Originally Brothers Gary, Tim and Steve Archer, this gospel group from the USA grew up in a family heavily involved in the ministry. Their father spent 30 years in that profession.  Inevitably, the group grew out of singing sessions at their father's ministry, before they expanded their activities through other churches in San Francisco and northern California. By 1967 they had added instrumentation to back their voices, encouraged in their pursuits by gospel greats such as Ralph Carmichael and Andrea Crouch.  Joined by Billy Masters and Nancy Short the group began their historical journey. 

Their first album was recorded for Charisma Records in 1972, though it gained greater exposure when Impact purchased Charisma and re-released the collection as The Archers. Significant critical praise followed, as well as a booking at the prestigious Expo '72 Festival, attended by over half a million Christians in Dallas. 

Later they joined Pat Boone on the road, and also contributed to a film in which he starred. With a growing profile in the Contemporary Christian charts and associated periodicals, the group enjoyed mounting sales for their albums, particularly Fresh Surrender, which was nominated for a Dove Award. The group was joined by Sister Janice Archer in 1977, whose rich soprano voice perfectly complemented that of her siblings. 

Photo from: MusicMoz

The Archers went on to perform for President Carter at the Whitehouse, and the Grammy Awards in 1980 for their contribution on “The Lord’s Prayer” and then again in 1981 following the release of “Spreadin’ Like Wildfire.”  In 1984 the Archers would release “All Systems Are Go”; the album would help bring on their own Television Show in 1985 on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network.) 

In 1991 after a five year break The Archers would reunite to release their final album “Colors of Your Love” on Reunion Records.  The album spun off such CCM hits as “I Love You Lord” and “Run To You” and the tour spanned from 1991 – 1993.  Following after would be the big decision to split up “The Archers” as a group to concentrate on each of their solo ministries. [ posted on the Archers.Org]