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GROUP HISTORY
The Rochesters originated way back as far as 1955 when Harold Rochester
(presently with group today) met his soon wife-to-be Joyce White
Rochester (married a year later-presently with the group) at a singing
where each, at the time, was singing themselves with two different
groups. Harold convinced Joyce to join his group and that was the
beginning of the family's singing tradition that has lasted, by God's
Grace, until today.
The couple has four children: Brent, Brady, Rebecca, and Ben.
While Brent and Brady no longer sing or travel with the group (each has
a family of their own) Becky and Ben and their families all travel with
Harold and Joyce today. Becky married Scott Matthews (Nov ‘92) and
Ben married Linda Whaley (Oct ‘97). Scott and Becky have three
girls, Macalah and Madison (twins), born Oct ‘97, and Morgan, born Sept
'06. Ben and Linda have a set of twin girls also, Lindzi and
Lizzie, born June ‘01, and a son, JB, born June ‘04.
The group has Harold singing bass, Joyce sings alto, Becky sings lead
and some soprano while playing the bass, Scott plays guitar and is the
preacher of the group, and Ben sings lead and some baritone and plays
several different instruments for the group including banjo, dobro,
fiddle, harmonica, mandolin, and guitar. The group’s sound is sort of a
mix between bluegrass and southern gospel with a country flavor thrown
in.
After a devastating house fire in 1988, the group felt like the Lord was
using the tragedy to send them out full-time in the ministry. The Lord
seemed to open numerous doors and pretty soon they found themselves
booked a year and a half in advance. Their travels have allowed them to
sing in 31 states, Canada, and Mexico.
The group has recorded thirteen projects over the years. Each project
contains one or more songs in which family members have written. Ben
has also made an instrumental project (Sept ‘03) and the twins have
recorded a project (Sept ‘04).
The
group’s goal in their singing is to get the Gospel out to a lost
and dying world. "It's the desire of our hearts to reach the
world with the glorious news that Jesus Saves!" Each member of
the Rochesters has been saved by the Amazing Grace of God, and
we feel it's our responsibility to tell others about salvation
and to encourage the children of God through song. |
