Bazzell Mull, they secured a registered trademark for the name Kingdom Heirs, and dropped the word 'new' from the group name and began recording and appearing as The Kingdom Heirs. In 1979, at the prompting of promoter Rev. They first sang at the October Craft Festival, then the spring Young Christians Day and mid-summer Mountain Music Festival, which all became annual appearances. Mull's recommendation in 1977 opened the door for an audition and their first performance and long association with Silver Dollar City in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, now Dollywood. Bazzell Mull took note and started using the New Kingdom Heirs in concerts and television. Along the way, well known gospel music promoter and host of the widely syndicated Mull's Singing Convention television show Rev.

Manager Bill Hutson arranged TV, radio, church and concert appearances from Michigan to Florida. From 1972 to 1982 their ministry grew substantially and their booking schedule began to expand. Larry's father, Bill Hutson, began managing the group. That same year Larry Hutson joined the group on lead guitar, Duane Wyrick became Bass vocal and in 1975 after short stints by Johnny Trott and Mark Nipper, Buddy Mulkey took tenor vocal, while Tommy Rowe assumed baritone vocal. In 1974 they incorporated as a non-profit under that name. ДЄfter learning of a group from near Sparta, Tennessee who was using the name Kingdom Heirs, rather than checking legal availability for Kingdom Heirs, the group simply added New and became the New Kingdom Heirs.

Mike Shuemaker joined to sing baritone in August of that same year. After they began expanding their singing beyond local churches, Wilson, Parker, and Arnold left the group for various reasons, and Steve Gouge replaced Arnold on bass guitar in July 1971. The name Kingdom Heirs was chosen by the group from James 2:5. Gary Arnold was added on bass guitar and 13-year-old drummer Jim Ford came close behind with Tom Bailey on Rhythm. Original members included Patty Wilson (alto), Jim Bluford (tenor), Gene McKinney (lead), Raymond Parker (bass), and a 13-year-old Gary Bilyeu (piano). The Kingdom Heirs formed in 1971 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Kingdom heirs a new look