Doc Horsley began dreaming in 1987 about creating a four part harmony gospel quartet hut never imagined how our Father would bless these many years of quartet travels. Doc's lifetime of gospel music experience includes 36 recordings from Nashville with the Travelers, the Proverbs, the Glorylanders, and 24 with Fortress which he created in 1988. Doc has recently released a collection of all bass features on all of these recordings. It is entitled "40 years of bass singing" and contains 53 tunes on a two CD set. Doc won bass singer of the year, gospel D.J. of the year, and is a published songwriter with BMI-Nashville, while writing several chapters on U.S. gospel music history for national publishers. Doc has been a gospel DJ. In 1984, he created the Illinois State Gospel music new talent show where 12-15 gospel quartets and 25 soloists appeared annually. While his wife Marilyn, his children & grandchildren are his passion, FORTRESS has been his ministry. Through the years many outstanding individuals shared the stage making this ministry one of the best. See History section..As the MC, Doc prays for strength to carry the Lord's music to a lost and dying world. Doc's features--- Just a little Talk with Jesus, Moving up to Gloryland, God Made a Way, Wonderful time up there & You gotta walk that lonesome road . Doc & Marilyn have four adult children --son-Tim Horsley of Nashville TN, daughter-Andrea Hancock & granddaughter-Leslie of Carterville IL, daughter Diana Bailey and grandson Grant of Perryville MO., and son Mitch Regenhardt of Phoenix, AZ.

Doc & Joey have been friends since 1976. In August of 1988, Doc called Joey to be a part of a new spiritual quartet endeavor: Fortress. At the end of 1997, Joey having graduated Bible School and now ordained decided to travel the road of the Preaching and Singing Evangelist with Revivals, TV, Radio, & Prison ministries for ten years. At the end of 2007, Joey enthusiastically reunited with Doc.

Joey is an accomplished singer/musician/producer/arranger. As a professional BMI songwriter, Joey has worked under long term songwriting contracts. Some of these prestigious producers include Chris White of Sonlite/Crossroads Music, Otis Forest, Garry Jones, and Rick Sandidge of Mark Five Records. One interesting secular fact about Joey - is his love for Bell 47 Helicopters which he enjoys flying & selling. He is best known internationally as the President of the 700 member Bell Helicopter Association since 2001. Many pilots and mechanics refer to him as “Mr. Bell 47.” Joey is also well known as one of the popular Los Angeles stars of “The Whirlybirds” – based on the 1950’s TV show produced by Lucy Ball and Desi Arnez. You can see his “New Whirlybirds” storyboards and videos of his adventure strips, episodes, and live airshows exploits on the internet.

Fortress gives a mightly thank you to John Nimmo whose busy life has kept him away from gospel music for a while    But he agrees to fill in as lead on a limited schedule in 2013 while we continue our search for a permanent lead voice.  John as been in and around gospel music all of his adult life.  He and Doc met when he was very young and he has served several quartets in the area including recording with Fortress as lead voice in 2006 on the CD-Timeless. John also recorded with One Voice in 2007.  John has one teenage son-Garrett-and is planning to complete a Christmas CD this summer.  Thanks John for your dedication and your help.

He knows the gospel quartet field having sung and managed for years. Jim Beaty of Mt Vernon joins Fortress after years of pastoring churches in southern Illinois & after Bible College in Nashville TN. Jim begain singing in quartets in 1971 1st with The Overland & then he started Living Proof with whom he managed & sang lead for 13 years. Recently Jim was a soloist & then a Freewill Bapt music minister in Mt Vernon where he & wife Malissa live & worship. They have 5 children & 10 grandchildren. He will be featured on Amazing Grace & I need you more. Jim writes that it has "been my dream to sing with Fortress and I am honored & humbled to be a member" Jim we are honored as well.