Meet David Luten
David sings tenor for the group. During the week he works as a furniture manufacturing manager in Americus, GA where he lives with his wife Regan and their two children Isabelle and Daniel.
Q: How were you first introduced to Southern Gospel music?
A: As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been a fan of acappella music. I enjoy the harmonies and the blend. My brother (Mike) started listening to southern gospel music. When I heard that southern gospel had the awesome harmonies and same close-knit blend, I couldn’t help but love it.
Q: What groups have you performed with?
A: The first group I sang with was Dayspring when we were an acappella group in high school. I later sang with a group in Jacksonville, Florida called New Gathering. After that I sang with Once Forgiven which was basically the same group but a different manager.
Q: What influenced you in learning how to sing?
A: Ever since I was a young lad, I’ve loved to sing. My mother always used to make up songs when she was getting me up for school. She was always singing. I heard it during my entire childhood and it grew into a passion for me. I strongly believe that God has plans for my singing because he gave me such an incredible desire.
Q: Who would you name as your biggest musical influences?
A: Without a doubt, my biggest musical influence is my brother. He first heard me sing and gave me the confidence to do it in front of people. He has also helped me improve as a singer and as a Christian.
Q: Other than singing tenor, what are your duties with the group?
A: I do a lot of the public relations work. I handle a lot of the bookings and promotions.
Q: What led to your decision to get the group back together?
A: I felt that I was wasting a talent that God had given me. I also really missed singing with Jason and Mike.
Q: Why Southern Gospel this time?
A: It actually started out as a joke. I called Mike and Jason to tell them that we should get the old Dayspring back together. The original plan was to resume as an acappella quartet. However, after some thought, I decided it would be best to try the southern gospel genre for a few reasons. Firstly, only three of the former members of Dayspring were interested. Acappella music requires more voices if you want to deliver a performance that folks will enjoy. Secondly, I felt that we could reach a much bigger audience and a broader age range with southern gospel.