The Principles consist of:

Linda Deel - Soprano & Rhythm Guitar

Dwayne Shelton  - Tenor & Lead Guitar

 Pauline Honeycutt   - Alto & Soprano

Phillip Shelton- Bass Guitar

  The Principles began their career in Bluegrass Gospel in the early 1980's.  The group was founded by Linda Deel and her mom Madonna Shelton, and has progressed into a nationally known Bluegrass Gospel group that became full time in 1988.

  The unique angelic voice of Linda Deel has been compared to Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, and Emmy Lou Harris  but is absolutely unmistakeable from the first word of a song that listeners know as Linda from The Principles, and is definitely a God given talent. The great harmony blend  has made The Principles a well known nationally Bluegrass Gospel group that is still in popular demand today and over the past two decades.

   The first major chart hit for the group was I Want Us To Be Together in Heaven, which charted in the top ten.  Other hits include: Crowning Of The King, What Was That you Said Lord,  Bought By The Blood, You'll Never Run Out Of The Blood,  I Just Want To Thank You Lord ,   Lord I Need You Again Today, and their current hit   I Don't Have To See The Tomb.     The Principles have  recorded 25 projects as of current record.   Their most requested song would be,  I Want Us To Be Together In Heaven, that has blessed thousands in the past and is still blessing thousands today.

  The greatest accomplishments would consist of being  part of the Jimmy Snow Show, and to sing at countless major bluegrass shows all across the country.

Awards include being nominated for the Dove Awards, in the Bluegrass Category, and to also be Favorite Bluegrass Group in many areas.

The Principles average traveling 40 weeks out of the year and have had 3 buses during their career.  One of the favorite and largest auditorium to play would have to be The Georgia Mountain Center, in Gainesville, Georgia.   Other states they have traveled would be Mississippi, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina,  South Carolina,  Kentucky and their home state of Tennessee.  The Principles are well known to tens of thousands all across the USA. And I must say they know of whom they sing.