THE SPEER FAMILY

     The Double Springs native, Speer family, began their rich
heritage in 1921 when G.T. "Dad" Speer formed the first Speer
Quartet. They were different from the beginning, breaking the
barrier in Gospel Music by adding female voices in a field
totally dominated by all male quartets.

     As Dad and Mom Speer's children were born, they were taught the
rudiments of music as soon as they could talk. Soon they began
joining their parents as permanent members of the group, making
it truly The Singing Speer Family. That singing tradition has
now carried over to a third generation of Speer family members.

     The group has recorded over 70 albums in their career. Five of
those have led to Grammy Award nominations. They have received
eight Dove Awards for Best Mixed Group of the Year, Doves twice
for Best Album and four consecutive years for Best Female
vocalist.

     Music critics have praised their sound, others have imitated
their sound. There is not a Gospel group performing today who
has not been influenced by the music of The Speer Family. 

     1996 marked the 75th Anniversary of this first family of Gospel
Music. 

     The Speer Family is the recipient of the 1997 Alabama Music
Hall of Fame Life Work Award for Performing Achievement.