The Florida Boys will appear at Sacred Sounds Fridays, Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ringgold Depot at Depot Street and U.S. 41 in Ringgold, Ga. in a special concert for the Share America Foundation, Inc.
Continuing a 68-year legacy that has reached millions through record, television on shows such as “The Gospel Singing Jubilee” and radio, Southern Gospel Music Hall of Famer Charlie Waller is bringing the Florida Boys to the Ringgold Depot.
“We are looking forward to returning to the historic Ringgold Depot,” Mr.
Waller said. “We were so honored by the reception we received last year and are anxious to visit with old and new friends.”
Mr. Waller, who serves as lead singer with the quartet, said the performance will be an innovative, entertaining mix that all will enjoy also featuring the talents of baritone singer Chip Cooper, bass singer Joe “Todd” Armstrong, tenor singer Eddie Broome and pianist Joshua Pope.
While the original members of the group retired in 2007, a new chapter continues under Mr. Waller’s leadership and the name and classic songs continue.
“Folks should expect hand clappers, tear jerkers, and songs that will leave a smile on their faces and joy in their hearts,” Mr. Waller said. “How else can you leave them when you are singing about Jesus?”
Mr. Waller said his love for the quartet reaches back to his earliest concert memories.
For 45 years, Mr. 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 Mr. Waller, he said. He is the former executive director of the Southern Gospel Music Association.
Adding to Mr. Waller’s colorful approach to show production is Mr. 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; Mr. Broome, who appeared with Dale Shelnut and the Dixie Echoes, the Palmetto State Quartet and the Trav'lers; Mr. Armstrong began his singing career 40 years ago in tent revivals with his parents and continues the tradition with a bass voice is likened to that of his Florida Boys predecessor, the late Billy Todd; and Mr. Pope, who is already a veteran at age 20 performing with acts such as the Dove Brothers, appearing among the top pianists at the National Quartet Convention and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductions. He has performed on select Gaither Homecoming events and is seen in the Nashville Homecoming and How Great Thou Art DVDs.
For more information, visit
thefloridaboys.net.
The event is a fundraiser for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Fund. The Share America Foundation, Inc., a Georgia non-profit, presents scholarships to talented musicians who excel in the Appalachian musical arts.
Donations for tickets are adults: $5, children 5 and under free with adult. Tickets may be purchased locally in advance during business hours at SonShine Christian Books 706-861-7675 in Fort Oglethorpe. For more information, Share America Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 42 Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 or
shareamericafoundation.com.