Don and Karen Peyton both have their roots in Appalachia. Don’s parents are from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, and Karen is a coal miner’s daughter who grew up on Fenwick Mountain, West Virginia. They were each raised on gospel music, and sang at home with family members. Joey, their daughter, grew up singing with Don and Karen.

In the beginning Karen and Joey sang periodically for groups which invited them to share their musical talents. At such an appearance in 2008, Wayne Barcomb, a family friend, heard them sing and was so moved by their music that he declared “you have a message, and you should be sharing that message.” The Peytons took that statement to heart, and accepted an invitation to make their gospel singing debut in North Carolina in July, 2009, where they received a standing ovation. Their successful concerts the following days in West Virginia convinced them that they have been called to a gospel music ministry. That was the beginning for The Peytons, who travel primarily throughout the Southeast, sharing their musical message for the glory of God.

From the beginning, The Peytons have been joined by Jim Gulotta, their guitarist, who has also served the group as computer technician, sound technician, recording engineer, and bus driver. Jim originally hails from Washington, D.C.   Don plays the steel guitar, and the group uses digitally recorded sound tracks to enhance their music.

The Peytons have been given the title of “Florida’s Number 1 down home gospel family.” When you hear this family’s beautiful mother-daughter harmonies, you will certainly agree that their title is well-deserved.