The Primitive Quartet a seven-member band, has been traveling and singing gospel music for thirty-five years. Members are Larry Riddle, Reagan Riddle, Norman Wilson, Mike Riddle, Randy Fox, Jeff Tolbert and David Johnson. The quartet was formed as a result of a fishing trip when a few of the members, Furman, Norman Wilson, Reagan and Larry Riddle, sat around the campfire at night. They realized they had a four-part harmony and that was when they began singing at local churches. Their music is the traditional mountain shape note style singing accompanied by acoustical instruments including the mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitars and acoustic bass.
In 1978 Furman left the group to go into full time ministry and was replaced with Mike Riddle who played lead guitar and sang Baritone. Throughout the years the Primitive Quartet has recorded forty-three projects, made thirteen videos, five DVDs, as well as published five songbooks. Reagan Riddle wrote many of the songs recorded.
In 1986 Randy Fox from Richmond, Indiana joined the group and graced the group with his talent as a musician and singer, who sang with Joe Isaacs and the Sacred Bluegrass. In 1997 Jeff Tolbert from Mt. Airy, North Carolina joined the group as well. Jeff’s talents come from playing with the Easter Brothers, The Lewis Family and the Isaacs.
In 1981 God blessed the Primitive Quartet with a tract of land in ‘Hominy Valley’ located in Chandler, North Carolina. They name it ‘Hominy Valley Singing Grounds’ and on July 4th as well as in October, the Primitive Quartet hosts a gospel singing.
Today the Primitive Quartet group travels fifty thousand miles a year and does about a hundred fifty dates annually. They count it a privilege to be able to spread the gospel through their songs and their ultimate goal is to lead souls to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.