Kingdom heirs biography

From the Mountains of East Tennessee, Southern Gospel Music fills the air and is the home of The Kingdom Heirs, one of Southern Gospel Music’s top Male Quartets. The group started performing in local churches and concert halls and as their music and message spread to a wider audience, so did their popularity and demand. Later in 1982, they began singing at the Silver Dollar City theme park, which is now Dollywood. In 1986 when the theme park took on their new name, The Kingdom Heirs were asked to become the resident gospel group and now this year, both The Kingdom Heirs and Dollywood will be celebrating over 40 years of family entertainment. Not only are they one of Dollywood’s favorites, but a favorite to millions everywhere.

Kingdom Heirs 2026

THE GUYS

DENNIS MURPHY

Dennis Murphy has been a driving force behind the award-winning sound of The Kingdom Heirs since joining the group in 1991. Originally from Oceana, West Virginia, and now calling Sevierville, Tennessee home, Dennis began playing drums at an early age and launched his professional music career with The Greenes in 1990.

A respected musician, songwriter, and arranger, he has helped shape the signature sound of The Kingdom Heirs for more than three decades while contributing to the group’s recognition as a 12-time Band of the Year recipient. His accomplishments also include nominations for Musician of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, earning BMI Songwriter of the Year honors, and being named a 2025 inductee into the West Virginia Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Dennis credits his wife, Angie, as his greatest inspiration and enjoys spending time with their daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Guided by his personal motto, “Strive to be a better version of yourself every day,” Dennis continues to impact audiences through both his musicianship and ministry.
ANDY STRINGFIELD

Andy Stringfield has been an integral part of the Kingdom Heirs since joining the group in 2007, serving as both pianist and baritone vocalist. 

Raised in Harriman, Tennessee, Andy began singing at just three years old and started playing piano at age five, developing a passion for music that would shape his life and ministry. Before joining the Kingdom Heirs, he performed with several regional groups throughout the Knoxville area and with The Stamps Quartet. His musical training includes classical and jazz piano studies at the University of Tennessee, helping him develop the dynamic style and musicianship audiences have come to appreciate. 

In addition to performing, Andy has contributed to arranging several songs and instrumental pieces for the Kingdom Heirs alongside fellow group members. Inspired musically by Elvis Presley and legendary pianist Anthony Burger, and personally by his grandfather, Andy considers it a tremendous blessing to have spent nearly two decades sharing the Gospel through music with the Kingdom Heirs.

Andy is also the proud father of his son, Marshall, born in 2019, and when he’s not on stage, he enjoys spending time on the golf course.
Brad Smith - Bass Singer

Brad Smith has dedicated his life to Southern Gospel music, bringing decades of experience, talent, and heartfelt ministry to audiences across the country. Originally from Mount Vernon and proudly calling Tellico Plains his hometown, Brad joined Kingdom Heirs in 2023 as the group’s bass singer. Known for his powerful vocals and genuine spirit, Brad continues a lifelong passion for music that began when he was just three years old.

Before joining the Kingdom Heirs, Brad performed with many respected Southern Gospel groups, including The Statesmen, The Blackwood Gospel Quartet, The Blackwood Singers, The New Speers, Monument, The Southmen, The Brashear’s, The Impacts, and The Songfellows. Music runs deep in the Smith family, as Brad’s father, Mark Smith, also influenced his journey in the industry.

Throughout his career, Brad has received numerous honors and recognitions. He placed second in vocal competition and third in piano competition at the Tennessee state high school level and has twice been nominated as Best Lead Singer by Gospel Voice Magazine. He has also earned multiple nominations from Singing News Magazine as a top bass singer. Beyond gospel music, Brad has appeared in the films The Last Castle alongside Robert Redford and James Gandolfini, as well as the movie The Curse. His vocal talents have also been featured with the Phoenix, Atlanta, Alabama, and Jackson Symphony Orchestras, and he performed backup vocals during the 40th Anniversary celebration of Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii concert at the Waikiki Shell with Elvis Wade.

Brad is also a songwriter and arranger who enjoys creating music that inspires and uplifts. While he has not yet arranged music for the Kingdom Heirs, his passion for creativity continues to shape his ministry and musical career.

Brad and his wife Cassie consider their son Jackson to be their biggest inspiration. Guided by his personal motto, “All you can do is all you can do,” Brad brings humility, authenticity, and encouragement everywhere he sings. Whether on stage or off, his mission remains the same — to use music as a way to connect with people and share hope through song.
CHRIS BRYANT

Chris Bryant joined the Kingdom Heirs in 2023 as the group’s lead vocalist, bringing with him a rich background in Southern Gospel music and a passion for ministry through song. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, and now calling White Pine, Tennessee home, Chris has been singing for as long as he can remember.

Prior to joining the Kingdom Heirs, he performed with well-known groups including The Bibletones and The Kingsmen, earning recognition for both his vocal talent and songwriting abilities.

Chris is a Dove Award-nominated songwriter and artist, and his songwriting credits include the Singing News #1 song “Unstoppable God,” recorded by The Kingsmen. He has also received five Singing News Fan Award nominations for Favorite Lead Singer. In addition to his vocal contributions, Chris has helped arrange music for Kingdom Heirs projects, including “No Better Time” and upcoming releases.

Off stage, Chris enjoys life with his wife, Rachel, and their six beautiful children. Through every performance, Chris remains committed to sharing the message of hope and faith through music.

GROUP OWNER