January 2003 ~ Featuring Jay Parrack
There have been few people to come along in Southern Gospel Music in recent years that have stayed with the first group that they joined and become known as the best at their individual part. The young man that I would like to feature this month has done just that. This amazing tenor vocalist has earned the respect of his piers and his fans as being very consistent and performing his own style. The person that I am writing about is John Weldon Parrack III, better know to Southern Gospel fans as Jay Parrack.

Jay is the tenor singer for the prestigious Gold City Quartet. When he joined the group, he was filling the position left vacant by Brian Free. Gold City was entering a new era with several changes within the group at that time and folks didn't know what to expect from them in the future. As time passed, the new guys proved to have what it takes and they soon were at the top of the industry yet again. Being the tenor singer to follow a fan favorite such as Brian Free couldn't have been easy, since Brian had a voice that most new tenor singers tried to copy. However, Jay had his own style and abilities and in the past nine years, has proven to be one of the very best vocalists in Southern Gospel Music. In my March 2002 article, I mentioned that Jay was my favorite tenor singer, and that hasn't changed. He is simply awesome, and I am honored to be able to call him a great friend as well.

Jay Parrack was born on May 19, 1971. His parents are Johnny and Judy Parrack. He has three younger sisters, Joy, Jill, and Jenna. Jay is originally from Smackover, Arkansas, and currently lives in Gadsden, Alabama. He was saved in 1982 on Easter Sunday night under his father's testimony at Second Baptist Church in Water Valley, Mississippi. When he is home in Gadsden, he attends North Glencoe Baptist Church.

Jay and his wife Keri Lyn were married on August 7, 1993, and have two children. Their daughter Kaylyn Joy was born on June 29, 1998, and their son John Weldon Parrack IV (nicknamed LJ) was born on October 8, 2001. Jay's hobbies include playing golf, taking care of his kids, and watching football when he can. Jay is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan and collects their memorabilia.

He has no prior experience singing full time before Gold City. Jay has been involved in some form of music ministry since the age of fifteen. Back when he was a senior in high school, he went with his father to sing at a church revival at Gold City's home church. Jay asked to sing with his dad one night, and Tim Riley was in the audience. When Gold City needed a tenor singer, Tim remembered Jay and found him in Kentucky where he was on staff at a church as Minister of Music and Youth. Jay met with the guys the following Thursday night and auditioned for the tenor job. He was hired and started singing with the group on January 1, 1994.

Jay's father, Johnny, now an associate pastor in Arkansas, sang for years with the Kingsmen, and has clearly passed his love of music on to his son. Jay has impressed fans and industry peers with his incredible tenor voice and has acquired many awards over the past nine years. Jay considers it quite an honor to be part of Southern Gospel's top male group. His goals for the future include continuing to grow daily in his Christian walk and using his obvious God given talent to help others come to know Christ and encourage them in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Some of Jay's biggest influences are his Dad and Sandy Patty. He says that his job on the road includes doing nothing but setting up the monitor board and singing tenor. Since joining Gold City, Jay has won many fan awards. In 1994, he was voted Horizon Individual. He was voted Favorite Young Artist in 1996, 97, 98, and 99, and was voted Favorite Tenor in Southern Gospel Music in both 2000 and 2001 by the readers of the Singing News Magazine.

You can find out more about Jay on Gold City's website: www.goldcityqt.com. While your there, be sure to read Jay's Jems, a monthly article by Jay Parrack. Be sure to check the personal appearances and see when Gold City will be in your area. I would like to mention that Jay and his dad Johnny have released an album titled "In His Steps". This father and son duo have put together a collection of some of their favorites for you to enjoy. To get your copy of this recording on cassette or cd, visit Gold City's website. I hope you have enjoyed reading a little about one of Southern Gospel Music's favorite young artists and best tenor singers!