Dr. Brian Routh | Tenor Vocalist

Brian is a tenured Professor of Accounting at one of the nation’s top women’s colleges. He has taught at many other prestigious universities over the past two decades including Washington State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Southern Indiana and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Additionally, he has been honored with multiple teaching and research awards in business and accounting.

Brian’s passion for music began at a very early age. He channeled this passion constantly building his skills as an accomplished vocalist and classical musician. Brian was the tenor vocalist for one of the nations top male quartets, The Anchormen, where he is known for songs such as “Looking for a City”, “There’s a Land”, “When Jesus Passed By”, “O Holy Night”, “Be Still and Know That I am God”, and many more!

One of the country’s most dynamic voices, Brian is known for his smooth tenor vocals even in the high register. During his tenure singing gospel music, Brian was honored with multiple Singing News Fan Award nominations including Favorite Young Artist and Favorite Horizon Individual. 

Brian has recorded two solo projects entitled “One Voice” and “Faithful” and are available online via the Port City Quartet website.

Mr. Doug Bass | Lead Vocalist

Doug, at a young age, along with his sister, entered an elementary school talent show singing Please Search the Book Again winning first place and from there he knew he wanted to sing gospel music. 

In his early teens, his family formed a gospel group called The Bass Family and Doug played bass guitar and sang along with his mother, sisters and his father on keyboard. They traveled around Fayetteville, NC and surrounding areas spreading the gospel through song.

During his junior year in high school, he entered yet another talent show and won first place singing Rise Again while playing the piano. 

Shortly after the family group stopped touring, Doug joined a gospel group singing lead and playing bass guitar named Dayspring Vocal Band. He was with this group for two years until moving from Fayetteville. 

Making his new home in Henderson, NC, Doug spent five years with The Nobleman Quartet. Missing the family harmony, Doug left The Nobleman Quartet and started his own gospel group with two of his sisters called New Touch for a few years.

Mr. Terry Carter | Baritone Vocalist

Terry began his singing career in 1972 at the age of 14. He sang in a regional quartet from his hometown of Wallace, North Carolina with his friends from church, Michael and Biney English. In 1979, Terry helped form one the mainstream groups of Southern Gospel music – The Anchormen – of which he was part of for many years. 

Terry has been nominated as one of the top ten baritones by the Singing News Magazine Fan Awards. Terry is also an accomplished producer who has worked with many gospel artists.

Terry has started a live ministry during the week – playing uplifting music and encouraging audiences everywhere through the everlasting word of the living God.

Mr. David Smith | Bass Vocalist

David Smith’s life and career represent a lifelong dedication to faith, family, and the rich traditions of Southern Gospel music. Rooted in a deep musical heritage, David began his journey at a young age, performing as the bassist for his family’s ensemble, The Corinthians. This early foundation transformed a childhood passion into a lifelong vocation, shaping his identity as both a musician and a minister.

As his career progressed, David became recognized for his resonant bass tone and technical proficiency. He served as a cornerstone for several esteemed ensembles, including the Canaanland Boys and the Holy Ground Quartet. His reputation for excellence and professional versatility eventually made him a sought-after talent for many of the genre’s most iconic groups; David has frequently been called upon to lend his voice to The Anchormen, Gold City, The Dixie Echoes, and The Williamsons.

Parallel to his professional commitments, David remains deeply devoted to Lifeline Quartet, a family-based ministry that allows him to share the Gospel through a personal lens of faith and kinship.

Following a distinguished career in the automotive industry, David has entered a new season of life focused entirely on his musical calling. Now retired from the corporate world, he brings a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude to his newest chapter. David is honored to join Port City Quartet, where he continues his mission to uplift audiences and share a message of hope through the power of soul-stirring bass vocals.