When and where did the Swan Silvertones get started?

Claude Jeter: Well, it started in a coal mining town in Coretta, West Virginia, and we was sitting on the side of a fence there just as we come out the coal mine that day, and we decided we'd get together and harmonize a little bit. And I happen to be the oldest member and organized the group back in 1936.

I started with the Swan Silvertones, I think in '71.

I joined the Swan Silvertones in 1959, and I've been with them ever since.

I've been around the Swans for quite a few years. I won't tell how many because I'll tell something if I do.

Ever since I've been with the Swans, I have enjoyed everything.

They asked me to play, so I decided to devote my time with them.

Where does gospel music come from?

Jeter: Well, it come from way back years ago, down in Mississippi, when the slaves was getting together, and they used to sing those old familiar hymns out there when they was picking cotton and like that, and it kept on going up until this particular time. We love singing in churches. This is where we all started, and every one of the fellows in here started out in the church.

First of all, I was raised up in the church, and it's just been with me ever since I was a kid.

Well, I was singing ever since I was seven, and that was gospel, and all I knew is gospel.

I like it better than any other type of music.

I was brought up in gospel, and then I played guitar in church. I love it, and I intend to keep on playing gospel.

I just love gospel.

Jeter: We would have liked to have had church here today, but we were doing the Dr. Pepper.

[singing] This old world keeps turning. Most folks follow along. Some gotta play their own way. Gotta sing a different song. They give life its flavor. A little style and poetry. That's what Dr. Pepper has, originality.

It's not a cola. It's something much, much more. It's not a root beer. There are root beers by the score. Drink Dr. Pepper. Young every boy and girl. It's the most original soft drink ever in the whole wide world. Drink Dr. Pepper. Oh, drink. Drink Dr. Pepper. Oh, you drink. Drink Dr. Pepper. The better you feel. Drink Dr. Pepper. Everybody ought to drink. Drink Dr. Pepper. People know you're real.