The Concert Attender Podcast

The Concert Attender
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Biweekly

The Concert Attender Podcast features relaxed conversations with the voices, musicians, and personalities who make Southern Gospel music special. Hosted by Riley Wheeler, creator of The Concert Attender, each episode explores the stories behind the music, the ministry, and the road. From longtime veterans to newer voices, these conversations highlight the people and experiences that have shaped the songs so many have come to love. The goal is simple: real conversations that celebrate the legacy of Southern Gospel music and encourage those who listen.

  1. Sep 3

    011 — Mitch Galyon | Led by the Lord

    In this episode of The Concert Attender Podcast, Riley Wheeler sits down with Mitch Galyon of Jeff Tolbert & Primitive Road for a conversation about God’s leadership through every chapter of his life and ministry. Mitch shares memories of growing up in Sweetwater, Tennessee, the influence of his parents, discovering the Primitive Quartet as a young man, learning to play guitar and upright bass, and the path that eventually led him to Journey Home before joining Primitive Road. The conversation also touches on Mitch’s salvation testimony, the loss of his first wife, God’s faithfulness in bringing Carrie into his life, the formation of Journey Home, life on the road with Primitive Road, his call to preach, and balancing the responsibilities of pastoring a church while traveling in gospel music. More than anything, this conversation is a reminder that the Lord faithfully directs the lives of those who trust Him. Through seasons of joy, loss, uncertainty, and ministry, Mitch’s story is one of following God’s leadership one step at a time. Learn more about Jeff Tolbert & Primitive Road:https://primitiveroadmusic.com/https://www.facebook.com/JeffTolbertPrimitiveRoad/https://www.instagram.com/jefftolbert_primitiveroad Follow The Concert Attender:YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TheConcertAttenderFacebook – https://facebook.com/TheConcertAttenderInstagram – https://instagram.com/TheConcertAttender

    011 — Mitch Galyon | Led by the Lord

  2. Aug 20

    010 — Jeff Whisnant | Thank God for Grace

    In this episode of The Concert Attender Podcast, Riley Wheeler sits down with Jeff Whisnant of The Whisnants for a conversation about over five decades of family ministry, God’s faithfulness, and the journey that has made The Whisnants one of Southern Gospel music’s most beloved groups. Jeff shares memories of growing up on the road with his parents, the beginnings of The John Whisnant Family, meeting his wife Susan through another gospel group, and the transition that led to The Whisnants becoming the ministry so many know today. Along the way, he reflects on raising a family in gospel music, the songs that have impacted listeners through the years, and the blessing of serving the Lord together. The conversation also touches on Jeff’s personal salvation testimony, the importance of family, memorable moments from decades on the road, and what he hopes his legacy will be for the next generation. More than anything, this conversation is a testimony to God’s sustaining grace. Through every season of life and ministry, Jeff continually points the glory back to the One who has faithfully led every step. Learn more about The Whisnants:https://www.whisnants.comhttps://www.facebook.com/TheWhisnantshttps://www.instagram.com/thewhisnants/ Follow The Concert Attender:YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TheConcertAttenderFacebook – https://facebook.com/TheConcertAttenderInstagram – https://instagram.com/TheConcertAttender

    010 — Jeff Whisnant | Thank God for Grace

  3. Aug 6

    009 — Stephen Adair | Loving the Music

    In this episode of The Concert Attender Podcast, Riley Wheeler sits down with Stephen Adair, tenor for the Mark Trammell Quartet, for a conversation about the lifelong love of quartet music that has shaped his journey in Southern Gospel. Stephen reflects on discovering quartet music through his grandmother, attending the National Quartet Convention as a young fan, singing with the Dixie Echoes, and eventually joining the Mark Trammell Quartet. Along the way, he shares how God's faithfulness and the encouragement of others helped guide each step of his ministry. The conversation also touches on Stephen's passion for collecting and preserving Southern Gospel history, his love for classic quartet harmony, meeting his wife Dawnita, and the group's upcoming recording. More than anything, this conversation reminds us that a genuine love for the music—and the message behind it—can leave an impact that reaches far beyond the stage. Learn more about the Mark Trammell Quartet: https://marktrammellministries.com/ https://www.facebook.com/marktrammellministries https://www.instagram.com/marktrammellquartet/ Follow The Concert Attender:YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TheConcertAttenderFacebook – https://facebook.com/TheConcertAttenderInstagram – https://instagram.com/TheConcertAttender

    009 — Stephen Adair | Loving the Music

  4. Jul 9

    008 — Archie Watkins | Never Failing God

    In this episode of The Concert Attender Podcast, Riley Wheeler sits down with gospel music legend Archie Watkins while at Singing in the Smokies for a conversation about one of Southern Gospel music’s most enduring ministries. Archie reflects on growing up in Bryson City, the formation of The Inspirations, the influence of Martin Cook, and the ministry that God has built over the past six decades. Along the way, he shares stories from the early years, memories of Singing in the Smokies, and why he believes the Lord has continued to bless The Inspirations through every generation.   The conversation also touches on his health journey, the current Inspirations lineup, and the legacy he hopes people remember long after he’s gone. More than anything, this conversation serves as a testimony that through every season of life and ministry, God has never failed. Learn more about The Inspirations:https://www.theinspirationsquartet.com/https://www.facebook.com/theinspirations/Fan Page – https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1NWihzCNXV/ Follow The Concert Attender:YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TheConcertAttenderFacebook – https://facebook.com/TheConcertAttenderInstagram – https://instagram.com/TheConcertAttender

    008 — Archie Watkins | Never Failing God

  5. Jun 25

    007 — Wesley Morrison | A Life of Ministry

    In this episode of The Concert Attender Podcast, Riley Wheeler sits down with Wesley Morrison of The Morrison Sisters for a heartfelt conversation about faith, family, and a lifetime of ministry. Wesley shares about growing up in a preacher’s home, his salvation testimony, surrendering to preach, and the early influences that helped shape both his ministry and his love for gospel music. Along the way, he reflects on the impact of Evangelist Sammy Allen, the Latter Rain Trio years, and the beginnings of The Morrison Sisters. The conversation also touches on meeting his wife Carrie, raising daughters in ministry, songwriting, family life on the road, and watching each of the girls grow into the gifts God has given them. More than anything, this conversation serves as a reminder that God remains faithful through every season of life. Through changing seasons in ministry, family, and life itself, the Lord has continued to guide each step and provide opportunities to share the gospel through song. Learn more about The Morrison Sisters:https://www.morrisonsisters.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheMorrisonSisters Follow The Concert Attender:YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TheConcertAttenderFacebook – https://facebook.com/TheConcertAttenderInstagram – https://instagram.com/TheConcertAttender

    007 — Wesley Morrison | A Life of Ministry

  6. Jun 11

    006 — Roland Kesterson | Where He Leads

    In this episode of The Concert Attender Podcast, Riley Wheeler sits down with Roland Kesterson of The Inspirations aboard the Inspirations’ bus before a night of gospel music. Roland shares about growing up around gospel music, his salvation testimony, surrendering to preach, and the influence of his family through the years. Along the way, he reflects on the Set Apart years, joining The Inspirations, and navigating seasons of transition within one of Southern Gospel music’s most beloved groups. The conversation also touches on meeting his wife Nikki, memories of his father, stories from life on the road, and the relationships that have helped shape both his ministry and his life. More than anything, this conversation serves as a reminder that while we may not always understand where the road ahead will lead, the Lord remains faithful to direct our steps. Roland’s journey stands as a testimony to following God’s leading wherever He calls. Learn more about The Inspirations:https://www.theinspirationsquartet.com/https://www.facebook.com/theinspirations/Fan Page – https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1NWihzCNXV/ Follow The Concert Attender:YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TheConcertAttenderFacebook – https://facebook.com/TheConcertAttenderInstagram – https://instagram.com/TheConcertAttender

    006 — Roland Kesterson | Where He Leads

  7. May 28

    005 — Helen Rogers | A Living Legacy

    In this episode of The Concert Attender Podcast, Riley Wheeler sits down with Helen Rogers of The Rogers Family for a special mini conversation centered around faith, family, and a lifetime spent serving the Lord through gospel music. Helen reflects on growing up in church, marrying Ray Rogers, and the early days of singing together as a family. Along the way, she shares memories of gospel music through the years, the influence of groups like The Chuck Wagon Gang, and why the old songs and old-time faith still mean so much to her today. The conversation also touches on family, traveling, favorite songs, funny moments on the road, and a moving testimony about seeing prayer answered within her own family. More than anything, this episode captures the heart and convictions of a woman who has spent her life pointing others toward Christ. Though shorter than most episodes, this conversation quickly became one of my personal favorites — and I have a feeling it won’t be our last. Learn more about The Rogers Family: https://www.rogersfamilymusic.com https://www.facebook.com/rogersfamilysoutherngospel Follow The Concert Attender: YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TheConcertAttender Facebook – https://facebook.com/TheConcertAttender Instagram – https://instagram.com/TheConcertAttender

    005 — Helen Rogers | A Living Legacy

  8. May 14

    004 — Will Lane | Simply Faithful

    In this episode of The Concert Attender Podcast, Riley Wheeler sits down with Will Lane of the Mark Trammell Quartet before a night of gospel music in Rome, Georgia. Will shares about growing up in church, discovering his love for gospel music, and the moment the Lord called him into this ministry at a young age. Along the way, he reflects on his journey through groups such as the Anchormen, the LeFevre Quartet, and now the Mark Trammell Quartet. The conversation also touches on quartet influences, family life, traveling overseas with gospel music, and even how working at a funeral home has become another opportunity to minister to people during difficult seasons of life. Most of all, Will talks about the difference between simply having a job and being called to serve through gospel music. If you enjoy Southern Gospel music, quartet history, and the stories behind the songs, you’ll enjoy this conversation. Learn more about the Mark Trammell Quartet https://marktrammellministries.com Follow The Concert Attender YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TheConcertAttender Facebook – https://facebook.com/TheConcertAttender Instagram – https://instagram.com/TheConcertAttender

    004 — Will Lane | Simply Faithful
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Concert Attender Podcast features relaxed conversations with the voices, musicians, and personalities who make Southern Gospel music special. Hosted by Riley Wheeler, creator of The Concert Attender, each episode explores the stories behind the music, the ministry, and the road. From longtime veterans to newer voices, these conversations highlight the people and experiences that have shaped the songs so many have come to love. The goal is simple: real conversations that celebrate the legacy of Southern Gospel music and encourage those who listen.

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