ABOUT DUANE GARREN
Duane started his career in fulltime Gospel Music at the age of 18, when he joined The Lesters, a family singing group from St. Louis, driving their bus, running sound, and eventually scheduling their dates. The Lesters traveled extensively throughout America & Canada, averaging 285 days on the road annually. Duane was with them from 1989 – 1998.
In 1998 he went to work for the Albert E. Brumley & Sons Music Company (writer & publisher of the song I’LL FLY AWAY), in Powell, MO., as director of Marketing & Promotions for America’s largest summer sing, and stayed with this company until the summer of 2012, when he formed his own company Signature Concerts.​
Duane has been emceeing concerts since 1989, and now is honored to emcee at MANY major events across America, including The National Quartet Convention, Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic and the Memphis Quartet Show, to name a few.
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In addition to these major events, Duane also emcees several “one night” programs all across America, including community events, fairs, festivals, talent shows, parades and a variety of other functions.
Duane, and his wife Micki, were married on May 29, 2004, and are the proud parents of three children; twins Andy & Allie born Sept 1, 2006, and Macy born on November 18, 2007.
He has hosted a radio show since the year 2000, “Gospel Music Get-Together”, which airs each Sunday morning from 8:00 to 10:00, central time, on 95.9 FM in Monett, MO., his show can also be heard online at www.kkbl959.com, or on the KKBL app.
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Duane had colon cancer surgery & intense chemotherapy in 2009, and gives Praise to the Lord for the word, “cancer free” from his oncologist!
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The Garren family are active members of the Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church near Purdy, MO where Duane serves as song leader & deacon.
ENDORSEMENTS
When it comes to knowledge of the industry, relationship with the artists, and a heart for ministry, there is
no better emcee than Duane Garren.
Mark Trammell
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Duane always brings an expectant level of excitement and professionalism to every event we work
together. He & Micki team together and always put the needs of the audience first, even down to
leading them in great congregational music before kicking off the concert. I always breathe a sigh
of relief when I find out that Duane is our host for the evening. Integrity and a genuine sensitivity to
the spiritual atmosphere of the event are hallmarks of his work.
Phil Collingsworth
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Having spent 30 years in full-time Southern Gospel music, I believe Duane Garren is the best emcee in
the business. He not only knows how to identify with a crowd, he is always up on current group information as well. He simply knows the importance of a great introduction.
Jeff Whisnant
When The Booth Brothers are scheduled for an event that has secured Duane Garren as the MC (Master
Of Ceremonies) I automatically feel at ease. Regardless of any circumstance that may arise on a program
Duane has the ability and experience to keep a program running effectively, gracefully, timely and most
importantly, following The Spirit Of God. Though there are other MC's out there, and good ones, I can honestly say there really isn't anyone better that Duane.
Michael Booth | Booth Brothers
Duane Garren Is the Master Emcee for any concert or conference! He loves the Artists, The People and the Administrative Leaders!! In other words, HE'S SHARP!! He makes an event "flow" and "flourish".
When Duane is "Thee Man", everyone WINS!!
Dr Dennis Swanberg "The Swan" | America's Minister of Encouragement
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Duane Garren has served as emcee at Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic since 2006. He is a
vibrant and exciting concert host with a deep knowledge of the music and a genuine love for the fans. As a marketing partner with strong organizational skills and a lovable stage personality, Duane Garren can’t be beat.
D. A. Callaway | Festival Producer - Silver Dollar City
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We’ve worked with Duane on several major Gospel Music events across the country, and have always
appreciated his ability to prepare the audience for the Artists. We always feel better about the program,
when we know there’s a great Emcee… and Duane is a great Emcee!
Gerald Wolfe | Greater Vision