The Beginning

Music has been a way of life to the Campbell family. Leo Sr. grew up listening to church music, playing the trumpet in church at age four. In the 1940's he can remember hearing his parents, Arthur and Leona Campbell, harmonize on some old hymns of the faith. His mother, an accomplished musician, could often be heard playing accordion and singing.

In the 1950's, voice lessons were added to the daily practice sessions. This effort led to participation in area church services, playing the trumpet and singing. Often, he and his brother, Dennis, would form an instrumental duet.

At age sixteen, Leo received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at Word of Life Island in New York. After that event, Gospel music took on a new, real meaning. In the following year, Leo realized the call of God on his life to full-time service. Was it to be in the mission field, the pastorate, or in music? That was a question that took ten years to answer.

Out of high school, three years as a military paratrooper, and marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Phyllis, changed things in Leo's life. Moving into the 1960's brought five children and the ups and downs of a life not serving God. God knows the heart and in His wonderful grace He began to use some Christian people to challenge Leo about the Lord and recommitting his life to serve Him.

Leo became active in a local church, assumed the job of Minister of Music, and formed a male quartet. This group became known as The Swordsmen, which later formed into a quartet named The Northern Lights. He was developing a pattern in music ministry with these successful quartets that would later become his life's work. They recorded several albums and were active in television and radio. Leo left The Northern Lights and joined with a husband and wife team to become Echoes of Calvary, a trio with a terrific sound.

The Journey

The Campbell children lived and grew up in the world of Gospel music with its travel and late nights. They saw God work in concerts and saw many souls won to Christ as invitations were given. Often they fell asleep in the pews while listening to Dad sing. When they were old enough, Dad began to work with them, teaching them what he knows about singing.

At four years of age, Leo Jr. sang to a crowd of 20,000 at an outdoor service. When Leo Jr. was seven, Anna eight, and Cindy nine, they sang as a trio in three-part harmony in their first big concert. That concert, with The Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Dad's group, The Swordsmen performing will always be remembered by the three. By this time, the children had made personal decisions for Christ. Even at such young ages, their desire to serve became clear. During the late stages of work with Echoes of Calvary, Leo Sr. realized his call to sing with his children and so formed The Campbells, a Gospel singing family.

In the 1970's, Leo Sr.'s mother joined with the family playing her keyboard and making a three-generation team traveling full time throughout the United States and Canada. They recorded several albums, appeared on national television, had songs played on the radio, and sang in churches, concert halls, and auditoriums.

The children, of course, grew into adults and one by one got married and started their own families. In the early 1980's, they took a sabbatical that lasted ten years. It took that long for five marriages and ten grandchildren and now eight great grandchildren and two more on the way to take place, and for each one to again realize the full call of God on their lives. In 1991, The Campbells hit the road again, and they haven't looked back.

Sonya Ludwig joined the group as keyboardist in 1995 at the age of 15. Leo Jr. became severely ill and unable to travel soon after that; Naomi (youngest daughter) decided to spend more time at home. Sonya then took over a vocal position and began writing songs for the group; where she remained until last year when she left to become Mrs. Matthew Browder and continue her minisry of music with the Browders.

Today

The Campbells now are LEO CAMPBELL SR., CINDY CAMPBELL FRITH, NAOMI CAMPBELL, AND ANNA CAMPBELL REUMAN, and SCOTT BRUNT. All members of this anointed group seek only to carry out the same call that was placed on The Campbells' ministry many years ago, and share in the same goals, concerns, and convictions. Their heart is to serve God to the fullest extent of their abilities, pointing others to Christ. They look forward to the continued Campbell heritage of Gospel music: seeking to glorify God, bring praise to Him, win souls; be inspiring, challenging, and bring enthusiasm to Christians.

The Campbell Heritage…it shows…you hear it…you feel it…you know they mean it…and they communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.