Remembering Won by One
This Knoxville based group started out as a trio. In August of 1994, Tenor-Greg Shockley, Lead-Clayton Inman, and Baritone-David Jenkins, made their debut appearance as 'Won by One.' The next year they won the coveted, Singing News Horizon Group Award for 1995. They continued on as a trio for the next 4-years, delighting Southern Gospel fans of all ages. Then, in 1999, they smartly added Bass singer, Bob Caldwell, and rose to the ranks of one of the greatest quartets of the day.
The Singing News cover on the left, was from August 1999. In that issue they were booked solid all across the United States. Singing in Hueytown, AL to Lake Charles, LA and everywhere in between. Their number one (June 1999) smash hit single, 'King Jesus,' was sitting in the 10th spot on the Top 80 Chart. They quickly followed up with another hit song, 'Dead Man Walking,' which was written by David Jenkins. It looked like there was no stopping this awesome quartet.
The article from the Singing News had the following statement; "As they step into the future with great anticipation, Won By One has one common goal: they want to remain in the center of God's will as they continue and unmistakable sound of seamless harmony that has stood strong for five years, without so much as even a membership change."
Sadly, that didn't last very long. A year later, Greg Shockley left the group and was replaced by Nic Holland. Two year's later, Bob Caldwell and Clayton Inman left the group to pursue other opportunities. Inman went on to join his buddy, Eric Bennett, former bass with the Kingdom Heirs, to form a new group called, 'Integrity Quartet,' which was later changed to 'Triumphant Quartet.' Caldwell spent more time at home and did some bus driving work for the popular Morristown, TN trio, Greater Vision. He also made a few guest appearances with various groups. To my knowledge, he isn't singing with anyone as of this writing.
Won by One continued on as a Trio for 2 more years, changing out the Tenor position a couple of times and a new lead, Chris Whitaker. They never did achieve the success that they once had, and in 2004 they disbanded. Founding member, David Jenkins, lasted throughout the entire history of the group and in July 2005 went on to sing baritone for a trio out of Dayton Ohio, called 'New Life.' I'm not sure what he is doing currently.
I would love to see the group name, Won by One, be used again. Maybe Greg and David could resurrect it! Probably just wishful thinking...
