The Archers formed in 1967 and were one of the earliest contemporary Christian music groups in America. They were originally the brothers Tim and Steve Archer, Fred Satterfield, Nancye Short and Billy Rush Masters.
Tim and Steve Archer grew up as the sons of a pastor in the San Joaquin Valley, northern California, and began singing in their father's church as a child. In the mid-1960s, they toured with their older brother Gary as the gospel trio "The Archer Bros." This was a pivotal stage in the group's evolution into what would later become known as contemporary Christian music, as they first introduced their own electrical accompaniment, a rare introduction to evangelical Christian music of the period. In 1966, Tim and Steve entered a talent search competition and finished second nationwide. In 1967 they started as The Archers with Gary on guitar. Before long (Gary moved into artist management) they hired additional staff, drummer Fred Satterfied and guitarist and songwriter Billy Rush Masters, and singer Nancye Short.
In 1971 they performed with other Christian artists in churches and at Jesus festivals across Southern California and attracted the attention of Andrae Crouch and Light Records boss Ralph Carmichael. In 1972 they went to TTG Studios in Hollywood, California to record their first album, Any Day Now, with Gary producing for their independent label Charisma Records. In 1973 the Nashville, Tennessee JT Benson Company bought Charisma and re-released the album on Impact Records as The Archers. At the time, the Archers included a full support band with Tim Jacquette (bass), Tim Johnson (keyboards) and Tim Short (drums), all of whom had played on the first album and in previous concert appearances. As the national profile grew, the group continued to expand its schedule, performing in churches and major concert halls across the country and Canada. In 1974 they recorded their second and final album for Impact, Keep Singin 'That Love Song, produced by Bob MacKenzie.
In June 1975 they released their first light album, The Archers: Things We Deeply Feel. At the end of 1976, after returning from a tour of South Africa, they returned to the studio together with the arranger and Elvis Presley TCB band graduate Larry Muhoberac to record their second LP for Light. After Billy Rush Masters and Nancye Short left in 1977, Sister Janice Archer joined.
The group reappeared with the release of the GMA Dove Award, Fresh Surrender, in 1977 with a dramatically changed appearance and sound. The best-selling album by then produced seven hits in a row, including Masters' title track and "I Need You" and shorts "I'm Gonna Rise" and "Make Me An Instrument". 1978 brought the new cast to the White House for President Jimmy Carter. In 1984 The Archers released their last album for the now ailing Light Records "All Systems Are Go". Her last album "Colors of Your Love" was released after a five-year break from recording. The Archers broke up in 1993.
The Archers had a full touring band for the first fifteen years of their career. The core band of their touring and recording bands included lead guitar, rhythm guitar, keyboards, bass and drums. Tim Archer played rhythm guitar and Billy Rush Masters played lead. Nancye Short played the piano. In a genre known for poor production standards for recording, they were known for producing well-produced albums.
Tour band
Nancye Short: lead vocals
Billy Rush Masters: lead guitar, songwriter for Fresh Surrender, Brand New Day, music (1968-1976)
Kelly Willard — Piano, Background Vocals (1975): (Successful composer, minister of worship and worship)
Phil Kristianson - keyboards, composer (1975-1980): (later with Amy Grant, Promise Keepers)
Fred Satterfield - drums (1968-71): (First drummer, also played on "Any Day Now" - later with The Oakridge Boys)
Paul Bahn - drums, drums (1976-1980): (later with Donna Summer)
Tony Sena - guitar (1976–1981): One of the few touring band members who also record with the group.
Tim "Jake" Jaquette - Fender Bass (1971–1980, 1982): Primary bass throughout her career. (Recording Engineer, Producer, recorded and toured with The Archers; recorded with Steve Archer)
Dan Cutrona - keyboards, vibraphone, marimba (1978–1980, 1991): (Recorded and toured with The Archers)
Alex Drizos - bass guitar (1980–1986): replaces Tim Jaquette (1980) as main bassist who edited the albums Celebrate - Live, Spreadin 'Like Wildfire and All Systems Are Go (on tour). He was also the bass player in the TV Show from Archer in the TBN network (1984). Recorded with Steve Archer and the albums Through His Eyes Of Love and was primarily a live bassist / vocalist, right here to stay. (1983–1989): (later appeared with Dave Mason (currently), Donna Summer, and Eddie Money. Also worked with Pat Boone, Benny Hester, Phil Keaggy, Edgar Winter, and Ambrosia.)
Discography
1972 Any Day Now (Charisma)
1973 The Archers (Impact / Benson)
1974 Keep Singin 'That Love Song (Impact / Benson)
1975 Things We Deeply Feel (Light Records)
1977 Fresh Surrender (Light Records)
1979 Stand Up! (Light Records)
1980 Celebrate - Live (Light Records) - In concert
1981 Spreadin 'Like Wildfire (Songbird / MCA)
1984 All Systems Are Go (Light Records)
1991 Colors of Your Love (Reunion / Word)
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…shrink me down again