Photo Gallery · The Band

The Southern Gentlemen

In the early 1960s Sonny developed a rich vocal sound accented by the harmonies of his Southern Gentlemen. On record and on national tours, the legendary sales and airplay that followed were the direct result of each of these talents.

Before they were the Southern Gentlemen

The Parsons — a 1961 dorm-room recording

From The Parsons to The Southern Gentlemen

The Parsons became the Southern Gentlemen the moment they met Sonny at the Grand Ole Opry in 1964. Performing as The Chordsmen, the group had already replaced the Jordanaires as the Opry’s staff backup vocalists earlier that year. The Opry was so taken with their energy that they were given their own spot on the show — and once received a legendary eleven standing ovations. Listen to one of their dorm-room recordings from 1961, made while they were in college.

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Harland Powell & Gene Stewart 1950's — **Harland Powell & Gene Stewart**1950's

This close-knit group was like family. They respected each other’s talents and their voices blended perfectly with James’s. Stars in their own right, they relinquished some of the spotlight to showcase Sonny at his best. Many miles of enjoyment between these five.

Lin Bown & Gary Robble 1960's - Early '70s — **Lin Bown & Gary Robble**1960's - Early '70s

Milo Liggett – Gary Robble- Sonny – Duane West – Glenn Huggins. 1960's - Early '70s — **Milo Liggett – Gary Robble- Sonny – Duane West – Glenn Huggins.**1960's - Early '70s

**Milo Liggett – Wayne White – Sonny – Jack Galloway – Lonnie Webb – Harland Powell.**1970's

Jack Galloway – Gary Timbs were always very popular with audiences & provided great energy to many of Sonny's performances. Jack is now a full time Minister. Gary is recording in the gospel field. 1970's & 80's

Roger Hicks – Jack Hicks. 1970's & 80's — **Roger Hicks – Jack Hicks.**1970's & 80's

Ricky Burch 1970's & 80's — **Ricky Burch**1970's & 80's

ROY BARBEE - Not only was he a key member of the Southern Gentleman but he was Sonny’s business and road manager during the later years of touring. In every situation he found a solution. Close ties with he and family still remain. 1970's & 80's

**Roy Barbee – Sonny – Virgil True – Dennis White – Kevin Anderson – Michael Cochran.**1970's & 80's

Tom Wilkerson a graduate of Texas Tech where he also starred as a great quarterback for the Red Raiders football team. Known as an excellent drummer he also has enjoyed great success as a record producer. A friend of many on music row he remains very active today in the music business. As a Southern Gentleman he added much to Sonny's band.

Anthony Crawford - Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Nashville became Anthony's home, where he performed live at Opryland, toured with the Sonny James Band, and appeared on television’s Hee Haw and The Ralph Emery Show. Anthony went on to tour with Neil Young, Steve Winwood, Dwight Yoakam, Vince Gill, the Pegi Young Band, Nicolette Larson and Blackhawk.

Cover of Willful Shadows: The Account of Sonny James and The Southern Gentlemen — The Book · 2019Willful ShadowsThe Account of Sonny James and The Southern Gentlemen
In 2019, Southern Gentleman Gary Robble published *Willful Shadows*, a firsthand chronicle of Sonny James and the group that sang beside him. Spanning decades of Sonny’s life, the book portrays both the entertainer and the man, drawing on interviews with many of the people who shared in his remarkable career, on stage, in the studio and on the road.
Written by Gary Robble · Hardcover · 336 pages · Now out of print

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The Southern Gentlemen

The Parsons — a 1961 dorm-room recording

From The Parsons to The Southern Gentlemen

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