BIOGRAPHY

©2011 The Royal Descendants.  All rights reserved.

DENNY SUTTON, tenor

One of southern gospel’s most distinctive tenor voices, Denny Sutton lives in his hometown of Goldsboro with his wife, Linda.  They have two sons, Alan and David, and four grandchildren.  Denny has been singing gospel music for over thirty years, traveling with the Watchman Quartet for fifteen years prior to founding The Royal Descendants.  His favorite tenor singer is his son, David, who sings with the Grammy nominated Triumphant Quartet.  Denny’s birthday is March 21.

 

In addition to singing the tenor part, Denny handles the bookings and all other management responsibilities for the group.  His signature song for many years has been The Hand of the Lord.

BRANDON SMITH, lead

Brandon grew up in Blounts Creek and now lives near Wallace with his wife, Stephanie, and children, Hannah and Jonathan.  He has been singing with the group since the spring of 2007.  Prior to his time with The Royal Descendants, he was the lead singer for the Carlson Trio and ministered as a solo vocalist as well.  His favorite singers are Mike Bowling and the late Kenny Hinson.  Brandon’s birthday is December 25.

 

Besides being the lead vocalist for the quartet, Brandon also assists with the sound.

GARY BURDETTE, bass

Born and raised in West Virginia, Gary has called North Carolina home for many years now.  He lives in Wilson with his wife, Doris.  He has been singing gospel music for most of his life, traveling with the Cardinal State Quartet, The Servants, Faith Quartet, The Singing Journeymen, The Anchormen, The Rangers, the Watchman Quartet, and The Monarchs.  He says he also frequently sings with the Blackwoods, whenever he’s listening to one of their records!  His birthday is September 30.

 

Gary is an original member of The Royal Descendants.  He handles the product table at all events.  His favorite scripture is Psalm 68:19.

TONY POWELL, baritone

Now residing in Raleigh, Tony is a native of Roanoke Rapids.  He and his wife, Joy, have three children:  Cameron, Christopher, and Mollie.  Prior to joining The Royal Descendants, Tony sang with the New South River Boys and Testimony.  His favorite group is the Perrys, and his favorite singer is David Phelps.  Tony’s birthday is November 13.

 

Along with filling the role of baritone singer, Tony also manages the website and loves to write gospel songs.  The quartet has recorded two of Tony’s songs, In The Word and House of the Lord.  His favorite scripture is Joshua 1:9.

JOHNNY PARRISH, sound technician

Johnny has been running the sound for the quartet since January of 1997.  Before joining us, he was with Inheritance.  His favorite group is the Cathedrals, and Ivan Parker and George Younce are his favorite vocalists.  Johnny’s birthday is October 3.

 

Johnny is very thankful for God’s many blessings, especially his family and their support.  He lives in Pine Level with his wife, Susan.  His favorite scripture is John 3:16.

DANNY BOONE, drums

Danny grew up in Wallace and now lives in Pine Level with his wife, Elizabeth.  Graham, Mark, Macon, and Macy make it a house full!  Before becoming a member of The Royal Descendants, Danny played for numerous family and local groups.  His favorite singers are Kenny Hinson and Michael English, and his favorite group is the Hinsons.  Beulah Land and Two Winning Hands are among his favorite gospel songs.  Danny was born on November 29.

 

Danny has a number of responsibilities outside his role of drummer.  Among other things, he takes care of copyright and licensing for our recordings and serves as resident comedian.  Danny’s favorite verse is Romans 1:16.

DONALD LYNCH, bus driver / bass

Known to most as “Fuzzy,”  Donald has been with the group since 2007.  He has sung bass for the Emmaus Quartet and the Watchman Quartet.  His favorite group is Triumphant, and his all-time favorite bass singer is George Younce, though he says Gary Burdette is somewhere in his top 200.  Donald was born on November 11.

 

Aside from driving and taking care of the bus, Fuzzy helps Gary with the bass singing as well as the product table.  He lives in Goldsboro with his wife, Sarah.  His favorite scripture is also John  3:16.