BIOGRAPHY
Ricky Atkinson & Compassion is a gospel music trio from the southwest corner of Georgia….a small town called, Sylvester….Nominated by the Singing News Fan Awards for “Horizon Group of the Year” for 2002, was the first of many honors receive by the group. Since the inception of the group in 1999, they have been nominated for 27 awards and then brought home the 2005 Southern Gospel “Trio of the Year Award”.
They have charted nine straight top 10 songs, and 11 chart topping songs overall, in 8 years of ministry.
RICKY ATKINSON
Ricky is most noted for his song writing. Nominated in 1999, 2000 (SGMA), 2001 (GGMA) and 2002 (SGN), 2003, 2004, 2005 (2 nominations) for “Songwriter of the Year”. He has written songs for many of today’s top gospel artist, notching numerous top 10 songs, including three #1 songs: “Resting Place” (Singing News-Wilburns-1999); co-wrote “Blessed be the Name of the Lord” (Singing News-Tony Gore and Majesty-2002), and the mega hit by Ricky Atkinson and Compassion, “Jesus Can” (Power Source-Ricky Atkinson and Compassion-2002).
Ricky is the group owner/manager. He is a song publisher, a producer, and is also the president of a record label, Resting Place Music, Inc. of Sylvester, GA.
GREG COOK
Greg was born in Texarkana, AR where his father was Pastor of a church. He started singing at age three and eventually became the music director at his father’s church before leaving for college to pursue the ministry as a Minister of Music. Greg was saved after many years of “playing church.” He is thankful that the Lord kept calling him and that he realized salvation is through the blood of Jesus and not through a denomination. In 1987 he began his professional singing career as the tenor for The Florida Boys Quartet. While with the Florida Boys he was privileged to be a part of the “Gaither Homecoming Video Series.” One of Greg’s most recognized songs is a song he sang while with the Florida Boys, “When He Was on the Cross.” In 1996 he then joined Tony Gore & Majesty before leaving the road full time in 1998 to return to being a full time Minster of Music.
#1 Songs: “Resting Place”(Wilburns), “I Rest My Case At The Cross” (Perrys), “I Wish I Could Have Been There” (Perrys)
Song of the Year nominations: “I Rest My Case At The Cross” (Perrys), “I Can, I Have, I Will” (Perrys), “Calvary Answers For Me” (Perrys), “I Will Find You Again” (Perrys), “His Name Was John” (Perrys)
Dove Award Nominee for Song of the Year: “I Rest My Case At The Cross” (Perrys)
“Male Vocalist” and “Lead Singer of the Year” nominations for 2004.
KEITH CANTRELL
Keith Cantrell was born in Forest City, NC and began playing the piano in his home church and singing with his parents as a small child. Through the years, his heart and passion has been leading God’s people to the throne through the means of music. Even though he began his early adult years in the banking industry as a branch manager and business banker, he always served in the music ministry of his church. He has played and directed choirs and conferences all over the southeast. Today, he is one of the music ministers and pianist at First Baptist Indian Trail and resides in China Grove, NC with his wife Tonya.
This group has achieved great charting positions with their radio singles. They have made appearances on many nationally syndicated radio programs and they are also a fixture on Gospel Music Television, The World Premier Concert, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, The National Quartet Convention, Daystar TV Network, and many other national appearances. The goal of this group is to be a witness to the world, and an encouragement to the church in these last days…. The message is simple, yet sacred, and they carry it well.