Interview with Steve Ladd

For nearly 3 decades, Gold City has been at the forefront of Gospel music, both in quality and innovation. While they, like any group, has endured changes over the years, their commitment to quality and class has not wavered.

Gold City is also one of my all-time favorite groups. While I have followed them since childhood and have been enjoyed each line up, for me, today's incarnation of the group is by far my favorite.

So you can imagine my excitement when tenor singer Steve Ladd agreed to an interview for Southern Gospel View! While I've been blessed to be able to interview several industry leaders, I admit that the fan boy in me came out when I got to conduct this particular interview.

So without further ado, here is an interview with Gold City tenor singer, Steve Ladd....

What was your first exposure to gospel music?

My father is an evangelist, and my family (The Ladd Family) sang all the music for his revivals. We used to go to the concerts at Dayton Memorial Hall in Dayton, Ohio. That is where I first heard Gold City. I sang with my family until about a year and a half before I joined The Anchormen.

When did you realize that you wanted to be a gospel singer?
I knew at about 9 years old that I wanted to sing gospel music for the rest of my life. I credit my mother and father for instilling the love of gospel music in me.

What was your first gospel music "gig"?
I traveled with a local group in North Carolina for about 6 months when I got a call to audition with the Anchormen. I went one night and tried out and was hired that same night.

You spent quite a few years with the Anchormen. How would you describe your time with them?
I spent 8 years being an Anchorman, and that is where I learned to be a quartet man. I learned what life is on the road, and it prepared me for being with Gold City. I have so many great memories with them and made lifelong friends. I wouldn't trade my time with the Anchormen for anything.

When word first came out that Jay Parrack was leaving Gold City, who approached who about you singing tenor? Did you immediately jump at the opportunity, or did they come to you?
When I heard that Jay would be leaving the group, I immediately called Beckie Simmons and told her I wanted to call Tim Riley. They didn't approach me; I made the first call. I had always wanted to be with Gold City.

When I was a kid I would play their music and dream about singing tenor for them. It was a no-brainer, I WANTED THAT JOB!! haha

Obviously, following such a well-known singer as Jay must've been nerve-racking. Did you have any apprehensions about filling his spot?
Jay was (and is) very popular and a great tenor singer! I knew it would take some time to win over his fans....and I still haven't. I guess it was more nerve racking to think of the legacy of the group and to be a part of that tradition while having my own identity. To think that in 28 years, there have only been 3 tenors - Brian Free, Jay Parrack, and me Steve Ladd! That is a lot to live up to!!

With the last two albums, it seems that Gold City has been expanding their horizons musically. Is this a conscious effort by the group, or is it just a natural progression?
I guess its a natural progression. Each version of Gold City has always had their own sound. They have always (in my opinion) been ahead of the game in their style. Listen to Pillars Of Faith - totally different than any other quartet sound of that era. Then with Jay, Jonathon, Mark, and Tim, they had their own style that was different than the years before. We knew with the vocal talent that's in the group now we could pull off this sound. We wanted to have our own sound and yet still be true to the legacy of Gold City.

One song that seems to be getting a lot of response from Moment Of Truth (that really gives you a great feature) is "When Jesus Saves." Who found the song, and what was the reaction initially from the group?
"When Jesus Saves" is a great song. I had so much fun recording it. Danny, along with our producer, Michael Sykes, and Ken Harding first heard the song and Danny brought it to me. He knows I am a closet rocker!! I love the 80s style rock and we wanted to kind of bring that style to this song. Danny said, "Go for it," and I ran with it. Everyone was pleased with how it turned out. We get requests for it from all ages.

What's your favorite song from the new album?
I love every song on this album! This is the first time I can truly say that. My favorite would have to be "When Jesus Saves."

Recently, fans have been treated to a lot more of Gold City "classics" on stage, such as "In My Robe Of White," "John Saw," and "One Scarred Hand." What's your favorite GC "classic"?
My favorite G.C. classic that we currently sing is "In My Robe of White."

Being a tenor singer, I'm sure your voice gets quite a work out each night. Is there anything in particular you do to ensure that your voice stays strong?
I warm my voice up before every performance (very important!). It kind of gets on all the guys nerves but it works. I drink a lot of water. When you sing, you can tell if its there or not, so if I'm having an "off" night, I just try to take it easy and take the low road.

In three words or less, describe the other members of Gold City....

3 words? Well... Friends, Crazy, Great singers/musicians

If you could do anything other than sing gospel music, what would you do?

Not sure what I would be doing. I had no other goal in my life growing up other than to sing.

What have been some of the highlights of your career?
Being with G.C. is definitely a highlight. Singing at the Grand Ole Opry was awesome! Singing "Preach the Word" for Jerry Falwell a few months before his passing is something that I will never forget!

Any hidden talents?
I play the bass guitar and a little harmonica.

And the million dollar question: Is Daniely Riley easy to work with?
No!! He is very hard to travel with and to work for!!!!! (just kidding!) Danny is so easy to work for. He is a great guy and a great singer. I only have good things to say about Danny.

Readers can check out Gold City online at http://www.goldcityqt.com/. Thanks, Steve, for taking the time for this interview!!