Florida Boys
| Company type | Vocal quartet |
|---|---|
| Industry | Southern gospel music |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Founder | J. G. Whitfield |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Key people | Les Beasley, Glen Allred, Derrell Stewart, Charlie Waller |
| Products | Southern gospel music performances and recordings |
The Florida Boys were a prominent male vocal quartet specializing in Southern gospel music, established in 1947 by J. G. Whitfield under the original name The Gospel Melody Quartet, which was changed in 1954. From the 1950s through 2007, the ensemble was primarily directed by Les Beasley (lead vocals and guitar), Glen Allred (baritone), and Derrell Stewart (piano), with numerous distinguished tenors and bass singers contributing over the years. The group earned induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and was subsequently led by Charlie Waller until their retirement in 2016.
History
Following the passing of original lead vocalist Roy Howard in 1951, Doyle Wiggins briefly assumed the lead before Les Beasley took over in 1953, maintaining that position until 1999. At that point, Beasley brought on Josh Garner as lead but continued performing as bassist and master of ceremonies.
Baritone Glen Allred joined the group in 1952 after previously performing with the Oak Ridge Quartet (later known as the Oak Ridge Boys), where he played guitar and substituted for Joe Allred. Pianist Derrell Stewart became part of the ensemble in 1956, coming from the Dixie Rhythm Quartet. For more than forty years, Beasley, Allred, and Stewart co-owned the group. Among their bass vocalists were Billy Todd (1958–1972) and Buddy Liles, who brought extensive quartet experience and remained with the group for over two decades.
The Florida Boys also produced The Gospel Singing Jubilee, a television program that was syndicated nationally.
At the time of their 1999 Hall of Fame induction, the lineup featured Allen Cox, Glen Allred, Gene McDonald, Les Beasley, and Derrell Stewart.
In 2007, bass singer Gene McDonald departed to pursue a career with a bus company while tenor Harold Reed joined the Kingsmen Quartet. Butch Owens succeeded McDonald on bass; Josh Garner moved to tenor, with Beasley resuming lead vocals.
In June 2007, Beasley announced plans to disband the Florida Boys but reunited for a final performance at that year's National Quartet Convention in September. With approval from Allred, Beasley, and Stewart, Charlie Waller assumed leadership of the Florida Boys name to continue their tradition until 2016. This farewell event featured tenor Terry Davis alongside longtime bass Buddy Liles.
Their rendition of "Love Lifted Me" was included in Richard Linklater's 2011 film Bernie, later covered by Jack Black for its soundtrack.
Les Beasley passed away in 2018; Derrell Stewart followed in 2020; Glen Allred died in 2022.
Personnel
Tenor
- Guy Dodd (1946–1952)
- Buddy Mears (1952–1956)
- Coy Cook (1957–1966)
- Tommy Atwood (1966–1972)
- Laddie Cain (1972–1974)
- Jerry Trammell (1975–1979)
- Don Thomas (1980–1983)
- Paul Adkins
- Johnny Cook
- Mark Flaker (1982–1983)
- Terry Davis (1983–1986)
- Rick Busby (1986–1988)
- Greg Shockley (1988)
- Greg Cook (1988–1995)
- Billy Hodges (1995–1997)
- Allen Cox (1997–2004)
- Harold Reed (2004–2007)
- Josh Garner (May 2007–July 2007)
- Eddie Broome (2008–2015)
- Nathan Parrish (2015–2016)
Lead
- Roy Howard (1946–1951)
- Doyle Wiggins (1952–1953)
- Les Beasley (1953–1999, May 2007–July 2007)
- Josh Garner (1999–2007)
- Charlie Waller (2008–2016)
Baritone
- Edward Singletary (1946–1952)
- Glen Allred (September 1952 – 1958, 1958–2007)
- Tommy Fairchild (1958)
- Buddy Burton (2008–2010)
- Chip Cooper (2010–2015)
- Jimmy Reno (2015–2016)
Bass
- J. G. Whitfield (1946–1958)
- George Younce (1958–1959)
- Billy Todd (1959–1972)
- Buddy Liles (1972–1998)
- Gene McDonald (1998–2007)
- Butch Owens (February 2007–July 2007)
- Chip Cooper (2007–2010)
- Paul Hyde (2010–2012)
- Joe Lee Armstrong (2012–2016)
Piano
- Ivan "Tiny" Merrill (1946–1954)
- Emory Parker (1954)
- Livy Freeman (1955)
- Derrell Stewart (1956–2007)
- Joshua Pope (March 2008–July 2008, 2011-2016)
Bass guitar
- Tommy Watwood (1976)
- Barry Miller (bef. 1977 – aft. 1983)
- Les Beasley (2001–2007)
Drums
- Chet Johnson (1973 – ?)
Various instruments
- Tim Lovelace (9 years)
Glen Allred's Individual Contributions
Glen Allred and 3 Generations
Glen Allred, who previously sang baritone with The Florida Boys, currently leads the Southern gospel ensemble Glen Allred & 3 Generations. Randy Allred, formerly the bass vocalist for The Dixie Echoes, resumes his role as bass singer within the group. The lineup also includes Cindy Dunn performing alto and Brandy Allred as soprano, while Shayne Dunn and Shirley Allred participate on their most recent recording.
Discography:
- I Shall Sing
- Time To Sing
- More Singing Please