The Bibletones Quartet was formed in 1957 by Mr. and Mrs. Ward Hurt, in Lumberton, Mississippi. Hurt was born and raised in North Alabama and actively sang in quartets, including the group, the Sand Mountain Quartet. In the late 1940’s, Hurt and his wife moved to south Mississippi, where he established the Bibletones, with the vision to create a singing ministry group. In addition to his work with the quartet, Hurt also served as mayor of Lumberton, Mississippi and manufactured furniture. In the early 1980’s, Hurt retired from the Bibletones and the leadership went to Howard Rutland and Paul Vinson, members of the group. Paul Vinson left the group in the mid 80’s to sing with the Dixie Echoes (his son-in-law is Randy Shelnut).