BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

What started off in Two Egg, Florida more than five decades ago, has now grown into a growing generation of gospel singers.

The Harmony Winds were created by Mr. T.C. and Mrs. Ethel Pittman, and from the beginning, consisted of family members.
Today, Tony Pittman and the Harmony Winds mark the second generation of the group, and overall, Tony Pittman represents the third generation of their family.

“I’ve been singing for 40 years, but as a second generation, we’ve been singing together for more than 20 years. The road has been rough, but believing in prayer and having faith in God has helped carry us through.

“Over the years, we’re had offers to go into secular music, but this is what we want to do. It’s not about the material rewards. It’s about souls and salvation.”

Tony Pittman said they all serve the same God, and it’s not world-renowned fame they’re seeking. Right now there are 12 family members continuing the tradition, and there’s another generation waiting in the wings to keep it going.

“The most rewarding thing for us has been sharing the stage with national gospel artists,” said Tony Pittman. “Yet, we’ve still maintained our spirituality and mission to keep people close to Christ.”

Tony Pittman said all of their songs are composed in-house, and played by their own musicians. To date, The Harmony Winds have released 4 albums, and they plan to keep it going.

“Our plan is to keep it going non-stop as one generation moves on and another prepares to take over,” said Tony Pittman.

“We look forward to bigger and better things from us in the future. We will continue to represent Tampa and the entire state.”

Tony Pittman said some of them have solo careers, but once a year, they all come together for a big family show.

Tony’s son, Tyrell Pittman, said outside of being a great lead singer, his dad has been a great father.

“I always think of how he would handle a situation. He trained all of us and laid down a great foundation for all 8 of us. Anytime there was a problem, he was a father to everyone in the group.

“Sometimes, you forget who opened the door for you, but I’ve never forgotten what my dad did for me and the direction he put in my life. He was strict, but now that I’m older, I understand why. He taught us all to push ourselves to get better, and no matter what, stay humble to Jesus.”

Tyrell said his dad was very serious when it came to everyone staying humble, and remembering where your blessings come from. “We stared this group, The Tampa Boyz, outside of The Harmony Winds, with my dad’s blessing. He continues to be a mentor to all of us.”

Tony Pitman credits his grandparents, T.C. and Ethel Pittman, with steering him in the right direction, and making sure he stayed on course.

Mrs. Ethel Pittman said if it weren’t for her grandson, there probably wouldn’t be any more Harmony Winds.

“I credit Tony with being instrumental in keeping us all together. Tony has won a lot of awards, but I remember someone asking him about what was his most rewarding experience.

“I feel after we’d finished singing on many occasions, people would come up and want to give their lives to Christ. Just to know you had a part in saving souls is all the reward you need, and Tony has been blessed with a great gift.”

Mrs. Ethel Pitman said the goal of her and her husband was to raise their children to know who God is and obey His doctrine. “We never got so busy where we broke our tradition of joining in prayer before our bus would leave for a show.

“When we come together like that, it’s the greatest reward anyone could ask for.”

A celebration to honor Tony Pittman was held Sunday at the 34th Street Church of God.