You might know the name Crabb from the legendary Crabb Family, but the landscape of Southern Gospel changed significantly when Kelly Crabb and the Bowling Sisters officially stepped into their own spotlight. It wasn’t just a name change. It was basically a rebirth born out of survival, heritage, and a very literal "starting over" moment in 2021.
Honestly, if you've followed Southern Gospel for more than a minute, you know Kelly Bowling (now performing as Kelly Crabb) has been on a tour bus since she was seventeen. She spent decades with her siblings, Jason, Adam, and Aaron, racking up #1 hits and Dove Awards. But the transition to performing exclusively with her daughters—Hope, Katelanne, and Gracie—represents something much more personal than just another group on the circuit.
The Rebrand That Everyone Saw Coming (But No One Expected)
For years, the group was known as The Bowling Family. Mike Bowling and Kelly were the anchors. But life happens. Things change. In 2021, Kelly made the official announcement: they were rebranding to Kelly Crabb and the Bowling Sisters.
She described it as "going home."
The legacy of the Crabb name carries weight, sure. But this move was about the girls. Hope, the oldest, had already been singing full-time for nearly a decade. Katelanne and Gracie, who literally grew up in the bunks of a Prevost, were finally ready to take the lead.
Why the "Crabb" Name Returned
Kelly is actually the only artist in Southern Gospel history to have four #1 songs from a single album (Faith To Believe). By bringing the Crabb name back into her professional title, she wasn't just chasing nostalgia. She was bridging the gap between the powerhouse ministry of her youth and the fresh, youthful sound of her daughters.
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The sound they produce isn't your grandma’s traditional quartet music. It’s tight. It’s polished. It’s got that signature Crabb family "edge" but with a trio of sister harmonies that only comes from sharing DNA and thousands of miles on the road together.
Survival as a Mission Statement
Most fans remember the 2010 bus crash. It’s the kind of story that becomes lore in the gospel world, but for Kelly and her girls, it was a trauma they lived through.
They survived a horrific accident that could have ended everything.
When you hear Gracie or Katelanne hit a note today, you’re hearing kids who were 10, 13, and 17 when they started this journey in earnest, carry the weight of a miracle. That’s why their concerts often feel less like a "performance" and more like a testimony service. They aren't faking the "blessed to be here" vibe.
The Music: Beyond the Hits
If you’re looking for their "greatest hits," you’re going to find a mix of the old and the brand new. Their recent project, The Isaiah Sessions (released late 2024), is a perfect example of where they are now.
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They’ve taken classics like "When He Was On The Cross" and "Through The Fire" and breathed new life into them. But they’re also tackling modern anthems. Their cover of "Believe For It" and "The Commission" shows they aren't afraid to lean into Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) while keeping their Southern roots intact.
Notable tracks you should actually listen to:
- "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain": A Crabb classic that Kelly has reclaimed with her daughters.
- "Gratitude": Their arrangement of the Brandon Lake hit is stunningly vocal-heavy.
- "Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good": A stripped-back, country-tinged performance that highlights their blend.
What a 2026 Tour Looks Like
They are busy. Seriously busy. Looking at their 2026 schedule, they are hitting everything from private events in Georgia to massive cruises like Singing at Sea.
One of the coolest things they do now is the Tennessee Jubilee. It’s an annual event in Lebanon, Tennessee, where the whole extended family usually shows up. In June 2026, they’ve got Jason Crabb and his daughter Ashleigh joining them, along with Adam Crabb from the Gaither Vocal Band. It’s basically a family reunion that happens to have professional lighting and a sound system.
The "Rise & Shine" Connection
Kelly has also carved out a niche as a speaker. She isn't just a singer; she's a mentor. Many of their tour stops involve "Ladies Conferences" or "Rise & Shine" breakfasts. She talks about the reality of the road—the lack of privacy, the sacrifices, and how to keep a family together when your "home" is a 45-foot long metal box on wheels.
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Misconceptions About the Group
People often ask: "Is Mike Bowling still involved?"
While the branding focus has shifted to Kelly and the girls, the family remains a unit. The name change to Kelly Crabb and the Bowling Sisters was a strategic move to highlight the female vocal trio and Kelly’s individual legacy. It allows the girls to establish an identity that isn't just "the kids in the background."
Another common mistake? Thinking they only sing "old" music.
Katelanne and Gracie bring a very modern, almost indie-gospel sensibility to the arrangements. They’re listening to what’s on the radio today, and you can hear those influences in their phrasing. It’s why you’ll see teenagers at their shows alongside folks who have been following the Crabbs since 1995.
How to Support the Ministry
If you want to keep up with them, the best way is through their official site or catching a live date. They are one of the few groups that still maintains a very heavy, old-school touring schedule.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the 2026 Tour Schedule: They are booked through December 2026, with dates in Florida, North Carolina, and even an international trip to Scotland and Ireland in October.
- Listen to "The Isaiah Sessions": This is the definitive sound of the current lineup. It's available on all streaming platforms.
- Attend the Tennessee Jubilee: If you want the full experience with the extended Crabb/Bowling clan, the June 25-27, 2026 dates in Lebanon, TN, are the ones to mark on the calendar.
- Follow the Individual Sisters: Hope, Kate, and Grace often share "behind the scenes" life on social media, which gives a much more authentic look at the reality of gospel music in the 2020s than a polished press release ever could.
The legacy of the Crabb and Bowling families is clearly in safe hands. It’s not just about the name on the bus anymore; it’s about the three voices standing next to Kelly, proving that the "next generation" has finally arrived.