TRIUMPHANT – AWARD-WINNING QUALITY GOSPEL MUSIC
Fans first experienced the exceptional four-part harmony of genre leader Triumphant Quartet at Louise Mandrell’s beloved theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 2003. When they came together to form the group, the four friends realized they had stumbled upon something incredibly special.
The acclaimed quartet performed with the legendary Mandrell daily until 2008, when they began touring, taking their polished harmonies to churches, performing arts centers and auditoriums all across the nation. The members credit the country music superstar for helping them perfect their stage presence and pursue excellence at every turn.
Twenty years later, Triumphant Quartet remains a quintessential act in the gospel music industry. Consistently voted a fan favorite, the group has garnered multiple chart-topping hits, as well as Dove, Singing News and BMI Awards, including numerous Quartet of the Year honors. Perhaps most remarkably of all, the StowTown Records group has become a household name without experiencing any lineup changes over the past two decades.
Now, as Sean Barber replaces original member Scotty Inman, Triumphant Quartet opens a new chapter of music, faith, and friendship as — together with Barber — founding members David Sutton, Eric Bennett, and Clayton Inman enter the next decade of ministry.
“When we first heard Sean sing, I remember I leaned over to David and said, “He is a singer’s singer, and he’s a phenomenal musician,” shares Bennett of Barber’s pedigree. “Not only could he sing like a bird, but he had everything we were looking for.”
Having spent years both leading worship and singing in quartets, Barber seamlessly fits in with Triumphant’s current musical direction that equally pays homage to Southern Gospel’s rich heritage and acknowledges the contemporary sounds of the day. This unique mix of familiar and fresh is most evident on their two latest releases, God Is Listening and Hymns & Worship. Both titles effortlessly blend reimagined versions of timeless hymns with new arrangements of modern Christian radio hits.
Triumphant’s courage to experiment with a more progressive sound initially originated with their children. “Our kids fell in love with CCM when they were old enough to be a part of the youth department at our church,” says Bennett, an ordained minister. “And I thought, ‘If they’re going to love it, I’m going to love it, too.’ This music really touches my soul.”
Triumphant Quartet’s bond deepened as their families helped launch Connect Church, a growing congregation in their shared hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee. The church plant has become an integral part of Triumphant’s DNA. It’s a safe haven for the men when they return home and a significant source of community for their families when they’re away.
“We started with 30 people, and it’s exploded now. It’s running a little over a thousand every week. And for our community, that’s a big deal,” Bennett reflects. “The prayers and encouragement of our church family are invaluable to us. Our church basically sends us out as missionaries, and that’s a huge blessing to have your church come alongside you and support your ministry.”
Ministry is at the forefront of all of Triumphant’s efforts — regardless of musical categorization. “Over the last several years, our group has become much more ministry minded,” observes Sutton, who’s known for his impressive harmonica skills. Not only does Triumphant Quartet present the Gospel through music, but the members also share the Good News in between selections. “At the end of the night, our goal should not be to entertain, but to lead people in worship. You can be entertained anywhere, but an experience with God is a totally different level,” Bennett adds. “I care most about what the people in the chairs or the pews out there are going to feel. Are they going to be encouraged to walk a better daily Christian life? Are they going to give their heart and life to the Lord? We’re seeing a lot of that.”
And they’re hearing the stories, each night, no matter the size or scope of their audience. Stories of transformation. Stories of redemption. Stories of authentic life change. And those stories? That’s what motivates them to keep going.
“I think a lot of people come into a Triumphant concert with different things in their lives, different situations they’re going through. So, they come in for those 90 minutes, and they leave encouraged,” Sutton offers. “If we can be just a small part of encouraging somebody, then we’ve hit a home run.”
The uplifting evenings they’re able to provide people in cities across the nation are only possible because the men are consistently lifted up by their wives and children back home. “It’s not just the four guys getting on a bus,” remarks Sutton. “If we didn’t have support at home, we couldn’t do it.” The close-knit family atmosphere they’ve established both at home and on the road also extends to their crew, Adam, Chad, and Carla, who have all worked with the group for years. Sutton continues, “We feel God has assembled this team, and we are grateful for the part that each one plays.” Furthermore, the quartet has a longstanding relationship with their fans that’s been genuinely cultivated over their lengthy tenure through shared moments of worship, meaningful encounters with Jesus and countless interactions at the product table after the show.
As Triumphant Quartet continues to expand their repertoire — whether they’re stewarding a Southern Gospel classic, serving up an original or covering a popular CCM song in four-part harmony — the affable group continues to expand their fanbase. Every night, much to their delight, they look out to see multiple generations of families enjoying their concerts together.
“Ultimately, when we stand before Jesus, I really don’t think He’s going to say, ‘Were you a good entertainer?’ I think we’re going to stand before Him, and He’s going to say, ‘Thank you for sharing the Gospel and encouraging My people.’ Our goal is to share Jesus with as many people as we can,” Bennett concludes.
As they enthusiastically enter their third decade of ministry, the four men are more laser-focused than ever before on recording and performing songs that honor God, speak to their family-driven values, and help them usher as many people as possible into Glory. While this is a new and uncharted season for Triumphant, they look forward to what the future holds.
Clayton Inman, Baritone
Clayton Inman’s earliest experience as a gospel singer was a true family affair. As a teenager, he performed with his family’s Southern Gospel group, the Inmans, in his hometown of Memphis. This set the stage for what became Clayton’s future calling and passion for Gospel Music. His career kicked off in 1983 with the Singing Americans and included a stint at Dollywood from the late ‘80s to the mid-’90s. He then helped form the acclaimed group Won by One, which recorded the number-one hit “King Jesus” in 1999 and received gospel music’s Horizon Award for Best Group. Clayton started his music ministry in 1983.
Clayton’s powerful solo artistry and ability to communicate God’s message through music have helped make him one of the best lead singers in the industry. He has received numerous fan award nominations from Singing News magazine, including Favorite Lead Vocalist. Most recently received The James Blackwood Lifetime Achievement Award.
Clayton and his wife, Michelle, married in 1981 and have lived in Sevierville, Tennessee, since 1989. Clayton and Michelle have two kids together who both have families of their own. Their daughter, Jordan, is married to Joey Andrews, and their son, Scotty, is married to wife Kasey. Clayton has now added and enjoying the role of Papaw to Tristan, Adaline, Embry, and Bo.
David Sutton, Tenor
Roots grow deep in the rich soil of southern gospel music. At age 10, he began playing drums for the Watchman Quartet in his native town of Goldsboro, NC. His father, Denny Sutton, sang tenor with the group, providing David with his earliest and strongest inspiration as a vocal artist. During this period of David’s life he also started playing the harmonica and is known in today’s gospel music world as a very well accomplished harmonica player. At the age of 15, David was invited to sing one number on stage with the Kingsmen Quartet during one of their performances. “There was something about that night that showed me this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” he says. After graduating high school, he set his sights on college but put those plans on hold when he got the opportunity to join The Anchormen Quartet from his home to join them as their new tenor, two weeks after graduation.
In the years that followed, David traveled with the Anchormen and The Singing Americans and spent eight years performing with the resident gospel group at the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tn. Over the past 31 years David has been nominated multiple times for the Singing News Magazine fan awards for Favorite Young Artist and Favorite Tenor award. David was inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame on August 6, 2016.
David, in 2003, was a co-founder of The Triumphant Quartet and has been with them from their existence. As a member of Triumphant, David hopes to share his love of God and gospel music as their group travels all around the country. “My goal is to offer our audience good news of the gospel through gospel music. That’s what I was raised on and I will always love it. The music and the lyrics in the songs have blessed me for many years. I’ve also seen a lot of people come to Jesus Christ through this music.”
David and his wife Shay have been married since August of 1995 and have two daughters. The oldest, Mallory, is married to Seth Lafollette, and their youngest is Abigail. On July 10, 2024, David and Shay became Gramps and Mimi as they welcomed their first grandchild. Grandson, Jack Koleman Lafollette weighed in at 8 pounds, 20 1/2 inches long and immediately became the light of their lives. They make their home in Sevierville, TN. and are members of Connect Church in Sevierville, TN.
Eric Bennett, Bass Singer
Growing up on a farm in the small town of Battle Ground, Alabama, Eric Bennett learned the value of hard work. However, singing in area churches with his brothers and cousins also showed him the value of music in his life. “My mother used to take me to hear local gospel groups,” he says. ’Later, I heard the Kingsmen and the Cathedrals and decided that’s where I wanted to be.”. Over the next several years, Eric’s work ethic carried him through a series of careers, including Pastor of a Baptist church. But after two years in that position, he felt God calling him to resign – although he wasn’t exactly sure why at the time. Two weeks later, however, God’s Will was made clear when Eric was offered a job singing at Dollywood. He went on to perform for 12 seasons at the Pigeon Forge theme park. During that time he was nominated nearly every year for Singing News magazine’s fan award for Favorite Bass Singer. Eric has been voted Singing News Favorite Bass Singer several times since 2009.
Eric is excited to see where God leads them this year, as they travel full time for their music ministry. Eric and his high school sweetheart, Dana, have been married since 1985. The couple have two children, Erin and Zac, and 6 grandchildren, Avery, Chloe, Sadie, Bennett, Gabby and Isabella. The Bennett family has lived in Sevierville since 1991, with no plans to move. ’Why would a person ever want to leave the most beautiful place in the country and the best job anyone could ever have?”, says Eric.
Sean Barber, Lead Singer
I can’t tell you the first time I sang harmony, it was just something in my family you did. Raised in a pastor’s home, true worship was just expected. At a young age I fell in love with singing and playing music in church. I tried the solo artist gig years ago but found myself longing for the blended harmonies and the interaction with others. My wife (Tanessa) and I fell in love at church camp and have been happily married since 1991. We have two wonderful children, Alyssa who lives and works in NYC and our son Pierce (Ethan) who is a touring musician living in Nashville, TN.
In 2015 I started singing lead for the 3rd Row Boys, my first southern gospel quartet based out of Carmel, Indiana and loved every minute of it. The group disbanded in December 2019 leaving me looking for a position with another group. 2020 had its challenges but I kept myself busy with demo work, songwriting, leading worship, solo dates, and filling in with other groups. April of 2021, I began singing lead with Justified Quartet based out of Flint MI.
I have always said, “I would much rather have church at a concert than have a concert at a church”.
Sean