Jackson Southernaires

Throughout the United States, the Jackson Southernaires have become one of America's most outstanding Gospel sensations. The group was formed in Jackson, Mississippi in 1940 by Frank Crisler. Early on, the group followed in the footsteps of the famous Mississippi Blind Boys, but before long they began to walk in their own distinct style which, although refined, is still evident today. They were the first Gospel group in the state to use the guitar, bass, drum, and keyboard in their stage performance.

In 1963, the group signed their first recording contract with Duke/Peacock Records. Their first release "Too Late" became one of their biggest singles and album.

In 1975 Malaco Records, an independent blues and R&B company, decided to build a Gospel label. The rock that they decided to build upon was the Jackson Southernaires. This decision would prove to be pivotal for both parties. In the two decades since then, Malaco has established itself as one of the world's top Gospel labels, and the Southernaires became one of the world's top Gospel groups.

In 1991, the Southernaires received a Grammy nomination for "Thank You Mama". In 1985 and 1986, they received a nomination for the Stellar Awards and the Gospel Music Workshop of America Traditional Male Group of the Year. 1987 brought with a nomination from the NAACP Image Award as the Traditional Male Group of the Year. In 1989 they were nominated for and won a Stellar Award for Traditional Male Group. For 43 of their 45 years, the Southernaires had their own Sunday morning radio program, and from 1973 to 1978, they hosted their own television program "Gospel Unlimited".

The Jackson Southernaires are more than just a Gospel singing group, more than just Gospel producers, and more than just standard bearers; they are, above all else, a Gospel ministry. They fully realize that without God there would be no success. They stand tall in what they believe in: God, and Gospel music.