Its name came from its vision of “preserving the heritage and promoting the future of Southern Gospel music.”
That was the goal, to pay homage to the legends its members grew up admiring, to carry that torch respectfully, and yet to create a sound uniquely their own, becoming the kind of quartet they believed the Lord was calling them to be today.
That’s how the Tribute Quartet began.
Two years after its formation, it was voted “The 2008 Horizon Group of the Year” by readers of the The Singing News Magazine at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, just a few months after being named the SGN’s “2008 Breakthrough Artist of the Year.”
In appearance, warmth and style, this gifted group, based in Nashville TN, has become exactly what it set out to be, representing Southern Gospel at its finest.
Everything needed for a classic quartet is in place, including a folksy, story-telling MC, which Gary Casto, its lead singer and manager, drawing from his West Virginia roots, has become through many years of experience, adding that endearing personality that bonds followers to their favorite groups.
Josh Singletary, a smooth baritone, not only gives this popular foursome a lighthearted touch with his irrepressible sense of humor, but doubles as its pianist, displaying a brilliance born of the classical training he received while growing up in Florida.
Dennis Dugger, a crowd-pleasing bass who caresses and enunciates every note, is also a husband and father of four who, after singing with regional groups in Arkansas, is now living out his dream of singing fulltime for the Lord.
Brian Alvey, the newest member, completes this dynamic lineup with a magnificent voice nurtured in Indiana, a clear, pure, powerful tenor that draws congregations to their feet. Since an early age Brian has been blessed not only with an incredible vocal but also the gift to play multiple instruments, many will recognize him from the days he traveled with Southern Sound.
The Tribute Quartet is a tailor-made group whose members are quick to point to the Lord as their tailor, giving Him the glory while garnering awards and winning the affections of admirers in concert halls and sanctuaries all across America.
Evoking echoes from the past, pressing on to new frontiers, it sings from the heart, aims for the heart, and clearly loves this music it has been called and blessed to share.
