Interview With David Sutton!

Hey y'all!

I was able to do an interview with David Sutton!  I actually set it up with Dave at NQC Springbreak, and we've had this one planned for a little bit.  First let me tell you a little about Triumphant Quartet.

Clayton, Eric, Dave, and Scotty!

"The one consistent thing about life is change. Things around us are constantly changing. So when a group like Triumphant Quartet maintains consistency, it speaks volumes about whom they are and what all they have accomplished. Triumphant is the face of quality Gospel Music, Christian integrity, family values, friendship and dedication. The group has been that way since their beginnings in 2003, when the four friends first walked out on to the stage of the Louise Mandrell Theater, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as a headlining talent. Each current Triumphant group member was there in that defining moment, and has continued together ever since. Their smooth harmonies, and rich quartet sound quickly gained them national attention, recognition and concert demand. That popularity promoted the group in 2008, from singing daily at the theater, to touring nationally and performing in major concert venues, auditoriums and churches. It has also voted them the Fan Favorite Quartet in the Gospel Music field for the last six years, and each group member also being nominated for and receiving various awards. Triumphant Quartet has had three #1 Songs and several others have climbed the Top 40 music charts, which has also contributed to their popularity. Gospel music fans agree that the triumphant sound is distinctive, solid quartet singing. But Triumphant excels in diversity, and also expands their musical borders to a wide variety of styles, that is enjoyed by church audiences and music lovers.  When Triumphant takes the stage, the audience is entertained by the musical variety, the engaging personalities and a bond that is brought together by years of friendship. Audiences will find themselves smiling, laughing, crying, encouraged and uplifted. And most of all, they will walk away having had the Gospel Message presented to them in a powerful way, with a hope that many will receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ is the focus of Triumphant. He is the reason they sing, and these four gentlemen stay consistent and steadfast in their goal of giving their very best in all they do and every song sung. "

And here is the interview!

1. Tell us a little bit about you and your family.

Clayton, Dave, and Scotty!

I have been married to Shay Headrick Sutton for 20 years this August 19th 2015.  We have two daughter, Mallory, 16 and Abigail will be 11 in July of this year.  We have two dogs Jessie and Darla.  We love to camp and spend time at the lake for fun.  We our favorite vacation spots when not at the lake are Disney World and beach trips.  Mallory is part of the Beta club at School and plays softball for the high school team.  Abigail plays trumpet for  the Middle school band, takes clogging and is on a competition cheer team.  My wife Shay has been a Medical Assistant at an OBGYN practice our whole married life.  People always ask if my family can sing.  Shay and the girls all three have beautiful voices.  We get to sing together on occasion together when TQ is off the road not traveling.

2. When did you get saved?
I got saved when I was around the age of 13.  I had been in church all my life.  One Sunday morning at my home church in Goldsboro, NC. At New Hope Friends meeting I surrender my life to Christ after we had, had a lay witness meeting that week.  We had people from other churches in our state lead; I guess what we would call a revival this day in time.  I felt something that morning in my life that I had never felt and new the Holy Spirit was dealing with me.  Greatest day of my life.

3. What started your interest in the harmonica?
I played drums with my dads group, the Watchman Quartet from the time I was 10 till 18.  We would go to Nashville, TN  every year to record.  We hired studio musicians to do our tracks.  When the harmonica player walked in I was hooked.  Fell in love with it and Terry McMillan, the player noticed that.  He really encouraged me. I got home from Nashville and found an old harmonica my grand dad had given me  I started playing that day and the rest is History I guess you might say.  So I’m very thankful for Terry and my granddad.  Both of them I guess the reason I play today.

 4. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on stage?
A couple of years ago I passed out on stage.  I was singing one minute and the next I woke up with all the guys around me and a lot of medical workers.  I had, had a stomach virus.  The Doctor said I dehydrated.

 5. What is your favorite restaurant?
Tough choice here.  If a Steak: Chop House If Italian: Olive Garden If something different and local: The pottery house If Seafood: I love it all.

 6. What is your favorite song?
Another tough choice.  I have so many favorites.  I’ve always loved the song Welcome to Heaven. I’ll stick with that one.

 7. Who is our favorite person in the Bible?
Job

 8. What do like better about being on the road compared to when you were at the theater?
I like being in a different location each night.  Everywhere we go is different.  I’ve had the opportunity to see a lot of things that a lot of people will never get to see.  For that, I’m very thankful

Us with Triumphant and our other sisters last year.

 9. How long have you been singing?
I started with my dads group in June of 1982.  I started singing as a profession in June of 1990.  So all together, 33 years….

 10. Who is your favorite tenor?
My dad has always been my favorite tenor.  To list some influences, they would be: Danny Funderburk, Kirk Talley, Brian Free, Garry Sheppard, and Jim Murray.  Yes that’s a wide variety of styles, but I’ve pulled from all.  They were my childhood heros.

Dave, thank you so much for doing this!  Readers, I hope you enjoyed.  If you'd like to find out more about Triumphant Quartet go check out their website.  You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks for reading.
~Mercy