eventually, John Harvey (affectionately known as "Uncle John") began leading the choir at Watauga Christian Church where Irene Lacy played the old pump organ. They fell in love and married, and to their union were born four children - Dexter, Theresa, Kenneth and Peggy.

In 1940, a new singing group was formed by John Harvey - the Harvey Gospel Singers (John Harvey; his son, Dexter; and nephews L.G. Shell and Tommy Joe Andrews). Their first singing appointment was on Christmas night 1940 at Watauga Christian Church. The first song they sang was “Give the World a Smile.” John sang lead, L.G. baritone, Tommy first tenor and Dexter bass. The second engagement was at Rocky Springs Church in Piney Flats, Tennessee. They traveled in a 1928 Model-A Ford coupe.

During the war years when Dexter-was 15 years old, he heard there was a recorder in Elizabethton that made metal discs for $3.25. He got a red wagon and pulled it through Watauga and collected scrap metal. He sold the scrap metal for enough money to make a recording. They went to Elizabethton and made the disc. The first side was “I Love My Savior, Too.” Side two was “The Old Gospel Ship.” They brought it home to grandfather Lacy’s house and played it on an old crank-type Victrola. It was played until it wore down and couldn’t be heard anymore. We have since, made other recordings, but none sounded as sweet to us as that very first record.

They sang together until 1945 when L.G. left for law school. It was then that Theresa and Peggy joined the group. In 1952, Tommy Joe left to join the Army and Theresa’s husband, Jimmy Luchini, joined us.

The passing of John Harvey in 1971 was a real blow for us, not only personally, but for the quartet as well since he was the leader. He was 82 years old, but was still singing and recording with us up until the time of his death. One time he remarked that his life had spanned the horse and buggy age through the space age when he saw man walk on the moon. Many changes took place during his long years, but the things that remained constant in his life were his love for God and gospel music. Sadness again came to our group in 1980 with the death of Theresa’s husband, Jimmy, who had sung with us for 27 years. Tommy, rejoined us then after being gone for several years. Sadness struck again with the passing of Dexter in 1984. He had sung with the group for 44 years. We, still miss them even today.

From that first Christmas in 1940 through all the intervening years, we wouldn’t take a million dollars for all the wonderful experiences and memories that we've shared. We’ve never made it big by the world’s standard, or become very famous, but we have met the most wonderful people in the world in the little country churches where we sing. They have enriched our lives and inspired us to keep on singing. Most of all, we are grateful to God for allowing us the great privilege of sharing our songs with friends.

Harvey Family Singers
present

The present group, the Harvey Family Singers, consists of Tommy Joe Andrews, Theresa Harvey Whiddon, Peggy Harvey Street, Buddy Whiddon and Tom Holland.  Theresa’s husband, Buddy, has been with us since 1991.  Tom Holland first played with us in 1993, and Lynn Holland joined us in 1997. Their contribution to our singing has been a blessing from God.  Our younger brother, Kenneth Harvey, is a talented singer and guitarist. Some of our children are also musicians.  Joseph Street is now beginning to sing some with us as is Theresa’s granddaughter, Katie Luchini.