Original Inspirations tenor Archie Watkins became the new owner and manager of the group. Bass singer Joe Brown departed at the same time as Cook. Cook's stint with the group spanned some 53 years. In early 2017, original pianist, manager, emcee, and co-owner Martin Cook retired from the Inspirations. In 2015, Epley left to join the Ball Brothers and was replaced by former Diplomats bass singer Joe Brown. Jon Epley moved from baritone to fill the bass spot, opening the way for the return of former baritone Melton Campbell. Long-time bass singer Mike Holcomb left the Inspirations in 2013 after a 41-year tenure. In the meantime, Watkins formed Smoky Mountain Reunion with former Inspirations members Marlin Shubert, Jack Laws, Troy Burns and Eddie Deitz. Dallas Rogers, Jodi Hosterman, Mark Clark and Daron Osborne pulled stints in the tenor position with the Inspirations until Harold Reed joined in 2015. In 2009, original tenor Archie Watkins left the group after a 45-year run. The Inspirations returned to the top position on the Singing News chart in 2002 after a 26-year absence with вЂњIвЂ™ll Not Turn My Back On Him Now.вЂќ 'I Have Not Forgotten' (April 2007) and 'If You Only Knew' (November 2007) were also number one songs for the Inspirations during the 2000s. For most of the 2000s, the members of the Inspirations were Archie Watkins, Matt Dibler, Melton Campbell, Mike Holcomb, Martin Cook and Myron Cook. Songs like вЂњCry For The ChildrenвЂќ and вЂњWe Need To Thank GodвЂќ resounded strongly with Christian conservatives and fans of traditional gospel music. The Inspirations continued to present concerts with a traditional style and a conservative image in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. вЂњJesus Is MineвЂќ was also a number one song for the group in 1976. вЂњTouring That CityвЂќ held the position through February 1974 and вЂњWhen I Wake Up To Sleep No MoreвЂќ was the most popular song for the next seven months. They had the very first number one song on the Singing News chart in January of 1970 with вЂњJesus Is Coming Soon.вЂќ (This honor was shared with three other groups who had different versions of the same song.) Beginning in November 1973, the group had the top song for 12 months in a row. The group was also invited to be part of the regular cast on the Gospel Singing Jubilee television program. Their sound was defined by the piercing tenor vocals of Archie Watkins and the booming bass of Mike Holcomb. The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. Bass singer Mike Holcomb joined them in 1972. The Inspirations became full-time in 1969, a year after hosting their first вЂњSinging In The SmokiesвЂќ event. Martin Cook, a former piano player for the Kingsmen and a chemistry teacher at Swain High School in Bryson City, NC, formed the Inspirations in 1964 with several of his teenage students: Archie Watkins, Ronnie Hutchins, Jack Laws and Dean Robinson. Roland Kesterson: Bass Guitar (2017-2018) (also sang) Luke Vaught: Steel Guitar, Piano and other various instruments (2010-2017) (switched to piano primarily in 2017) (also featured occasionally on vocals)Д¬asey Johnson: Rhythm Guitar (2017 also sang tenor on featured songs) Myron Cook: Upright Bass Guitar (1982-2015) Jack Laws: Upright Bass Rhythm Bass (1972-?-?)Д¬ D Burns: Rhythm Guitar (1976) (May have just been for the two live albums?) Luke Vaught (2017-present) (also played other various instruments prior to Martin Cook's retirement in 2017) Jonathan Epley (2013-2015) (switched from baritone) Troy Burns (1966-1970) (switched to Bass Guitar then Lead) Luke Vaught (2020-present) (also played piano and other various instruments) Jonathan Epley (2010-2013) (switched to bass) Roland Kesterson (2018-present) (previously sang baritone and played bass guitar) Troy Burns (1974-1991) (switched from Bass & Bass Guitar) (makes occasional appearances with the group since 2017) Ronnie Hutchins (1964-1969 1971-1973) (later returned to sing baritone) Archie Watkins (1964-2009 2017-2020) (Watkins began limiting appearances in 2020)Дaron Osborne (2005-2015) (filled in at various times when the group was between tenors)

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