Archie Watkins (January 6, 1949-)
Biography
Archie Watkins sang tenor for The Inspirations from 1964-2009. After 45 years with the group, he left to form Smoky Mountain Reunion with former Inspirations members Troy Burns, Jack Laws, Marlin Schubert, and Eddie Dietz. Watkins returned to the Inspirations in 2017 upon the departure of Casey Johnson. At this time, he also became the owner and manager of the group after the passing of founding member and long-time owner/manager/pianist Martin Cook. In 2020, the older members of the group decided to retire from the road, with Watkins remaining group owner/manager.
Solo Discography
hi-res
2009 Pouring Out Blessings (Crossroads Music): He's Pouring Out Blessings; He Will Remember Me; I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You; What A Wonderful Time; I Have Not Forgotten; The Gospel According To John; On The Sunny Banks; He's On The Throne; Wish I Could Have Been There; If You Only Knew.
2009 It's Still The Blood (Custom Records): Touring That City; It's Still The Blood; Sweet Beulah Land; Thank God I've Made It; I've Got More To Go To Heaven For; The Lights Of Home; Cry For The Children; I'm Taking A Flight; A Wedding Invitation; The Solid Rock.
2009 He Lives In Me (Custom Records): Two Shoes; He Lives In Me; While The Ages Roll On; Joy On The Other Side Of Jordan; Jesus Is Hope; Will Jimmy Make It Home; Be Looking For Me; The Son Rose; Between Here And There; Rock Of Ages.
2009 Amazing Grace (Custom Records): Another Chance For God To Move; That's Just God Doing What He Does; I'll Not Turn My Back On Him Now; Looking To Live; They're Holding Up The Ladder; At His Feet; Heaven's Mine; He Knows You By Heart; My Lord's Been Walking; Amazing Grace.
hi-res
2010 Worthy (Crossroads Music): Shoutin' Time In Heaven; One Day; Flow Through Me; God's Word Will Stand; Revelation Happy Home; I Want Us To Be Together In Heaven; Foot On The Rock; Longing For Home; Oh What A Happy Day; Worthy Is The Risen Lamb.
Awards
SGMA Hall Of Fame (2007)
Singing News Fan Awards
Favorite Tenor Singer (1972, 1973, 1979, 1982)
Favorite Male Singer (1974, 1975, 1976)