The Florida Boys

Originally established in 1947 by J.G. Whitfield under the name Gospel Melody Quartet, the Florida Boys took shape as a Southern gospel ensemble. Their permanent identity solidified by 1955, when the earlier moniker had faded and the Florida Boys committed to a sustained presence in the field.

The initial roster included lead Les Beasley, baritone and guitarist Glen Allred, tenor Allen Cox, bassist Gene McDonald, and pianist Derrell Sewart. Later lineup shifts incorporated lead Josh Garner, Tommy Watwood, bassist Buddy Liles, and tenor Jerry Trammell.

Midway through the 1960s the group launched the first syndicated television series devoted to their music, the nationwide Gospel Singing Jubilee. That program collected 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 encompassed “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 ensemble earned induction into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and performed on Crooke & Chase, The Today Show, and TNN’s Prime Time Country.

By 2000 the veteran Southern gospel act continued to tour more than 200 days each year, showing no indication of slowing down.