The Harvesters 

The Harvesters’ Quartet was organized in 1953, in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The original members were: Pat Patterson, Bill Hefner, Buddy Parker, Hershel Wooten and David Reece.  Over the years, The Harvesters became one of the top gospel groups in the nation.  They disbanded for a while and later were reorganized by Bill Hefner, who sang with the group, until he ran and was elected to the U.S. Congress, representing the 8th District of North Carolina. 

Personnel has changed over the years, but the group has always worked to maintain the sincerity and dedication handed down to them, never forgetting their responsibility to their God and their friends.  The Harvesters Quartet is comprised of a group of outstanding musicians who strive for excellence in their concert appearances.  They are known for their friendliness, teamwork, dedication and perseverance as they all strive to fulfill God’s potential for their lives.  Most importantly, they have a keen sense of responsibility to present a program that is uplifting and inspirational.  Another trademark of the Harvesters is to strengthen their faith and that of all concert attendees, whom they refer to as their, “Christian family” as they share the joy and hope of God’s plan of salvation for our lives.  During their concerts, the audience shares in some entertaining, light-hearted moments; however the focus of their ministry is firmly established in the joy of the acceptance of Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior while delivering His Word of salvation and encouragement.  Their message encourages us all to incorporate in our daily Christian walk, faith, patience, prayerfulness and thankful hope until the return of Jesus Christ. 

 GROUP MEMBERS:  

TOMMY YOUNG -- Tenor- Tommy comes to The Harvesters with several years of experience in the Southern Gospel Music industry.  He started his singing career in 1973 and has been consistently singing since that time.  Tommy, Danny Parker and Ivan Parker sang in a quartet in their early years, The Foundations from Pikeville, NC.  Tommy most recently sang tenor for The Glorymen Quartet from Holly Springs, NC before joining The Harvesters Quartet. Tommy is married to Dianne Young and together  raised 4 boys Paul, Daniel, Seth and Jordan. 

DANNY PARKER --   Lead Singer and Manager -  Danny brings to the quartet many  years of experience as vocalist and manager.  Some remember Danny when he and his brother, Ivan Parker, sang with The Noblemen.  His warm, engaging personality and smooth lead voice has warmed hearts and gained friends wherever he is heard. He calls Sanford, North Carolina home.

ALLEN HUNTER  - Baritone Singer-  Has sung gospel music for a number of years.  He is a seasoned singer whose tour of duty included a tenure with the popular Revelaires Quartet.  His outgoing personality appeals to the young and old alike.  He makes his home in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

MARK SWINSON- Bass singer - Since the mid-1990's, Mark has traveled with several local and regional groups primarily singing bass with Called Out Ministries from Eastern NC for 10 years then for a brief time off the road he joined Curtis Hyler & Jubilation, with whom he also sang bass for almost another 10 years. Mark is married to Katrina with an anniversary date of November 6, 1998. Mark and Katrina have 4 beautiful children - Chelsea, twins Caleb & Haley, and Allie. With a college freshman, 2 high school juniors, and junior-high 7th grader, Katrina is fulfilling the desire God placed in her heart as a child to be a stay-at-home mom and a school teacher by home schooling all 4 children since kindergarten. Mark's desire to use his talents for the Lord drive him to serve in his local church as a sound technician and along side his wife as a 2nd grade Bible study leader; but he feels most at home when he has the opportunity to share the stage with three other God- serving men in a southern gospel quartet. Mark resides in Grifton, NC which is located in the eastern part of North Carolina.