Click below for individual biographies:
LES BEASLEY
GLEN ALLRED
DERRELL STEWART
For sixty years fans have flocked to see The Florida Boys,
the only male quartet that was consistently prominent from the 1950's to
July 2007. With No. 1 hits like "Standing On The Solid Rock", "When He Was
On The Cross, I Was On His Mind", "Lead Me To The Altar" and "I Lean On You
Lord" this legendary group has recorded some 100 albums and attained a following
of devoted listeners.
So what is at the heart of their success? Les Beasley,
who sang lead and served as manager of the group, says it's their commitment
to the calling they each have. We sincerely believe we have been doing what
we were put on earth to do. We wanted our audiences to have a good time but
it was most important that they hear the message in each song.
The Florida Boys' national television appearances consist
of "The Today Show", "TNN's Prime Time Country", "Crooke & Chase", "Gaither
Homecoming Videos" and their own "Gospel Singing Jubilee" which they hosted
for many years.
Glen Allred joined the group in the fall of 1952, Beasley
in the spring of 1953. Allred, although still a teenager, was a seasoned
artist who had been a regular on the Grand Ole Opry with Wally Fowler and
the Oak Ridge Quartet. Beasley was just returning from Korea where he served
in the 1st Tank Bat 1st Marine Division. Beasley has served as President
of The Gospel Music Association, President of The Southern Gospel Music
Association and is currently President of The National Quartet Convention.
Les is in The Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, The Southern Gospel
Music Hall Of Fame and The Texas Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.
And then there are those red socks. They belong to none
other than Derrell Stewart, the Pianist, who hails from Brunswick, GA. Derrell's
comic antics have made him a favorite wherever The Florida Boys
performed.
In 1964, The Florida Boys became the first gospel group
to have a nationally syndicated television program. The Gospel Singing Jubilee,
produced by Beasley, brought a number of Dove Awards for "Best Gospel Singing
Program", as well as the attention of may in the industry. Almost over-night
the group became a nation-wide success.
Asked to describe The Florida Boys, one promoter said,
"Crowd Pleasers". Another said, "Inspiring Entertainment". That just about
sums it up. They were entertaining but the message of the "Good News" was
always there. Year after year they have spread the "Good News" from coast
to coast and many foreign countries.
After more than 50 years of traveling, Les, Glen &
Derrell have retired. Down through the years, many wonderful singers have
been a part of the group. Billy Todd, George Younce, Buddy Liles, Gene Mc
Donald and Butch Owens are the bass singers that have been with the group
since J. G. Whitfield retired in 1958. Glen Allred sang the baritone for
55 years. Les Beasley sang lead for 50 years. Josh Garner filled the lead
spot for the last three years of their career. Buddy Mears, Coy Cook, Tommy
Atwood, Laddie Cain, Jerry Trammel, Greg Cook, Rick Busby, Billy Hodges,
Allen Cox and Harold Reed are some of the Tenors the group has had. |