In December of 1962, John Montgomery married Norma Guinn, and they began to build a family.
The oldest son, David was born in 1964, and soon after that came another son, Mike. John and
Norma became active in their home church and began their own type of ministry - helping young
people. John and Norma kept several foster children and troubled teens for the local Human
Services Department. The were privileged to see the Lord bless their efforts and save most all of
those that they kept in their home.
Several years passed, and in 1971, the first daughter, Amy, was born. Four years later, another
son, Jerry, came into the world. By this time, John and Norma, remaining dedicated to the cause
of the gospel were singing in their home church with a church based group.
Before Jerry's birth, John began to feel the call of the Lord on his life to preach the gospel, and
like many people do, he ran from the call. The doctors told John that Norma's pregnancy with
Jerry was in serious jeopardy, so John finally surrendered and announced his calling to preach.
Shortly afterward, Jerry was born-both baby and mother were completely healthy. After Jerry's
birth, John and Norma began attending a church with their family in Johnson City, TN. John was
occasionally preaching and he and Norma were singing in a gospel group called "The Light of Life
Quartet". John and Norma both prayed for the day that their children could join them on stage.
A new addition came into the family in 1981; a second daughter, Karen. This made five children -
what a family! After Karen's birth, John was called to pastor a church in Hampton, TN and this is
where the Montgomerys' ministry was started. Jerry had sung since the young age of three, but
never had they sung as a family. Mike and David could both play guitar, and so, just for fun, the
family decided to gather around one evening and sing. From that time on, they haven't stopped!
Churches began to ask this family to come and minister to them, and before long, John had to
resign from his church and the whole family hit the road traveling for Jesus.
In 1987, Mike was married and decided to settle down with his family in a home church, so he left
the group. In 1999, Mike became a single father with three kids and a wonderful testimony. Mike
also answered the call to preach around this time. Tragically, on May 2nd, 2001, Mike lost his life
in a house fire while trying to get his family to safety. Although Mike is gone, we know where he
is and also know that we will see him again soon.
In 1990, Amy was married, and her husband, Terry, now plays the drums for the group. Terry and
Amy have three precious children and are wonderful Christian parents. Their eldest son, John
Charles Belisle, sings at least one song during the program with The Montgomerys, and most
people will tell you, he has won their hearts!
In 1992, David was also married and began his own ministry as the Lord had called him to preach
as well. He now pastors the church we attend: Cherokee Community Free Will Baptist Church in
Johnson City, TN.
1993 rolled around and Norma became very sick. After extensive testing, the doctors diagnosed
her with Lupus, and several other disorders. Several churches thought The Montgomerys would
quit, but with much dedication and determination, they kept going. Norma is still ill, but with the
Lord's help, she is able to fill most all dates with the group.
The Montgomerys have now celebrated over 20 years in the Southern Gospel Music field. With 4
vocalists, and a 3 piece band, (drums, keyboard, bass and rhythm guitar), the Montgomerys usually
fill about 75-90 dates per year. Much of the material that the group uses is comprised by group
members. Amy Montgomery-Belisle, Jerry Montgomery, and John Montgomery write several of
the songs that the group sings. God has truly blessed this family. Jerry of the group states, "We
have seen many souls come to know Jesus and lives changed as a result of our ministry. We give
all the credit to Jesus Christ, for without Him we are nothing. However, through Him, and by Him
and in Him, we can say like Apostle Paul, "I can do all things."
In 2002, The Montgomerys released their first nationwide single to Southern Gospel radio, "God's
Not Dead In My House". The song did fairly well, charting on a few radio stations across the
nation. Also in 2002, The Montrgomerys recorded their first Live Project - CD, Cassette, DVD,
and video - entitled, "20th Anniversary LIVE". From that project came the second national
release, "I'm a Witness", written by Jerry. When asked why the group continues to persevere,
John Montgomery says, "We have much to do, and no much more time left before Jesus comes
back to get us, so we must keep going on for the Lord despite what others do or say."
With an enthusiasm for the Lord and the anointing of His Holy Spirit, this family has just released
a brand new project entitled "Undefeated". "Folks have told us this is our best project yet," Jerry
Montgomery says. The first single from the project is the title song, "Undefeated," which is
written by Jerry and is on Lighthouse Promotions Complilation Volume 39 Cut # 7. The
Montgomerys are truly ready to work for God, leading others to know Him. For more information
on how to have the Montgomerys at your church or music event, go to the Contact Page.
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