J.G. Whitfield - "The Ole Gospel Man"

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.