News & Scoops
07 Aug 2008
The Florida Boys Find A Home At Smoky Mountain Showplace Theatre
Charlie Waller is bringing the Florida Boys to the Smoky Mountain Showplace Theatre, 140 Showplace Blvd. in Pigeon Forge, TN. six nights a week. While the original members of the group retired from the road last year, a new chapter was born under Waller’s leadership and the name and classic songs continue. Waller said the performance will be an innovative, entertaining mix that all will enjoy also featuring the talents of baritone singer: Buddy Burton, bass singer Chip Cooper, and tenor singer Dustin Bearden.
“We are so excited to be able to bring our show to Pigeon Forge on a regular basis,” Waller said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for a quartet to get a chance to entertain for the receptive audiences that visit the Smokies. We are going to bring folks a little bit of everything, hand clappers, tear jerkers, and songs that will leave a smile on their faces and joy in their hearts. How else can you leave them when you are singing about Jesus?”
Waller credits Ron Blackwood as being instrumental in helping him to strike a deal with theater owners Bob Deason and Sherry Bowman.
The group’s latest release is entitled “I Give You.....” which features a variety of Florida Boys songs such as “My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me,” “After All,” “The Master Locksmith,” and “I Must Tell Jesus” and the show will include some of the greatest songs that Southern gospel music has ever known.
Waller said his love for the quartet reaches back to his earliest concert memories. For 38 years, Waller built a reputation producing and promoting shows including the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. Preserving the industry and its legacy is a top priority for Waller, he said. He now also serves the industry as executive director of the Southern Gospel Music Association that operates the SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum at Dollywood.
Other members of The Florida Boys include Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Burton, with 38 years in music working with acts such as the Smitty Gatlin Trio, 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; Cooper, who brings 33-years of experience to the stage with groups like the Goodnewsmen, Pine Ridge Boys, Tar-Heel State and the Mystery Men; and Bearden, 24, who is already a seasoned professional working with Providence, New Vision Quartet, Narrow Way Quartet, and Alliance.
For more information about the group, visit http://www.thefloridaboys.net
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