The Statesmen

One of Southern gospel's longest-running groups, the Statesmen was also one of the most influential -- their flair for showmanship and jazzy piano accompaniment pointed the way toward the crowd-pleasing CCM of the present. Formed in 1948 by pianist Hovie Lister, the original group also included lead Mosie Lister (no relation), tenor Bobby Strickland, baritone Bervin Kendrick and bass Gordon Hill. Although the Statesmen endured countless lineup changes over the years -- alumni included the great Jake Hess -- perhaps the most pivotal member (as well as its longest-lived) was pia...