MonticelloLive

Josh Frost, Special Events Coordinator for Pauline Missionary Baptist Church has announced the appearance of the legendary Florida Boys, live in concert on Sunday, June 10th 2007 at 7:00p.m.

For over fifty years, fans have been flocking to see The Florida Boys, the only male quartet that’s been consistently prominent from the 1950’s to today. 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 Alter,” and “I Lean on You Lord” this legendary group has recorded some 100 albums and attained a following of devoted listeners.

So, what is at the heart of their success? Les Beasley, who plays bass guitar and serves as manager for the group, says it’s their commitment to the calling they each have. “We sincerely believe we are doing what we were put on earth to do,” says Beasley. “We want our audiences to have a good time but it’s most important that they hear the message in each song.”

The Florida Boys’ national television appearances consist of The Today Show, Prime Time Country, Crook & Chase, Gaither Homecoming Videos, and their own Gospel Singing Jubilee, which they hosted for many years.

Aside from Les Beasley, The Florida Boys consist of Glen Allred, baritone and guitarist; Derrell Stewart, piano; Gene McDonald, Bass; Harold Reed, Tenor; and Josh garner, Lead. The group officially started in 1974 under the name Gospel Melody Quartet with J G Whitfield at the head.

Glen Allred joined the group in the fall of 1952, Beasley in the spring of 1953. Allred, although still a teenager, was a seasoned artist who had been a regular on the Grand Ole Opry with Wally Fowler and the Oak Ridge Quartet. Glen is in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Beasley was just returning from Korea where he served in the First Tank Battalion of the First Marine division. Beasley has served as President of the Gospel Music Association and the Southern Gospel Music Association. He is currently President of the National Quartet Convention. Les is in the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, the Southern gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

And then, there are those red socks. They belong to no other than Derrell Stewart, the Pianist. Derrell’s comic antics have made him a favorite wherever The Florida Boys perform. Derrell is also in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

From the boot-heel of Missouri comes one of the finest bass singers to ever sing a gospel song, Gene McDonald. Bill Gaither says, “Gene McDonald is the most exciting young bass singer to come along in the last twenty years.” His big, booming bass voice is featured on many of The Florida Boys hit songs.

Josh Garner now sings the part that Less sang for almost fifty years; lead. Josh has a tremendous voice that makes him a valuable asset to the group. On any given night, he can sing any of the top three parts. The latest addition to the The Florida Boys is their tenor singer, Harold Reed. Harold’s first professional experiences as a singer were with Squire Parsons and later The Melodyaires. He sang with The Dixie Melody Boys for ten years. He is recognized as one of the finest tenors around.

In 1964 The Florida Boys became the first gospel group to have a nationally syndicated television program. The Gospel Singing Jubilee, which was produced by Les Beasley, brought a number of Dove awards for Best Gospel Singing Program, as well as the attention of many in the gospel music industry. Almost over night, the group became a nation-wide success.

And though many days have passed, The Florida Boys remain vibrant. They co-host two annual events in Like Oak, Florida known as The Suwannee River Jubilee, in June and in October. They are also a part of the “singing at sea” which is an annual gospel music cruise to the Bahamas. In the mean time, they still perform at over 250 concerts each year. The group has a string of awards including singing News Awards for practically every member.

Asked to describe The Florida Boys, one promoter said, “Crown pleasers.” Another called them, “inspiring entertainment.” We think that just about sums it up. They are entertaining, but the message of the “Good News” is always there. Year after year they continue to spread the word from coast to coast and in many foreign countries.

Frost stated, “We are excited to have this great, legendary group at Pauline and we invite all the public out to hear them perform some old gospel greats, along with their long line of hits.” “This will be a wonderful night of music, and we are looking for a big crowd.”

Admission to the concert is free; however Frost encourages those attending to contribute to the love offering which will be taken at the end of the performance.