Southern Gospel… It’s real music touching real people. There is no deeper tradition in Southern Gospel than the all male quartet, and it’s in that tradition that Called Out Quartet sings today. Formed very humbly in 2002, Called Out Quartet is quickly becoming one of Southern Gospel’s favorite quartets as they mix the tried and true hymns with the new songs of today that still have that same old message of Christ and Him crucified. Through testimony in song, CO4 sets out week after week to reach the lost with God’s beautiful message of redemption and to encourage and lift up His children as they walk life’s pathway striving to reach the goal.

Combining warmth and richness is the legacy of the quartet established many years ago, and through traditional four-part harmony CO4 continues that legacy today. Comprised of group members Jess Birdwell (lead), Darrell Collier (baritone), Scott Russell (tenor), Von Gaines (bass), Marty Harris (piano/vocal), and Kent Collier (bass guitar), each member brings a wide and varied background of musical interest and taste. It is in that diversity that CO4 finds their uniqueness, but no matter where that influence comes, their inspiration is drawn solely from the Lord.

Whether in a church or outside, a worship service or a celebration…it’s truly wrapped up in their name…the men of Called Out Quartet truly feel “Called Out” to share God’s love wherever they go.

Who We Are

Jess Birdwell - Lead Vocals
As a child, there are very few Sunday mornings I remember when my family was not in church. At times we would grumble and complain about having to go. Looking back, I realize how blessed I am to have had parents that took us to church. So many of my friends growing up did not have what I had. Most of their parents were divorced and most very rarely went to church. I count it a blessing to know that all of my family has a testimony of salvation. Being the youngest child, I don’t remember when my siblings were saved but I do remember the night I got saved. It was a Monday night of our fall revival at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church when I was nine years old that I realized I was lost. I remember not wanting to go to the altar that night. I thought that if no one knew I was lost, the feeling I had inside would go away. Wednesday night rolled around and that feeling was still there. I kept telling myself that I could not go to the altar and pray. As the service drew near to an end that night, I knew that an altar call was just around the corner. When the pastor of our church, Elder D.W. Story, made the altar call he began to walk in my direction. As he got closer, my heart started beating faster and faster. I closed my eyes and then heard him began to speak. As started to listen to what he was saying, I realized, he wasn’t talking to me. He had walked right passed me and was talking to the girl behind me. I listened to the things he was saying to her and began to cry. I realized that no one in that church building knew my condition, but I knew and more importantly God knew. I knew I could not leave the church that night until I got saved. I went to the altar and after praying for awhile, God saved my soul. It wasn’t really what I expected. I was expecting this big event and this overwhelming feeling, but it was just a relief. I felt so burdened down and all of the sudden it was gone. I couldn’t cry anymore because I felt better. I was a little confused about what had happened so I kept trying to pray for a few minutes. I found that I couldn’t pray for salvation anymore because, I had it! I stood up and told everyone that I was saved. I wanted to join the church that night, but other people were praying so I waited until the next night. I joined Union Hill and,  with the exception of a short time at Victory Missionary Baptist Church, I have been a member there ever since.

God has blessed me more than I could ever deserve since that night. I have a good home, beautiful wife, and two adoring little boys. God is so good to me. He placed a love for music in my heart as a young child and now he has given me a chance to fulfill that love. I pray that, as we travel, we would always remember to share what God has done for each of us. For those of you who have not experienced true salvation, I pray that you will make an altar somewhere today. For those of you who have an experience with God, I ask that you pray for Called Out that we would always be found in the center of God’s will. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support and may God richly bless each of your lives.

Birthday: November 12, 1980
Family: Wife-Lindy, Sons- Clayton (7) and Carter (4)
Home: Portland, TN
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, golfing
Favorite Gospel Groups: The Gaither Vocal Band and The Freemans
Favorite Gospel Song: “As Long As I Got King Jesus”

Darrell Collier - Baritone Vocals
I was blessed to have been raised by parents who taught me about God and his Son who died for me and you. At the age of nine years old my heart was pricked by the Holy Spirit allowing me to know that I was lost and separated from God. I realized at that moment that if I had died that I wouldn’t enjoy the things that God’s word tells us that wait for those that have been saved. I went to the altar at Rayon City Missionary Baptist church and knelt there in prayer and begged God to remove the burden of sin (Ps. 34:18….The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit). When I surrendered 100% of my life to him, he graciously saved me. Ephesians 2:7-8….by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of god: Not of works lest any man should boast. I believe true salvation is granted by the instruction of these scriptures. I was baptized the following Sunday in Manskers Creek in Goodlettsville, TN, and remained a member of Rayon City until 2000 when God’s spirit led me to join Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN. Victory is where I met Jess Birdwell, Von Gaines, and former member Marty Harris. Marty and I both sang with other quartets and groups in the past and felt like the Lord’s will was for us to continue along that path. After much prayer and talk among ourselves, the Lord showed us that Jess and Von were the two we needed to complete the quartet.

I am married to Tammie and we have one daughter named Makenzie who is 13 years old. Tammie and I both are members at Victory and the Lord saved Makenzie 2003. She united with Victory church and was baptized shortly thereafter. I thank God so much for my Christian home.

My prayer is that you enjoy our music but most importantly, if you don’t know the Lord in your heart, perhaps something we say or a song we sing will touch your heart in a way that you might know where you stand before God almighty. If you are not saved I pray that you will make an altar somewhere and call upon the Lord until your burden of sin has been lifted and God’s peace fills your heart.

Birthday: June 29, 1964
Family: Wife-Tammie, Daughter-Makenzie (13), Horse-Peanut, Yorkiepoo-Zoe, Cocker Spaniel-Baby
Home: Gallatin, TN
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, Golfing, Jet-skiing
Favorite Gospel Groups: The Gaither Vocal Band, Greater Vision, and The Kingdom Heirs
Favorite Gospel Song: “I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary”

Von Gaines - Bass Vocals
I haven’t always enjoyed gospel music like I do now. When I was young my mom watched “The Old Time Gospel Hour” here on a local TV station and I can remember hearing many great groups, but as I grew older my taste in music changed. Later I started attending a church that wasn’t too big on gospel music (or heart-felt salvation for that matter). When I was 21 I met the girl who would soon be my wife, and the one who would help me to understand God’s plan of salvation. After going to church with her casually for almost a year, she finally got me to agree to a meeting with her Sunday School teacher, Johnny Carver, at his house. I went over there with my Bible in my hand ready to argue all night about who was wrong and who was right. After exchanging pleasantries, he asked me point blank “Von…do you know, that you know, that you know that you are going to Heaven when life here is over?”. I told him I thought I would, I was a pretty decent guy, hadn’t done too many “terrible” things in my 21 years thus far. I told him that I felt like if the good out weighed the bad in judgment that I would be fine. He told me his experience of salvation and that he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was going on to Glory when things here were all done. I went home troubled and didn’t sleep all night. The next day at work I remembered something he told me…he said “if you truly believe in God, then don’t trust what I say….you pray to God to reveal to you what is true and what is right”. I started praying at my drawing desk at work, and before long I found myself shutting the door and getting on my knees right by that desk. I finally let go and told God that I had always loved Him, I just needed to know what to do. Right about that time the burdens were gone, and my soul was filled with sweet peace that only comes from on High. Not long after that I joined at Victory Missionary Baptist and got baptized. Within a few months after that, Lisa and I were married. We have been married now for 19 years and have one child, Savannah who is 14. Savannah was saved in 2008 and joined McFerrin Missionary Baptist Church, where Lisa and I are also members. Flying has been a passion of mine since…well; I can’t even remember not wanting to fly. Like most guys I love all sports, especially baseball, Nashville Predators hockey, and our Tennessee Titans football team. Went skydiving in 2007 and can’t wait to get back to that as well!

In case you haven’t seen us live somewhere, these guys are just about my best and closest friends. It makes the time we spend practicing and traveling so much more enjoyable and I hope that it shows in what we do together. I pray that the things that we say or do brings honor and glory to God and that maybe in some small way it will bless you somewhere along the way.

Birthday: June 13, 1965
Family: Wife-Lisa, Daughter-Savannah (17), Cockapoo- Sandy
Home: Hendersonville, TN
Hobbies: Flying, Spending time with my family
Favorite Gospel Groups: Legacy Five, The Kingdom Heirs, and Greater Vision
Favorite Gospel Song: “He Is To Me” by Greater Vision with Glenn Dustin on Bass Vocals

Scott Russell - Tenor Vocals
I cannot recall the first time I started singing as a child, but I do know it wasn’t long after I came into this world. I can remember my grandmother playing the piano and me sitting beside her on the piano bench singing the gospel songs she would play as she would teach them to me. Those are memories I cherish even today. I was born to sing, I guess, but not until I was around 8 years old did I realize what I was singing about. On November 8th, 1987, the Lord became the Father of my life and I have been trying to follow in his footsteps ever since. God has blessed me with a great Christian family that taught me Christian principles and I have been blessed to grow up in this kind of environment.

You would be hard pressed to find someone that enjoys working more in the Southern Gospel Music industry then me. This is what I have grown up doing. From my early years, I can remember going to see The Cathedrals, Perfect Heart, The Goodmans, The Hinsons, The McKameys and The Wilburns just to name a few. These groups caught my attention and developed my want to be a part of this type music. This is the reason I love to sing this music, because of its message which portrays hope, joy, and love.

Before coming on board to help CO4, I had been doing some work with The Wilburns, who have been a great influence on my life. They are true Servants of God. I have also worked in the Southern Gospel industry, both as an artist and professional. My heart stays with this music that as guided my life.

The guys of CO4 have been friends of mine for many years. It is only second natural for me to be with them. Von and Darrell have watched me grow up (sorry guys, I had to make sure they knew I was younger), and Jess and I have grown up knowing each other. These are great guys that I have NO problem sharing this ministry with.

Birthday: November 9th, 1979
Family: Wife-Ashley
Home: Hendersonville, TN
Hobbies: Golf, Singing, Spending time with family & friends
Favorite Gospel Groups: Booth Brothers, Wilburns, McKameys, Tony Gore
Favorite Gospel Songs: God’s Promised Land, The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference

Marty Harris - Piano/Vocal
As a nineteen-year-old boy I began to attend Church for the first time in my life. As the preacher began to talk about lost people I was very confused, and I honestly thought we could just get in a car and go find all of the lost people. I had never heard the gospel, and didn’t have a clue. Much to my surprise, I later found out that I was one of those lost people he was preaching about. I continued to attend Church for the next month, and I began to understand what the preacher meant by the lost people. On Wednesday - March 13, 1991 it became very clear to me that I was lost. I had already left the church, but I came back very quickly that night. I knew if I got in the car to leave then I wasn’t going to make it home, and I was going straight to hell if I died. I went back into the fellowship hall and told the youth director I was lost and I needed to pray. As I began to kneel down in front of that old floor heater there in Betsy Layne, Kentucky something happened that I’ll never forget. Before my knee ever touched the ground I felt the sweetest peace come into my heart. It was at that very moment that the Lord saved my soul. There was nothing any man could do for me that night, because salvation is a personal experience between you and the Lord. No man can save you, no man can take it away and there is nothing you can do to earn it. When the Lord saves you it is a work that only He can do, and I know that I will spend eternity in Heaven!

In 2008 I had to leave my original tenor position with Called Out Quartet due to some serious vocal problems. I took a year off from singing and found myself playing piano a lot during that time…the piano became my voice while mine was healing. The Lord has blessed me and restored my voice so that I may sing again (just not that high tenor part).

My wife Paula and I have two daughters and are all four members at Victory Missionary Baptist Church. We we are very thankful for a good Christian Church to raise our children in.

Birthday: November 21, 1971
Family: Wife-Paula, Daughters- Mckenzi(11) and Kameryn (9)
Home: Hendersonville, TN
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, Watching UK Basketball, Golf
Favorite Gospel Groups: The Bishops, Gaither Vocal Band and Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Gospel Song: “I’m Gonna Move”