November 2002 ~ Featuring Craig Singletary
In October 1998, during my first week on the road with the Dixie Echoes, we went to Louisville, Kentucky, to the National Quartet Convention. While I was at NQC, I stayed on the bus for the week as a lot of groups do. Several of the Dixie Echoes were on the bus that week along with two guys who became my friends. Bill Shivers and Craig Singletary were both at convention looking for a group to sing with, as was I. They stayed in a couple of empty bunks we had on the bus, and that week both of them left NQC as members of Heavenbound. Currently, they are both members of Brian Free and Assurance, and this month I want to feature their baritone vocalist, Craig Singletary.

Craig Singletary was born on December 18, 1972. His parents are Steve and Melinda Singletary. Craig has one younger brother named Jody. He lives in Whigham, Georgia, along with his wife Kasie. They don't have any children, but he wanted to mention that he has a dog-named Honey and that she's his daughter. Craig was saved in 1983 in Moultrie, Georgia. His home church is the Living Hope Faith Center.

His hobbies include deer hunting, fishing, golfing, riding four wheelers, and songwriting. His only collection is of ball caps. Some of Craig's biggest influences include his dad, Kenny Hinson, and Rusty Goodman. On the road, his job is to set up the sound system, drive the bus, and he is a World Vision Representative. Craig also enjoys playing the bass guitar and drums.

Craig sang with his family group for several years. In his family group, he sang with his cousin Daryle Singletary, who is now a popular country music singer. Their group consisted of Craig, Daryle, and Daryle's brother Kevin. After that, he joined the Dixie Melody Boys and stayed there from 1996 to 1998. In 1998, he joined Heavenbound and stayed there two years. Then by word of mouth, he heard that Brian Free was looking for a baritone singer, so he took the job in December of 2000.

Craig is proud of his family. He has great parents, a wonderful wife, and his brother Jody is his best friend. He says that they have all been very supportive of his career. His dad is his pastor and his mom is his prayer warrior. He is also good friend with his lead singer Bill Shivers. They have been friends for years, and enjoyed traveling together with Heavenbound and now with Assurance.

To find out more about Craig Singletary and the rest of Brian Free and Assurance, visit www.brianfreeandassurance.com. Brian has put together an awesome group of guys and has a terrific sound. Craig is such a talented singer, Bill Shivers is one of the highest lead singers that I have ever heard, Bill Lawrence always amazes me with his incredible low end, and add the signature voice of Brian Free and you have a powerful sound. The band includes Brian's son Ricky Free, and pianist Josh Simpson, who is also the newest group member. This group is very popular and has a lot of great songs. Go see them when they are in your area, and pick up some of their music.