February 2006 ~ Featuring Bill Shivers
Back in September of 1998, I made my first trip to the National Quartet Convention. While there, I stayed on the Dixie Echoes bus along with some other quartet men looking for a place to stay while in Louisville. Two of those guys were Craig Singletary and Bill Shivers. The 1998 NQC was the first time that I had ever met either of them. They were both between groups and were looking for jobs that year. When the convention was over, I left as a member of the Dixie Echoes, and they both left as members of Heavenbound. I featured Craig in an article back in 2002 (That article is available on my website). This month, I would like to share a little on someone whom I feel is one of Southern Gospel's best-kept secrets, Bill Shivers.

Bill Shivers was born on November 26, 1969. His parents are Brent and Shirley Shivers. Bill has one older sister, Beth, and one younger brother, Charles. Bill is originally from Tifton, GA, but he and his wife Michelle now make their home in Temple, GA. Bill and Michelle were married on June 20, 1998, and they have two children. Brittany is six years old, and Sarah is one year old. Bill was saved in 1990 at Kimbrells Chapel Church of God in Colquitt, GA.

Prior to joining Brian Free and Assurance, Bill sang with several other groups. He first sang with a family group from Bainbridge, GA, called the Haire Family. After spending nearly five years with the Haire Family, he sang for two years with a group from Bonifay, Florida, called Harmony Creek. In 1998, he joined Heavenbound, and then on December 31, 2000, he became the lead vocalist for Brian Free and Assurance.

On the road, Bill drives the bus and sings. He says that he loves sports, and is a huge Atlanta Braves fan. During his free time, Bill enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, playing video games, and reading novels and biographies. He credits his father, Brent, as being his biggest influence. Bill's wife, Michelle, is the assistant principal at Temple Middle School. Bill states, "How she juggles her career, children, and home life while I'm gone amazes me. She's a very busy woman. She's something special and I couldn't do what I do without her! My daughter Brittany plays soccer, t-ball, and is into cheerleading and gymnastics. She cries when we pick her up from school! How can this be my child? Leaving school was a joy for me!"

Bill can also be found doing studio work when he is off the road. Usually singing background vocals on recordings for artists from across the country. Most recently, he recorded background vocals on a solo project for Gene McDonald of the Florida Boys. Gene is releasing his first solo project and it was recorded at Red Hill Digital in Temple, GA. The studio is located in the same town as Bill, so it is convenient for him to do studio work when he has the time. Bill has an amazing vocal range. He is an awesome lead singer, but believe me, he could sing tenor with anyone!

Be sure to visit www.brianfreeandassurance.com, for more information on Bill Shivers and the rest of the group. This quartet is one of my favorites. I have every recording that Brian Free has released. Since his days with Gold City, he has been one of my favorite tenor singers. I have done studio work with his son Ricky Free, on several occasions. He is one of the most consistent and creative drummers that I have had the privilege of working with. Their pianist, Scott McDowell, is also an amazing young talent. Derrick Selph does an excellent job singing baritone, and Keith Plott rounds out the group with his booming bass voice. Brian has put together a class act quartet and I urge you to go see them soon. Be sure to pay attention to Bill Shivers. He possesses one of the greatest voices in Gospel Music today, and I know that after you hear him sing, you will understand why I say that!