If the world of gospel music had a dictionary and you looked up the words "modern quartet harmony", no doubt a picture of the Plainsmen Quartet would accompany the definition. The Plainsmen Quartet may not have invented "modern quartet harmony", but they certainly perfected the technique. Imaginative arrangements, creative dynamics, and precision singing became trademarks of this outstanding gospel quartet.
The voices of the original Plainsmen were associated with the Stamps Music Company located in Dallas, Texas. Many of the original members of the Plainsmen recorded for Columbia Records as the Stamps Quartet.
In August of 1956, the quartet left the Stamps organization to work independently. The group at the time consisted of Howard Welborn (tenor), Jack Mainord (lead), Bill Randall (baritone), Joe B. Davis (bass), and Easmon Napier (pianist and emcee). The group maintained the "heavy" sound associated with the Stamps organization until their first personnel change when Rusty Goodman joined the group as the baritone singer in December of 1957 replacing Bill Randall.
Although his vocal range was more in the baritone range, Rusty soon replaced Joe B. Davis in the bass slot, and identical twins Ermon and Thurman Bunch joined the Plainsmen. The Bunch twins came from the Jubilaires Quartet. Although many people aren't aware of them, The Jubliaires were pace setters in the modern harmony department. You may remember their pianist, Wally Varner. When Wally left the Jubilaires, he joined the Blackwood Brothers.
The Bunch twins brought many of their unique arrangements to the Plainsmen. With Rusty Goodman singing bass and the extraordinary range of the Bunch twins, the harmonies were superb. That particular group only released one album: "Songs and Hymns by the Plainsmen Quartet". It is one of the most collectable records in gospel music. It's often referred to as "The Red Album" for most of the copies were pressed on red vinyl.
Ermon Bunch didn't stay with the group for long, and Howard Welborn returned to the baritone slot instead of the tenor slot that he'd earlier vacated. That particular version of the Plainsmen featured some dramatic ranges among the singers. The bass singer (Rusty Goodman) could sing well into the second tenor range, and the baritone singer (Howard Welborn) was the former first tenor for the group. High, unusual harmonies prevailed as pianist Easmon Napier stretched the limits of the vocalists with his magnificent style.
Governor Jimmie Davis saw the potential in this quartet, and took them on the campaign trail with him as he sought reelection in 1958. Larry Denim soon replaced Easmon Napier, and the Plainsmen moved their home base to Baton Rouge, La. During this time, the Plainsmen also sang secular music. Listen closely and you can hear them on your oldies radio station as they back up Johnny Horton on his hit song "North to Alaska". They became one of the only gospel music artists to record secular music on an ongoing basis.
Rusty Goodman left the group in 1963 to join his family group, the Happy Goodmans. Long time Harmoneers Quartet bass singer Seals "Low Note" Hilton joined the group for a short time upon the retirement of the Hamoneers. At his departure, two North Carolinians joined the group: Jay Simmons and David Reece. Jay remained bass singer for the Plainsmen for many years, but Reece was quickly replaced by Eddie Crook as pianist. The personnel of Thurman Bunch, Jack Mainord, Howard Welborn, Jay Simmons, and Eddie Crook remained intact for a couple of years, and this group recorded many gospel music classics showcasing their varied talents.
Personnel changes in the Plainsmen continued as Jerry Redd replaced Thurman Bunch. In the changing world of gospel music, several members of the current Plainsmen moved to Wichita, Kansas and reunited with former pianist Easmon Napier to form the Marksmen Quartet. The Marksmen continued the Plainsmen sound singing both gospel and country music. Thurman Bunch, Ermon Bunch, Easmon Napier, Jay Simmons, and Jerry Menshall traveled as the Marksmen performing on country music shows and on several radio stations owned by Mack Sanders in the Midwest.
Howard Welborn, Jack Mainord, and Eddie Crook remained in Baton Rouge, and enlisted the services of Gerald Williams as bass singer. Gerald had sung for many years with the Melody Boys Quartet, and was an excellent vocalist and quartet man. Gerald brought dignity and class to the Plainsmen performances. Bobby Edwards was selected as the tenor singer for the group.
In the ensuing years, the personnel of the Marksmen and Plainsmen reunited. For several years, the Plainsmen consisted of Thurman Bunch, Jack Mainord, Dwight Hicks, Jay Simmons, and Easmon Napier. This group headlined many country music shows and continued to promote radio stations owned by Mack Sanders much like the Marksmen.
After a few years, Gerald Williams once again joined the Plainsmen replacing Jay Simmons. The group continued the flourish, as they sang across the country. They were headliners at the Landmark Hotel in Las Vegas showcasing a program that consisted of country, pop, standards, as well as gospel music.
The Plainsmen went though a time of singing as a trio, and had numerous changes in personnel. Some former Plainsmen members not previously mentioned that you may recognize include Sherrill Nielsen, Gene McDonald, Jerry Venable, Laddie Cain, Jerry Trammell, Steve Warren, Brad Harris, Tommy Randall, Newman Miller, Roy McNeill, Jonathan Sawrie, Tank Tackett, Jim Garstang, Butch Sanders, and Mike Loprinzi. This is by no means a complete list of former Plainsmen, but some of the more recognizable names in gospel music history.
The music of the Plainsmen was not only ahead of its time, but it is timeless.
John Crenshaw
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 Original Plainsmen, 1957 Clockwise from top right: Joe B. Davis, Howard Welborn, Easmon Napier, Jack Mainord, Bill Randall |
 Casual picture: Larry Denim, Rusty Goodman, Howard Welborn, Thurman Bunch, Jack Mainord |
 Plainsmen 1959: Erman Bunch, Thurman Bunch, Easmon Napier, Jack Mainord, Rusty Goodman Picture taken from the program of the 1959 National Qt. Convention |
 Plainsmen Quartet circa 1965: Clockwise from top right: Jerry Redd, Howard Welborn, Jay Simmons, Eddie Crook, Jack Mainord |
 Plainsmen 1974: Gerald Williams, Thurman Bunch, Easmon Napier, Dwight Hicks, Jack Mainord |
 Marksmen Quartet: Thurman Bunch, Jerry Menshall, Ermon Bunch, Easmon Napier, Jay Simmons |
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 01/31/2003
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Category: SG History 101
Comments: 41
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Hi John-Good job as usual.These guys around for a good while.I've yet to see a copy of the "red vinyl" LP;I think maybe Inspiration 151"-Turns out the Lp as The
Hey John: This is an excellent job, well researched and well written. I'm saving it with my sg historical items.........
JOHN, I THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS ABOUT ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE QUARTETS. THESE GUYS WERE GREAT, A QUARTETS QUARTET. CAN WE OBTAIN A COPY OF THESE INDIVIDUAL PICTURES, AS I CAN'T PRINT ALL. THANKS
Great story!!
John,
Gerald, it was not just a highlght in your career, it was THE highlight. Too many wonderful memories of these guys to relive, but you have brought back some of the greatest days of my life. Thanks SOOOO very much.
Thank you all for your kind responses. It is a thrill to me to have a response from an actual Plainsman! Keep up the good work with the Melody Boys Quartet, Gerald.
Good job but don't forget about Hal Tomlinson of the Jubilaries He did some of that high great harmonyalso.
Excellent article, as usual. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge with all of us!
John,
Well researched and well written. We need to keep more of these histories in the forefront just to keep us from forgetting who we are. Thanks!
Great article John. I have a super album called Softly and Tenderly recorded when Bunch, Mainord, Goodman, Welborn and Denham were the group. Following site has photo of some of the old guys backing up country singer Claude King at a Johnny Horton tribute in 2000: http://www.angelfire.com/ab2/Horton/tribute3.html
enjoyed ,was working with jerry redd until last year .please pray for jerrys health.
Great summary. But you forgot to mention that no one has EVER sung as high as Thurman Bunch in his prime. Also, Jay Simmons is still alive and well in Mt. Airy, N.C. What an awesome article for us remaining Plainsmen Fan Club members (I thought there was only 2 of us left).
Wonderful article. I've said for years that the Plainsmen were ahead of their time in harmony and arrangements. I had a borrowed copy of the notorious "red record" back in the 70's, but my dubbed tape bit the dust long ago. That was a GREAT record, with Thurman Bunch outdoing himself on "He Cares For You." Other songs were "Walk Them Golden Stairs," "Cowboy Camp Meeting," and "Long, Long Journey." Sure would like to hear it again!
I remember them working for Mack Sanders and KFRM radio Salina KS when I was a kid...doing gospel and country shows with the KFRM Radio Road Show. The thing that impressed me as a teenager is their impersonation of what their record would sound like if you put it on your turntable at the wrong speed. Versitile group!
There were many members of this quartet over the years and I was fortunate to sing with Jack Mainord, Tank Tackett and Hovie Walker. I'll always remember Jack singing " You Can Have Him " , no one could sing that song that way...thanks again
I enjoyed the article. This was truly a great group. I was wondering if Jay Simmons is still alive and if so, where is he now?
I grew up singing with the plainsmen albums & can sing like them if I try... I started out singing tenor with Thurman.., as my voice changed at 13, I soon found myself singing as I can today.., just like Rusty.. I truly cherish their music, thanks to my mother Doris. I wish they were all alive and singing again.. Thank you Plainsmen!
My in-laws had heard that there was a "re-incarnation" of the Plainsmen that were touring again. Does anyone know if this is true, and if so, how to find out information about it? They would love to see them again.
Have you heard of the Eastman Quartet? If so has any of their albums be re recorded to CD's ?
Thanks to the tribute of my father, Joe B. Davis and the original Plainsman Quartet. Their music is still the most uplifting spiritual music of all time and I enjoy hearing it to this day. My Dad past away in 1973. I am looking for any contacts of any other sources that may lead me to my Dad's records. I have a few 78's that are in original condition but am interested in any 33 albums or any records of this great gospel group.
Thank you for the tribute and the history on the Plainsmen. Jack Mainord was my father and I really had no idea of the music milestone that made in the gospel music industry!!
I found this very interesting and informative Mr. Crenshaw. You see, Joe Bob Davis was my uncle. I am soon to be 46 years old and I have very fond memories of my uncle and his singing. The singing I remember of course was in the sixties and it eminated from the front living room of my uncles house, mostly on Saturday nights in the summer time. My uncle and his wife Sara, my mother and father Bill and Margie, would sing while Aunt Sara played piano. Us kids were generally running the neighboorhood playing tag or hide and seek, but you good hear them sing and the piano ring up and down the block through the open screen door. Gospel of course was the music and many of them were Plainsmen staples. Thanks for posting this site, I really enjoyed it.
Mr. Crenshaw I am also a Nephew of Joe Bob Davis,son of Billy Edge Davis which was Joe Bob's baby brother, I have always loved the music of the Plainsmen and remember admiring the talent which seemed to flow effortlessy from my uncle as he sang with the family on weekends when we would visit.... I was very young at the time as I am only 40 years old now, but remember those days well....In fact you could say that the experience is one of my first introduction to "LIVE" music....I was so caught up in my Aunt playing the piano while singing with her husband Joe and my mom and dad ,Margie and Bill, that i think it is what started me down the road of music....We still occasionally get melancholy and listen to the old records now and again and it always makes me smile....I wish we could find more of the older recordings from the 50's...If anyone has any info please direct them my way....Sincerely....Cary Glenn Davis
To Joe Davis looking for someone with old recordings of The Plainsmen.
I absolutely enjoyed this write up about the Plainsmen. It would have been nice had more information been given about the bass singer. I was married to Joe B. Davis' brother, Bill, for 43 years until his death in 2001. Joe passed away in 1971, leaving a son, Joseph Michael, and daughter, Rebecca Ann. They have children and grand children that will only ever know their grandparent through the legacy of his music. Joe had to leave the Plainsmen because of illness. To me, he had one of the outstanding bass voices of the time, right up there with Arnold Hyles and J. D. Sumner. Bill and I attended many of their live concerts, beginning with the one in Dallas when they were singing back up for Governor Jimmie Davis. Thank you for this wonderful look back into the history of gospel music.
This was a pleasure reading about the history of the great Plainsmen Quartet. For about 15 years, Mack Sanders, who is mentioned in the article, owned KBHS 590 radio in Hot Springs, AR where he retired to from Kansas. I had the pleasure of working for Mack, as well as co-hosting a gospel music program with Jerry Venable a former member of the Plainsmen as well as the Venable Qt and the Melody Boys Qt. Mack said that in 1966 he actually had bought the name of the Plainsmen Qt and owned the name I suppose until he died a couple of years ago. I have since heard however that has been disputed. In any case, it was a pleasure to get to work with these men in radio. Jerry was an absolute funny guy, on stage and off, and was a very nice gentleman. During those years I had the pleasure of also meeting Gerald Williams and his son Steve, two of the finest guys you'll ever meet. Steve is now with the Apostles QT of Little Rock, AR. We had several Plainsmen albums at the station but it has been bought out and the albums i'm sure have since been lost. We used to play songs like "Dry Bones," "Standing by the River," and they had a cut of "Scars in the Hands of Jesus" that I beleive was recorded by Tank Tackett if i'm not mistaken that was absolutely great. Mack had them do a "reunion" concert in the early 90's in Hot Springs where Jack Maniord, Tank, and some of the others that were still around performed.
What a wonderful tribute to a fine group of gentlemen,the Plainsmen. I am Mack Sanders' son and I have spent much time with most of the gentlemen mentioned above. Butch Sanders,Jay Simmons,Jonathan Sawrie and
This is to clarify a statement I made in the comments regarding the Plainsmen Qt. dated 6/23/2005. I stated "Mack (Sanders) said that in 1966 he actually had bought the name of the Plainsmen Qt. and owned the name I suppose until he died a couple of years ago. I have since heard however that has been disputed." I would like to stand corrected on that statement. I have it on very good authority from a friend of mine that also worked for Mr. Sanders along side of me that in fact, Mack DID own the name of the Plainsmen Quartet from the 60's until he passed away. To help support this, the other day I was in an old record shop and found a nearly pristine Plainsmen album recorded in 1974 entitled "Both Sides of the Plainsmen." In the left bottom corner of the album it had the name of the producer, none other than Mack Sanders.
Thanks foir this great bio. They were some of the greatest. Since they were from my area, I have probably seen they 60-75 times and never let me down. Eastman was always a real pleasure to watch hitting the ivory and never missing a note. He also taught piano lessons in Wichita for many years.
I have alot of wonderful memories growing up listening to all the old albums. I remember Mom, Dad and all of us kids going to my Uncle Joes house. We would listen to his wife Sarah Davis play piano while Joe and mom and Dad would sing alot of the old songs. It was probably the best introduction to music a person could get! This was circa 1969-70 for me.
Hi!
You have done a GREAT job with this article. Yes, we have many great quartets from the past, but the Plainsman were always at the top back in the 50's and 60's. I saw them many many times in Kansas and other States. The all night sings at Hutchinson were a must see for many years. I have many of their alblums. Easmon was always someone you could not take your eyes off, the way he played the piano. Several have talked about different stations Mack owned, but I have not seen KSIR yet, then it changed to KFRM. You could always hear quartets every Sunday morning.
My dad was Larry Denham...just wanted to correct the spelling of the last name. I was 2 years old when he died in 1972 from an inoperable brain tumor. enjoyed your site!
I would like recordings from the 1965 group on DVD.
My dad is Jay Simmons.
My wife and I had deep pleasure to host this quartet many times while singing in our area.Neodesha Kansas. I even emcee their programs. We were in business on main street in this small town, and Eddie Crook played our old upright piano from our store, and people would gather to hear him play. I would love to have some recordings, is this possible?.
My dad is also Jay Simmons. He is doing great & still living in Mt. Airy, N.C. Still likes to get out those old record and listen, & sing along. We all do!
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