The
trio consists of Mike Bowling and his wife, Kelly and alto Terah
Crabb Penhollow. They bring you their stories and songs
in a way that is reminiscent of days gone by. To watch them
perform reminds us of a time when "all night singings" were
the norm, and folks lined up early to visit with the singers
and musicians. As in most things, musical styles come full
circle. What is old
is new, and what is new is old!! Musically, Mike, Kelly and
Terah make us realize this. Somehow they have created a sound
that is
as refreshing as the trio sounds of the early 70s. Mike has
often been referred to as the vocal stylist of the day; however,
the
completion is so obvious with Kelly and Terah by his side.
History will note that they have been true to the excellence
of their ability
without diminishing or distancing the listener. Refreshing!!!
The Bowling Family is no strangers to the Christian
music world having a long list of accomplishments during their
vocal careers.
While Mike began singing and playing piano at a very young
age, he had a very impressive musical beginning at only 16
years old; a two
year span with the legendary LeFevres. Mike then went on to
earn a degree in Respiratory Therapy before returning to
the music world.
In 1995, he joined the New Hinsons, a perfect blend considering
Mike’s
vocals are very distinctively similar to those of the late Kenny
Hinson. After lending his vocal abilities to several of their high-charting
songs, Mike went on to join another successful family group, the
Perrys. While with the Perrys, Mike was featured on songs such as "God
Sent Angels," "By Faith I Can Touch Him Now," "Not
Even A Stone," "Redeemed," "When He Spoke," and
many others.
After Mike’s marriage to Kelly, Kelly sang with her family…the
Crabb Family, Mike spent the next six years traveling as a soloist
garnering a tremendous amount of success. In fact, he has been noted
as the first Southern Gospel soloist to achieve back to back number
one positions on the Singing News Top 80 charts. Kelly spent more
than 15 years with her family, The Crabb Family. During that time
they were the recipients of three GRAMMY nominations, 11 Dove Awards,
16 number one songs and numerous other accomplishments. Kelly’s
unmistakable voice could be heard on the family's hits "Don't
You Wanna Go," "Good Day," "Jesus Will Do What
You Can't," "Trail Of Tears," as well as singing harmonies
on all the others. After the birth of the Bowling's third child,
Kelly realized it was time to join her husband on stage as Mike & Kelly
Bowling.
In August 2009, Terah Crabb Penhollow officially
joined Mike and Kelly on stage full-time and the group changed
their name to
the Bowling Family. Terah previously traveled with her sister,
Kelly, and her three brothers as the Crabb Family. Terah
is known for being
soft spoken off stage, but an amazing talent onstage. She is
most known for her lead vocals on “He’ll Make A Way,” “Traveling
On,” “Jesus In A Song” and “I’ve Come
to Take You Home.” Terah sings with an instantly recognizable
sweet anointing. Terah and her husband Jonathon have one son,
Logan, and reside in Tennessee.
The Bowling Family has appeared on the Gaither
Homecoming series concerts and videos, TBN, during Gospel Music
Week’s Dove Awards,
at GMA’s Seminar in the Rockies and numerous other major events.
Their debut release, Faith To Believe, has garnered a record four
number one songs (“We Have A Saviour,” “Your Cries
Have Awoken The Master,” “A Miracle Today” and “Notified”),
as well as the 2008 Song of the Year (“Your Cries Have Awoken
The Master).
The Bowling Family is excited to be in ministry
together. They know that all roads have led to this time and
this place! God's
timing is perfect and they are aware that much work must be
done.
The world
is in need of the Gospel. The power of a song as a tool to
reach the masses, once again is witnessed. The careers and
ministries that
Mike, Kelly and Terah have enjoyed thus far is humbling for
them. Life has been sweet. But,oh how sweet is the thought
of a young family,
a "new" vision, passion and gratefulness for the collective
calling, as a family? As long as there is a song and a place to sing
it, the Bowling Family is committed to making Gospel music together.
With Mike and Kelly’s three girls in tow the future is bright,
and who knows how many Bowling girls will be on that stage
with them in the future!