The Heavenly Light Quartet set out in 1996 to explore the intricate, rhythmic and fiery songs by the great Gospel Quartet groups, including the Dixie Hummingbirds, the Swan Silvertones, the Spirit of Memphis Quartet, the Soul Stirrers and the Golden Gate Quartet.

The group was formed by Tony Backhouse - a dedicated scholar in this artform - who studied and performed with Black Gospel quartets and choirs in the US for many years, as well as starting the (now legendary) Cafe of The Gate of Salvation in Australia in 1986.

The Heavenly Light Quartet have performed at many major Arts, Music, Jazz, Blues, Folk, World Music, Sacred Music and A cappella events across Australia and in Spain and France. The group has also conducted many workshops and masterclasses, recorded with Renee Geyer and Harry Manx, and performed on TV and radio.