Southern Gospel Music Association

Last updated
Southern Gospel Music Association
Company type nonprofit
IndustrySouthern gospel music
Genre Christian
FounderGlen Payne J. D.Sumner James Blackwood
Headquarters
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
,
United States
Key people
Raymond Brooks, Eric Blackwood, David Sutton, Eric Bennett, Lisa Fuller, Ron Blackwood Jr., Daniel Justice, Martina Blackwood
OwnerSouthern Gospel Media
Parent Southern Gospel Media
Website sgma.org

The Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) is a non-profit corporation formed as an association of southern gospel music singers, songwriters, fans, and industry workers. Membership is acquired and maintained through payment of annual dues. The SGMA was formed in 1994, and states that its primary goal is "to preserve, protect and promote Southern Gospel Music, its history and heritage".

Contents

The Southern Gospel Music Association operates the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame in Pigeon Forge, a popular Tennessee tourist town, and also hosts the Southern Gospel Music Awards. The Hall of Fame and Museum was opened at the Dollywood theme park in 1999.

Leadership of the SGMA is vested in a 23-member board of directors. The SGMA is responsible for the nomination, selection, and induction into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

History

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) was founded in 1964 to promote Gospel music. [1] It was created as an extension of the National Quartet Convention, a convention devoted to Southern gospel that had been operating since 1956. [2] Its founding board included Don Butler, Cecil and James Blackwood, Vestal Goodman, Charlie Lamb, Don Light, and J.D. Sumner, and its first president was Tennessee Ernie Ford. [2] [3] In its early years, it faced competition from the United States Gospel Music Association, a for-profit entity also focused on gospel music. [4]

In the 1970s and 1980s, tension and conflict emerged between Southern gospel and the newer developments of Jesus music and Contemporary Christian music. [5] [6] Southern Gospel conservatives had been resistant to racial integration, and even as they were slowly becoming more receptive to integration, the new developments in Christian music resulted in Southern Gospel becoming increasingly marginalized by music consumers and losing influence in the GMA. [5] [6] [7] Many Southern conservatives, including members of the GMA, also disapproved of rock music and felt that the newer styles of Gospel music being promoted by the GMA indicated that the organization was essentially moving into an alliance with the "enemy". [8] The Southern Gospel industry became disenchanted with the direction that the GMA was heading and a new organization, the Southern Gospel Music Association, was formed by Charles Waller. [9] However, in 1985, this organization was absorbed by the GMA. [7] [9] A new, independent Southern Gospel Music Association was formed in 1995. [7] [10] [11]

Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame

The Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame is a site operated in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, by the Southern Gospel Music Association, at the Biblical Times Dinner Theater. It was established in 1997. The Hall of Fame is composed of pioneers in the field of Southern gospel music; members are selected by the SGMA annually, and are honored by a descriptive plaque and portrait in the Hall itself. The Museum contains thousands of items of memorabilia and a gift shop. Items on display include a replica of the Blackwood Brothers first bus, interactive video and sound clips, and bronze plaques of Hall of Fame inductees. It has been estimated that over one million people visit the facility annually.

Inductees

1990s

InducteeYearBirth / DeathNotes
Lee Roy Abernathy19971913 - 1993Musician/Singer/Songwriter; Homeland Harmony Quartet; Rangers Quartet; Happy Two
Wendy Bagwell19971925 - 1996Singer/Songwriter/Comedian; Founder/Owner/Manager; Wendy Bagwell & the Sunliters (1954-1996)
Clarice “Ma” Baxter19971898 - 1972Stamps-Baxter Music and Printing Company
J.R. Baxter19971887 - 1960Stamps-Baxter Music and Printing Company
Les Beasley19971928 - 2018Singer/Songwriter/Producer; Owner/Manager of The Florida Boys (1959-2007);

Co-Producer & Host of the Gospel Singing Jubilee;

NQC Board of Directors

James Blackwood19971919 - 2002Singer/Concert Promoter; Owner/Manager of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet (1948-1981);

Masters V; James Blackwood Quartet; Co-Founder of National Quartet Convention

Albert E Brumley19971905 - 1977Songwriter
DP “Dad” Carter19971889 - 1965Singer/Musician; Founder/Owner/Manager of the Chuck Wagon Gang (1936-1955)
Denver Crumpler19971912 - 1957Singer; Statesmen Quartet; Rangers Quartet
John Daniel19971906 - 1961Singer; Founder/Owner/Manager of John Daniel Quartet (1930s-1961)
Gov. Jimmie Davis19971899 - 2000Singer/Songwriter/Actor/Politician
Wally Fowler19971917 - 1994Singer/Songwriter/Concert Promoter/Radio & Television Personality;

Founder/Owner/Manager of the Oak Ridge Boys (1945-1959);

Founder of the All Nite Sing

Bill Gaither19971936 -Singer/Songwriter/Publisher/Producer/Concert Promoter;

Founder/Owner/Manager Bill Gaither Trio (1959-1990s);

Founder/Owner/Manager of Gaither Vocal Band (1981–present);

Gaither Homecoming Video & Concert Series

Rusty Goodman19971933 - 1990Singer/Songwriter/Musician/

Producer; Happy Goodmans; Plainsmen

Connor Hall19971916 - 1992Singer/Publisher; Owner/Manager of Homeland Harmony Quartet (1948-1989);

Founding Member of Tennessee Music & Printing Company

Herman Harper19971938 - 1993Singer/Producer/Industry Exec; Oak Ridge Boys;

Founder of Gospel Music Trust Fund; Founder of The Harper Agency

Jake Hess19971927 - 2004Singer; Statesmen Quartet; Melody Masters; Masters V; Founder/Manager of The Imperials (1964-1967)
Eva Mae LeFevre19971917 - 2008Singer/Musician; The LeFevres
Urias LeFevre19971910 - 1979Singer/Musician; Owner/Manager/Founding member of The LeFevres (1934-1974)
Hovie Lister19971926 - 2001Musician/Singer/Songwriter/Concert Promoter; Founder/Owner/Manager of the Statesmen Quartet (1948-2001); Homeland Harmony Quartet; The LeFevres; Rangers Quartet; Masters V; Palmetto State Quartet
Mosie Lister19971921 - 2015Songwriter/Singer/Musician
Marvin Norcross19971929 - 1980Producer; Founder of Canaan Records
WB Nowlin19971905 - 1994Concert Promoter
Lloyd Orrell19971907 - 1983Concert Promoter
O.A. Parris19971897 - 1966Songwriter/Publisher
Glen Payne19971926 - 1999Singer; Founder/Owner/Manager of Cathedral Quartet (1963-1999);

Stamps Quartet; Weatherfords; NQC Board of Directors

Dottie Rambo19971934 - 2008Singer/Songwriter; The Rambos
G.T. “Dad” Speer19971891 - 1966Singer/Songwriter/Teacher; Founder/Owner/Manager of the Speer Family (1921-1963)
Lena “Mom” Speer19971899 - 1967Singer; Matriarch of the Speer Family (1921-1967)
Brock Speer19971920 - 1999Singer/Producer/Industry Exec; Owner/Manager of the Speer Family (1966-1998);

NQC Board of Directors

Frank Stamps19971896 - 1965Singer/Publisher; Founder of Stamps Quartet Music Company
V.O. Stamps19971892 - 1940Singer/Songwriter/Publisher/

Radio Pioneer; Founder of Stamps-Baxter Music & Printing Company

J.D. Sumner19971924 - 1998Singer/Songwriter/Concert Promoter/Innovator; Sunshine Boys; Blackwood Brothers; Masters V; Owner/Manager of the Stamps Quartet (1965-1998); Founding Director of the National Quartet Convention; Customized first entertainment coach
James D Vaughan19971864 - 1941Innovator/Publisher/Songwriter/Teacher/Radio Pioneer; Founder of Southern Gospel Music in 1910;

Founder of the James D Vaughan Music Publishing Company, The Vaughan Quartet, and Vaughan School of Music; Founder of first southern radio station WOAN

Kieffer Vaughan19971893 - 1969Singer/Songwriter/Teacher/Publisher; Manager of Vaughan Music Printing Company 1941-1960s; Manager of Vaughan Quartet
“Big” Jim Waits19971899 - 1974Singer; Early “star” of gospel music; Vaughan Quartet; Stamps Quartet; John Daniel Quartet; The LeFevres; Homeland Harmony Quartet; The Revelaires; Rebels Quartet
James S. “Big Chief” Wetherington19971922 - 1973Singer/Songwriter; Statesmen Quartet; Melody Masters
J.G. Whitfield19971915 - 2006Singer/Producer/Concert Promoter/Radio & TV Personality; Founder/Owner/Manager of The Florida Boys (1947-1959); Founder/Owner/Manager of The Dixie Echoes (1960-1967); Founder of Singing News Magazine & Gospel Singing Jubilee
Eldridge Fox19981936 - 2002Singer/Musician/Songwriter/Publisher/Producer; Owner/Manager of Kingsmen (1971-2001);

NQC Board of Directors

Ben Speer19981930 - 2017Singer/Musician/Publisher/Producer; Speer Family; Homeland Quartet
George Younce19981930 - 2005Singer/Songwriter; Cathedral Quartet; Blue Ridge Quartet; Weatherfords
Smitty Gatlin19991935 - 1972Singer/Songwriter; Owner/Manager of the Oak Ridge Boys (1957-1966);

Founder/Owner/Manager of the Smitty Gatlin Trio (1966-1972)

Rex Nelon19991932 - 2000Singer/Songwriter/Publisher; Founder/Owner/Manager of The Nelons (1977-1998); The LeFevres;

Homeland Harmony Quartet; NQC Board of Directors

Adger M Pace19991882 - 1959Singer/Songwriter/Publisher/Teacher; Vaughan Radio Quartet
Rosie Rozell19991928 - 1995Singer/Songwriter; Statesmen Quartet; Tulsa Trumpeteers; Rosie Rozell & the Searchers; Masters V
W.B. Walbert19991886 - 1959Singer/Musician/Songwriter/Publisher; James D Vaughan Music Company

2000s

InducteeYearBirth / DeathNotes
E.M. Bartlett20001884 - 1941Songwriter/Teacher/Publisher
James Roy “Pop” Lewis20001905 - 2004Singer/Musician/Songwriter; Owner/Founder/Manager of The Lewis Family (1950-1980s)
Doy Ott20001919 - 1986Singer/Musician/Songwriter;

Statesmen Quartet;

Stamps-Baxter Melody Boys;

Rangers Quartet;

Homeland Harmony Quartet

A.J. Showalter20001858 - 1924Songwriter/Teacher/Publisher
Earl Weatherford20001922 - 1992Singer/Musician; Founder/Owner/Manager of The Weatherfords (1947-1992)
Lily Fern Weatherford20001928 -Singer; The Weatherfords
Glen Allred20011934 - 2021Singer/Songwriter/Musician;

Florida Boys; Oak Ridge Quartet

Cleavant Derricks20011910 - 1977Songwriter/Singer/Evangelist
Vep Ellis20011917 - 1988Songwriter/Singer/Musician/

Evangelist

Naomi Sego Reader20011931 - 2017Singer; Sego Brothers & Naomi
Dale Shelnut20011935 - 1983Singer; Owner/Manager of The Dixie Echoes (1972-1983); Rhythm Masters Quartet; Tennesseans Quartet
Ira Stanphill20011914 - 1993Singer/Songwriter/Evangelist
Buford Abner20021917 - 2011Singer/Songwriter;

Swanee River Boys

RW Blackwood20021921 - 1954Singer; Blackwood Brothers Quartet
Jerry Goff20021935 - 2019Singer/Songwriter/Musician/

Evangelist/Concert Promoter;

Jerry & the Singing Goffs; Thrasher Brothers;

NQC Board of Directors

Vestal Goodman20021929 - 2003Singer; Happy Goodman Family
Alphus LeFevre20021912 - 1988Singer/Songwriter/Musician;

Founding member of The LeFevres

William M. Ramsey20021872 - 1939Singer/Songwriter/Teacher
R.E. Winsett20021876 - 1952Songwriter/Publisher/Teacher
Dwight Brock20031907 - 1988Musician/Songwriter/Teacher/

Publisher; Stamps Quartet; Vaughan Radio Quartet

Martin Cook20031936 - 2022Musician; Founder/Owner/Manager of The Inspirations (1964-2017)
Howard Goodman20031921 - 2002Singer/Songwriter/Musician/

Evangelist; Founder/Owner/Manager of the Happy Goodman Family

J.A. McClung20031891 - 1942Singer/Songwriter/

Publisher/Teacher

Otis McCoy20031897 - 1995Singer/Songwriter/Publisher/

Teacher; Vaughan Radio Quartet; Vaughan Saxophone Quartet;

Homeland Harmony Quartet;

Founding Director of Tennessee Music & Printing Company

Fred C. Maples20031910 - 1987Singer; Founder/Owner/Manager of the Harmoneers Quartet (1943-1957);

Homeland Harmony Quartet;

Vaughan Victory Quartet

J. Bazzel Mull20031914 - 2006Radio & Television Personality;

Concert Promoter

Homer Rodeheaver20031880 - 1955Singer/Songwriter/Evangelist/

Publisher/Radio Personality

Marion Snider20031914 - 2010Musician/Songwriter/Singer;

Stamps Quartet; Blackwood Brothers Quartet; Rangers Quartet; Imperial Quartet

Bobby Strickland20031920 - 1953Singer; Founder/Owner/Manager of the Crusaders Quartet;

Statesmen Quartet;

Harmoneers Quartet;

Sand Mountain Quartet

“Big” Jim Hamill20041934 - 2007Singer/Songwriter/Producer;

Kingsmen Quartet (1971-1996);

Rebels Quartet; Oak Ridge Boys; Foggy River Boys; Blue Ridge Quartet; Weatherfords

Kenny Hinson20041953 - 1995Singer/Songwriter; The Hinsons
Arnold Hyles20041906 - 1979Singer; Rangers Quartet
Lillian Little Soldier Klaudt20041906 - 2001Singer; Klaudt Indian Family
Harvey “Pop” Lester20041902 - 1982Singer/Radio & Television Personality/Concert Promoter;

The Lesters

Ed O’Neal20041936 -Singer/Songwriter;

Owner & Manager of the Dixie Melody Boys (1965-2023)

London Parris20041931 - 1992Singer; Rebels Quartet;

Blackwood Brothers Quartet;

Apostles; Senators

Derrell Stewart20041934 - 2021Musician/Comedian;

The Florida Boys

B.C. Unseld20041843 - 1923Teacher/Publisher
Charles Vaughan20041875 - 1965Singer/Songwriter/Publisher/

Politician; Vaughan Quartet

James D Walbert20041918 - 2009Musician/Songwriter/Teacher; Vaughan Quartet
Robert S Arnold20051905 - 2003Singer/Songwriter/Publisher/

Teacher; National Quartet

Anna Gordon Davis20051917 - 2004Singer; Chuck Wagon Gang
Elmo Fagg20051919 - 1981Singer/Songwriter/Producer; Owner/Manager of The Blue Ridge Quartet (1949-1969)
Gloria Gaither20051942 -Singer/Songwriter/Poet/Publisher/ Speaker; The Bill Gaither Trio;

Gaither Homecoming Series

Rosa Nell Speer Powell20051922 - 2017Singer/Musician/Teacher;

Speer Family

Joe Roper20051919 - 1990Musician/Songwriter/Publisher/

Teacher/Comedian;

Melody Boys Quartet;

Stamps Quartet; Prophets;

Blackwood Brothers Quartet

Bill Shaw20051924 - 2018Singer/Songwriter;

Blackwood Brothers Quartet

Erman Slater20051903 - 1951Singer; Rangers Quartet;

Harmoneers Quartet;

Sand Mountain Quartet;

Stamps Dixie Four;

Lone Star Quartet

Jack Toney20051933 - 2004Singer/Songwriter/Musician; Statesmen Quartet;

JD Sumner & the Stamps;

Southmen; Dixie Echoes

Eddie Wallace20051924 - 2014Singer/Musician/Comedian;

Sunshine Boys

Wallace “Happy” Edwards20061926 - 2001Singer/Comedian;

Harmoneers Quartet

Vernon Hyles20061910 - 1972Singer/Musician; Founder/Owner/Manager of The Rangers Quartet
Bob Jones Sr.20061914 - 2007Singer; Founder/Owner/Manager of the Songfellows Quartet; Stamps Quartet
Rose Carter Karnes20061914 - 1997Singer; Chuck Wagon Gang
Charles Key20061926 - 2010Musician; Harmoneers Quartet
Jack Pittman20061926 - 2013Singer/Concert Promoter; Owner/Manager of Palmetto State Quartet
Henry Slaughter20061927 - 2020Musician/Singer/Songwriter/

Producer; Weatherfords; Imperials; Henry & Hazel; Stamps Ozark Quartet

Mary Tom Speer Reid20061925 - 2014Singer/Musician; Speer Family
Maurice Templeton20061932 -Singer/Industry Executive
Wally Varner20061926 - 2004Musician/Songwriter;

Blackwood Brothers Quartet;

Homeland Harmony Quartet

Gerald Williams20061933 -Singer/Songwriter;

Melody Boys Quartet; Plainsmen;

Rosie Rozell & the Searchers

Roger Bennett20071959 - 2007Musician/Singer/Songwriter;

Cathedral Quartet; Legacy Five

Anthony Burger20071961 - 2006Musician; Kingsmen Quartet; Gaither Homecoming Series
Joel Hemphill20071939 -Singer/Songwriter/Musician; Founder/Owner/Manager of The Hemphills
Lou Wills Hildreth20071928 - 2019Singer/Songwriter/Radio & TV Personality/Concert Promoter/Publisher/Industry Executive; The Wills Family
Jimmy Jones20071921 - 2006Singer/Songwriter/Poet; Rangers Quartet; Deep South Quartet; The LeFevres
David Reece20071928 - 1999Singer/Songwriter/Comedian; Rangers Quartet; Imperial Quartet; Harvesters Quartet; Rangers Trio
James Sego20071927 - 1979Singer/Songwriter; Founder/Owner/Manager of Sego Brothers & Naomi
Archie Watkins20071949 -Singer; Owner/Manager of the Inspirations (2017–present)
Fred Daniel20081924 - 2007Singer; Sunshine Boys; Blue Ridge Quartet
Polly Grimes20081931 - 2019Concert Promoter
Herschel Lester20081927 - 2004Singer/Musician/Concert Promoter/Teacher/Television Personality; The Lesters
Squire Parsons20081948 -Singer/Songwriter/Musician; Kingsmen; Squire Parsons & Redeemed; Soloist
Luther G Presley20081887 - 1974Songwriter/Publisher/Teacher
Ray Dean Reese20081939 -Singer; Owner & Manager of The Kingsmen 2001–Present
Neil Enloe20091938 -Singer/Songwriter/Musician;

The Couriers

Ed Hill20091935 - 2020Singer; Founder/Owner/Manager of The Prophets Quartet (1958-1973); JD Sumner & the Stamps; Statesmen Quartet; Songfellows
Harold Lane20091929 - 2011Singer/Songwriter/Musician/

Arranger/Producer;

Speer Family; Founding member of The Gospel Harmony Boys; Homeland Harmony Quartet

Don Light20091937 - 2014Industry Executive; Founder of Don Light Talent
Bill Lyles20091920 - 1954Singer; Blackwood Brothers Quartet
Elizabeth “Lady” Mull20091926 - 2012Radio & Television Personality; Concert Promoter
Billy Todd20091929 - 2008Singer; The Florida Boys; Dixie Echoes
Charlie Waller20091948 -Concert Promoter/Singer/

Producer; The Florida Boys

2010s

InducteeYearBirth / DeathNotes
Danny Gaither20101938 - 2001Singer; Bill Gaither Trio;

Golden Keys Quartet

Little Jan Buckner Goff20101945 -Singer/Songwriter/Musician; Wendy Bagwell & the Sunliters
Sam Goodman20101931 - 1991Singer/Evangelist/Comedian;

Happy Goodman Family

Bill Hefner20101930 - 2009Singer/Concert Promoter/Comedian; Founding member/Owner/Manager of the Harvesters Quartet (1954-1967)
Connie Hopper20101940 -Singer/Writer; The Hoppers
Arthur Smith20101921 - 2014Singer/Songwriter/Musician/

Radio & Television Personality;

Arthur Smith & the Crossroads Quartet

Doris Akers20111923 - 1995Singer/Songwriter/Publisher/

Musician; Simmons Akers Singers; Sallie Martin Singers; Soloist

Doyle Blackwood20111911 - 1974Singer/Musician; Founding member of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet (1934-1950); Homeland Harmony Quartet; Doyle Blackwood & the Memphians
Bob Brumley20111937 - 2020Concert Promoter/Publisher
Roy Carter20111926 - 1998Singer/Songwriter; Manager of the Chuck Wagon Gang (1955-1995)
Kenny Gates20111930 -Musician/Singer/Songwriter;

Blue Ridge Quartet

Jerry Kirksey20111940 - 2023Founding editor of Singing News Magazine; Concert Promoter; Industry Executive
Opal “Mom” Lester20111906 - 1999Singer/Musician/Teacher/Concert Promoter/Television Personality;

The Lesters

Willie Wynn20111937 -Singer; Oak Ridge Boys;

Willie Wynn & the Tennesseans;

Sweetwater

Charlie Burke20121936 - 2011Singer/Industry Executive;

Pine Ridge Boys; Owner & Manager of the Singing Americans (1980-1994)

Stuart Hamblen20121908 - 1989Singer/Songwriter; Radio & Television Personality; Actor
Jim Hill20121930 - 2018Singer/Songwriter;

Stamps Quartet;

Golden Keys Quartet;

Statesmen Quartet

Geraldine Morrison20121935 - 2005Singer; Wendy Bagwell & the Sunliters
Buck Rambo20121931 - 2016Singer/Publisher/Evangelist;

Manager of The Rambos

Ace Richman20121916 - 1999Singer; Founder/Owner/Manager of The Sunshine Boys (1939-1970)
John T Benson Jr.20131904 - 1966Publisher/Industry Executive; President & CEO of Benson Publishing Company; Founder of Heart Warming & Impact Records
Polly Lewis Copsey20131937 - 2018Singer; The Lewis Family
Thomas A Dorsey20131899 - 1993Singer/Songwriter/Evangelist
Little Roy Lewis20131942 -Singer/Musician/Comedian;

The Lewis Family;

Little Roy & Lizzy

Duane Nicholson20131936 -Singer; The Couriers
Tim Riley20131945 -Singer; Owner/Manager of Gold City (1980-2005, 2010-2015); Dixie Echoes; Southmen
Colbert Croft20141941 - 2014Songwriter/Evangelist
Eddie Crook20141941 -Musician/Songwriter/Producer/

Publisher; Happy Goodman Family; Sego Brothers & Naomi; Plainsmen; Tennesseans; Prophets Quartet; Southmen

Fannie Crosby20141820 - 1915Songwriter/Poet
Cat Freeman20141922 - 1989Singer/Teacher/Comedian; Statesmen Quartet;

Blackwood Brothers;

Oak Ridge Quartet; Jubilee Quartet

Paul Heil20141947 - 2020Radio Personality/Preacher; Founder/Host of The Gospel Greats radio show (1980-2020)
Claude Hopper20141937 -Singer/Publisher/Industry Exec/

NQC Board of Directors

Warren Roberts20141920 - 2011Radio & Television Personality/ Concert Promoter
Faye Speer20141928 - 2015Singer; Speer Family
“Big” Lew Garrison20151933 - 1994Singer/Comedian;

Prophets Quartet

Ed Sprouse20151923 - 2014Singer; Blue Ridge Quartet
Peg McKamey Bean20161946 - 2023Singer; The McKameys
Lari Goss20161945 - 2015Singer/Songwriter/Musician/

Producer; The Goss Brothers

Ronny Hinson20161946 -Singer/Songwriter/Musician/

Evangelist; Owner & Manager of The Hinsons (1967-1994); Soloist

Carroll McGruder20161946 - 2015Singer/Songwriter/Evangelist; Founder/Owner/Manager of The McGruders (1976-2010)
Troy Burns20171952 -Singer/Musician; The Inspirations; Troy Burns Family
Tony Greene20171968 - 2010Singer/Musician/Concert Promoter/Comedian; The Greenes
LaBreeska Hemphill20171940 - 2015Singer; The Hemphills
Randy Shelnut20171955 -Singer/Musician/Songwriter/

Producer; Owner/Manager of The Dixie Echoes (1983–present)

Ann Downing20181945 -Singer/Songwriter/Speaker;

Speer Family; Founding member of The Downings (1969-1979); Soloist

Tracy Stuffle20181966 - 2018Singer; Manager of The Perrys (1995-2013)
Mark Trammell20181959 -Singer/Songwriter/Musician; Cathedrals; Kingsmen; Gold City; Founding member of Greater Vision; Founder/Owner/Manager of Mark Trammell Quartet
Norman Wilson20181944 - 2014Singer/Musician; Primitive Quartet
Ruben Bean20191941 -Singer; Owner/Manager of The McKameys (1957-2019)
Ernie Phillips20191950 - 2018Singer; The Kingsmen;

Squire Parsons & Redeemed; Land of the Sky Boys;

Landmark Quartet

Jackie Wilburn20191937 - 2011Singer/Evangelist; Founder/Owner/Manager of The Wilburns (1980-2005)
Gerald Wolfe20191963 -Singer/Musician/Producer/Industry Executive; Cathedral Quartet;

Founder/Owner/Manager of Greater Vision (1990–present); NQC Board of Directors;

Gospel Music Hymn Sing Foundation

2020s

InducteeYearBirth / DeathNotes
Meurice LeFevre20201937 - 2019Singer/Musician/Producer/Industry Executive; Founder of Sing Records & LeFevre-Sing Studios
Dottie Leonard Miller20201945 -Industry Executive/Publisher; Founder of Daywind Records, Daywind Music Group, and New Day Christian Distributors
Melvin Klaudt20201933 -Singer/Television Personality; Klaudt Indian Family; Founder of Klaudt Memorial Foundation
Dianne Wilkinson20201944 - 2021Songwriter
Jack Clark20211934 -Musician/Songwriter/Publisher/ Producer/Teacher;

Homeland Harmony Quartet; Harvesters Quartet;

Landmark Quartet

Karen Peck Gooch20211960 -Singer/Songwriter/Industry Executive; Founder/Owner/Manager of Karen Peck & New River (1991–present); Uncle Alf & the LeFevres;

The Nelons

Marlin Taylor20211935 -Radio Personality; Founder of SiriusXM Enlighten
Aaron Wilburn20211950 - 2020Singer/Songwriter/Musician/

Comedian; Happy Goodman Family; Soloist

Rodney Griffin20221966 -Singer/Songwriter/Publisher/

Musician; Greater Vision;

Dixie Melody Boys;

Second Half Quartet

Arthur Rice20221962 -Singer/Producer/Musician;

Kingdom Heirs; Kingsmen;

Squire Parsons & Redeemed

Kyla Rowland20221945 - 2022Singer/Songwriter/Publisher/

Speaker; The Rowlands

Chris White2022Producer/Publisher/Industry Executive; Founder of Sonlite Records, Crossroads Entertainment, and Chris White Music
Sue Dodge20231949 -Singer/Evangelist/Speaker/

Musician; Speer Family;

The Downings; Soloist

Danny Funderburk20231954 -Singer; Cathedral Quartet;

Singing Americans;

Perfect Heart; Soloist

Norman Holland20231959 - 2014Producer/Industry Executive;

Riversong Records;

Chapel Records;

Daywind Records

Reagan Riddle20231946 -Singer/Songwriter/Concert Promoter; Founding member/Owner/Manager of The Primitive Quartet (1973-2023)
Jeff Stice20241960 - 2021Musician;

Blackwood Brothers; Nelons; Perfect Heart; Kingdom Heirs; Triumphant Quartet; Soloist

Mike Holcomb20241954 -Singer/Evangelist;

The Inspirations; The Old Time Preachers Quartet

Kelly Nelon Clark20241959 -Singer;

Lefevres; Nelons

Herb Henry2024Singer/Promoter;

James D. Vaughan Impact Award recipients


Vaughan Templeton Lifetime Achievement Award recipients

See also

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Les Beasley was an American Southern Gospel musician. From 1953 to 2007 he was the lead singer, bass guitarist, and manager for the Florida Boys. He was considered to be one of the pioneers of Gospel Music TV.

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Glen Weldon Payne was a Southern gospel vocalist who served for 55 years and was known for being the lead vocalist for The Cathedral Quartet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wendy Bagwell</span>

Wendell Lee "Wendy" Bagwell was the founding member and leader of the Southern gospel music and comedy trio Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters.

Charles F. "Rusty" Goodman was an American singer/songwriter in the Southern Gospel Music industry. He was a prolific composer whose many songs included "Standing in the Presence of the King", "Leavin' On My Mind", "Home", "John the Revelator", "Touch the Hand of the Lord", "Had it Not Been" "I Believe He's Coming Back" "Look for Me" and "Who Am I?" His songs have been covered by many of the top artists in the music industry including Elvis Presley, The Imperials, J. D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, The Speers, The Happy Goodman Family, Michael English and Gaither Vocal Band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GMA Dove Award for Vocalist of the Year</span>

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards are presented annually by the Gospel Music Association for outstanding achievements in the Christian music industry. The awards for Male and Female Vocalist of the Year Award has been awarded every year that the GMA has given the awards since 1969. Eighteen different men and seventeen different women have won the award in forty-three years. James Blackwood won seven of the first eight Male Vocalist of the Year awards and is tied for the most with Steven Curtis Chapman. Sandi Patty has the most Vocalist of Year awards overall with eleven (1982–1992). Other multiple award winners include Natalie Grant (five), Sue Chenault Dodge (three), Michael English (three), Larnelle Harris (three), Russ Taff (three), Chris Tomlin (three), Twila Paris (three), Francesca Battistelli (two), Jeremy Camp (two), Cynthia Clawson (two), Steve Green (two), Brandon Heath (two), Dallas Holm (two), Nicole C. Mullen (two), Nichole Nordeman (two), Evie (two), Jaci Velasquez (two), and Cece Winans (two). Chapman's seventh and most recent Vocalist of the Year award in 2001 came eleven years after his first in 1990—the longest span between awards. In the awards forty-three year history, only in 1969, 1976, 1996, 1999, 2002, and 2006, did both the male and female award winners win for the first time in the same year. The most recent winners were Jason Crabb and Grant; it was Crabb's first win.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Speer</span> American singer

Ben Lacy Speer was a singer, musician, music publisher, and record company executive. He sang for The Speer Family for most of his career. Speer later became the music director of the Gaither Homecoming programs. He was born in Double Springs, Alabama, the youngest child of Lena and G.T. Speer, who originally led the group, with Speer's siblings Brock Speer, Mary Tom Speer, and Rosa Nell Speer also participating. He died on April 7, 2017, after suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Conley "London" Parris was an American southern gospel bass singer, famous for his associations with The Rebels quartet and The Blackwood Brothers and hit songs such as "Heaven Came Down". He was inducted into the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame in 2004.

Thomas Mosie Lister was an American singer and Baptist minister. He was best known for writing the Gospel songs "Where No One Stands Alone", "Till the Storm Passes By", "Then I Met the Master" and "How Long Has It Been?" As a singer, he was an original member in The Statesmen Quartet, the Sunny South Quartet, and the Melody Masters. In 1976 Lister was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Southern Gospel Music Association in 1997. His songs have been recorded by nearly every Southern Gospel artist.

James Buford Abner was an American songwriter, musician and singer who worked during the early days of country music, working in both secular and gospel country music genres. With his brother Merle Abner, his uncle Stacy Abner, George Hughes and Billy Carrier, he was a member of the Swanee River Boys. He was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame as a member of the Swanee River Boys.

Otis Leon McCoy was an American gospel singer-songwriter and music teacher. He was the president of Tennessee Music and Printing, the publishing company of the Church of God, and he wrote hundreds of Southern gospel hymns.

LaBreeska Hemphill was an American Southern gospel performer. She was a member of The Happy Goodman Family and The Hemphills. With her husband and children, she won eight GMA Dove Awards and three BMI Awards, and she was inducted into the Dollywood Gospel Hall of Fame and the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dottie Leonard Miller</span> American business executive (1945–2024)

Dorothy Golt Leonard Miller was an American business executive who headed companies that specialized in Christian music and other Christian products. She was a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

References

  1. ↑ Westover, Jonas (2013). "Gospel Music Association". Grove Music Online . doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.A2249657. ISBN   978-1-56159-263-0 . Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  2. 1 2 Cusic, Don, ed. Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music: Pop, Rock and Worship. ABC-CLIO, 2009, pp. 223-224.
  3. ↑ W.K. McNeil, ed. Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music. Routledge, 2013, pp. 149-150.
  4. ↑ "Editorial Notes Differences in Gospel Music Assn. and GMA". Billboard , October 22, 1966. (Google Books)
  5. 1 2 Cusic, Don. 2002. p. 377-380
  6. 1 2 Goff, James R. 2002. p. 271-274
  7. 1 2 3 Cheatham, Russ (March 8, 2012). "Gospel Music, White". In Hornd, David (ed.). Continuum Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World Volume 8: Genres: North America. Vol. 8: Genres: North America. New York and London: A&C Black. p. 252. ISBN   978-1-4411-6078-2.
  8. ↑ Goff, James R. 2002. p. 272
  9. 1 2 Cusic, Don. 2002. p. 379
  10. ↑ Cusic, Don. 2002. p. 380
  11. ↑ Goff, James R. (2002). Close Harmony: A History of Southern Gospel. UNC Press Books. ISBN   978-0-8078-5346-7.
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