Biography
The Dove Brothers infused gospel music with a youthful presence in a field long oriented toward mature listeners, echoing the legacy of earlier ensembles such as the Thrasher Brothers. Lead vocalist McCray Dove initiated the group by leaving his North Carolina roots at age 17 to travel with the Dixie Melody Boys. He remained on tour for 11 years, honing his craft through close work with other gospel performers before determining the time had come to launch his own project. In the late '90s McCray formed the Dove Brothers with his biological brother Eric Dove, bass singer Burman Porter, and tenor John Rulapaugh. Although billed strictly as a quartet, pianist Richard Simmons served as an unofficial fifth member, and the five musicians secured a contract with Homeland Records almost immediately after assembling. Their recordings proved highly successful, earning numerous awards within the genre. As of 2001 the group continued to capitalize on this momentum while attracting listeners from a younger generation of gospel enthusiasts.
Albums
