In the last week, Bristowfounded Christian performing artists group Master’s Voice received a new honor: being named the Christian/Gospel/Inspirational Group of the Year at the 8th Annual Josie Music Awards. Moreover, the writers of their song “Whose Hand You’re In” won the Social Impact Song of the Year at the Josie Music Awards.
Founded in December 1995 by local Bristow musicians, including John Tidwell and current Master’s Voice owner and performing artist Ricky Capps, Master’s Voice has been performing country and southern gospel and contemporary Christian music for people around the globe in a ministry spanning twenty-seven years.
Currently, six performers make up Master’s Voice, including four vocalists, a pianist, and a utility artist. In addition to Ricky, the group consists of members T.J. Evans, Jerry Pilgrim, Lathan Moore, David Herring, Chuck Howe, and Nathan Gates. Although Ricky remains the only Bristow hometown member, two of his fellow performers, Evans and Moore, also now live in Bristow, and the remaining three members reside within Oklahoma.
According to Ricky, the group performs 165 to 170 shows per year on average both nationally and internationally, having traveled to and performed in forty-one states and in countries such as Brazil, Ireland, Germany, and Australia.
Although Master’s Voice has won several other awards in
courtesy photo years past, Ricky opted not to name them, in part, as he failed to recall all of their exact titles— not because he lacked appreciation for having received them but because he elevates the ministry of their music. Simply stated, God and eternal salvation through Christ vastly outweigh any earthly accolade they might receive; however, any award that allows their ministry to reach additional people is more than welcomed.
In fact, Ricky mentioned that Master’s Voice was invited to attend the Josie Music Awards but chose to minister in Texas instead. He said “God has put a mantle on this group to be a soul-winning group. We could say that we want to save people, but to be honest, that’s God’s business. We don’t save people. He does. At the end of the day, we want God to look upon us and be pleased. We’re not perfect—far from it, but we hope that He continues to use fallible men to reach the lost and that He’s pleased.”
As to why he appreciates the opportunities awards offer but sets his sights on God instead, he continued, saying “Music through Master’s Voice is my passion, yet at the same time, I sometimes wish that God might relieve me of it and provide another path. It’s wonderful and rewarding. It’s also a burden that requires sacrifice of each of us in the group but also our families. We miss time, birthdays, holidays, celebrations, and daily physical connections with our families while we’re touring. Our families sacrifice with us, but they don’t receive any awards. That’s why it’s important to put it into context. We do it to serve and help people find salvation rather than for awards and in spite of our sacrifices. Why would we want to give God something that costs us nothing? It should cost, and it should be our best.”
While the group expressed humble gratitude for receiving the two Josie Music Awards, Master’s Voice wants everyone to know their greatest reward rests in their salvation and blessed ministry. For as long as the Lord makes a way, they will continue singing, worshiping, and bringing the gospel to the world. With an impassioned mission and the commitment to match, “Inspirational Group of the Year” certainly seems a fitting title for this group. Visit www.mastersvoice.com for more information about the group and their ministry.