LES BEASLEY


Les was born Aug. 16, 1928 in Crockett, TX to Lester Beasley and Edna Stewart Beasley. His father was a minister, and Les has said he thought he must have been a good one because it seemed he was wanted someplace else each year. Les started singing at an early age in his fathers churches. His musical preference has always been four part harmony. It was only natural that he would be a part of a lot of groups as he grew up. He sang bass in early groups. A bad case of the measles changed his voice forever. Growing up, Les lived in many places, including Crockett TX, Ripley TN, Mt Vernon TX (where he started to school), Mobeetie TX, Benton AR, Burdette AR, Roosevelt AR(Doesn't exist anymore-Les went to a one room school there), Jena LA, Kentwood LA, and West Helena, AR.

Les moved to Port Arthur, TX from West Helena, AR and decided to join the Marine Corps after having trouble finding a job, due to his draft status. This took him to the west coast and a new kind of life he had never dreamed of. He served four years in the Marine Corps in the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division. He was one of the first to go to Korea when the Korean war broke out. He saw extensive action in south and north Korea.

Les Beasley is truly a Southern Gospel Music Legend. In the fifty plus years Les has been singing Gospel Music, his accomplishments have been unprecedented.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Managed The Florida Boys over 49 years

Pioneered Southern Gospel Music TV

Produced The Gospel Singing Jubilee, the nationally syndicated program that ran for many years

President of The Gospel Music Association for 2 years

Life time member of the Board Of Directors of the Gospel Music Association

He, Bill Gaither and Herman Harper, as a committee, suggested to the GMA board that an awards program be a part of the annual meeting. The Dove Awards is the result of that suggestion. Les named the Award.

President of a Southern Gospel Music Association that later became the Southern Gospel Music Guild

President of The National Quartet Convention that promotes the largest event in Gospel Music: the National Quartet Convention in Louisville KY

On the board of The Fan Fest held in Fresno, CA.

A founding member of the Gospel Music Trust Fund and still on the board.

On the advisory board of The Gospel Music Guild and also on the advisory board of The Southern Gospel Music Assoc.

Member of The GMA Hall of Fame

Member of The Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and The Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Les & Frances have six children, twelve grand children, and four great-grand children

In 2001, Les was honored at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion with a "This Is Your Life" Tribute. Charles Waller, the producer, invited family and friends from across the country to tell Les' story from their perspective.

He is retired now but is still active in may phases of Gospel Music.