J.G. Whitfield - "The Ole Gospel
Man"
Jesse Gillis "J.G" Whitfield
1915 - April 9, 2006
Inducted 1990 - Gospel Music Association Hall Of Fame
Inducted 1997 - Southern Gospel Music Association Hall Of Fame
J.G. Whitfield began his singing career in 1944.
In 1947, he organized and managed the Gospel Melody Quartet which became
known as The Florida Boys. "Whit" sang bass and managed
the group until 1958, when he retired. Shortly
thereafter, however, he formed the Dixie Echoes, once again singing bass
and managing one of Southern Gospel's most active groups. Whitfield's association
with the Florida Boys and Dixie Echoes led him into new territory as a promoter
of Gospel sings throughout the South. He promoted his first gospel
concert in Carnegie Hall in 1963 and became one of the largest promoters
in the country. He is the founder of the Singing News. In 1969 and 1970 he
received the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for "Best Gospel Disc
Jockey". He is a Charter member of the Gospel Music Association, served on
the original Board of Directors, and served on Board of Directors as the
Promoter Representative. He was also a prominent player
in the origins of the popular television series, The Gospel Singing Jubilee,
which served to launch the careers of many of today's top artists. The Southern
Gospel magazine, Singing News, was another of Whit's contributions, organized
in 1969 to promote his many concerts across the country.
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