Producer Frank Crisler formed the group in 1940, yet they did not become active until 1969, with the release of Too Late by Song Bird Records. At its inception, The group consisted of five members; Huey Williams, Roger Bryant Jr., Maurice Surrell, James Burks, and Luther Jennings. The group received a nomination for a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Gospel Album category at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards. The group has released 28 albums, including their 2010 release, Back Again, with Blackberry Records. Eleven albums have charted on the Billboard magazine charts, only on the Gospel Albums chart.
Members
Current
Huey Williams
Maurice Surrell
James Burks
Former
Roger Bryant Jr. (Deceased)
Willie Banks (Deceased)
Frank Williams (Deceased)
Luther Jennings (Deceased)
Huey Williams
Huey (Paul) Williams, Sr., a native Mississippian, is the son of the late Leon “Pop” Williams and Mrs. Amanda Williams, who resides in Smithdale, Mississippi. Huey is thankful to God for being first in his life. He is especially grateful to God for having two loving parents who encouraged and pushed him forward in all of his efforts toward serving the Lord and making a meaningful profession of singing and praising God. He loves his parents for bringing him and his siblings up in the church and keeping them on their knees and keeping God on their minds and in their hearts. Huey also thanks his immediate family - - wife Mamie Williams, son Huey Paul Williams II, and daughters Dee Dee, Wanda, Shononda and Joy for standing behind him in his gospel and spiritual endeavors. Huey began singing the gospel with his brothers during his early years, and although he is the only Williams of the original group started by his late Father, by God’s grace he has led the Southernaires to become one of the top gospel recording artist in the State of Mississippi, throughout the United States and abroad. Thanks to the radio and television angels who have stood beside the Southernaires through the good and the bad times, the Southernaires are still top performers in the gospel industry, and have remained in the top 20s on the gospel music charts. Fans young and old have always loved and bought the Southernaires music. Writing, arranging and singing is Huey Williams, Sr. Huey loves hunting and fishing when he is not on the move for Jesus, and thinks that he is pretty good at both.
Maurice Surrell, Sr.
Maurice Surrell, Sr. a.k.a. “The Godfather” of Quartet and Gospel Drummers, was born December 14, 1954, in Jackson, MS, he is the son of Mr. David Surrell Sr. (a former member of the Jackson Southernaires) and Mrs. Gloria Lea; he is a graduate of C.M. & I High School in Jackson, MS He began his career in 1968 at the age of 13 with the renowned Williams Brothers of Smithdale, Mississippi; he played drums and sang with themfor over 14 years. He joined the Jackson Southernaires in 1982 and has been a faithful member and drummer for over 20 years, he is also Assitant Manager, Business Manager, Secretary, Treasurer, Fasion Coordinator and Tenor Singer. He is also owner of LLERRUS Music Publishing. He ia a member of Word of Faith Christian Center where Bishop Kevin E. Wright is pastor; he is also a member of the Praise Team and Voices of Faith Choir. His motto is: “Have Faith in God, for with God, All things are possible” Maurice became one of Malaco Records in house studio drummers in the early 1980’s, his dexterity and showmanship as a percussionist has gained him signature drumsticks since the early 1990’s and he is currently pursuing an endorsement with a major drumstick company. He has achieved recognition for such Special Achievement awards as Mississippi Gospel Music Award (Musician of the Year), Gospel Music Workshop of America (Quartet Division Award), and the California State Assembly (Certificate of Recognition). His personal successes with the Southernaires are endless. Maurice is married to Janice Boyd-Surrell and he is the father of two, Maurice, Jr. and Erica Surrell. My advice to upcoming groups: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” – Matthew 6:33
James Burks
James Burks was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and at a young age moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born into a family that God had anointed and blessed with various musical gifts. In the summer of 1967, James returned to Jackson. He was feeling a call on his life to use his gifts to help spread God’s word through song and praise. He is blessed to have musical talent, and is able to play both lead and bass guitars, and some keyboard also. He is also blessed to be a singer with the ability to sing in various voices. He first joined a local group but was not with them long before he was to become a Jackson Southernaire. He has been with the Southernaires for 34 years. Putting God first in his life has enabled him to continue on the glorious path. When at home, James enjoys attending church, fishing, other outdoor activities and just relaxing with his wife, family and friends. James thanks his family, fans, and friends for all of the years of support and prayers. God’s blessings are extended to you all.
Chris Forrest
All praises and glory be to God. Chris Forrest of Winona, Mississippi, was born December 18, 1973, and is the son of Reverend Jimmy L. Forrest and Minister Rosie L. Forrest. He was raised in the church, and is thankful to his parents for providing a loving and spiritual home during his childhood. He is especially grateful to God for allowing him to continue to follow after his godly teachings from his early stages of life until now. Chris’s parents introduced him to gospel music at a very early age. He began to follow his father at the age of two years old as he traveled with Willie Banks and the Messengers. By the age of three, Chris was playing drums for The Forrest Brothers quartet group, which was his first group he played for in the gospel music profession. Chris gives God the glory and praise, for he is still a vessel for God and still loves playing gospel music. Chris is the father of three beautiful daughters - - Ashley, Kirsten and Aniya. It has always been Chris’s lifelong dream to change the world, with his gift of music. Chris counts it a blessing and a privilege to be a part of the Jackson Southernaires Gospel organization. He also thanks the Jackson Southernaires for having faith in him as well as his God-given talent for music.
Todd Vaughan
Todd Vaughan, the son of Prentiss and Dorothy Vaughan, was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi May 17, 1980. Todd grew up in the church, and every Sunday he had to be in somebody’s church. During childhood Todd and his sister Dana would often play church at his grandmother’s house, so it is no surprise that he would be in church and playing gospel music. Todd has been playing music since the age of five. The first instrument that he learned was the drums. In 1996, God saw fit to give him another gift, which is playing the piano, his first gift being an ear for music. It has always been Todd’s dream to play for a top gospel group, never thinking it would come so soon. In November 2003, Todd was given the opportunity to play for the Jackson Southernaires, which later resulted in his becoming a musician for the Southernaires in February 2004. Todd thanks God for everything that has happened in his life, and he acknowledges that it is all because of God. He would also like to thank his parents, family, “Jlov” and friends for their support, and for never giving up his dreams. This is just the beginning of greater things to come.
Paul Williams
Paul Williams, aka Huey Paul Williams II, is the son of Huey Williams, Sr. and Mamie Williams, born September 16, 1970 in Jackson, Mississippi. He is also the grandson of the late Leon “Pop” Williams, father of the renowned Jackson Southernaires and the Williams Brothers and Mrs. Amanda Williams. Paul attended public school in Franklin County, but graduated from Crystal Springs High School in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. After graduating from High School, Paul enrolled in Alcorn State University, but decided that he would rather follow after and share in what he envisioned as a successful endeavor with his dad. Paul is married to Sharita Danett Williams and the proud father of three multi-talented children- -Huey “Little Paul”, III, Roderic Devine and Taylor Makallah Genae. Paul is the Bus Driver for the Jackson Southernaires and handles road and travel matters, booking and contracts for the Southernaires. He is the driving force behind the organization of the recording company known as “JS” Records, established before the latest recording of the Southernaires. He is also responsible for helping the Southernaires to realize a long-time dream of recording on their own label. He is the founder of Huey and Huey Entertainment, which is a joint venture of the Southernaires established in 2004, and operated by Paul and Sharita Williams in Smithdale, Mississippi. Paul is proud of the accomplishments that are unfolding for his dad and the Southernaires. He loves his parents, wife, children and siblings very much. He attributes his success, in part, to the support he receives all around from family. Paul believes that love, faith in God, and support of family are linked closely together, and all of them together equals true success. The greatest rewards outside of making it to heaven is seeing happiness and joy among those you love. God makes it all possible.
I Need You to Hold My Hand
The Jackson Southernaires Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm doing the best that I can
Why my way gets so dark
You know I just don't understand
Oh Lord (oh Lord)
I need You to hold my hand
I can't make it without You, Lord
Oh Lord, I need You to hold my hand
As I traveled from place to place
Many times I'm treated so bad
Then I sit and think about
I can't miss a friend
That I never had
Oh Lord (oh Lord)
I need You to hold my hand
I can't make it by myself, oh Lord
Oh Lord, I need You to hold my hand
One more thing, church
I'm gonna continue to run for Jesus
Even if I have to run alone
Because it's my determination
To make God's beautiful heaven my home
Oh Lord (oh Lord), I need You to hold my hand
Right now, right now, right now, right now, right now
Oh Lord (oh Lord), I need You to hold my hand
Sometime when burning, trust me
I said hold me (hold me), Jesus (Jesus)
Hold me (hold me), Jesus (Jesus)
The reason why (hold me) I want you to hold me, Lord (Jesus)
If you don't hold me(hold me), I will surely fall
I need your strength (hold me), need your mercy, Lord
If you hold me (hold me) everything will be alright
Somebody need you (hold me), to be a doctor, Jesus (Jesus)
Somebody need you (hold me) to be a lawyer (Jesus)
Somebody lying (hold me), on the bed of affliction (Jesus)
They have pain (hold me), they have so much pain (Jesus)
So much pain (hold me), pain in their body (Jesus)
They're saying to hold me (hold me), right now lord (Jesus)
Lord I need you (hold me), right now Lord (Jesus)
You're a doctor (hold me), oh Jesus (Jesus)
(Hold me) hold me, Lord (Jesus)
(Hold me) hold me, Jesus (Jesus)
The lyrics to "I Need You to Hold My Hand" by The Jackson Southernaires speak of the struggles and hardships that one may face in life, and how they may feel the need for the guidance and strength of God. The singer acknowledges that they are doing the best they can, but they still need God's support to overcome the difficulties they face. The recurring statement of "Oh Lord, I need You to hold my hand" emphasizes the reliance that the singer has on God.
The second part of the song talks about the loneliness and isolation that the singer experiences as they travel from place to place. However, even though they may feel alone, they still hold on to their determination to continue to run for Jesus and make it to heaven. The song ends with a fervent plea for God to hold the singer, and not just them, but for all those who need Him- the sick, those in pain and those who are struggling in any way.
Overall, the song is a powerful expression of faith and trust in God, recognizing the difficulties and challenges of life but leaning on Him for support and strength.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord you know that I'm your child
I acknowledge that I am a child of God
And I'm doing the best that I can
I am trying my hardest
Why my way gets so dark
I am confused and struggling when life gets difficult
You know I just don't understand
I do not comprehend why things happen the way they do
Oh Lord (oh Lord)
Addressing God
I need You to hold my hand
I require the comfort and guidance of the Lord
I can't make it without You, Lord
I am unable to persevere on my own
Whoa, listen to me now
Pay attention to my words
As I traveled from place to place
During my journeys and travels
Many times I'm treated so bad
I am often mistreated by others
Then I sit and think about
Reflecting on my experiences
I can't miss a friend
I cannot miss someone who was never there for me
That I never had
I never had a true friend to rely on
One more thing, church
Speaking to the congregation
I'm gonna continue to run for Jesus
I will continue to serve God
Even if I have to run alone
I am willing to do it by myself
Because it's my determination
My motivation is
To make God's beautiful heaven my home
To be with God in heaven
Sometime when burning, trust me
During tough times, believe me
I said hold me (hold me), Jesus (Jesus)
I am asking Jesus to comfort me
The reason why (hold me) I want you to hold me, Lord (Jesus)
The reason that I am asking for comfort from Jesus
If you don't hold me (hold me), I will surely fall
Without Jesus' support, I will fail
I need your strength (hold me), need your mercy, Lord
I require the strength and mercy of the Lord
If you hold me (hold me) everything will be alright
If Jesus supports me, everything will be okay
Somebody need you (hold me), to be a doctor, Jesus (Jesus)
Others require Jesus' assistance just like a doctor's
Somebody need you (hold me) to be a lawyer (Jesus)
Others require Jesus' support in a legal situation
Somebody lying (hold me), on the bed of affliction (Jesus)
Someone is ill and suffering
They have pain (hold me), they have so much pain (Jesus)
They are experiencing immense discomfort
So much pain (hold me), pain in their body (Jesus)
Their physical pain is extreme
They're saying to hold me (hold me), right now lord (Jesus)
They are asking Jesus for comfort
Lord I need you (hold me), right now Lord (Jesus)
I require Jesus' assistance immediately
You're a doctor (hold me), oh Jesus (Jesus)
Jesus is like a doctor who can heal my pain
(Hold me) hold me, Lord (Jesus)
I am asking for Jesus' support
(Hold me) hold me, Jesus (Jesus)
I am asking for Jesus' comfort and guidance
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: FRANKLIN WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@keem220
I lost my mom last month and this song has got me through a lot . Didn't know how I was going to make it but God got me!
@kishakeesh4425
Sorry for your lost🙏 Ain't NOBODY like MAMA👋
@lucyhayes2095
Remember her legacy and the many wonderful time you had together. Blessings
@nannygranny4
Praying your peace and comfort from the HOLY SPIRIT... May memories of your Mom bring a smile to you and strengthen you and give you courage and inspiration to live your best life. Know that one day you will see her again. 🙏🏽🙏🏻🙏🏾
@jaredb3004
Sorry for your loss man
@jonezmusicgroup
Same here…. August 6, 2020 for me.
And this song was sang at her funeral.
@cassieY69
Thank you, Jesus, for holding my hand 🙌 ❤
@michellefortenbury45
54 years old first time ever hearing this song. Amen we need you Jesus.
@myraclewoods9972
I remember my granny always playing this song and singing it when I was a child I didn't understand it but now I sing this to the top of my lungs
@mingram7748
Frank Williams was gifted with the most beautiful singing voice! May he RIP.