The Bowling Family combines talent, sincerity
and experience to create a memorable concert experience. Their
goal for the evening is to usher in the presence of God and celebrate
the Christian message. They feel privileged and honored to enjoy
the freedom to honor Christ with any and all of their abilities.
The trio consists of Mike Bowling and his wife, Kelly and alto
Terah Crabb Penhollow. They bring you their stories and songs
in a way that is reminiscent of days gone by. To watch them
perform reminds us of a time when "all night singings" were
the norm, and folks lined up early to visit with the singers
and musicians. As in most things, musical styles come full
circle. What is old is new, and what is new is old!! Musically,
Mike, Kelly and Terah make us realize this. Somehow they have
created a sound that is as refreshing as the trio sounds of
the early 70s. Mike has often been referred to as the vocal
stylist of the day; however, the completion is so obvious with
Kelly and Terah by his side. History will note that they have
been true to the excellence of their ability without diminishing
or distancing the listener. Refreshing!!!
The Bowling
Family is no strangers to the Christian music world having a
long list
of accomplishments during their vocal careers.
While Mike began singing and playing piano at a very young age,
he had a very impressive musical beginning at only 16 years old;
a two year span with the legendary LeFevres. Mike then went on
to earn a degree in Respiratory Therapy before returning to the
music world. In 1995, he joined the New Hinsons, a perfect blend
considering Mike’s vocals are very distinctively similar
to those of the late Kenny Hinson. After lending his vocal abilities
to several of their high-charting songs, Mike went on to join
another successful family group, the Perrys. While with the Perrys,
Mike was featured on songs such as "God Sent Angels," "By
Faith I Can Touch Him Now," "Not Even A Stone," "Redeemed," "When
He Spoke," and many others.
After Mike’s marriage to Kelly, Kelly sang with her family…the
Crabb Family, Mike spent the next six years traveling as a soloist
garnering a tremendous amount of success. In fact, he has been
noted as the first Southern Gospel soloist to achieve back to
back number one positions on the Singing News Top 80 charts.
Kelly spent more than 15 years with her family, The Crabb Family.
During that time they were the recipients of three GRAMMY nominations,
11 Dove Awards, 16 number one songs and numerous other accomplishments.
Kelly’s unmistakable voice could be heard on the family's
hits "Don't You Wanna Go," "Good Day," "Jesus
Will Do What You Can't," "Trail Of Tears," as
well as singing harmonies on all the others. After the birth
of the Bowling's third child, Kelly realized it was time to join
her husband on stage as Mike & Kelly Bowling.
In August
2009, Terah Crabb Penhollow officially joined Mike and Kelly
on stage full-time
and the group changed their name
to the Bowling Family. Terah previously traveled with her sister,
Kelly, and her three brothers as the Crabb Family. Terah is known
for being soft spoken off stage, but an amazing talent onstage.
She is most known for her lead vocals on “He’ll Make
A Way,” “Traveling On,” “Jesus In A Song” and “I’ve
Come to Take You Home.” Terah sings with an instantly recognizable
sweet anointing. Terah and her husband Jonathon have one son,
Logan, and reside in Tennessee.
The Bowling
Family has appeared on the Gaither Homecoming series concerts
and
videos, TBN, during Gospel Music Week’s Dove
Awards, at GMA’s Seminar in the Rockies and numerous other
major events. Their debut release, Faith To Believe, has garnered
a record four number one songs (“We Have A Saviour,” “Your
Cries Have Awoken The Master,” “A Miracle Today” and “Notified”),
as well as the 2008 Song of the Year (“Your Cries Have
Awoken The Master).
The Bowling
Family is excited to be in ministry together. They know that
all roads
have led to this time and this place! God's
timing is perfect and they are aware that much work must be done.
The world is in need of the Gospel. The power of a song as a
tool to reach the masses, once again is witnessed. The careers
and ministries that Mike, Kelly and Terah have enjoyed thus far
is humbling for them. Life has been sweet. But,oh how sweet is
the thought of a young family, a "new" vision, passion
and gratefulness for the collective calling, as a family? As
long as there is a song and a place to sing it, the Bowling Family
is committed to making Gospel music together. With Mike and Kelly’s
three girls in tow the future is bright, and who knows how many
Bowling girls will be on that stage with them in the future!
Accomplishments
- Mike Bowling has had 3 number one songs as a soloist: Thank God for the Preacher, The Call, and I Take Him Back
- Mike Bowling has had more than 10 top 10 songs to his credit during his solo career
- Mike Bowling has appeared on the Gaither Homecoming concert series and numerous Gaither Homecoming videos.
- Mike Bowling is noted not only for his vocal ability but also his songwriting; having written several of his own songs as well as many songs recorded by other artists.
Awards
- Mike Bowling was awarded the 2005 Southern Gospel Music Awards Male Vocalist of the Year
- Mike Bowling has been nominated Soloist of the year consecutively 2000 through 2006 at the Singing News Fan Awards
- Mike Bowling has received 3 Dove Award Nominations
- Mike Bowling was nominated for Horizon Individual at the 1996 Singing News Fan Awards
- A Crabb Collection, produced by Mike Bowling was awarded Best Southern Gospel Album at the 2003 Dove Awards.
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