ABOUT US
THE HISTORY BEHIND THE MINISTRY
Biney English, a Wallace, North Carolina native, has been singing gospel music almost his entire life. His powerful vocals blend into a classic Southern Gospel tradition and deliver a message that is powerful, inspirational, and uplifting.
Biney's career began as a member of "The Singing Samaritans", a family based group that included Biney's father and brother. As the group was touring extensively, at home Biney was also developing into an excellent baseball player.
He was professionally scouted by the Detroit Tigers, but decided to follow his heart and remain in gospel music, becoming as established singer and songwriter.
Biney spent almost nine years singing with "The Anchormen". He then sang with "The New Statesmen", a group affiliated with gospel music legend Bill Gaither.
While singing with "The New Statesmen", Biney received the prestigious "Order of the Long Leaf Pine", an award given by the Governor of North Carolina. Biney has also appeared on several Gaither "Homecoming" videos.
Biney's songwriting abilities created several songs that have climbed the gospel charts and found their way into the hearts of the gospel music fans across the country. These hit gospel songs include: "I've Been Touched", Blow Ye the Trumpet", "It is Almost Over", "We've Come to Worship", "It's a Wonderful Day", "He Never Gave Up", and "Free to Fly".
Now, Biney has formed "The English Family" to bring forth the message of the gospel to audiences everywhere. In addition to his own singing and songwriting talents, "The English Family" is comprised of Biney, his wife Beverly, their son Sean, Beverly's sister, Cheryl Houston, and our latest addition, Turry Foley.
"The English Family" exhibits a heart-felt desire to glorify God through their music and personal testimonies. Their only wish is to use the gifts that God has given them to deliver a message about a Lord who forgives, loves, and saves! You will not want to miss this special group as they joyfully praise and worship and lead people to Jesus Christ.
MEET THE MEMBERS
BINEY ENGLISH -- After years of traveling with renowned Southern Gospel groups such as the Anchormen Quartet and the New Statesmen—and having the privilege of appearing in several Gaither Homecoming videos through my affiliation with Bill Gaither—I launched my solo ministry, Biney English Ministries.
In 1998, I married my wonderful wife, Beverly. Shortly thereafter, she and her sister Cheryl joined me in ministry, and together we formed a true family group. For many years, we traveled and ministered as The Biney English Family.
Today, we have entered an exciting new season—one marked by growth, fresh opportunities, and meaningful additions. We are proud to continue sharing the message of hope and faith as The English Family.
BEVERLY ENGLISH -- I’m a proud mother of three, a blessed grandmother, and the wife of Biney English. My love for music began at a young age, playing piano and singing with my sisters at Wallace Church of God. In 1998, I began singing with my family, and I’ve been honored to continue ever since—now alongside my husband Biney, our youngest son Sean, and my little sister Cheryl. I gave my heart to the Lord at just nine years old, and I’ve loved Jesus ever since. Sharing the gospel through music is one of my greatest joys.
CHERYL HOUSTON -- I was blessed to be raised up in the Wallace Church of God, where my love for singing and serving the Lord began at a very young age. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of singing on the praise team, in the choir, and with groups such as the Celestials and the New Samaritans. In 1998, God opened the door for me to begin singing with Biney and Beverly (my sister) as part of Biney English Family Ministries. Though I stepped away from the road for a time to focus on my career, I never stopped singing for the Lord. After retiring in 2019, I was grateful to return to full-time ministry with the English Family. Music is more than a passion—it’s my calling and a way to share the love of Jesus. I reside in North Carolina with my wonderful husband David and our sweet Chiweenie, Pixie Sue. I’m also incredibly proud of my son Joshua, who continues the legacy of gospel music by singing with The LeFevre Quartet.
SEAN ENGLISH -- You could say I was born into this ministry. With my mom Beverly, my aunt Cheryl, and my dad Biney all deeply involved in gospel music, it was only a matter of time before I joined in. I grew up on the front pew, watching them sing nearly every weekend, until, at 15, I decided to step up and be a part of it—and I’ve been here ever since. I’m passionate about sharing light in a world that desperately needs it. If a song I sing helps someone feel seen, loved, or even just a little less alone, then I know I’ve fulfilled my purpose.
TERRY ("TURRY") FOLEY -- Although I am a recent addition to the group, the members are far from strangers to me—they truly feel like family. For many years, we’ve worshiped together at Wallace Church of God, dating back to the days when Biney and Michael’s father, Aubine, led worship, while Beverly, Cheryl, and I served together on the praise team. I was also privileged to travel with Aubine years ago as part of the New Samaritans and later with Cheryl during our time with The Celestials. I also had the honor of touring with the Jenkins Family for ten years! Joining The English Family now feels less like a new chapter and more like coming home.