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TimelineMcManus Trio (???? - ????) |
Lester George Beasley (August 16, 1928 - November 17, 2018)
Biography
Les Beasley was born in 1928 in Crockett, Texas. A graduate of Louisiana State University, his career as a singer began with the McManus Trio. He then became lead singer for the Gospel Melody Quartet in 1953. The group soon changed its name to the Florida Boys and, by the late 1950s, Les had assumed the role as the quartet's manager. He remained the lead singer for the Florida Boys until 1999, at which time he switched to bass guitar. Under his direction, the Florida Boys became one of the best-known groups in Southern Gospel history.
In the 1960s and 70s, Beasley co-produced the popular syndicated television program The Gospel Singing Jubilee, which introduced Southern Gospel Music to other areas of the country. He also served as President of the Gospel Music Association in 1970 and 1971, and co-designed the Dove award statue.
Beasley was the owner of Beasley And Barker Publishing Company. He served as a lifetime member and permanent board member of the Gospel Music Association. He also served on the board of the National Quartet Convention for many years. He was also a songwriter with such songs as Lead Me To The Altar to his credit.
In 2007, Beasley, Glen Allred, and Derrell Stewart decided to retire the Florida Boys after many decades of dedicated, faithful service.
Beasley was the father of National Quartet Convention Executive Director Clarke Beasley.
Awards
GMA Hall Of Fame (1989)
SGMA Hall Of Fame (1997)
Singing News Fan Awards:
Marvin Norcross Award (1983)
Songwriter's Résumé
(Partial List)
Lead Me To The Altar
Welcome Home
Without God