o Indisputably among the premier gospel groups of the modern era, the Soul Stirrers pioneered the contemporary quartet sound. They had a very sexually charged presence, which often blurred the lines between religious and secular music. After its reincarnation, the quartet held bass Jesse Farley, baritone T.L. Bruster, second lead James Medlock, and, most notably, lead R.H. Harris, whose high, crystalline voice remains the inspiration for virtually all great male quartet leads to follow since.