If you were to hear KRUSADE for the first time today, you would be very surprised to learn that KRUSADE originally began as a traditional gospel trio. On August 25, 1991, TODD CLARK and KEVIN LAUER first felt the call to begin a musical ministry. Kevin had played guitar in the church and Todd had played bass for a rock band in Virginia, but had never before felt the call to use their talents in God's service on a regular basis. On August 27, they practiced for the first time with CAMMIE EDDY who had been singing on her own in the church.
On Sunday October 20, 1991, they played in front of an audience for the first time at Pleasant Hill UMC. With Todd's bass and Kevin's rhythm-acoustic guitar, Kevin and Cammie harmonized on traditional gospel hymns. Their friend CINDY BEARDMORE (now Erb) played the synthesizer. They called themselves KFC: The KRUSADERS FOR CHRIST.
Over the next two years, Todd, Cammie, and Kevin traveled to numerous churches playing traditional gospel hymns and several of their own original songs, which at that time were written in a traditional, almost folk-sounding style. On July 25, 1993, TRAVIS WELLS, who had spent the last four years singing with DDT (a Christian Rap group from Vero Beach, FL), joined KFC. On their third anniversary, they played with drummer BENNY DAILEY of DELIVERED in Lowell, OH for the Oktoberfest.
About that time, they noticed another gospel group in the area going by the name Crusaders For Christ (spelled with a "C", unlike theirs, which was spelled with a "K"); but to avoid confusion, they shortened their name to THE KRUSADERS.
In early 1995, SCOTT EDDY was approached by the KRUSADERS and encouraged to participate in a practice. After considerable thought and prayer, he announced that he had heard God's call to join the ministry.
By then, the group had developed its own unique style of music, which was a blend of Todd's rock-influence, Kevin's country-pop style, Cammie's traditional gospel background, Travis' rap history, and Scott's distinctive voice. This unique sound and the hard-hitting Gospel message in the music caught the attention of The MARVIN & DEANA CLARK FAMILY, an established country-gospel band from the Beverly, OH area. The Clarks invited the Krusaders to visit their home church where they shared with fellow Christian artists. Marvin and Deana continued to support them and eventually invited them to record at their new studio, WHOVILLE MUSIC CO.
While playing at Point Pleasant CU Church, they met JULIE EDWARDS, former drummer for the country band FAMILY TRADITION. In March of 1996, they invited her to practice with them and she was immediately asked to become a member of the Krusaders. Later that year, the band joined INDEPENDENT ARTISTS MINISTRIES (IAM), became BMI-affiliated songwriters, and recorded their first album, "JESUS IS", which was released in 1997 on the WHOVILLE label.
Shortly after finishing the album, Cammie left the band to concentrate on her family full time. Now focusing on Travis and Scott as the lead singers, they began to work on a heavier, more youth-friendly style, often playing with ANTHONY LONG, the energetic drummer for CHANGE OF HEART.
In the last quarter of the 1990's, they began playing larger-scale events, opening for acts such as REBECCA ST. JAMES, SHADED RED, and BLEACH. They were also blessed to play in the same arena as PETRA, THREE CROSSES, GEOFF MOORE & THE DISTANCE, and more. In 1999, the band shortened its name once again to KRUSADE, which they felt better represented their new musical style. They began a prison ministry, as well as a thriving youth ministry. They founded a new publishing/promotions company, GODFLOWER MUSIC CO, and began working on their new self-titled album with producer Brian Nutter.
In 2000, they recorded a demo for GODFLOWER RECORDS with new recording artist CHANDRA, which was the first release on the GODFLOWER label. The project featured four original songs in which KRUSADE collaborated the writing with Chandra, plus a fifth song written by Bryan Hitch. KRUSADE played the music (a new service offered to customers of FSO ENTERTAINMENT GROUP) and Chandra recorded the vocals at Whoville Studios in Beverly, OH.
The band released their self-titled album, KRUSADE, in early 2001 on both CD and cassette. This project, produced by Hollywood producer Brian Nutter, featured a large variety of musical styles, causing it to appeal to a vast audience. Artists who contributed to this album include Brian Nutter (who has toured with country artists Brooks & Dunn and Lonestar), Kevin Rinkes, Dave Ring, Dave Raines, and the phenomenal drummer Anthony Long (well-known for his extravagant Rush-esque drum solos).
In July of 2000, Kevin became a full-time pastor of the Macksburg UMC Charge. In the summer of 2003, he left the pastoral ministry to become the worship leader of the Real Life Community of Faith in Belmont, OH. He continued to play and travel with Krusade throughout the changes. Travis and Stephanie's first child, Ethan Brian Wells, was born on September 21, 2000; Kevin and Julie's first daughter, Shannon Louise Lauer, was born on November 12, 2001; Scott and Holly's first son, Nathan Scott Eddy, was born on October 22, 2002; and Todd and April's first daughter, Grace AnnMarie Clark, was born on March 18, 2003.
In August of 2001, KRUSADE shared a stage at the DUNAMIS CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL with BLEACH, 40DT, EUSTACE, CHANDRA, AP12, PORTAL, and many other artists. Todd became the Vice President of Youth Explosion Ministries, the 501(C)3 organization that presents the Dunamis Festival.
In the summer of 2001, because of extensive business- related travel and other personal factors, Kevin took his first break from touring with the band in ten years. He took this opportunity to work on his solo project, which had been in progress since 1998. The special limited-edition CD, "Lonekrusader, Vol. I: Where Is Thy Sting?" was released on GODFLOWER RECORDS in the Fall of 2004. In August of 2001, Julie decided to leave the band and Kevin returned to active status.
In 2003, Kevin and Todd celebrated the 12th Anniversary of the band's ministry by expanding the vision of KRUSADE MINISTRIES and developing Godflower Music Co., FSO Entertainment Group, and Ohio Valley Web Ministries. Krusade took on SARAH DRAKE as their promtions manager and went into the studio to begin working on their new CD while Krusade Ministries' three affiliates began a publicity campaign to offer support to other Christian artists and musicians. Kevin became the worship leader at the REAL LIFE COMMUNITY OF FAITH in Morristown, OH where he formed the contemporary praise band, THE REAL LIFE BAND.
In 2004, KRUSADE recorded their third studio project, "Contact", which was released by GODFLOWER RECORDS on February 22, 2005. This project includes such concert favorites as "Super Hero", "Down", "One Side", "Satan, You're Cancelled", and "I Believe". It also features several brand-new songs, including "Everybody Stand Up", the title cut "Contact", and the new fan-favorite "Walk Away".
In 2004, Krusade opened for such acts as THE KIDS IN THE WAY, and are sharing a stage with THE REAL LIFE BAND and MEGALIFE on the DUNAMIS TOUR in 2005. As members of the Dunamis Ministries Board, Kevin and Todd had the privelege of emceeing the Dunamis Concert featuring GEOFF MOORE, KRISTY STARLING, and BIG DADDY WEAVE.
Be sure to check this site regularly for updates and check the calendar to see when they'll be playing near you. And if they're not scheduled to be in your area, contact them about booking a show.
To be continued...
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