Hailing from Bennettsville, South Carolina, The McDuffies are a powerhouse gospel quartet with deep family roots and an unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel through song. Their journey began in April 1985, when James McDuffie Sr. and Betty L. Teal-McDuffie—parents to seven naturally gifted singers—laid the foundation for what would become a celebrated musical legacy. Their children—Rodney, Marsharika, the late Derrick, Sharmeika, James Jr., the late Ricky, and Laytron—each inherited the family’s passion for music, creating a sound that would resonate far beyond their hometown.

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Over the years, the group evolved, adopting names such as The McDuffie’s & Teal Singers, The Gospel Golden Stars, Lil’ Ricky and The Mighty Golden Stars, and Pastor Ricky McDuffie and The Family. However, before his passing, Pastor Ricky McDuffie entrusted Rodney McDuffie with one final directive: to unite them under one name—The McDuffies.

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The McDuffies’ journey started in the church, singing with The Mount Zion Children’s Choir at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Tatum, South Carolina. Recognizing their potential, their eldest brother Rodney approached their grandmother, Alice Teal, about performing at their grandfather Melvin Teal Sr.'s annual gospel program. A gospel singer and esteemed radio announcer, Melvin Teal Sr. encouraged Rodney to form their own group—and so, The McDuffies were born.

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Guided by their grandfather’s wisdom, The McDuffies recorded their first two songs in 1998—“I’m On My Way to Heaven” and “I’ve Been Born Again”—which became gospel staples in the Carolina region. The original lineup included the older siblings, along with their cousins Toshanda and Rodrigist Teal, and was managed by their late aunt Patricia Teal. By 2013, under the leadership of their brother Pastor Ricky McDuffie, the group expanded their reach and began touring nationwide, signing with multiple record labels and releasing several albums along the way.

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Despite their success, The McDuffies have endured heartbreak. On August 18, 2019, they suffered the devastating loss of their lead singer, Pastor Ricky McDuffie. Before his passing, he fulfilled a lifelong dream—recording the powerful song “Save Me Now” with his favorite quartet singer, Doc McKenzie. Then, on September 6, 2021, tragedy struck again with the loss of their brother Derrick McDuffie.

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Through it all, The McDuffies have remained steadfast, drawing strength from their faith and their music.

Their unwavering mission is summed up in their heartfelt motto:

“Praying that people will be saved and set free throughout the nation, in Jesus’ name!”

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Their story is not just one of music, but of perseverance, faith, and the power of family. The McDuffies are more than a gospel group—they are a living testament to the grace of God, proving that through loss and triumph, their music and message will endure for generations to come.