Greg Bentley

Born February 16th 1963, Greg Bentley was destined to live out his life doing what he loves the most, being involved in gospel music. Raised in a Christian home, Greg began his journey early when at the age of ten he excepted Christ into his life. Little did his family know what was in store for their shy young son. After hearing shows such as the Gospel Singing Jubilee on TV Sunday mornings, Greg was hooked. “I knew after seeing the Hinsons, Florida Boys, The Hoppers and many others, this is what I was going to do with my life”. So Greg, his brother Rodney and a few cousins decided to try singing. Needless to say, it took hold in Greg’s life.The Bentley family spent most of their summer vacations at the Hoppers camp meeting, Watermelon Park in VA. This just deepened the desire for Greg to share his love for the Lord and music. In 1981 he entered the talent contest at Watermelon Park and came away the winner in the solo division. Not long after this, Greg received a call from Claude Hopper asking if he could fill in for Connie for a couple weeks. “I was floored when my family told me the Hoppers wanted me to come sing, even if it was only for a few weeks, this was my dream come true!”Well, it wasn’t long till a few weeks turned into Five Years! In those five years, Greg recorded such favorite songs as “Citizens of Two Worlds”, “Milk and Honey” and of course the crowd favorite “Looking for a City”! When Dean Hopper and Kim Greene decided to get married, it became clear; God was getting ready to write a new chapter in Greg’s life. Of course, God never closes a door, that He does not open another one. Greg was invited to join an up and coming quartet known as the Down East Boys. While serving as tenor for the group for three years, they recorded songs such as “The Shadow of the Cross” and “Worthy is the Lamb”, but were most recognized for the hit song “In This Beautiful Valley”.Three years quickly passed, when God was ready for Greg to learn a different side of the music industry. Greg left the quartet life to work for Crossroads Music in Asheville NC. This is the home record company for The Kingsmen, The McKameys, The Inspirations, Mark Bishop and many more. While working here, Greg decided to try some solo work, so he recorded a solo project and hit the roads on the weekends. About a year later, God was adding to Greg’s ministry by opening the door for him to join with Squire Parsons and form the Squire Parsons Trio, while still keeping his job at Crossroads. “This was a major honor for Squire to ask me to travel with him. He is one of the most respected men in gospel music and one of the most awarded songwriters”. Greg traveled with Squire for ten years until the fall of 2005, when Greg felt God leading him to focus on the future. So Greg resigned from the trio and went to work full time at Crossroads Music. His responsibilities are Publishing and Artist Relations with the company. Crossroads now has over 12 popular artists including Ivan Parker, The Talley Trio, The Kingdom Heirs as well as the artist listed above.Of course when God puts a song in your heart, you can’t quit singing, so Greg has begun touring as a solo artist again as well as being more involved at Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville NC where he is a member under pastor Ralph Sexton Jr. “God has opened more doors for me to share what a wonderful God He is. I have been working in churches around the country sharing life stories through music and testimony and hopefully encouraging the church to Keep on Keeping On!”Greg’s soaring tenor voice and his joyful personality have made him a crowd favorite for years. His new recording “Journal of Grace” is now available and features guest vocals by Kim and Dean Hopper as well as Arthur Rice and Jeff Chapman of the Kingdom Heirs.