Common Bond Quartet

The Common Bond Quartet is a group of men who have committed their time and talents to using music to present the gospel of Jesus Christ.. Their desire to serve God provides the foundation for their ministry. While they endeavor to encourage and uplift believers through word and song, their passion is to plant seeds in the hearts and minds of unbelievers as they seek to further the Kingdom. During a concert, The Common Bond Quartet will be sure to have you not only smiling, tapping your toes and clapping your hands; but you will also likely be challenged and encouraged in your walk with Christ. Worship led by The Common Bond Quartet will be an experience that we're sure will be a blessing long after the last note is sung.

RICK MELTON: Growing up in Middletown, Ohio, Rick loved music from the time he was small. However, he never sang before an audience until he was twenty years old and was asked to sing for his sister’s wedding. As a result of that performance, he was approached to join a trio at his home church—forming his first Southern Gospel Quartet. Rick attended Anderson University where he joined a trio and began touring on weekends. After college, his job and family obligations moved him to Mt. Sterling, Kentucky and Rick stopped touring, but devoted his time learning to play guitar and writing songs. Then about 20 years ago, he began singing with a trio in his home church in Mt. Sterling. The trio eventually (with a few additions and subtractions) morphed into the One Bond Quartet and the men sang together for several years. In 2009, through a series of God-ordained events, Rick started the group Common Bond Quartet.

LEE McCARREN joined Common Bond in January of 2018. Lee brings over 20 years’ experience singing tenor and playing drums in various groups. Prior to joining Common Bond, Lee was with The Ball Family (Covington, KY) where he started out as their drummer; but before long they discovered he was also a great tenor!
Lee's ability to play drums as well as sing tenor will add an extra dimension to the group. With Karen Tate Melton (alto) on the piano, Rick Melton (lead) on either bass or rhythm guitar, and Lee (tenor) on drums, the group is looking forward to being able to incorporate some fresh sounds and variety into their concerts.
Lee was born in Wilmington, OH, and currently resides in Blanchester, OH with his wife, Rebecca, their English Mastiff, Bailee, and their two Bichpoo Puppies! By day, he works as a purchasing agent for a Cincinnati area safety company. We are excited for you to hear Lee's exceptional tenor vocal.

RICK TOWE (pronounced Tau, not Toe) of Point Pleasant, West Virginia is the bass singer for Common Bond.  Born in Franklin, Kentucky, Rick moved to Point Pleasant, West Virginia in 1989 to answer a call to become a pastor.   One of his pastorates was at the New Life Church of God in Gallipolis, Ohio where he served for over 20 years. While in recent years, he has stepped away from those responsibilities, he continues to be an active member of New Life Church of God.
Rick has always loved Southern Gospel music; first singing with a trio at the age of nineteen.  Over the past 30 years, he has sung with several local groups; but always had the dream of singing bass in a male quartet and traveling on a more full-time basis.
Interestingly, Rick has been on the ‘other-side’ of the Southern Gospel industry having served for several years as a DJ and music director for Joy FM Radio and Faith Radio when they had studios in the Point Pleasant (WV) area. As a bi-vocational pastor, he was also a school bus operator.  Having recently retired, he is now free to travel, doing what he loves, and spending more time with his wife, Ginny. The couple has three married children and six grandchildren.

BOB MELFORD - On baritone is our newest member. He not only sings baritone, but is versitile enough to jump to lead, or even to the piano when needed! Bob is so versatile, we'd not be complete without him!
Bob was born in Colorado, but grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, Cedarville University in Ohio, and is a graduate of Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin. Bob has served in several churches from Arizona to Canada as Assistant Pastor and Music Minister. He traveled with 'The Lighthouse Trio' (Canada), 'The Master’s Own' (Indiana), and 'Work in Progress' (Ohio). While most of the time, Bob's voice perfectly blends with the rest of the quartet (a baritone's job), when Bob lets loose on a solo part, you'll also feel the richness, power and scope of his musical ability.
Bob and his wife, Debbie, reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. They have five grown children and nine grandchildren.

CBQ typically travels in a tour bus, and therefore are able to provide our own sound system for events. Depending on the venue, and your needs, we are also open to using on-site equipment. Contact us to work out details for your specific event.