Sonshine Quartet celebrates 50th anniversary with free concert | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

WEST SIDE – The Sonshine Quartet invites the public to its 50th anniversary concert on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 2:30 p.m. at the Decatur Sale Barn Church, 8944 State Highway 59 in Decatur. The concert is free.

The Sonshine Quartet consists of the Donell brothers Don (Bubba) and Lee, Steve Tucker and Bruce Wilbanks.

Their story began 50 years ago – in 1974 – when four teenagers from Gravette High School became spiritual brothers and began a journey of singing and praising the Lord together that continues to this day. They were originally formed into a quartet in the high school choir to sing in a regional competition. Then, after hearing the Wildwood Gospel Quartet sing at Gravette First Baptist Church, they realized that was what they wanted to do and they became the Sonshine Quartet.

They began singing in local churches and were initially accompanied on piano by Pat Price. Then, in 1976, Jon Pickup joined them. In 1977 they recorded an album entitled “To Jesus With Love” and the quartet toured Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

This was a special time for each of them and strengthened their brotherly bond. For the past 50 years, these men may have been separated geographically, but the spiritual bonds forged early on were never severed. All four members have continued to sing individually and together whenever possible.

The Sonshine Quartet has sung at several Gravette Days and performed numerous concerts in Gravette over the years. They would love to have you there again as they sing their favorite songs from the last 50 years.