For sixty years fans … Read Full Bio ↴Pasted from the website: www.floridaboys.com
For sixty years fans have flocked to see The Florida Boys, the only male quartet that was consistently prominent from the 1950's to July 2007. With No. 1 hits like "Standing On The Solid Rock", "When He Was On The Cross, I Was On His Mind", "Lead Me To The Altar" and "I Lean On You Lord" this legendary group has recorded some 100 albums and attained a following of devoted listeners.
So what is at the heart of their success? Les Beasley, who sang lead and served as manager of the group, says it's their commitment to the calling they each have. We sincerely believe we have been doing what we were put on earth to do. We wanted our audiences to have a good time but it was most important that they hear the message in each song.
The Florida Boys' national television appearances consist of "The Today Show", "TNN's Prime Time Country", "Crooke & Chase", "Gaither Homecoming Videos" and their own "Gospel Singing Jubilee" which they hosted for many years.
Glen Allred joined the group in the fall of 1952, Beasley in the spring of 1953. Allred, although still a teenager, was a seasoned artist who had been a regular on the Grand Ole Opry with Wally Fowler and the Oak Ridge Quartet. Beasley was just returning from Korea where he served in the 1st Tank Bat 1st Marine Division. Beasley has served as President of The Gospel Music Association, President of The Southern Gospel Music Association and is currently President of The National Quartet Convention. Les is in The Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, The Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame and The Texas Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.
And then there are those red socks. They belong to none other than Derrell Stewart, the Pianist, who hails from Brunswick, GA. Derrell's comic antics have made him a favorite wherever The Florida Boys performed.
In 1964, The Florida Boys became the first gospel group to have a nationally syndicated television program. The Gospel Singing Jubilee, produced by Beasley, brought a number of Dove Awards for "Best Gospel Singing Program", as well as the attention of may in the industry. Almost over-night the group became a nation-wide success.
Asked to describe The Florida Boys, one promoter said, "Crowd Pleasers". Another said, "Inspiring Entertainment". That just about sums it up. They were entertaining but the message of the "Good News" was always there. Year after year they have spread the "Good News" from coast to coast and many foreign countries.
After more than 50 years of traveling, Les, Glen & Derrell have retired. Down through the years, many wonderful singers have been a part of the group. Billy Todd, George Younce, Buddy Liles, Gene Mc Donald and Butch Owens are the bass singers that have been with the group since J. G. Whitfield retired in 1958. Glen Allred sang the baritone for 55 years. Les Beasley sang lead for 50 years. Josh Garner filled the lead spot for the last three years of their career. Buddy Mears, Coy Cook, Tommy Atwood, Laddie Cain, Jerry Trammel, Greg Cook, Rick Busby, Billy Hodges, Allen Cox and Harold Reed are some of the Tenors the group has had.
Stand By Me
The Florida Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea
Thou Who rulest wind and water,
Stand by me (stand by me).
When I'm growing old and feeble,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When I'm growing old and feeble,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When my life becomes a burden,
And I'm nearing chilly Jordan,
O Thou "Lily of the Valley,"
Stand by me (stand by me).
The Florida Boys’s song Stand By Me is a beautiful hymn that expresses a deep and abiding faith in God’s unfailing presence and support, even in the midst of life’s harshest storms. The song begins with the powerful affirmation, “When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me (stand by me); When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me (stand by me).” This opening line sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing the need for strength and support during our most difficult moments in life.
The second verse expands upon this theme, focusing on the trials and tribulations of growing old and feeble. Here, the singer asks for God’s support during a time when they may feel weak or helpless, declaring, “When my life becomes a burden, And I'm nearing chilly Jordan, O Thou "Lily of the Valley," Stand by me (stand by me).” The reference to the “chilly Jordan” is a metaphor for death, which can be a frightening prospect for anyone. However, the singer’s faith in God’s presence is unshakeable, implying that even in death, they will be supported and upheld by God’s loving grace.
Overall, The Florida Boys’s song Stand By Me expresses a profound and unwavering faith in God’s providence no matter what challenges we may face in life. Through its powerful lyrics and stirring melody, it reminds us that we are never truly alone, as long as we have faith in God’s guiding hand.
Line by Line Meaning
When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me (stand by me);
In times of chaos and turbulence, be my support and stand next to me.
When the world is tossing me Like a ship upon the sea Thou Who rulest wind and water, Stand by me (stand by me).
When I feel lost and helpless like a boat tossed around on the waves, I pray for your guidance and steady hand to help me navigate through the storm.
When I'm growing old and feeble, Stand by me (stand by me);
As I age and become weaker, please remain by my side to provide strength and partake in my journey.
When my life becomes a burden, And I'm nearing chilly Jordan, O Thou "Lily of the Valley," Stand by me (stand by me).
When my life becomes overwhelming or difficult, and as I approach death, be with me until the end, like a lily providing comfort and peace until I am ready to go.
Writer(s): Ernest Tubb
Contributed by Muhammad V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@michaelcobb1551
Beautifully sung!
@TheManofMusic69
Nothing beats a good a cappella quartet that really executes cleanly. I love it!
@SignatureStampsFan
I met Mr. McDonald at a label around ten years ago. He had the sweetest demeanor and was an all-around nice guy. This is one of my favorite A Cappella arrangements. So beautiful.
@satisfied001
Beautiful lead singing. Beautiful arrangement.
@susanthomas5445
Beautiful!
@gtmalalo
Adorable 🙏💜
@kyeongsik89
thanks for always standing by me!
@thoneyomoboye350
Title: Then I Met The Master
@sarahthornburg894
DO YOU KNOW WHAT LUANN WAS DOING TO ME?????? I CAN'T TAKE HER AGAIN !!!????
@thestrongest3050
O myyyyyyyyyy