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BIOGRAPHY For more than sixty years, fans have flocked to see The Florida Boys. They appeared on the first gospel quartet concert ever held in New York’s Carnegie Hall. To perform at Carnegie Hall is recognized as the zenith of one’s career. 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, including the late Elvis Presley. 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.
Today, Charlie serves as Executive Director of the Southern Gospel Music Association located at Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, TN., where he was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame. He has produced the Vintage Quartet Showcase for the National Quartet Convention and hosted his own television show, America’s Gospel Favorites, for five years.
Tenor: Eddie Broome has quite a resume as one of gospel music's premier vocalists. He began his professional career with Dale Shelnut and the Dixie Echoes, where he remained until shortly after Dale's death. Following the Dixie Echoes, he joined the Palmetto State Quartet, where he remained for 10 years. In 1995 he joined the Trav'lers of Greenville, SC. While traveling with this group, his vocal ability and country humor won the hearts of folks all across the nation. He was recently inducted into the South Carolina Gospel Music Hall of Fame. |
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© 2008 The
Florida Boys
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Lead Vocal: 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, in Greenville,
SC. 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. 
Bass:
Paul Hyde has been singing for 25 years with various groups, most
recently Won By One from 2008-2010 and the Blackwood’s from 2000-2006 while
performing daily at the Black Bear Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN. Paul was
born in Meriden, CT and was raised in the Catholic Church. In October of
1973, he surrendered his life to God during a Richard Hogue Crusade
appearing at Morristown East High School. After graduating high school, he
served two enlistments as a United States Marine. His greatest influence in
gospel music is the late George Younce. Paul states, "I have
always said there are two people that I wish to emulate, Jesus and George!" 
Baritone:
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.