Formed Carter Quartet in Lubbock, TX, 1935; renamed as Chuck Wagon Gang, 1936; first studio recordings, 1936; disbanded temporarily during World War II; toured widely in the Southern United States, late 1940s; founder Dad Carter retired, 1955; recorded and performed infrequently, late 1950s; participated in first gospel concert at Carnegie Hall and performed at the Gator Bowl, 1966; left Columbia Records, 1977; returned to full-time touring, 1987.

With the rich history and music now spanning into eight decades, and having sold over 40 million records, the current Chuck Wagon Gang is rolling right along today. Singing bass, and serving as manager and emcee for the group, is Dave Emery, who resides in Pigeon Forge, TN. Dave is a minister, and was a pastor for nine years, taught Bible College for 5 years, and has been active in the performing areas at Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN, prior to joining the Chuck Wagon Gang. Shaye Smith is the alto singer for the group. Shaye is the grand-daughter of the late Anna Carter Gordon Davis, the original alto singer for The Chuck Wagon Gang, and the late Howard Gordon, who played guitar for the group for many years.

The quality, tone, and style of Shaye’s voice are very reminiscent of Anna, adding to the groups ‘original’ sound. Shaye holds two Bachelor’s Degrees in Music (Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Choral Conducting) and she arranges many of the Gang’s new songs in preparation for recordings. The tenor position of the group is now held by Stan Hill, of Knoxville TN. Stan has been singing many years with his wife, local groups, and at various theaters in Pigeon Forge. Audiences everywhere love his featured new rendition of the Squire Parsons’ classic, “Sweet Beulah Land.” Singing soprano for the Chuck Wagon Gang is Julie Hudson, from Kingsport, TN. Julie’s voice has already been termed a “young Rose,” as she does possess those high, clear, piercing tones as Rose had. She is a registered nurse, having served for 17 years as a surgical nurse prior to joining the Chuck Wagon Gang..