Get to know Buddy
"The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad." ~Psalm 126:3
From local churches in his hometown of Cincinnati to historic venues and arenas across Europe, Buddy’s lifelong love of music has carried him on an incredible journey of faith, family, & song
Buddy's decades of musical experience began when he was a young child singing country music with his father, Merle. Back then his most requested song was "Delta Dawn."
Not only a gifted vocalist, Buddy is also an instrumentalist. At age 11, he began learning to play the saxophone and the following year he started playing drums for New Creations, a Gospel group founded by his father. Buddy played piano, guitar, bass guitar, and sang with his dad's group for many years. This early instrumental background shaped his ear for harmony.
As a youngster, he had the opportunity to attend a concert featuring the Heisman Quartet from Mississippi. Johnny Parrack's high notes made a lasting impression on him and from then on he set his heart on becoming a tenor singer. He discovered vocal music enabled him to communicate and connect with the listener which became his passion. He studied voice extensively with Charles Novell and attended the Charles Novell School of Music where he studied with Bill Baize.
God allowed him to sing with several talented regional groups including The Ball Family, The Mercy River Boys, Stone Ridge Quartet, New Voice Quartet, and The Crownsmen.
When Buddy survived cardiac arrest in 2016, he thought his singing days were over. But God has opened even bigger doors to use his voice in ministry allowing him to sing and travel with such talented groups as The Blackwood Brothers, The Dixie Melody Boys, The Dixie Echoes, and he even did a European tour with The Stamps.
As he looks back, he stands in awe that God has blessed him to share the stage at premier events such as the James D. Vaughn Quartet Festival, Memphis Quartet Show, Jackson Sings the Gospel, Gospel Barn in Hillsdale, Michigan, National Quartet Convention, Silver Dollar City, Shadow Valley, the 20,00 seat Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany (on his first night singing with The Stamps!) and the historic Circus Krone in Munich on his last night of the Elvis Das Musical tour.
In a full-circle moment, in 2025 Buddy was added to the staff of the Charles Novell School of Music where he is able to help others fulfill their calling in ministry.
In addition to the aforementioned legendary groups, Buddy's other musical influences include the Statesmen, Cathedrals, Kingsmen, Gold City, Oak Ridge Boys, and the Eagles. He not only sings Southern Gospel, but he is a lifelong fan of the genre.
Through it all, Buddy treasures his greatest blessings, his wife, Lisa, their five children, Suzanne (Derek), Christina (Justin), Kyle, Adrienne (Josh), and Brandon, and five grandchildren, whom he has lovingly nicknamed Little Buddy, Little Dude, Popsie's Girl, Red Dog, and Little G, and remains grateful for every opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel through music.
Recommendations
“Buddy Bates sang with the Blackwood Brothers for a five-month span when our tenor was on hiatus. Buddy is not only a very good singer but a first class, great guy and a fine Christian gentleman. I highly recommend him to sing and minister in your church, concert series or Christian event. ” - Billy Blackwood of the Legendary/World Famous Blackwood Brothers Quartet
“I've known Buddy Bates for many years and I've had the pleasure of working with him also. He has been blessed with a great voice and lives what he sings. I've sung Gospel Music with many great but, none any better than my friend Buddy. He sung with The Stamps Quartet and lived what he sung. He's my friend and I cherish his friendship. I love this man Buddy Bates and I plan one of these days before long singing in Heaven forever and ever with Buddy.” - From the desk of Ed Enoch Owner/Lead singer of The Stamps Quartet (Ed has performed over 1000 concerts with Elvis Presley)
“It is truly a joy for me to write this letter of recommendation for my dear friend and brother in Christ, Buddy Bates. When I served as pastor, Buddy was my music director, and I can say without hesitation that his partnership in ministry was one of the greatest blessings of my time there.Buddy has devoted more than thirty years of his life to music ministry, and it shows not only in his skill and experience but in the way he carries himself as a servant of the Lord. His passion for music runs deep, but even deeper is his love for Jesus. For Buddy, music is never just about notes and voices—it is about worship. He has a gift for leading God’s people to lift their hearts to heaven, helping them see the greatness of our Lord through song.
In addition to his ministry work, Buddy has sung professionally since 1992 with regional groups, and since 2019, he has performed with nationally known gospel groups including the Blackwood Brothers, Dixie Melody Boys, Stamps, and Dixie Echoes. This experience has refined his musical talent, stage presence, and ability to inspire audiences while keeping the focus on glorifying God.
What I most appreciate about Buddy is his heart. He encourages others, cares for people, and always makes sure the focus remains on Christ. He was not just a music director for me; he was a true partner in ministry—someone I could pray with, dream with, and rely on. His faithfulness, humility, and genuine love for God’s people shine through everything he does. I can say without reservation that any church or ministry would be blessed to have Buddy Bates serve among them. He brings not only talent and experience but also a heart full of worship and a life devoted to the Lord.” - With gratitude and joy, Michael R. Boutot Pastor, Retired
“I highly recommend Buddy Bates to come sing at your church or event! Buddy has been a friend for several years and we’ve shared the stage together across America numerous times. Buddy is a tenor singers tenor singer and I know his heart for ministry and his songs will for sure be a blessing to everyone who listens.” - Steve Ladd - Former Tenor vocalist for Gold City
“I have known Buddy Bates for over 30 years. Buddy is one of the most dynamic tenor singers that I’ve ever shared the platform with. He is also a godly man who loves Jesus, loves people, and loves his family. He would certainly be a blessing to your church, gospel event, and ministry. ” - Bryan Hutson (Former Lead vocalist for The Kingsmen 1996-2001, 2007-2012)