Curt Landrith

My father was a pastor and my mother a music teacher. I believe the first place I was taken, after leaving the hospital, was to the church my dad was serving in. My parents were instrumental in starting 10 churches. I had a firm foundation spiritually. Everything in our home surrounded the events at our local church. Dad and Mom were great examples of how to be servants and to give Christ first place in their lives.

My mother introduced my sister and me to a wide variety of music - mostly traditional gospel but also the classics. When we became teenagers she allowed some of the more modern music that we enjoyed (tame by today's standards). Dad was always concerned that the lyrics would be scripturally accurate and taught that we should be careful to sing music that had a clear message.

My love for music grew with the years but (believe it or not) I was very shy. When I attempted to participate directors thought my only talent was to be 'loud' and was therefore relegated to the back of the choir. Late into my teens I would volunteer to be part of small groups and wanted to have solos but I was often laughed at and not taken seriously. I found my musical opportunities playing my trumpet or trombone and developed a skill on the platform in leading services.

At 19, while a student at Detroit Bible College, I joined youth evangelist, Gary Donahue (associated with The Billy Walker Evangelistic Association), and began traveling to crusades across Michigan. Summers were spent at Hiawatha Youth Camp where I learned from some of the best talents in Christian speaking and music. Many decisions for the Lord were made and reaffirmed as a result of these experiences.

After a period of unrest and rebellion in my life I pursued a new career and moved into the 'thumb' of Michigan. God was faithful even when I was not. 'He Was There All The Time' just waiting for me to come home and has since provided many opportunities for service. It was only then, at age 30, that I was given a chance to sing my first solos.

Several years ago my wife met Donna Rhodes and volunteered for me to sing with her at an upcoming concert at her church. After the 'one time' event Donna coined the name Not Ashamed and we sang together for several years. The group has existed in the various forms of duet, trio and quartet. One Sunday morning, after Donna and I had discussed disbanding, I looked in the pew in front of me and saw Ray and Bonnie Ferris. Donna was a soprano and I preferred to sing bass and there before my eyes were an alto and a tenor.

Ray and Bonnie have been the catalysts that have really helped us to 'Press On' toward increased opportunities and improved quality. After Donna left the quartet Ray invited another member of our church, Dave Pickering, to sing with us. Here we are today.

I am blessed to have a wonderful family. My wife Kim is the best support system I could hope for. She is my best friend. We have four children and have started accumulating 'in-laws'. Daughter Rachel (nurse) and Robert (nurse) blessed us with Jonah. Daughter Kelly (teacher) and David (engineer) gave us with our first grandchild, Isabella and then her sister Gabrielle. Son DJ (equipment sales) and Jessica (teacher) have our youngest grandchild Preston. Son Chris is currently a senior in college pursuing a career in communications and coaching.

Get to know Not Ashamed using the following links.
Bonnie Ferris | Ray Ferris | Curt Landrith | Dave Pickering | Don Scott