Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality
Ministering the soul through musical praise
Founded in 1994 by former R&B music singer Nathan Bartell, the gospel singing group Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality blends traditional gospel with an upbeat sound. The group's newest CD -- "Praying" -- debuts June 11, 2017, on Eureka Records.
They perform regularly at gospel events, special occasions and churches throughout the South.
For bookings, contact Rev. Nathan Bartell at 229-567-4085 or 229-886-8656.
They perform regularly at gospel events, special occasions and churches throughout the South.
For bookings, contact Rev. Nathan Bartell at 229-567-4085 or 229-886-8656.
Nathan Bartell is a native of Ashburn, Georgia. His love of music and singing began while he was a young boy growing up in rural south Georgia. He became a musician at age 11. In addition to singing, he played the trumpet and performed in his school marching and jazz bands. He was a young man when he became an R&B singer -- a career that eventually spanned 27 years.
After graduating from high school in 1962, he moved to Atlanta. He made the rounds in nightclubs, bars and other venues singing and performing for the crowds and meeting other artists who stopped in at places like The Royal Peacock, the Palladium and the Casino clubs.
His career got a boost in the summer of 1967 when he took the stage to sing Wilson Pickett's "Funky Broadway" hit at an Atlanta night club. The crowd wanted to hear the song and no one knew the words -- but Bartell. He sang in many clubs afterward, but, for family reasons, moved back to Ashburn in 1968. He connected with Eddie and the Cascades from Cordele, Ga., and performed with them at clubs until 1972, when the band broke up. Bartell had already met Albany music producer Jesse Boone and worked with his Soul-Po-Tion record label to produce vinyl. The first was "Ooh Baby I love You," which was partnered on the flip side with "If I Could Win Your Love." The record was a regional hit, but was never released nationally. Still, Bartell toured in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and the Carolinas singing the song.
His next record was written by Freddie Wilson and Boone had Bartell in mind when he heard it: "Top Going Down, Bottom Going Up." More on this tune later.
In 1976, under Boone's new label -- Albradella Records -- Bartell released the song "Moving On" with "Sitting Alone" on the flip side. His new group, The Shandelles, also recorded other songs during that era: "That's My Girl," "Someone Like You" and "Running Through the Night" in 1979.
Bartell founded Eureka Records in 1985 so that he could record and release his own music under Co-Rey Music.
See his career bio penned on Georgia Soul's website by writer Brian Poust.
One of Bartell's R&B tunes -- "Top Going Down, Bottom Going Up" -- was selected as part of the soundtrack for an episode of the Netflix cable TV series "Luke Cage." The series is based on the Marvel Comics story of a black superhero. Bartell's song was among tunes by artists Nina Simone and John Lee Hooker featured in Episode 7, which aired Sept. 30, 2016. The single is available on iTunes.
A series of personal, family and health events in 1991 forced Bartell to leave R&B for good. He says a collapse lung that prevented him from singing and the death of two sons was a wake-up call from God to change his life. He says he promised God he would never sing R&B music again if He could get him through that very troubling and difficult time. God didn't let him down and Bartell stayed true to his promise.
His love of singing had not diminished, so he formed Nathan Bartell and Reality in 1994 and continued to sing --- but uplifting, spiritual tunes instead of hip rhythm. The gospel group has worked with several major groups, including The Gospel Key Notes, Lee Williams and the QC's, the Mighty Clouds of Joy and more over the years. In November 2006, they appeared on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour show.
Since 1995, Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality has released seven CDs, including the latest -- "Praying" -- which debuted in June 2017.
Each year, Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality celebrate their anniversary with a concert featuring gospel singers and quartets from across South Georgia.
He worked as a carpentry supervisor at Albany State University, a historically black college (HBCU) located in Albany, Ga., from 1994 to 2011.
God called him to preach in February 2008 and he became a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 2009. Today, he pastors at Mt. Olive AME Church in Ocilla, Ga. He lives in Ashburn, Ga., with his wife, Jane.
After graduating from high school in 1962, he moved to Atlanta. He made the rounds in nightclubs, bars and other venues singing and performing for the crowds and meeting other artists who stopped in at places like The Royal Peacock, the Palladium and the Casino clubs.
His career got a boost in the summer of 1967 when he took the stage to sing Wilson Pickett's "Funky Broadway" hit at an Atlanta night club. The crowd wanted to hear the song and no one knew the words -- but Bartell. He sang in many clubs afterward, but, for family reasons, moved back to Ashburn in 1968. He connected with Eddie and the Cascades from Cordele, Ga., and performed with them at clubs until 1972, when the band broke up. Bartell had already met Albany music producer Jesse Boone and worked with his Soul-Po-Tion record label to produce vinyl. The first was "Ooh Baby I love You," which was partnered on the flip side with "If I Could Win Your Love." The record was a regional hit, but was never released nationally. Still, Bartell toured in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and the Carolinas singing the song.
His next record was written by Freddie Wilson and Boone had Bartell in mind when he heard it: "Top Going Down, Bottom Going Up." More on this tune later.
In 1976, under Boone's new label -- Albradella Records -- Bartell released the song "Moving On" with "Sitting Alone" on the flip side. His new group, The Shandelles, also recorded other songs during that era: "That's My Girl," "Someone Like You" and "Running Through the Night" in 1979.
Bartell founded Eureka Records in 1985 so that he could record and release his own music under Co-Rey Music.
See his career bio penned on Georgia Soul's website by writer Brian Poust.
One of Bartell's R&B tunes -- "Top Going Down, Bottom Going Up" -- was selected as part of the soundtrack for an episode of the Netflix cable TV series "Luke Cage." The series is based on the Marvel Comics story of a black superhero. Bartell's song was among tunes by artists Nina Simone and John Lee Hooker featured in Episode 7, which aired Sept. 30, 2016. The single is available on iTunes.
A series of personal, family and health events in 1991 forced Bartell to leave R&B for good. He says a collapse lung that prevented him from singing and the death of two sons was a wake-up call from God to change his life. He says he promised God he would never sing R&B music again if He could get him through that very troubling and difficult time. God didn't let him down and Bartell stayed true to his promise.
His love of singing had not diminished, so he formed Nathan Bartell and Reality in 1994 and continued to sing --- but uplifting, spiritual tunes instead of hip rhythm. The gospel group has worked with several major groups, including The Gospel Key Notes, Lee Williams and the QC's, the Mighty Clouds of Joy and more over the years. In November 2006, they appeared on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour show.
Since 1995, Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality has released seven CDs, including the latest -- "Praying" -- which debuted in June 2017.
Each year, Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality celebrate their anniversary with a concert featuring gospel singers and quartets from across South Georgia.
He worked as a carpentry supervisor at Albany State University, a historically black college (HBCU) located in Albany, Ga., from 1994 to 2011.
God called him to preach in February 2008 and he became a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 2009. Today, he pastors at Mt. Olive AME Church in Ocilla, Ga. He lives in Ashburn, Ga., with his wife, Jane.
The Musicians
Earl (Joe) Tukes
Tukes is a bass guitarist from Tifton, Ga. He is a self-taught, ear-trained bass player. He also plays a little lead and rhythm guitar. He played secular music for 20 years, including Rock n Roll for 10 years with various groups. He has been a gospel musician for 20 years, appearing on the Bobby Jones gospel show with Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality. He has worked as a physical therapist aide for 33 years and in security at Tift Regional Medical Center. He says: "I like all types of music, but I love gospel music. Praise God!"
He is a deacon , trustee and musician at Dayspring Inspirational Fellowship Conference (The Real Church), where Rev. Cornellious Ponder III is pastor. Tukes is married to Sandra and has one son, EJ. |
Marline Paul
Paul does background vocals.
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Melvin C. Roberts
Roberts does lead vocals and plays rhythm guitar and keyboards.
He began his musical career at an early age. He sang and played guitar with his father’s gospel group, The Spiritual Crusaders. Roberts became a member of the Greater St. Luke Baptist Church in Ashburn, Ga. He went on to perform for more than 20 years with Nathan Bartell during his R&B years with The Shandelles band. He later became the lead guitarist, keyboardist, vocalist and band director with the Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality gospel singers. He is the lead vocalist on “Do It The Right Way” and “I Want to Praise You Lord” on the 2017 “Praying” CD. |
Joe Adkins
Adkins does background vocals.
He began singing as a child and remembers doing duets with family members and singing in the Youth Choir at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Over the years, his singing ability has grown as he worshipped at church. He has been a member of Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality for six years. His motto in the singing ministry: "It's not about me, but it's about Jesus." Says Adkins: "I truly give honor and thank God for the gift of singing which He has blessed me with." |
LaCarlos Hayes
Hayes is a drummer.
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Gary Hester
Hester is a guitarist and background vocalist.
He is the founder/CEO of Hesspro Music Ministries, Inc. and has been a performing, recording guitarist and vocalist for many years. In 2013, he released his first solo CD entitled "With All My Heart." Hester is the founder of the group "The Missionaries, which he produced and recorded in 1998. Their latest CD -- "Light of the World" -- was released in 2015. He has played for many professional gospel artists, including The Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Fantastic Violinaires. In 2006, he performed on BET television's Bobby Jones Gospel Show. He has been with Rev. Nathan Bartell and Reality for 11 years. Hester is a native of Tifton, Ga. |
Order their music today
For bookings, including church programs, gospel concerts, special occasions and private spiritual events, contact Rev. Nathan Bartell at 229-567-4085 or 229-886-8656.
The group is willing to travel.
The group is willing to travel.