J. G. Whitfield

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Jesse Gillis Whitfield (1915-2006), also known as J.G. or Whit, is a gospel musician, music promoter, and member of the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame.

He served in the Air Force and then formed the Gospel Melody Quartet in 1947. Glen Allred joined him in 1952, with Les Beasley coming on board the following year. In 1954, the group name was changed to the Florida Boys. Whitfield continued to manage and sing bass until he left the group in 1958. He soon formed the Dixie Echoes, another Florida-based group. During this time period, Whitfield was also getting experience as a concert promoter across the South. He also helped launch the Gospel Singing Jubilee program on television. In 1969, he started the Singing News, a publication originally used to promote his concerts.

In 1997, the Southern Gospel Music Association recognized Whitfield by adding him to their Hall Of Fame.