Throughout the United States, The Jackson Southernaires have become one of America's most outstanding gospel sensations. Frank Crisler formed the group in Jackson, Mississippi in 1940. Early on, the group followed in the footsteps of the famous Mississippi Blind Boys, but before long, they began to walk in their own distinct style, which is still evident today. They were the first gospel group in the state to use the guitar, bass, drum, and keyboard in their stage performance. In 1963, the group signed their first recording contract with Duke/Peacock Records. Their first release Too Late became one of the company's biggest albums. From 1972-75 the group was signed to the ABC/Dunhill label. In 1975, Malaco Records, an independent blues and R & B company, decided to build a gospel label. The rock that they decided to build upon was the Jackson Southernaires. This decision would prove to be pivotal for both parties. Since signing with Malaco, The Jackson Southernaires have gone! on to record twenty top ten albums, of which four have become number one. The Southernaires are not only performers, but producers as well. They have produced albums by the Sensational Nightingales, JJ Farley, and the Original Soul Stirrers, The Williams Family, The Truthettes, The DR Curry Memorial Choir, The Eveready's, The Angelic Gospel Singers, and The Fantastic Violinaires. In 1979, the Southernaires received a Grammy nomination for Teddy Bear. In 1985 and 1986, they received a nomination from
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