The Statesmen Quartet

The Statesmen Quartet, founded in 1948 by Baptist minister Hovie Lister in Atlanta, Georgia, was a prominent American southern gospel quartet known for their influential role in the gospel music scene during the 1950s and 1960s. Renowned for their dynamic performances and significant contributions to the genre, they were the first gospel group to secure endorsement deals and produced numerous radio and television appearances, as well as recordings for major labels like RCA Victor. The group's legacy includes a lasting impact on both gospel music and early rock and roll, with notable fans including Elvis Presley. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998 and ultimately retired in 2002.

GENRES: Gospel, Vocal Group