Crystal River

This group of young men in their twenties is quickly becoming America’s favorite young group. Their youthful, energetic, and ministry-oriented performances are pleasing audiences across the country. From intricate accapella arrangements to classic gospel harmony, Crystal River delivers a modern spin on the traditional sound of gospel music that will leave you wanting more.

Crystal River was formed by Zack McGill, who sings the lead part, while he was still singing in his high school chorus. At an early age Zack found a love for Gospel music watching his father sing with the Kingdom Heirs. Zack states, "I never wanted to do anything but minister to people across the country. Some kids want to be firemen, lawyers, or other things, but all I ever wanted to do was sing gospel music full time." After high school Zack attended college at Oakland City University in southern Indiana where he majored in Biblical Studies for three years. Zack states, “It was such a joy to attend a college like Oakland City. The opportunities that President James Murray gave me were experiences that I will carry for a lifetime.”

The Lord has shown favor towards Crystal River many times. Zack recalls one of his fondest memories with Crystal River: “We experienced the Lord use us in a mighty way when we witnessed a seventy-five year old woman give her heart and life to the Lord. Her church had been praying for her for over fifteen years, and it just happened the night we were there she got saved. Since the inception of Crystal River God has shown His favor with this group, and we are amazed in the way God continues to reveal himself to us.”

Dusty Barrett sings the tenor part for Crystal River. Folks around Greenfield, Ohio can tell you that Dusty has had a talent and a love for singing from an early age. Growing up Dusty watched his father sing with The Singing Disciples where he first learned of gospel music. It wasn’t until he was in college that he found his love for gospel music. While watching a group called Gold City and seeing Jay Parrack sing for the first time, Dusty realized that he wanted to be a tenor singer. Something you may not know about Dusty is that he spent a year while at Kentucky Christian College pastoring his local church in Greenfield, Ohio. It was during this time that he felt God’s calling on his life to sing gospel music and felt the Lord beginning to use him in a mighty way. During the next year Dusty met Zack and started singing with Crystal River.

Dusty is an anointed singer with a smooth tenor voice, but he also has the power to sing a strong ballad. He has been recognized as one of the best tenors in today’s gospel music. His vocal talents and personality is pleasing people all across the country.

Chris Whitaker sings the baritone part for the group. Chris grew up in a Godly home in Hamilton, Mississippi where he developed a love for singing in the church. While still in high school Chris started singing in his first quartet, The Heartmen. They won several talent competitions such as NQC competition and Gold City’s Homecoming competition. After high school Chris attended college in Mississippi, even though he is a diehard Alabama fan.

Chris is no stranger to gospel music. He has sung with groups such as Won By One, Safe Harbor, and other regional groups. Chris brings a unique vocal sound to Crystal River. He is able to sing a mighty ballad or a driving, edgy, or progressive tune.

One thing you may not know about him is that Chris is obsessed with ironing everything he wears. The other guys really like to give him a hard time about it. He is happily married to his wife, Tara, and they reside in Northport, Alabama. When Chris is not on the road singing you can find him hunting, fishing, or spending time with his family. He has been a great addition to Crystal River.

In September of 2005 Crystal River joined the Beckie Simmons Agency. Crystal River has taken on many changes in their ministry and has had the privilege of singing in places most artists don't sing. They have the opportunities to sing at many Christian schools across the country and see kids come to a love for Jesus Christ and gospel music. Just recently in 2006 and 2007, they were nominated for “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” by the Southern Gospel news media and nominated for “Horizon Group of the Year” by the Singing News fans. They have also had the privilege of singing on the Trinity Broadcasting Network on television shows such as, Praise the Lord and Unfolding Majesty. Whether performing at a church, television station, concert hall, state and county fairs, or high schools across the country, Crystal River will entertain, inspire, minister, and touch your heart!