40 Years Strong: Kingdom Heirs Reflect on Legacy and New Album Release

Legendary Southern Gospel quartet The Kingdom Heirs are celebrating two major milestones in 2025: 40 years in full-time gospel music and 40 consecutive seasons performing at Dollywood. To mark the occasion, the group - with Dennis Murphy on drums for more than 35 years - is releasing Fortieth Anniversary, a collection of newly recorded favorites including a medley of beloved hits like "He Lifted Me," "I've Passed Over," and "He Locked The Gates."

The album showcases the group's signature blend of high-energy quartet numbers, soulful ballads, and country-infused tunes, highlighting both classic hits and fresh interpretations by the current lineup. From their early days performing at Silver Dollar City to entertaining thousands each season, the Kingdom Heirs have built a rich musical legacy of gospel ministry, and Fortieth Anniversary offers fans a chance to revisit and celebrate the songs that have touched countless lives over the past four decades. The album is available for pre-save/add ahead of its October 10 release.

Pre-save/add Fortieth Anniversary HERE. 

Q: Looking back over 40 years of ministry and music, what moment stands out to you as the most defining for the Kingdom Heirs?

When you look back over four decades, it's almost impossible to choose just one defining moment, because every season has had milestones that shaped who we are. But if we had to narrow it down, it would be the day we became the resident gospel group at Dollywood. That opened the door for us to share our music and our ministry with millions of people from all over the world-people who may never have stepped foot in a traditional concert or church setting. That opportunity defined not only our platform but also our mission: to lift up Christ through every song we sing, whether for a first-time listener or someone who has followed us for years. Forty years later, that calling is still what drives us.

Q: This new album revisits some of your most beloved songs. How did you choose which tracks to bring back and re-record for Fortieth Anniversary?

Picking songs for this album was a lot of fun! Several chart topping songs from the groups history had already been recorded on either the 25th or 30th Anniversary albums. The 40th Anniversary album ended up being a collection of the songs that made many of the current lineup fall in love with The Kingdom Heirs! These are the songs that we heard, learned to play, and sang along with for years before ever becoming group members. The songs have a special place in our hearts and we know that they will in yours as well! For some they will bring back fond memories, while making others fall in love with these modern classics for the very first time!

Q: You've spent 40 consecutive seasons at Dollywood, which is almost unheard of in gospel music. How has that residency shaped the group's identity and ministry?

Being at Dollywood for 40 consecutive seasons has truly shaped who we are as a group. It's given us a home base where people from all over the world can hear Southern Gospel music-some for the very first time. That consistency has allowed us to develop a ministry that's not just about traveling, but about planting roots and being a steady light in one place. Over the years, Dollywood has become more than just a stage; it's become a mission field. Every season, we have the privilege of meeting families, tourists, and guests who may never step foot in a church, yet they encounter the message of Christ through our music here. That unique opportunity has molded our identity as both entertainers and ministers, and it keeps us grounded in our purpose: to share the Gospel faithfully, day after day, year after year.

Q: The Kingdom Heirs have seen many talented members come and go. How do you balance honoring the group's legacy while also embracing fresh voices and styles?

We have been more than blessed over the years to have had some of gospel music's all time great talents and voices. We've also been fortunate to consistently have great songs. Through the years we've seen members leave and thought, 'how will we ever move on'.... but God is faithful. He seems to always send the right person at the right time. The guys we currently have are all so talented in their own way.

We also continue to sing songs that the group recorded 30 years ago that continue to be fan favorites to this day, while consistently adding great new material that fit the current lineup and individuals.

The Lord has always taken care of us continues to do so everyday.

Q: Your music has reached audiences from all over the world who may only hear you once while visiting the park. How do you approach each performance knowing it could be someone's only encounter with your message?

That's something we take very seriously. Every time we step on that stage, we realize it might be the very first-and maybe the only-time someone ever hears the Gospel through our music. Because of that, we don't treat any concert as just another show. We approach each performance prayerfully, asking God to use every lyric, every note, and every word we share. Our goal is not just to sing well, but to make sure the message of hope, salvation, and encouragement comes through clearly. We want people to leave knowing more about Jesus than they did when they walked in. That's what drives us-because you never know when one song, one testimony, or one moment will change a life forever.

Q: As you celebrate four decades, what excites you most about the future of the Kingdom Heirs, both musically and spiritually?

What excites us most about the future is that God isn't finished with the Kingdom Heirs. Musically, we're always looking for new ways to share timeless truths-whether that's through fresh arrangements, new songs, or giving our current lineup the opportunity to shine in their own unique styles. Spiritually, the mission hasn't changed in forty years, and it won't change moving forward: to share the hope of Jesus with everyone who hears us. The thought that the Lord could still use our voices to touch hearts we haven't even met yet-that's what keeps us moving forward with passion and joy.

 

 

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