Bios

Clois along with his brother Dwight “Bubba” started the group in October of 1972. Singing the gospel for 47 years, he is truly dedicated to Gods service. He has an anointing from God to minister in music and sing the good news of our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. With a testimony of Gods power and deliverance that has touched many of our countries Veterans. Clois is an active member in the music dept. at his home church. His family consists of wife Connie and one child Canessa and her husband Bryan and grandson Landon. Living in a rural area, the community of Velvet Ridge Arkansas, Clois loves to share the joy of the Lord with everyone he comes in contact with and tell about Gods saving Grace. Seeing many born into the Kingdom of God has made our travels worth all the sacrifice we’ve made over the years worth it all. When Clois gets on the van, sits, then turns around and with a smile and says, “Kids, we get to go sing a song for Jesus.” You know he loves what he’s doing for the Lord!!! His prayer along with the rest of the group is that many souls will be encouraged, lifted up and born again through the ministry of Velvet Ridge.

Dwight "Bubba" has a heart for God and ministering to all those he comes in contact with. For the past 47 years of his life, he expresses his appreciation to God for where he has placed him in ministry. Dwight and his wife Sharon resides in Velvet Ridge Arkansas. He is the last of nine siblings and shares a great love for those of his family. He has truly been anointed by God with the ability to have written and still writing some of Gospel Music's finest songs. The compassion and commitment of his heart is to the winning of souls for the Kingdom of God, and it is shown in the words of each song he has penned. If you give him the chance he will ask "Now! Don'tcha just love Jesus?" Dwight says it's a joy to make a return visit to some of the places where Velvet Ridge has ministered in the past to find those still serving the Lord, that had received Jesus into their hearts through the ministry of Velvet Ridge. God's anointing on his life has just increased his love for the ministry.

Amanda, Our newest member of the group is Amanda Hagberg. Amanda resides in Velvet Ridge with her husband, Garrett. She is a great-niece to Clois and Dwight and shares their love for southern gospel music. Amanda has been singing with her sister (Sarah) for several years, was previously a member of another gospel music band, and enjoys her ministry as choir director in her local church.

In addition to Clois and Dwight, two of her most prominent mentors were past members of Velvet Ridge Singers that have gone to be with Jesus. Belinda Harper was like as second mother to Amanda and her sister, helping them develop their musical talent. When Amanda and her sister were in their youth, Belinda spent many hours around a piano with them, working with them and praying for their futures. Amanda also shared a special bond with Jerry Cox, her uncle (who was a charter member of Velvet Ridge Singers). Through the years, he spent many hours singing with and encouraging Amanda. She takes her calling to minister through song very seriously.

Amanda loves Jesus with all her heart, and in her words, “feels honored” and thoroughly enjoys sharing the Joy of Jesus through song with her uncles.