Without a doubt, few Gospel music personalities have impacted my Christian life as Carroll and Priscilla McGruder have. From the beginning of our friendship Carroll has been my Gospel music pastor. Several times in the years of our friendship, I’ve experienced trials in my life, and either by word, by prayer or through music, Carroll and Priscilla ministered to me.

I was thrilled to learn from the McGruders friend and producer, Kevin McManus at the National Quartet Convention in September that Carroll and Priscilla have a new recording. The title, “By The Book,” is no surprise since I’ve found through the years that Carroll and Priscilla live every aspect of their life exactly in that manner.

Kevin says of the recording, “Here are more great songs and anointed performances by the King and Queen of the “Real Deal.”

We caught up with Carroll and Priscilla as they traveled to Greenville, Alabama for a concert. Responding to my question about their schedule, Carroll replied, “We as busy as we’ve ever been. We enjoy working a lot of conferences and church dates.” He continued, “We just haven’t been doing concert dates on the quartet circuit like we use to.”

Several years ago the leadership of the church the McGruders pastored in Kennett, Missouri made him the presiding Bishop and elected a full-time pastor. “This allows us to minister to other audiences and venues, most of which are church congregations” Carroll said. “We’re at our home church one Sunday and one Wednesday night each month.”

In discussing the direction of the McGruders ministry for the past few years, Carroll states, “Our charted path is different than it was a few years back. We will always appreciate the years we were involved in the Southern Gospel industry, but we are very much aware of where God can best use our ministry.”

“By The Book” features Carroll and Priscilla as a duet with dynamic background vocals from Chip Davis, Margie Cates and Angie Prim. There are ten powerful new songs, nine of which were written or co-written by Carroll. The last song, “Change Me Lord,” was written by the McGruders’ daughter, Shawnee McGruder Trowbridge.

Carroll and Priscilla’s music is still much in demand on Gospel radio. “Priscilla is featured on the first song sent to radio,” Carroll said.  ‘”Heaven Too” says in essence that God is not a God of only one chance. God’s forgiveness is so powerful. We all face trials and temptations. We’ve all failed and our fellowship with God is broken but He’s always ready to forgive and restore our relationship with Him. We can again have the joy of renewed fellowship, God’s forgiveness and ‘…heaven too.’”

Carroll’s favorite song on the recording is “Grace For The Race.”  He shares, “God is always there for us if we just look to Him. His grace is abundant. Before we even know we need it, His grace is there.”  Carroll chuckled as he said, “That’ll preach!”

I think I’m ready for a good Carroll McGruder sermon!

Other songs on the recording talk of the choices we make in our lives and how they impact us as well as those around us. Each song points to allowing God to direct our path, which is the concept of the album. 

Carroll McGruder’s songwriting ability reaches far beyond the recordings of the McGruders. Mike and Kelly Bowling’s current hit song, “We Have A Savior,” was written by this anointed song writer and his music has been recorded by a number of well-known artists, including the Cathedral Quartet.

The McGruders are involved in the United Pentecostal denomination where Carroll serves as the Technical Director of the UPCI annual conference. Their record producer, Kevin McManus is the producer of all conference video and audio.

Carroll is also involved with the Pentecostal Music Association. “We have so many talented singers,” he stated. “We are looking at going to select regional venues and introducing talented artists in concert settings.”

Both Carroll and Priscilla McGruder are cancer survivors. Carroll was healed of Lymphatic cancer more than fifteen years ago and Priscilla is a breast cancer survivor. “We’re both very much aware of our healing and thank God for it every day” Carroll said. “Priscilla’s health is the best it’s been in her life,” he informs. “She exercises every day and eats a healthy diet.”

About a healthy diet, Carroll was quick to point out that he finds dieting rather confining. “I like to have a good cheese burger and french fries and I don’t think I’ve ever met a bad donut. I like every donut I’ve ever tried. I like Krispy Kremes, Dunkin Donuts and my favorite is a Tim Horton Canadian maple. Makes me hungry just talkin’ about ‘em.” Seriously, Carroll relates that he’s never felt better and is enjoying the direction God is taking the McGruders’ ministry.

I’ve had my copy of “By The Book” for a couple of days, and it’s all that I’ve had in my CD player. If you’re a McGruder fan you will definitely want a copy. And, God forbid, if you aren’t a fan, after you hear the anointed music on “By The Book,” you will definitely become one!

(Editor’s note: Sandi Duncan-Clark is feature writer for GMN and this article appeared in the October issue of Gospel Music News. Since this article was written, Priscilla McGruder has begun chemo therapy treatment for a recurrence of cancer. She just had her third treatment and at press time was doing well. Please join us in prayer for Priscilla’s complete healing.)