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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.