MARION EASTERLING

Instruments: Vocals
Date of Birth: March 12,1910
Place of Birth: Clanton, Alabama

Marion W. Easterling, the composer of such gospel classics as "Lord Lead Me On", "Standing By The River" "When I Wake Up To Sleep No More", "When He Reached Down His Hand For Me", and "Rainbow Of Love", penned over 300 gospel tunes during his career.

He received his music education in various singing schools, being taught by Adgar M. Pace, O.L. DeVaughan, W.B. Abert and G.T. "Dad" Speer.

In 1938, Easterling was the youngest composer to sign a five year contract with the Stamps-Baxter Publishing Company. He has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for his long career as the programmer for the WKLF Radio's gospel show. The program began in December 1947 and continued for 39 years, during which time, he broadcast over 20,000 shows.

In addition to his years with the Clanton radio station, WKLF, Easterling also hosted an early morning gospel program with WVOK radio in Birmingham.

Still it is the many classic recordings for which he is known. Songs which have been recorded by gospel groups such as The Thrasher Brothers, The Florida Boys, and many more.