About Us
Founded in 2002, The California Melody Boys is a trio of Gospel music veterans, Dave Crandall, Craig Smith and Jon Lincicum. The California Melody Boys are committed to presenting the message of Jesus Christ through music and testimony in churches of all denominations and concert venues.
They are known for their diversity and excellence in musical styles, with close harmonies that appeal to a wide range of audiences and age groups. The ultimate goal of CMB is not only to be pleasing to the ear, but to use music, the language of the soul, to create an atmosphere of worship and present a message of hope and salvation through Christ.
Craig Smith
Lead
Craig Smith was born and raised in Southern California and grew up singing in a family group known as The Kinfolk. He attended Azusa Pacific University where he majored in music performance. While there he sang in the Men’s Chorale, University Concert Choir, and traveled during the summers playing the drums and singing in a small ensemble known as Innermission. After college Craig played drums and sang in the contemporary group Skylight.
Later on Craig was introduced to Gospel music after moving to Omaha Nebraska. Upon returning to the west coast he joined Sons Of The Shepherd, from Tulare, CA. as baritone. A few years later Craig joined the newly formed group Reliance, from Fresno, Ca. who he traveled with for three years singing lead. In 2012, Craig accepted an offer from the Freedom Singers of Kelowna BC Canada and was their lead singer, traveling nationally for several years.
After becoming a single father, Craig had to step away from music and traveling for a few years and occasionally filled in for the California Melody Boys. During the summer of 2019, Craig was invited to join the group for the retiring Larry Martin, the groups original founder. After much prayer, Craig accepted the position and is thrilled to be able to share his testimony, talent and heart wherever God opens the door.
Dave Crandall, born in Fresno, California, began his Gospel music ministry in 1969 at his father, Rev. Melvin F. Crandall’s church, North Vallejo Assembly of God in Vallejo, California. Dave, at the age of ten years, and his two older brothers, Dwight and Leland would sing in church services, typically during the offering time, and other special church events.
This was the beginning of The Crandall Brothers music ministry. Their harmonies and styles were influenced by some of the Southern Gospel greats like The Statesmen Quartet, The Blackwood Brothers, and The Imperials. For the next 42 years, Dave and the Crandall Brothers traveled the United States as well as several countries around the world presenting the Gospel in churches and concert venues.
After leaving The Crandall Brothers in 2012, Dave became lead singer for the Gospel trio Reliance, from Fresno, California. In 2015, Dave was invited to join The California Melody Boys, singing both lead and baritone harmonies, and now owns and manages the group. He ministers as a soloist as well, and is recognized for his rich baritone voice and anointed presentation of the Gospel through music.
Dave Crandall
Baritone / Lead
Jon Lincicum
Tenor/Lead
Jon Lincicum is a talented singer, born in Visalia, California. He discovered his love for music at a young age, singing in his middle school choir.
In 1981, he and his brother Ken Lincicum formed the gospel duo, Sons of the Shepherd from Tulare, CA. Over the years, they grew their band to a quartet, recording 24 albums and touring extensively throughout California.
Jon’s passion for music took him to Arizona in 1992, where he became the lead singer of the Christian rock band, “Red Line”. However, his heart remained in California, and he returned in 2000 to sing tenor with Sons of the Shepherd.
His talent and dedication to music have not gone unnoticed, and in 2023, Jon was invited to join California Melody Boys. With his incredible voice and years of experience, Jon is sure to impress and inspire audiences everywhere.