{"id":2955,"date":"2013-10-24T20:47:10","date_gmt":"2013-10-25T02:47:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/?page_id=2955"},"modified":"2026-09-26T20:54:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T02:54:18","slug":"the-southern-gentlemen","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/the-southern-gentlemen\/","title":{"rendered":"The Southern Gentlemen"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"2955\" class=\"elementor elementor-2955\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8b2bfc e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div sj-page-hero e-a8b2bfc-3ecc9bd \" data-id=\"a8b2bfc\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"a8b2bfc\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"a8b2bfc\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8b2bfcin e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div sj-in e-a8b2bfcin-7b31d20 \" data-id=\"a8b2bfcin\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"a8b2bfcin\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"a8b2bfcin\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-347b73e e-con e-atomic-element e-div-block-base e-default-div sj-eyebrow sj-eyebrow--gold sj-w sj-hw e-347b73e-be6fa16 \" data-id=\"347b73e\" data-element_type=\"e-div-block\" data-e-type=\"e-div-block\" data-interaction-id=\"347b73e\" data-e-type=\"e-div-block\" data-id=\"347b73e\">\n    \t\t\t<p class=\"sj-h e-paragraph-base e-default-p\" data-interaction-id=\"347b73eh\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"347b73eh\">Photo Gallery &middot; The Band<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<h1 data-interaction-id=\"83bca44\" class=\"sj-hero-title sj-w sj-h e-heading-base e-default-h1\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"83bca44\">The Southern Gentlemen<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sj-hero-lede sj-w sj-te sj-tx e-paragraph-base e-default-p\" data-interaction-id=\"64226dc\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"64226dc\">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.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-gallery-southern-gentlemen e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div sj-sec e-gallery-southern-gentlemen-cbf6694 \" data-id=\"gallery-southern-gentlemen\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"gallery-southern-gentlemen\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"gallery-southern-gentlemen\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-gallery-southern-gentlemenin e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div sj-in e-gallery-southern-gentlemenin-6528eca \" data-id=\"gallery-southern-gentlemenin\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"gallery-southern-gentlemenin\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"gallery-southern-gentlemenin\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd001a5 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div sj-card sj-card--flat e-dd001a5-cf37df6 \" data-id=\"dd001a5\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"dd001a5\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"dd001a5\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cae12d6 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div e-cae12d6-861c6c1 \" data-id=\"cae12d6\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"cae12d6\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"cae12d6\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ef4add elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"9ef4add\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sj-videos\" style=\"grid-template-columns:1fr\"><article class=\"sj-video\"><button type=\"button\" data-yt=\"gI1iqbq4e1o\" data-title=\"The Parsons &mdash; a 1961 dorm-room recording\" aria-label=\"Play: The Parsons &mdash; a 1961 dorm-room recording\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/gI1iqbq4e1o\/hqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/button><div class=\"meta\"><small>Before they were the Southern Gentlemen<\/small><h3>The Parsons &mdash; a 1961 dorm-room recording<\/h3><\/div><\/article><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d93de61 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div e-d93de61-51c5a13 \" data-id=\"d93de61\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"d93de61\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"d93de61\">\n    \t\t\t<h3 data-interaction-id=\"df18e11\" class=\"sj-card-title sj-w sj-h e-heading-base e-default-h3\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"df18e11\">From The Parsons to The Southern Gentlemen<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sj-card-text sj-w sj-te sj-tx e-paragraph-base e-default-p\" data-interaction-id=\"7f8f2f9\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"7f8f2f9\">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&rsquo;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 &mdash; and once received a legendary eleven standing ovations. Listen to one of their dorm-room recordings from 1961, made while they were in college.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a2881b e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div e-9a2881b-695dfa8 \" data-id=\"9a2881b\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"9a2881b\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"9a2881b\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8be9a1e e-con e-atomic-element e-div-block-base e-default-div sj-eyebrow sj-eyebrow--plain sj-w sj-hw e-8be9a1e-21a3e14 \" data-id=\"8be9a1e\" data-element_type=\"e-div-block\" data-e-type=\"e-div-block\" data-interaction-id=\"8be9a1e\" data-e-type=\"e-div-block\" data-id=\"8be9a1e\">\n    \t\t\t<p class=\"sj-h e-paragraph-base e-default-p\" data-interaction-id=\"8be9a1eh\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"8be9a1eh\">13 photographs &middot; select any image to view it full size<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4401583 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"4401583\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div class=\"sj-gallery\" role=\"list\"><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/earlyband_drummer.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Dude Kahn - 1950&#039;s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"214\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/earlyband_drummer.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Dude Kahn 1950&#039;s\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 6%\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Dude Kahn<\/strong>1950&#039;s<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/earlyband_members.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Harland Powell &amp; Gene Stewart - 1950&#039;s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"214\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/earlyband_members.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Harland Powell &amp; Gene Stewart 1950&#039;s\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 6%\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Harland Powell &amp; Gene Stewart<\/strong>1950&#039;s<\/figcaption><div class=\"sj-photo-audio\"><audio controls preload=\"none\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.agencyinfo.net\/sonnyjames-wp\/music\/YOUNG-LOVE.mp3\"><\/audio><\/div><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/1960s-70s\/southern-gentlemen.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"This close-knit group was like family. They respected each other\u2019s talents and their voices blended perfectly with James\u2019s. Stars in their own right, they relinquished some of the spotlight to showcase Sonny at his best. Many miles of enjoyment between these five.\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"623\" height=\"486\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/1960s-70s\/southern-gentlemen.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"This close-knit group was like family. They respected each other\u2019s talents and their voices blended perfectly\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 6%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/1960s-70s\/southern-gentlemen.jpg 623w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/1960s-70s\/southern-gentlemen-300x234.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 623px) 100vw, 623px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>This close-knit group was like family. They respected each other\u2019s talents and their voices blended perfectly with James\u2019s. Stars in their own right, they relinquished some of the spotlight to showcase Sonny at his best. Many miles of enjoyment between these five.<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/lynn_gary-t.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Lin Bown &amp; Gary Robble - 1960&#039;s - Early &#039;70s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"165\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/lynn_gary-t.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Lin Bown &amp; Gary Robble 1960&#039;s - Early &#039;70s\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 0%\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Lin Bown &amp; Gary Robble<\/strong>1960&#039;s - Early &#039;70s<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman1.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Milo Liggett \u2013 Gary Robble- Sonny \u2013 Duane West \u2013 Glenn Huggins. - 1960&#039;s - Early &#039;70s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"417\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Milo Liggett \u2013 Gary Robble- Sonny \u2013 Duane West \u2013 Glenn Huggins. 1960&#039;s - Early &#039;70s\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 18%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman1.jpg 417w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman1-300x206.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 417px) 100vw, 417px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Milo Liggett \u2013 Gary Robble- Sonny \u2013 Duane West \u2013 Glenn Huggins.<\/strong>1960&#039;s - Early &#039;70s<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman2.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Milo Liggett \u2013 Wayne White \u2013 Sonny \u2013 Jack Galloway \u2013 Lonnie Webb \u2013 Harland  Powell. - 1970&#039;s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"469\" height=\"299\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Milo Liggett \u2013 Wayne White \u2013 Sonny \u2013 Jack Galloway \u2013 Lonnie Webb \u2013 Harland Powell.\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 18%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman2.jpg 469w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman2-300x191.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Milo Liggett \u2013 Wayne White \u2013 Sonny \u2013 Jack Galloway \u2013 Lonnie Webb \u2013 Harland  Powell.<\/strong>1970&#039;s<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman3.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Jack Galloway \u2013 Gary Timbs were always very popular with audiences &amp; provided great  energy to many of Sonny&#039;s performances.  Jack is now a full time Minister. Gary is recording in the gospel field.\n1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"376\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Jack Galloway \u2013 Gary Timbs were always very popular with audiences &amp; provided great energy to\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 0%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman3.jpg 376w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman3-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Jack Galloway \u2013 Gary Timbs were always very popular with audiences &amp; provided great  energy to many of Sonny&#039;s performances.  Jack is now a full time Minister. Gary is recording in the gospel field.\n1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman4.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Roger Hicks \u2013 Jack Hicks. - 1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"137\" height=\"259\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman4.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Roger Hicks \u2013 Jack Hicks. 1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 6%\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Roger Hicks \u2013 Jack Hicks.<\/strong>1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman5.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Ricky Burch - 1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"137\" height=\"272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman5.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Ricky Burch 1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 0%\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Ricky Burch<\/strong>1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman_hat-t.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"ROY BARBEE - Not only was he a key member of the Southern Gentleman but he was Sonny\u2019s 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.\n1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"160\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman_hat-t.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"ROY BARBEE - Not only was he a key member of the Southern Gentleman but he\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 0%\" \/><\/a><figcaption>ROY BARBEE - Not only was he a key member of the Southern Gentleman but he was Sonny\u2019s 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.\n1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman6.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Roy Barbee \u2013 Sonny \u2013 Virgil True \u2013 Dennis White \u2013 Kevin Anderson \u2013 Michael Cochran. - 1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"420\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman6.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Roy Barbee \u2013 Sonny \u2013 Virgil True \u2013 Dennis White \u2013 Kevin Anderson \u2013 Michael Cochran.\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 18%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman6.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/southerngentleman6-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Roy Barbee \u2013 Sonny \u2013 Virgil True \u2013 Dennis White \u2013 Kevin Anderson \u2013 Michael Cochran.<\/strong>1970&#039;s &amp; 80&#039;s<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/tom-wilkerson-drummer-73-77.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"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&#039;s band.\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"269\" height=\"308\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/tom-wilkerson-drummer-73-77.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Tom Wilkerson a graduate of Texas Tech where he also starred as a great quarterback for\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 0%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/tom-wilkerson-drummer-73-77.jpg 269w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/tom-wilkerson-drummer-73-77-262x300.jpg 262w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 269px) 100vw, 269px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>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&#039;s band.<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"sj-photo\" role=\"listitem\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/anthony-crawford-guitar-80s.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Anthony Crawford - Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Nashville became Anthony&#039;s home, where he performed live at Opryland, toured with the Sonny James Band, and appeared on television\u2019s 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.\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"269\" height=\"308\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/anthony-crawford-guitar-80s.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"Anthony Crawford - Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Nashville became Anthony&#039;s home, where he performed live at\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 0%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/anthony-crawford-guitar-80s.jpg 269w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sj-galleries\/southern-gentlemen\/anthony-crawford-guitar-80s-262x300.jpg 262w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 269px) 100vw, 269px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Anthony Crawford - Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Nashville became Anthony&#039;s home, where he performed live at Opryland, toured with the Sonny James Band, and appeared on television\u2019s 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.<\/figcaption><\/figure><style id=\"sj-feature-css\">.sj-gallery:has(.sj-feature){container:sjgal\/inline-size}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature{grid-column:1\/-1;position:relative;isolation:isolate;background:linear-gradient(140deg,var(--sj-navy) 0%,var(--sj-navy-ink) 100%);border-color:transparent;box-shadow:var(--sj-sh2);container:sjfeat\/inline-size}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature::before,.sj-gallery .sj-feature::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;border-radius:50%;border:1px solid rgba(197,160,89,.16);z-index:-1;pointer-events:none}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature::before{width:340px;height:340px;right:-110px;top:-150px}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature::after{width:220px;height:220px;right:-40px;top:-70px;border-color:rgba(197,160,89,.1)}\n.sj-feature-in{display:flex;flex-direction:column;height:100%}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature a.sj-feature-cover{aspect-ratio:auto;background:none;overflow:visible;display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center;padding:30px 28px 4px;flex:0 0 auto}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature a.sj-feature-cover img{width:150px;height:auto;aspect-ratio:311\/466;object-fit:cover;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:0 22px 40px -12px rgba(0,0,0,.6),0 0 0 1px rgba(255,255,255,.08);transform:none;transition:transform .5s var(--sj-ease)}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature:hover a.sj-feature-cover img{transform:translateY(-4px) rotate(-1.2deg)}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature .sj-feature-body{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;padding:24px 28px 30px;background:none;border:0;font-family:var(--sj-sans);font-size:15px;line-height:1.7;font-style:normal;color:rgba(255,255,255,.8)}\n.sj-feature-eyebrow{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.2em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--sj-gold)}\n.sj-feature-eyebrow::before{content:\"\";width:24px;height:1px;background:var(--sj-gold)}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature .sj-feature-title{display:block;margin:2px 0 0;font-family:var(--sj-serif);font-size:30px;font-weight:600;font-style:normal;line-height:1.12;color:#fff;letter-spacing:-.005em}\n.sj-feature-sub{font-family:var(--sj-serif);font-style:italic;font-size:17px;line-height:1.4;color:var(--sj-gold-light);text-wrap:balance}\n.sj-feature-body p{margin:6px 0 0;text-wrap:pretty}\n.sj-feature-meta{margin-top:8px;padding-top:14px;border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.12);font-size:12.5px;letter-spacing:.02em;color:rgba(255,255,255,.55)}\n@container sjfeat (min-width: 560px){\n.sj-feature-in{flex-direction:row;align-items:center}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature a.sj-feature-cover{padding:38px 0 38px 42px}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature a.sj-feature-cover img{width:176px}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature .sj-feature-body{padding:38px 46px 38px 40px}\n}\n@container sjfeat (min-width: 860px){\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature a.sj-feature-cover{padding-left:56px}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature a.sj-feature-cover img{width:196px}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature .sj-feature-body{padding:44px 64px 44px 52px;font-size:15.5px}\n.sj-gallery .sj-feature .sj-feature-title{font-size:34px}\n.sj-feature-sub{font-size:19px}\n}@container sjgal (min-width: 548px){.sj-gallery .sj-feature{grid-column:span 1}}@container sjgal (min-width: 836px){.sj-gallery .sj-feature{grid-column:span 2}}@container sjgal (min-width: 1124px){.sj-gallery .sj-feature{grid-column:span 3}}@container sjgal (min-width: 1412px){.sj-gallery .sj-feature{grid-column:span 2}}@container sjgal (min-width: 1700px){.sj-gallery .sj-feature{grid-column:span 5}}<\/style><figure class=\"sj-photo sj-feature\" role=\"listitem\"><div class=\"sj-feature-in\"><a class=\"sj-feature-cover\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/willful-shadows-web.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"sj-southern-gentlemen\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Willful Shadows: The Account of Sonny James and The Southern Gentlemen, by Southern Gentleman Gary Robble (2019).\" aria-label=\"View larger photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/willful-shadows-web.jpg\" width=\"311\" height=\"466\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cover of Willful Shadows: The Account of Sonny James and The Southern Gentlemen\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"sj-feature-body\"><span class=\"sj-feature-eyebrow\">The Book &middot; 2019<\/span><strong class=\"sj-feature-title\">Willful Shadows<\/strong><span class=\"sj-feature-sub\">The Account of Sonny James and The Southern Gentlemen<\/span><p>In 2019, Southern Gentleman Gary Robble published <em>Willful Shadows<\/em>, a firsthand chronicle of Sonny James and the group that sang beside him. Spanning decades of Sonny&rsquo;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.<\/p><span class=\"sj-feature-meta\">Written by Gary Robble &middot; Hardcover &middot; 336 pages &middot; Now out of print<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ec06ed e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div sj-sec sj-sec--tight sj-sec--parch e-6ec06ed-535d23c \" data-id=\"6ec06ed\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"6ec06ed\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"6ec06ed\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ec06edin e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div sj-in e-6ec06edin-745534d \" data-id=\"6ec06edin\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"6ec06edin\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"6ec06edin\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-043591b e-con e-atomic-element e-div-block-base e-default-div sj-eyebrow sj-eyebrow--center sj-w sj-hw e-043591b-497d1cf \" data-id=\"043591b\" data-element_type=\"e-div-block\" data-e-type=\"e-div-block\" data-interaction-id=\"043591b\" data-e-type=\"e-div-block\" data-id=\"043591b\">\n    \t\t\t<p class=\"sj-h e-paragraph-base e-default-p\" data-interaction-id=\"043591bh\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"043591bh\">Keep exploring<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<h2 data-interaction-id=\"60f6382\" class=\"sj-title sj-w sj-h e-60f6382-fd87970 e-heading-base e-default-h2\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"60f6382\">More photo galleries<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd39b1c elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"fd39b1c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<nav class=\"sj-jump\" aria-label=\"More galleries\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/sonnys-youth\/\">Sonny's Youth<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/the-1950s\/\">The 1950s<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/the-1960s-70s\/\">The 1960s &amp; 70s<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/1980s-beyond\/\">1980s &amp; Beyond<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/the-southern-gentlemen\/\" aria-current=\"page\" style=\"background:var(--sj-navy);color:#fff;border-color:var(--sj-navy)\">The Southern Gentlemen<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/country-music-hall-of-fame-medallion-ceremony\/\">Hall of Fame Ceremony<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/christmas-cards\/\">Christmas Cards<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/video-gallery\/\">Video Gallery of Hits<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/custers-catalog-channel\/\">Custer&#039;s Catalog Channel<\/a><\/nav>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Photo Gallery &middot; 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2867,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2955","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO 5.0.2 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Meet the Southern Gentlemen, the vocal group behind Sonny James&#039;s hits \u2013 photos and stories of every member from the 1950s through the 1980s.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-image-preview:large\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/photo-galleries\/the-southern-gentlemen\/\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO (AIOSEO) 5.0.2\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sonny James \u2013 Official Site\" 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