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BIOGRAPHY
For sixty
years, fans have flocked to see The Florida Boys. 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.
In July 2007, Les Beasley, Glen Allred and Derrell Stewart decided to
retire. They sang their last song together as The Florida Boys in September
at the National Quartet Convention, in Louisville, KY. It was at this
performance before 10,000 fans these three legends passed the mantel to the
present group to continue the Florida Boys legacy which began in 1947.
Lead:
Charlie Waller is one of the more colorful people in Southern Gospel
Music. He loves traditional Gospel Music and has worked tirelessly the last
thirty-eight years to preserve and promote it. The Florida Boys was the
first quartet Charlie ever saw in person. Few people ever knew Charlie could
sing. However, he has always sung in church. He sang with a regional group
in South Georgia, (Jones Family) for about 6 years.
Most folks know Charlie from his Grand Ole Gospel Reunion which is held each
year, initially in Greenville, SC, and now in Knoxville, TN. This event was
created to be a showcase for traditional Southern Gospel Music and has
become a mega-event. As a part of this event, Charlie was the first to do a
“Reunion” style video.
Today, Charlie serves as Executive Director of the Southern Gospel Music
Association located at Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, TN. He also serves on the
Hall of Fame Induction Committee. He produces the Vintage Quartet Showcase
for the National Quartet Convention and hosted his own television show,
America’s Gospel Favorites, for five years.
Baritone:
Buddy Burton holds a master’s degree in music, is an ordained
minister, and has been in gospel music 38 years as a producer, arranger,
emcee, pianist, lead and baritone singer. He sang with The Smitty Gatlin
Trio (Smitty was the organizer of the Oak Ridge Boys), J.D. Sumner and the
Stamps...(Elvis' back-up group), Hovie Lister and the Statesmen, the Masters
V, and Charlie Waller’s Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet. Buddy has
recorded numerous gospel projects, and traveled the U.S. and Europe singing
gospel music. Buddy was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame
with Hovie Lister and the Statesmen in 1998.
Bass:
Chip Cooper grew up in gospel music. His dad, Miles Cooper, started
the Pine Ridge Boys Quartet with Wally Fowler back in the 60's. At an early
age being backstage with some of the greats like The Happy Goodmans, The
Florida Boys, The Thrasher Brothers, The Kingsmen, and The Blue Ridge
Quartet, encouraged his desire to become a gospel singer. Chip’s 33-year
career with groups like The Goodnewsmen, Pine Ridge Boys, Tar-Heel State and
the Mystery Men helped him become a quartet-man. He has performed on the
Dove Broadcasting Network, TCT Network, INSP Network, and The Jimmy Snow
Network.
Tenor:
Dustin Bearden, age 24, received his singing training from Josh
Feemster, Mary Nell Bozeman, and Bill Crowe. He has 5 years experience in
gospel music, beginning with Providence, New Vision Quartet, Narrow Way
Quartet, and Alliance. Dustin's love for gospel music began at a young age
of six when he was introduced to it by his grandmother, Frances Bearden. The
love of the music was always there, but, once Dustin gave his life to the
Lord, he knew that was his calling.
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