The name Palmetto State Quartet signifies class and integrity. The group is known by the rich blend of classic voices that define it as a living legacy. In 1946, the quartet garnered its unique name from the Palmetto tree in South Carolina where the group originated. Since that time, PSQ has provided its audience with a stylistic presentation and an enriching blend of vintage quartet music. Over the past six decades, many talented, gifted singers and musicians have come and gone, but always consistent is the rich classy sound that has propelled them to the forefront. This quartet appreciates the value of Christian entertainment, but realizes their primary focus is of a divine nature. They have found their mission statement to be "meeting people at their point of need". Simply put, that at every concert, the group believes that with God's anointing, one word or one song might change a life forever. The group is humbled and honored to share in that calling.

When you experience the ministry of PSQ, their presentation is dynamic and exciting, leaving the audience entertained and captivated. The group certainly embraces the value of entertainment, but understands that their primary focus is of a God breathed mission.

Kerry Beatty
Kerry Beatty, the owner of PSQ, is from Franklin, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville where he, his wife, Lisa, and son, Jonathan, reside in a country ambiance where he escapes to the peace and relaxation from the hectic travel schedule. Kerry comes from a rich legacy of Southern Gospel Music made available in part by the years he spent traveling with his Dad and Mother, Woody and Peggy Beatty, who have experienced renown and acclaim in their own right. Kerry witnessed a dedication to Gospel Music done right.

As a child he reminisces about hearing the great harmonies of the super groups, quartets and legends that made Gospel Music much of what it is today. His father, Woody, traveled with the great Jake Hess and Rosie Rozell where Kerry spent many years watching these masters of trade in the climax of their careers. From that time, Kerry knew that his life was charted to follow the legends that paved the road before him. While being a phenomenal saxophone player, musician, recipient of numerous awards and much accolade, it was empty in comparison to what he felt his real mission and ministry would be.

As you talk to Kerry you sense his humility and his genuine care for people and in no way would he promote himself with selfish ambition. For those of us who have experienced the velvet lead vocals that he possesses find it to be something that is not only special but the start of his own legacy. He joined PSQ in 1997 taking the place of the very capable Jack Bagwell, who was with the group for 48 years. Since that time he has consistently provided the distinguishable sound of the quartet where he remains to this day. He fully embraces the responsibility of leading this group into the next decade of ministry and beyond.

Kerry understands that this level of ministry is not a solo act and not for the faint of heart. It takes a strong wife and family with a lot of love and prayers to keep it going. Kerry has established his priorities very clearly; God, family, ministry.

Brian Beatty
Brian was born and raised in Nashville, TN and now resides in Mount Juliet with his wife, Michelle. Brian's parents, Woody and Peggy Beatty, have served in Gospel Music for five decades, having traveled with some of the most legendary artists in the industry. During those years, Brian recognized a call of God upon his life but was not certain what or how it would evolve. At age 4 it was apparent that he had an extraordinary gift as a drummer. He played with artists through the years such as The Freemans, The McGruders, The Nelons and even Country Hall of Fame member Whispering Bill Anderson. Brian also had become a prolifick studio musician. He was known as one of the youngest studio drummers to have ever played on major recording sessions. Many likened him unto the great Larrie Londin for having such a great ability at such a young age.

Brian was also a very talented singer. At age 4, he sang on The Grand Ole Opry, captivating the audience with such a big voice coming out of such a little guy. As a musician and vocalist, Brian thought his life was destined to continue on the musical road that was set before him. He soon realized that God had other intentions for him. He left the comfort of the world of drumming and singing to start ministry training. Through the local church and pastoral studies he soon became focused and impassioned on preaching God's Word and seeing lives changed. During his tenure, Brian pastored two churches and held credentials with the much respected Christ Church of Nashville, TN. Brian was known to be a captivating speaker with an anointed message that reached the hearts of the people.

In 2000, after years of pastoring and serving the people, God redirected his life yet again. At this time of change, Brian began singing with Woody and Peggy and continued to develop his vocal abilities. In 2001 he began singing in a quartet with Larry Strickland where he found a clear cut direction for his life as lead vocalist in a quartet. One of the most memorable nights during that time was the quartet getting to back up Naomi and Wynonna Judd at the Ryman. He also served as lead vocalist for The Singing Ambassadors of Fayetteville, TN. Brian anchored the big sound of Classic Sound Quartet and is now honored to stand side by side with his brother, Kerry, in the new Palmetto State Quartet. He admits that he has never been happier and knows that God has put this group together.

Jeremy Calloway
Jeremy Calloway resides in Owensboro, KY with his wife, Holly, and two beautiful children, Kristen and Branson. Jeremy's passion for Gospel Music and ministry started at a very young age where he witnessed a great dedication to God's work by virtue of being raised in a pastor’s home. At age 4 he started his love for singing and by age 12 joined The Calvary Quartet which originated as a local quartet from his church; and from that day until now his calling has been very clear concerning his love for quartet singing. Through the years, Jeremy continued to be faithful in that quartet, broadening his horizons both as a solo artist and a member of various groups.

During a talent contest for solo singers hosted by the National Quartet Convention, he was approached by a family group called The Merediths who were from Swansea, SC. After a long season with The Merediths, Jeremy continued singing in a solo capacity and found wide spread acceptance for the music he loved and the talent he possessed. For a short time he served with a local trio from Kentucky, but still awaited the opportunity for a chance to sing the music he so loved. In 2004, Jeremy was granted the opportunity to do just that. He joined a group based out of Nashville, TN called Southern Sound. They were known for modern harmonies and unique vocal arrangements which brought a heightened awareness to the talent that Jeremy possessed and God certainly used that to broaden his vision and prepare him for what was soon to come. Just before joining The Classic Sound Quartet, he was offered a tenor position with The Blackwood Quartet. The Blackwood name has been synonymous for great quartet singing through the years, yet while Jeremy loved the music and the people, he knew God still had not permanently placed him.

In June 2007 as The Classic Sound Quartet was looking for a tenor that would fit their style and sound they searched far and wide looking for the right person and there was one voice that stood out with great distinction. It was the smooth tenor voice of Jeremy Calloway. Since the merger, Jeremy admits that the members of the new Palmetto State Quartet group feel like family to him and that he shares happiness in this ministry that he has not known before. It is apparent that in the days ahead, God will greatly use Jeremy. The Palmetto State Quartet could not be happier and Jeremy shares the same sentiments. When he was asked recently in an interview what this season of life was like, he simply commented that he was certain he was in the perfect will of God for his family and himself.

Larry Strickland
Larry is originally from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the son of a Preacher and was exposed to Southern Gospel Music as a child. From the very first concert that his dad took him to, at the age of 10, he was hooked. During his teenage years he began singing bass with local quartets in and around Raleigh. It wasn't long before the groups he was with started to travel throughout North Carolina and surrounding states singing in churches and auditoriums. After a 4 year stay in the Army, Larry resumed his singing career. During a concert in which his group was opening the program for JD Sumner and the Stamps, JD came in the auditorium and heard Larry singing. Sometime after that concert The Stamps called Larry to come to Nashville for an audition. In 1974 he moved to Nashville, TN and joined the Stamps Quartet. To say that his life changed at this point would be an under-statement. The Stamps were Elvis Presley's back-up group at the time and Larry soon found himself on stage in Las Vegas singing with Elvis. Life would never be the same after that. He was with the Stamps for a total of 6 years.

One hot summer day in 1979, Larry walked in the Stamps management office on Music Row in Nashville, TN. There was a new receptionist sitting at the front desk that day that really caught his eye. There was some small talk, a little flirting and in a few days he was calling to ask her out. Turns out this lady had two young daughters that she had brought to town and one of them wanted to be a singer; Wynonna was 15 at the time and Ashley was 11. Needless to say the new receptionist was Naomi Judd. Don't know what took so long, but 10 years later Naomi and Larry were married. Today, 2008, they celebrate 19 years of marriage. After they were married, Larry stopped touring and singing to devote his time to the family and Naomi's career. He still manages Naomi's career and business and they live on a farm outside of Franklin, TN.

As the years went by, Larry really began to miss singing and especially missed the Southern Gospel Music. Even with the success and lifestyle that he and Naomi now enjoy, he feels that getting back into a quartet and singing again is a calling and fulfills God's purpose for his life. Larry will also be providing oversight and management direction for the new Palmetto State Quartet and is thrilled with the merger and knows God has great things in store.

Casey Martin
The latest addition to PSQ is the keyboardist, Casey Martin. Casey was born and raised in Newport News, Va. He comes from a family of seven that included five brothers. They were all musicians and played in the church from very young ages. At 17 Casey started traveling on the road as a professional musician. “Casey was a true God send” said Brian Beatty. In a recent interview, Brian commented that Casey was simply the most advanced and most tasteful keyboardist he has ever heard. He produced the music for our latest project and there is simply no end to his creativity and attention to detail. His background consists of jazz and contemporary Christian music, but he admits that the music that has most touched him is Southern Gospel. Casey has performed with such artists as Al Jarreau, Angela Winbush and recently toured with Ivan Parker and Janet Pashel. He has not only accepted the job with PSQ, but feels God’s absolute calling to this group and ministry. Casey has become a very important contribution to PSQ’s nightly performances. He’s more than just their keyboardist. Casey ministers with his testimony and gives a word of encouragement followed by a saxophone solo that is unbelievable. People are moved nightly by the presence of the Lord in his words and gifted musicianship. Casey views the overwhelming response of the people as an opportunity to share god’s love with them. He brings great fire and passion to the music of PSQ and has helped the quartet move to another level both as artists and ministers. The group is thankful to have such a remarkable, anointed black brother in the quartet. We pray that God will use Casey to help breakdown tired old prejudices and help bring unity not just to the Churches but to the Christian and Gospel music industries as well. The body of Christ is greatly diverse, but we recognize that we all serve the same God and are all part of the family.

On February 12, 2008, PSQ was a part of Nashville music history by performing at an Elvis Presley tribute concert held at the Ryman auditorium. They were featured on “How Great Thou Art” backing up the legendary Wynonna Judd. Larry Strickland, bass vocalist and Manager for PSQ spent many years singing with the Stamps Quartet during the Elvis years. Larry shares a unique perspective on those years and understands how much Elvis loved Gospel Music. This was truly a night to remember and will certainly help introduce PSQ to a new audience as well as bolstered Southern Gospel Music to so many that night.

With the great doors that are opening for this quartet, it is clear that God has a divine purpose for them and it is also clear that Palmetto State Quartet is here to stay and remain as one of Gospel Music’s great quartets!