Steve French (singer)
Steve French (September 24, 1959 – June 22, 2016) was an American baritone who was the emcee, owner, and a founding member of the Kingdom Heirs.[1][2] Born in Mascot, Tennessee, French and his brother, Kreis, founded the group in 1981; both began performing musically at their church.[3] He previously traveled with regional groups the Crystal River Boys and the King's Servants.
Steve French | |
---|---|
Born | Mascot, Tennessee, U.S. | September 24, 1959
Died | June 22, 2016 56) Fayette County, West Virginia, U.S. | (aged
Genres | Christian |
Years active | 1981 | – December 2, 2014
Associated acts | Kingdom Heirs |
In 2002, French and his brother faced the task of replacing three key group members who had all resigned at the same time.[4] They managed to keep the group a fan favorite.[5] In addition to his past responsibilities with the Kingdom Heirs, he served on the board of directors for the National Quartet Convention.[6] On June 22, 2016, French and girlfriend, Lindsey Hudson, jumped to their death from the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayette County, West Virginia.[7] They both had active arrest warrants.[8]
References
- "S / Steve French". SGHistory.com. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
- "The Kingdom Heirs". ChristmasReviews.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2010. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- "The Kingdom Heirs". ChristianMusic.com. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- "A Word From Steve French of the Kingdom Heirs". SouthernGospel.com. September 24, 2002. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- "2009 Fan Awards Top Ten Finalists". SouthernGospel.com. 2009. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- "NQC Reorganizes". The Singing News. March 1, 2005. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- Scoops, SGN (June 28, 2016). "Steve French Has Passed Away - Southern Gospel News SGN Scoops Digital". sgnscoops.com. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
- "Police tentatively ID couple who jumped from New River Gorge Bridge". Retrieved June 30, 2016.