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THE SOUTHMENIn 1974, a new quartet came on the scene that made gospel fans everywhere stand up and take notice. From Gadsden, Alabama they were called The Southmen. Organized with Jim Hefner, Tim Riley, Larry Beck, Jack Toney, and Tommy Glover, they truly were an overnight success story. Here you had 4 singers and a piano player dressed alike and singing that old traditional southern gospel style music. From their first song until their last - you knew you were seeing and hearing pure southern gospel music. They would bless and touch your heart, yet they would entertain you with their extreme wit and funny stories. In fact, the late J. G. Whitfield - the “ole” Gospel Man, said they were the most entertaining group on the road during that era. They worked all the big concerts and became a part of almost all the J. G. Whitfield concerts; signed a recording contract with Calvary Records and a booking agreement with Nashville Gospel Talent Agency. They continued until the early 80’s at which time they decided to go their separate ways. Tim, of course, went on to manage and own Gold City Quartet. Gold City would become a tremendous success winning just about every award in gospel music. Fans were saddened to see The Southmen go and promoters were disappointed because the Southmen were a powerful drawing card. Fast forward 35 years. Tim Riley decided it was time for him to retire from Gold City and leave it in the hands of his son, Danny, and believe me Gold City is in good hands. Well, as it turned out, Jim and Larry were back in the area, so they decided to get together for a meal and fellowship. They invited two friends over - one was a lead signer and one a piano player. Singing around the piano, they discovered it was fun, so they decided they would sing at The Southmen Reunion which was coming up soon. There was an unbelievable response when they were introduced. Thus, the Southmen were indeed back, but unlike before, it was agreed by all the guys that it would be on a very limited basis. They agreed to do 20 dates per year and these dates are already booked for the remainder of 2008 and all of 2009. Jim Hefner, who manages the group, says that he has been amazed at the requests for dates. He stated that they have turned down more dates than accepted and could work a full time schedule, but they are sticking to their original agreement. Can we expect more dates in the future? Hefner says a flat “no”. He further commented that the group is having fun and can select the dates at present. Other than that, everything else is pretty much the same 4 singers and a piano. Current personnel for The Southmen: Jim Hefner, tenor, Randy Lacy, lead, Larry Beck, baritone, Tim Riley, bass, and Jimmy Wofford, piano. If they come to your area, don’t miss them. They sill sing southern gospel, still dress alike and, yes, they are still funny.
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