Biography
Originally established in 1947 by J.G. Whitfield under the name Gospel Melody Quartet, the Florida Boys emerged as a prominent Southern gospel ensemble. The Melody Quartet had dissolved by 1955, yet the Florida Boys remained active from that point forward. Early lineups featured Les Beasley on lead, Glen Allred handling baritone and guitar duties, Allen Cox as tenor, Gene McDonald on bass, and Derrell Sewart at the piano. Subsequent roster shifts brought in Josh Garner on lead, Tommy Watwood, Buddy Liles on bass, and Jerry Trammell as tenor.
During the mid-1960s the ensemble launched the syndicated Gospel Singing Jubilee, becoming the first gospel act to secure its own nationwide television series. The program earned multiple honors, among them several Dove Awards. Across more than five decades the Florida Boys issued numerous albums, among them Brand New, A Taste of Heaven, Reaching Out, Gospel Gold, and Home Once Again. Singles drawn from these projects included “Lead Me to the Altar,” “When He Was on the Cross, I Was on His Mind,” “Standing on the Solid Rock,” and “I Lean on You Lord.” The group received induction into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and performed on programs such as Crooke & Chase, The Today Show, and TNN’s Prime Time Country.
Entering the year 2000, the longstanding Southern gospel outfit continued an active schedule that encompassed more than two hundred tour dates annually.
During the mid-1960s the ensemble launched the syndicated Gospel Singing Jubilee, becoming the first gospel act to secure its own nationwide television series. The program earned multiple honors, among them several Dove Awards. Across more than five decades the Florida Boys issued numerous albums, among them Brand New, A Taste of Heaven, Reaching Out, Gospel Gold, and Home Once Again. Singles drawn from these projects included “Lead Me to the Altar,” “When He Was on the Cross, I Was on His Mind,” “Standing on the Solid Rock,” and “I Lean on You Lord.” The group received induction into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and performed on programs such as Crooke & Chase, The Today Show, and TNN’s Prime Time Country.
Entering the year 2000, the longstanding Southern gospel outfit continued an active schedule that encompassed more than two hundred tour dates annually.
Albums
Saturation Diver
2023
Florida Beuys
2022
Hit The Moon
2022
Florida Boys Collection
2019
Saved by Grace
2015
A Taste of Heaven
2015
Reshapes
1999
Starship Groupies
1998
Summer Breeze
1998
Al Mar
1997
Hope
1996
Singles
