Biography

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It is often said that there is nothing sweeter than family harmony. Southern Gospel Music has proven this theory time and time again. The history of Southern Gospel reads like a who’s who of great family music groups with a straight forward message that reaches directly to the soul. This music’s influence would makes it’s way to a small farming community of Manchester, Illinois and into the hearts of a wonderful family of singers, the Rueters, or as they have become known to Gospel Music fans across the country, The Chosen Ones.

Mike Rueter began singing in the late 60’s with his family, The Singing R’s. His love for this exciting form of ministry would serve as a driving force in his life.

In 1974, he would join with Melanie Cooper to form the original group, The Chosen Ones.Mike’s strong lead vocals were a perfect combination with Melanie’s rich alto voice and soon they would discover that they shared more than just a love for Gospel Music.
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In 1978 they would marry and soon find themselves sharing their music throughout the Midwest in a variety of venues. They are equally at home in a church service or a civic function but one thing has remained constant, their desire to share the uncompromised Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In 1982 Mike & Melanie would find the Lord blessing their marriage with a daughter Mariah, in 1986 a son Brady and in 1994 a daughter Tressa. All three children would become very active in the family ministry.
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Through the years they would have several different family members share a part in ministry until the transition in 2005 to just their immediate family. Again new chapters were birthed and the children would marry and come off the road to pursue other avenues of ministry.

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Today, more than 40 years later, you will find the ministry of The Chosen Ones, three generations strong. Mike & Melanie Rueter, Mariah & Scott Lomelino and their son Gracen continue to carry the straight forward message of Jesus Christ through a progressive style of Southern Gospel and a light Contemporary style of christian music.

The family performs an average of 150 concerts a year and travels thousands of miles across the U. S. sharing at churches, revival meetings, community homecomings and fairs. You will find a concert by The Chosen Ones a worship experience, uplighting the church and pointing people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
©2016 The Chosen Ones