The Murray Family

“ Brief History ”

     Music has been a part of The Murray Family for a long time. Connie grew up in a singing and musical family. Both Connie and Ernie have sung in church ever since they can remember, and back in the 70’s they sung in a group called the Glory Bound Travelers. They were married on July 29, 1967.  God blessed them with two sons, Chris and Jason.

     Ernie was pastor of The New Haven Missionary Baptist Church while the boys were growing up. The boys were exposed to a lot of gospel singing not only at church but around the house. Connie sung many a song with and to the boys. Chris took an interest in the acoustic guitar and practiced every minute he had to spare. We can all remember those all night jam sessions with Chris and his buddies at the house. Ernie would join in for a while, but all night was a little long for him. Chris can also play mandolin, banjo, and bass  even though he says he can‘t. Connie bought Ernie a new 1972 D-28 Martin. She gave $480.00 for the guitar with a Martin fiber glass case. Ernie and Connie bought Chris a beginners guitar. Upon seeing how serious Chris was about playing, Ernie decided to give him his Martin. That of course came with Connie’s permission, since she had worked so hard and saved the money to buy it for Ernie. Listen folks, $480.00 was a lot of money back then. When you see us at a singing, you will see Chris playing that very same guitar.

     Around 1994 or ‘95,  the four of us started singing a few songs at family outings. We sang at our church and a few revival meetings. It was then that Jason took an interest in the electric bass. We purchased a Fender Bass and he began to learn pretty quickly. God also called him into the ministry. When Jason preaches, people tell Ernie that he is a chip off the old block. Ernie replies, ”No, he’s the block and I’m the chip“. Ernie then incorporated another guitar into the group. That’s the way it stands now. Chris plays lead guitar, sings lead and harmonies. Jason plays bass and sings lead and harmonies.  Ernie plays rhythm and sings lead and bass, and Connie sings lead and harmonies. There is one exception. In  2005 Jason switched from the electric bass to an upright bass commonly known as a doghouse. It fits our music great.

            With the cut of our first CD in 1997, we started traveling a lot more and stretching out to different areas. Even with us working full time jobs, God has blessed us to sing in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

            Our desire is to sing songs that truly uplift the Lord Jesus Christ. We strive to live our lives in a way that God will be pleased and fill us with the Holy Spirit each time we sing. We want people to be blessed and the Lord to get all the praise and glory. Always keep the Murray Family in your prayers and come and be with us when we are in your area.