Personal Influences come from such individuals as our parents, grandparents, relatives who lived a Godly life before us. Musical influences are groups like the Cathedrals, Happy Goodmans, Statesman, etc.
Keith began singing around the age of seven at his home church in Burgaw, NC during Wednesday Night Youth Services. At the age of 12, he felt the call on his life to minister in song. He began singing at area churches during revivals, homecomings, special events, and youth services.
Keith sang with regional group "Canaanland" from Princeton, NC for 4-1/2 years performing around 60 - 70 dates per year. They ministered throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.
He has also traveled professionally with the nationally known "Anchormen Quartet" from Goldsboro, NC. According to Tim Bullins of the Anchormen, "Keith has one of the most powerful and anointed voices in Gospel Music". This ministry is also endorsed and recommended by folks like Ricky Carden of the Down East Boys, Steve Ladd of Gold City, Jeff Chapman of the Kingdom Heirs, Brian Hutson of the Blackwood Gospel Quartet and Phillip Hughes of the Kingsmen Quartet.
In 1998, Keith began Rivenbark Family Ministries. He now travels with his wife, Susan, who runs sound for the ministry, and sings with 16 year old daughter, Kayla, who has been on the road since the ministry began.
Kayla, who is an accomplished vocalist in her own rite, has been involved in numerous recordings, videos, and has made several live television appearances. She has also had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at Professional Baseball and Speedway opening ceremonies.
Keith has judged talent competitions at "The State Annual Singing Convention" in Benson, NC, and also at the "Albemarle Gospel Music Singing Convention" in Elizabeth City, NC. He has also had the opportunity to serve as a Youth Counselor at Crusader Youth Camp in Dunn, NC. Also, Keith is a former Director for the State Singing Convention in Benson, NC.
Keith, an ordained minister, is a graduate of Emmanuel Baptist University in Connelly Springs, NC where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Education. Keith also volunteers at Cleveland Fire Department in Johnston County where he serves as Firefighter and Chaplain. He is employed with The North Carolina Department of Transportation and resides in Clayton, NC.
God has blessed this ministry, enabling us to record seven CD projects and two cassette recordings. You may visit the ministry website www.rivenbarkfamilyministries.com to view the projects as well as listen to sound clips from these projects. Also the entire collection is available at any of our personal appearances.
It is The Rivenbark's desire to see souls saved, hearts mended, and sickness healed. This ministry is dedicated to sharing uncompromising Gospel of Jesus Christ. We also desire the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and control everything we do and say, so that we are not the focus, but Jesus Christ who lives within us.