Chip Cooper - Bass
Buddy Burton - Baritone
Charles Waller - Lead
Eddie Broome - Tenor
Influences
Les Beasley, Glen Allred, Derrell Stewart, JG Whitfield, Tommy Atwood, Billy Todd, Coy Cook, Buddy Liles, Laddie Cain, Jerry Trammell, Terry Davis, Gene McDonald, Josh Garner, Harold Reed, and many other past members who helped continue the Florida Boys tradition for over 60 years.
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.
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: Eddie Broome has a 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. Since 1995, Eddie has continued to perform as lead singer with the Trav'lers. His vocal ability and country humor have won the hearts of gospel music fans all across the nation.
Hidee Charlie, Congratulations for being in the 2009 "Class" of SGMA Hall of Fame Inductees! There is no living person who is more deserving! You literally gave me the opportunity to see many of my "Quartet Heroes" before they passed thanks to your GOGR! I love and appreciate you! Gayla
Thank You So Much, I count this an honor. Much love to you and yours. May God bless the rest of your life to be the best! May you forever find the positive side of life! Please join us in daily prayer for restoration and peace among mankind. Pray that our families will be strong again. Pray that we can learn to love one another.Please visit our new site: http://praying4u. ning. com http://praying4u. ning. com
I was wondering if you had heard of SoGoCity yet? Charles Brady created a website for Southern Gospel singers, groups, songwriters, fans, promoters, ministers, DJ's, etc... I love it and ~ It's great Christian fellowship. If you'd like to check it out go to: www. sogocity. ning. com. I hope to see you there! I grew up listening to you guys and all the great Southern Gospel groups. If I tried to name them all, I'd run out of space. May God richly bless you and I know He will! Many Blessings, Barbi
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.
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.
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: Eddie Broome has a 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. Since 1995, Eddie has continued to perform as lead singer with the Trav'lers. His vocal ability and country humor have won the hearts of gospel music fans all across the nation.
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