On February 28, 2010, Keith Stevens passed away thus bringing to an end the four part harmonies of the Original Berry Quartet. Keith, along with three Berry brothers, Homer, Dale and Clyde, the youngest at age 15, began singing gospel music in 1950. All four of them grew up in an area known to the locals as “Dry Creek” (about 15 miles south of Fredericktown, MO.). They began singing together in the church where all four were raised, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. Joined by Keith’s sister Wilma on the piano (who would become Dale’s wife), their harmonies were being heard through out Southeast Missouri and other parts of the Midwest. The Berry Quartet became a favorite wherever they performed. Not only because of the smooth, rich harmonies but also because of the sense of humor they projected during their performances.

Keith was the tenor singer. He sang with The Berry Quartet during the 1950’s. In the early 60’s the four young men married and started their families. As is often the case, singing took a back seat and the group soon quit traveling. Keith went on to play piano for a very popular girl’s trio called The Berryettes during the early 60’s. These girls became a favorite throughout the Midwest winning first place in the talent contest at the 1965 National Quartet Convention. For the next 50 years, the Berry Quartet would be limited to singing on occasion at a funeral or during a family get together.

In 2000, a 50^th Anniversary Concert was held at Calvary Temple in Fredericktown, Missouri. It was to honor these four men and Wilma. The concert featured a number of groups that have been comprised of Berry family members over the years including The Dale Berry Family, The Village Singers, The Young Messengers, The Berry Singers, Cornerstone, The Berryettes and The Berry Brothers. The church was packed with 700 people who came to hear The Berry Quartet. They were not disappointed as the four men, now in their 60’s and 70’s put on quite a performance.

A 60th Anniversary concert was being planned this year in November. As of now it is still being planned for November 27^th. However it won’t be the same because the Original Berry Brothers Quartet will be missing both their tenor, Keith and their pianist, Wilma.

The last time they performed was June of 2009. They, along with other members of the Berry family and a couple hundred others gathered at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church for its 150^th anniversary. The quartet agreed to sing one song. It was the one most requested by those who loved to hear them sing. As it turned out, there could not be a more appropriate song to end 60 years of gospel music with.  The song “Glad Reunion Day.” It starts with the line “There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know…”

Written by: Alan Berry of The Berry Brothers