The Florida Boys

Since 1947, 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. 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 forty-four 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. Charlie served as Executive Director of the Southern Gospel Music Association located at Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, TN. from 2005 - 2014, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. 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. Bass: Joe "Todd" Armstrong was born in Birmingham, AL. He has been singing since 1972. Joe learned to love gospel music while traveling with his dad and mother. His father was a Baptist evangelist preaching tent revivals across the country. The family attended many of the All-Nite Sings where Joe would see some of his favorite groups such as the Florida Boys, Statesmen, Blackwood Brothers and J.D. and The Stamps. Joe’s bass voice is likened to that of his Florida Boys predecessor, the late Billy Todd. He projects and has that Todd cut in his voice, and some even notice a slight resemblance to Todd. Joe now makes his home in Clanton, AL. Baritone: Jimmy Reno was born in Birmingham, AL. He grew up in a singing family and sang his first solo in church at the age of four. He grew up listening to groups like The Florida Boys, Gold City and the Hinsons. He now makes his home in Locust Fork, AL with his wife Christa and their 3 children, Kaleb, Kristen & Aaron. Tenor: Nathan "Lil" Luke Parrish is from Franklin, NC. He started singing at age three. When he was five years old he won a statewide vocal competition. At the age of eight, he released his first solo project. While Nathan enjoyed his solo career, he found his true love was quartet style music. He grew up listening to vinyl records of The Blackwood Brothers, the Kingsmen and the Statesmen. He joined his first quartet in 2008. He remained there for several years until leaving to join The Blue Ridge Quartet as their pianist. After graduating high school, he became the music director for the youth department at the Prentiss Church of God. Pianist: Joshua Pope has an extraordinary ability at the keyboard. This talented twenty-three year old has enjoyed performing at the piano for a versatile audience. Joshua began piano lessons at age four. He played his first song for the church choir at the age of eight, and became the full-time church pianist at age eleven. Joshua said, “I have been greatly influenced by Jackie Marshall, the late Fat’s Waller and Ray Charles. The music is in my bones and it has to come out. I love to play”! Joshua did his first studio recording at age ten, he released his second project in late summer of 2005, and has a DVD showing his piano skills. Joshua has had the privilege to perform at such premiere events as the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, in Greenville, SC, as well performing at the National Quartet Convention's "Pianorama" in Louisville, KY. He played in honor of James D Walbert at the 2004 Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and he was invited to play for Alabama Governor, Bob Riley's, Christmas party. The Governor and First Lady were impressed by Joshua. He traveled as interim accompanist for the Dove Brothers Quartet in 2005 and in December 2005 began appearing on select Gaither Homecoming Concerts. He appears on the Gaither Homecoming Video Series, Nashville Homecoming and How Great Thou Art. Bill Gaither said of Joshua, "This is a very talented young man, and to go with this very unusual talent is a real sweet kid who loves the Lord and loves people. He has fantastic potential." Joshua was pianist during “Kid’s Fest 2007” for Dollywood’s Kingdom Heirs. Joshua performed daily at the Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, TN. Joshua's musical ability, showmanship, style, and class has amazed audiences and earned him respect from fellow musicians across the U.S. and Canada. At the 2015 Grand Ole Gospel Reunion he was inducted into the Piano Roll of Honor. Joshua, a child prodigy, has truly been blessed with an awesome musical ability. Since 1947, fans have flocked to see The Florida Boys. They appeared on the first gospel quartet concert ever held in New York’s Carnegie Hall.