Performing gospel favorites such as “I’ll Fly Away,” “I Saw The Light,” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” Long Time Coming is growing in popularity with their unique sound.

Group members include Christian Long, Embry Long and Logan Long, triplet sons of Russell and Angel Long of Eupora. Christian plays harmonica and bass, Embry plays drums and mandolin, and Logan plays lead and rhythm guitar.

“They are unique both in looks and sound!” said Amy Stephens, former music teacher. “Familial harmony is much better than random harmony, so their singing and harmony is really outstanding! Love those guys! I taught them in elementary music and I’ve worked with them a little since they’ve become a group. They do several styles of music and are very versatile!”

The Longs said they grew up with music playing in the house all the time. As babies their mother had a CD player in their room and music was always on. As they have gotten older, that hasn’t changed.

“Both sides of our family love music and have exposed us to all different genres,” Christian Long said. “That’s why we are able to play country, bluegrass, rock, and Contemporary Christian. Our family is always making requests for songs.”

The Longs began taking guitar lessons when they were around 10 years old.

“We all began with the guitar then we realized that we all couldn’t play the same instrument so we had to pick different instruments,” Embry Long said. “We have also been fortunate to have been surrounded by Christian music teachers who have taught us music but also how to be Godly men.”

Bro. Tim Buchanan, one of the Longs current music instructors, has been working with the group for about a year and a half. He said their music has something appealing to all age groups.

“Their music crosses all age boundaries,” Buchanan said. “They lead worship at their church which brings in a lot of Christian contemporary influence but they have a folksy-almost bluegrass sound. Everyone will enjoy something from their performance.”

The Longs are in the process of recording a demo and have recently started writing their own material.

“We love playing music and are so excited to see what God has planned for us in the future.” Christian Long said.

The Longs said they have a lot of people who have helped them translate their love for music into an ability to perform, including teachers such as Don Pounds, Bro. Keith Harris, Dusty Rainey, Bro. Tim Buchanan, Donnie Buckner, Amy Stephens and Stephanie Stephens.

“And a special thanks to our Papa, Loyd Chism, who first signed us up for lessons and who continues to be our ‘Number One’ supporter,” Embry Long said.

While Loyd may be their “Number One” supporter, grandparents Pam Chism, and Leon and Emmy Long are not far behind.

Donnie Buckner, another current music teacher said Long Time Coming has “unmatched potential.”

“They are three talented, good-looking boys who are hungry to learn more about music,” Buckner said. They are a joy to work with. They play multiple instruments and they are evenly matched as far as talent. If they would apply themselves to their potential, it would be amazing what they could do.”

Long Time Coming performs regularly as part of the praise band at First United Methodist Church of Eupora, and at different venues throughout the area. When they are not leading worship at Eupora First UMC, they can be found leading worship at Vacation Bible School, Children’s Summer Camp, Youth Camps, gospel nights, youth nights, and Fifth Sunday Singings. They can also be found playing at the hospital nursing home, Golden Living Center, at this year’s Webster County Relay for Life and at several area benefits, as well as for weddings, wedding receptions, banquets and parties.

Logan Long said their faith is very important to them and their music is an expression of that faith.

“We believe that God gave us this talent so we can witness to others through our music,” Logan Long said.

“These guys have a God-given talent there’s no doubt about that,” said Chase DeNoon, youth pastor at Eupora’s First United Methodist Church. “I am glad they let The Lord use them as His hands and feet through music in our church. They are great guys and I know if they continue to use their talents for God and work hard, then he will continue to bless them.”

 

 

For more information about Long Time Coming, check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/LongTimeComing. Also contact them by calling (662) 230-1622 or emailing them at longtimecoming97@yahoo.com.

 

See this story in the Wednesday, July 23, 2014 edition of The Webster Progress Times at http://websterprogresstimes.com/2014/07/23/long-time-coming-performs-gospel-songs/