The Ministry of Never Fade began in Lakeland, Florida in 1997, with Cecil McClellan (Guitar/Lead singer; Lakeland) and Ernest Combee (Mandolin/Harmony; Lakeland) playing in local nursing homes in central Florida. Soon, other local musicians became aware of the ministry, and Roger Marlowe (Bass; Lakeland), Eddy Nelson (Banjo/Harmony; Plant City), Bill Keen (Dobro; Cork), and Jack Carr (Fiddle; Plant City) joined the band. They all began to practice and play together, blending  their musical abilities into a strong messenger of God's word—Never Fade Bluegrass Gospel Band!