Frequently Asked Questions

When was ‘The Carolina Quartet’ formed?
The Carolina Quartet was formed in mid-2006 by former Melody Masters Quartet members Scott Whitener and Chris Roberts. They were joined by former MMQ member Roger Burnett, bass singer Lamar Levi, and pianist David Bruce Murray. More information about each member is contained on the bio page.

Where does the name originate?
The Carolina Quartet was a regional gospel quartet based in the greater Asheville, NC area during the 1950s and 1960s. In the early 2000s, some former Kingsmen Quartet members temporarily toured as the Carolina Boys, and recently re-established the Kingsmen Quartet. The Carolina Quartet name was once again put into use and the domain name, www.carolinaquartet.com, launched on the internet.

Why did Scott and Chris decide to discontinue using ‘The Melody Masters’ in favor of ‘Carolina Quartet’?
Scott officially retired “MMQ” in 2002, but the “MMQ Reunion” tour of 2004-2005 brought the name back to regional prominence and national attention with appearances on GMT’s World Premier Concert. The desire to more closely identify with the Carolina region, coupled with a stylistic “country-gospel” musical change fitting church and secular-oriented venues, prompted the name change. All present members of CQ are “Carolinians.”

How can “The Carolina Quartet” be scheduled?
The Carolina Quartet is booked “in house” and members may be contacted through phone and email addresses found on the contact page. The CQ is a “limited touring” ministry due in part to the fact that Scott is a full-time pastor while Chris and David are involved in full-time music ministry. They are committed to lead worship in their own respective churches, but there are opportunities throughout the year when The Carolina Quartet will present concerts on Sundays. Most of the quartet’s appearances, however, will be on Thursday-Saturday evenings throughout the Carolina region and in surrounding Southeastern states of America. The CQ does plan to occasionally tour outside the Carolinas.

What are the financial arrangements for booking CQ?
The Carolina Quartet is committed to work with each promoter/pastor/minister of music/contact person in making a CQ concert appearance both possible and affordable. CQ strives to make sure that financial considerations are secondary to the opportunity for ministry, realizing, however, that any traveling ministry must justify and meet expenses in order to continue.

CQ still carries MMQ product, solo recordings and a re-packaged “Big Change.” Is there a new project in the future?
Yes! A recording titled Faith, Family, & Freedom is scheduled for release in 2007. In addition to the group project, Lamar Levi has recently released his first solo recording, Scott Whitener has a brand new Christmas recording available, and Chris Roberts is recording his own solo release as well.