About us – The Vicounts

Terry Whitfield

Tenor

For a shy six year old living in London Ontario, the very thought of singing, playing an instrument or presenting God’s word to thousands seemed beyond comprehension. Yet at age six he was found at church standing on a chair on a Sunday evening singing a solo. It was parents who introduced him to music and helped awaken an awareness to share God’s message through music. Throughout those early years Terry honed his talent and skills through extensive vocal, instrumental and theory training. By the age of sixteen he was presenting the gospel across the province with his brother Russell and friend John Anderson. Overtime this early group would include Marlene (Woods) Sheldrake, Sharon (Brooks) Russel and Sharon (Gratton) Whitfield. In 1972 Terry and his wife Sharon with Ken McLellan formed the Vicounts which toured regionally until 2004. He has been an awards recipient, a Canadian Gospel Music Association director and president and a member of the Victory Road Quartet and the Kingsway Quartet. Terry is a graduate of Seneca College, Toronto Teachers College, York University (Toronto ON.) and Liberty University (Virginia).

Sharon Whitfield

Alto

Sharon grew up in Thedford, Ontario and developed her love for singing in harmony and playing the piano as a young girl. She benefited from being involved in playing the piano, singing in duets and trios at her church, as well as in local talent shows and community gatherings. When 17, Sharon met Terry Whitfield (London) and joined his new “travelling trio”, singing in the “Southern Gospel Music” style. After several years Terry and Sharon got married, started their full time careers in the Toronto area and formed a new “travelling group”, The Viscounts. While living in London, Sharon was part of Kingsway Quartet. Communicating heartfelt inspirational Christian music to others has always been Sharon’s passion! When Sharon was not part of a trio she often played piano and sang in church related small groups or choirs. More recently she has been part of The Silver Chords choir and trio (Burlington area). Sharon also enjoyed her career of working as a Reg. Nurse and full time Nursing Professor in Barrie, Toronto and London, ON. Terry and Sharon have 2 adult children who are married with 4 little grandsons.

Linda Binkley

Soprano

Linda Binkley was born in Hamilton but currently lives in Waterdown, Ontario and attends Flamborough Baptist Church with her husband John. Linda has travelled and performed as a soloist for several events and has shared the stage with many talented and wonderful Gospel Groups and Artists over the years. She had the privilege of performing the National Anthem for her local Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey team during the Calder Cup. She is a Singer, Song Writer and recording artist with two CD’s of her own, Giving Him the Praise and Sharing the Gift. Her CD, Sharing the Gift, features 7 of the 10 songs she wrote and was nominated in 2003 by the Maja Awards, Vibe Awards and Canadian Gospel Music Association. Linda enjoys spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through her gift of music and she is delighted to be part of the “Vicount Vocal Harmony Group”, singing alongside of Terry and Sharon.

Group History

Welcome to The Vicounts vocal harmony group. If you are new to southern gospel music you will have already discovered it covers a wide spectrum from traditional to jazz, bluegrass, country, adult contemporary or progressive southern styles.

If you are a seasoned veteran, you will recognize the group name. This Ontario based group began in 1972 with three individuals all previously involved in gospel music. Throughout the years the group has had the opportunity to appear at numerous fairs, community events and churches throughout Central and Eastern Canada and the Northern USA. They have performed on various television shows including Huntley Street, Canada’s Wonderland theme park, numerous camp grounds and concert events, banquets and retreats. The group feels comfortable in any size venue having ministered to as few as twenty people and to as many as sixteen thousand.

The Vicounts have always been involved in the promotion of Canadian gospel music with three of its members former directors of the Canadian Gospel Music Association.

Throughout its years of ministry the group has recorded twenty projects and has received various awards for their work. Most importantly they have seen a large number of folk come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through their music and speaking ministry.

Over its lifetime the group has been blessed with the opportunity to have some of the most recognized talents in Canadian gospel music. They have had the privilege to work with talented vocalists, accomplished pianists and gifted musicians. Some members have come with musical training and education while others have brought fulltime ministry experience or come from other recognized gospel groups. They thank each of these for their faithfulness, talent and love for ministry.