The Paynes trace their origins back to 1972 when Mike Payne started singing at the Glorious Church of God in Grafton, Ohio. After Mike’s brothers Mark (drums) and Keith (bass guitar/vocals) and wife Loreen joined the group, they became known as the Glorious Gospel Heirs. Mike began writing songs in the late 1970s. Groups like the Singing Cookes and Cathedrals recorded his music. "If God Before Us," "God Delivers Again" and "That Same Spirit" are examples of songs written by Payne that were recorded by other groups.