By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com
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The cover of Singing News. Matthew
Holt, pianist for the group and a McKenzie native, is
pictured in the middle of the bottom row of photos.
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“The Perrys,” an award-winning southern gospel singing
group is featured as the cover story in the May 2006 edition
of Singing News magazine, the voice of southern gospel
music.
What makes this special to the McKenzie area is that one
of its own hometown men, 21-year-old Matthew Holt serves as
pianist for the nationally-known group. Matthew was also
featured individually in the April 2006 edition of the
Singing News and was featured in editions of U.S. Gospel
News in both 2005 and 2006.
The May magazine cover features individual photos of each
member of the group, while a six-page, full color spread
inside the magazine features several individual and group
photos, along with an article detailing the group’s heritage
and success.
The article (reproduced by permission of Singing News)
reads in part:
The Perrys’ ministry has stood the test of time. The two
leaders of the group, Tracy and Libbi Stuffle, have remained
committed to their calling, regardless of personnel changes,
personal struggles and the mundane day-to-day difficulties
that every Southern Gospel group faces. Their burning
desire, or as some would say, their undeniable thirst, to
minister effectively and to share the message of the gospel
through song has sustained them and compelled them, year
after year, to continue their musical journey.
The musical ministry of the Perrys formed much in the same
way many family groups organize – around the family piano
(in December 1970).
The Perrys’ commitment to ministry is most evident at each
concert they perform or during any conversation with any of
the group’s members. They are enjoying the blessing of each
day and each new opportunity, refusing to rest on past
success.
The Perrys will travel in excess of 250 days this year,
delighting audiences with their straightforward Southern
Gospel sound everywhere they go. Additionally the group will
go back into the recording studio this summer to produce
their very first Christmas recording.
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Matthew Holt.
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On a lighter and more personal note, the magazine writer
posed five questions concerning each member of the group’s
summertime favorites. Matthew’s questions and answers were
as follows: (favorite)soda: Pepsi and Dr. Pepper; vacation
spot: Great Smoky Mountains, restaurant: Olive Garden;
pastime: fishing and golf; and ice cream: Baskin Robbins’
Peanut Butter.
According to their Web site, perrysministries.com, the
number one goal of the Perrys is to present the message of
Jesus Christ in a manner that all ages can understand.
Every mile has been worth the journey. It takes a special
person to dedicate themselves to traveling for the Lord,
especially when it entails over 250 dates each year. In the
case of the Perrys, there are six special persons. Anchoring
the group are the Stuffles. This husband and wife duo not
only manage the group, but hold down vocal responsibilities
as well. Tracy, considered one of the best by his peers and
fans alike, sings bass for the group, as well as emcees most
of the program. Libbi, the only remaining original member of
the group, sings alto and has long been recognized as one of
the most consistent and talented vocalists in the Southern
Gospel Music world. With the addition of Joseph Habedank,
the group has hired their youngest member ever and fans are
loving him. Loren Harris sings lead, and is humbly making an
everlasting mark. Matthew Holt, the Perrys’ pianist, is
making new friends all over the country. He provides the
musical foundation as the Perrys move through church
services and concert events. One more important member of
the Perry’s team is Jared Stuffle, the son of Tracy and
Libbi.
Fans and the southern gospel music industry showed the
Perrys their love and support for their hard work by
honoring them with Singing News Fan Awards in 2004, and
Mixed Quartet of the Year in 2005. Libbi Perry Stuffle was
voted Singing News Fan Awards 2005 Female Vocalist and Alto
Singer of the Year. Also, the Perrys were honored by the
Harmony Honors Awards with 2004 Song of the Year, “I Wish I
Could Have Been There,” and 2004 Album of the Year, “This Is
The Day.”
While completing his senior year at McKenzie High School,
where he was a percussionist and played saxophone in the
McKenzie High Band, Matthew gained a golden opportunity that
paved the way for a bright future in the gospel music
industry.
He accepted an opportunity to fill in as pianist for the
Kingsmen for two weeks while the group’s pianist was
recuperating from illness. In doing so, he became acquainted
with the Stuffles, while the Kingsmen and the Perrys
performed on the same stage.
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The Perry's, with Matthew at top,
left.
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Matthew graduated from MHS as valedictorian in 2003.
After attending the University of Tennessee at Martin for a
year, Matthew received an offer in September, 2004 to become
full-time pianist for the Perrys – an offer he describes as
a “huge opportunity.”
Speaking from the tour bus, where the group was
completing a Florida tour last week, Matthew told the Banner
he was “living a lifelong dream.”
After appearances in Georgia and Nashville last weekend,
the Perrys had a few days off and Matthew headed home to his
bride of six weeks, Lindsey (Jones) Holt in McKenzie.
Being a newlywed can sometimes make being on the road 250
days a year difficult. However, Matthew said he is devoted
to his work and acknowledged that Lindsey totally supports
him and his decision.
“It makes you want to get home quicker,” he said. “It’s
always good to have a wife that supports you and understands
the calling that God has on your life.”
“You can’t do this without a supportive spouse, you would
be miserable. Last year, we did 265 dates,” said Matthew,
who noted their regular schedule is to perform Thursday –
Sunday night and be home Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of
each week.
“Sometimes that doesn’t happen,” he said with a laugh.
Matthew credits his parents, Jimmy and Vicky Holt of
McKenzie, as being the reason he loves southern gospel
music.
He began playing the piano at age three and he related how
he and his parents attended gospel concerts everywhere.
His greatest influence in playing the piano when he was
growing up was Anthony Burger, pianist for the Kingsmen.
Several years prior to Burger’s death, he performed for the
Gaither vocal band.
“He performed in all their videos,” said Matthew.
In a few weeks, the Perrys will begin a western tour,
performing in states such as Montana, Colorado, Idaho and
Washington, before making their way on to Canada.
“We will be performing in Red Deer, Alberta for a few days,”
he added.
The group performs at convention centers, churches, and
outside singing festivals. For area gospel music
enthusiasts, the group will be performing at The Civic
Center in Jackson on Friday, July 21 at Frank Arnold’s
annual song fest. The Perrys also perform at the National
Quartet Convention every September in Louisville, Kentucky.
The group does all its traveling by tour bus, even sleeping
on the bus. Dining usually consists of stopping in a parking
lot of a business, such as Wal-Mart, with several nearby
restaurants from which the members can choose to dine.
He said the Perrys are like family to him and everyone gets
along great.
“You have to when you travel together like we do,” he added.
“I spend more time with the Perrys than I do with my own
family.”
Matthew has expanded his horizons by becoming a songwriter,
along with Joseph Habedank, baritone singer for the Perrys.
They display their writing talent with two songs on the
Perry’s new CD that was released just two weeks ago on the
Daywind label, entitled, “Come Thirsty.” The songs are
entitled, “He’s Forgot More Than I’ll Ever Know” and “When
Jesus Prays.” It can be purchased in area book stores.
Matthew and Joseph have formed their own publishing company
called HabeHolt Music/BMI and Matthew has also just released
a solo piano instrumental CD. That CD can be purchased by
emailing Matt at matthew@perrysministries.com. The cost is
$15, plus $2 shipping.
The Mark Trammell Trio is recording two of Matt’s and
Joseph’s songs, entitled “Weary at the Well” and “Grip of
Grace” and The Dove Brothers are recording one of their
songs, entitled “Next Door Savior.”
Matthew said the duo complete most of their writing while
traveling between bookings on the road.
A busy fellow, Matthew said he still finds time to work on
college courses at Oakland City University in Oakland City,
Indiana.
“They send me the course work and I complete it and send it
back to them for a grade,” he said. His goal is to earn a
Bachelor of Religious Studies degree.
“Every since I was a little kid, this is what I dreamed of
doing,” he said. “I feel like I’m living a dream every day
when I wake up. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make
sure it’s real.”
