Albert E. Brumley

Induction Year: 1970

Birth Name: Albert Edward Brumley
Birth Date: October 29, 1905
Place of Birth: Spiro, OK
Deceased: November 15, 1977
Place of Death: Springfield, MO

Biography

"1969 founder of largest outdoor gospel sing-Albert E. Brumley Sundown to Sunup Gospel Sing-Springdale, AR; wrote over 800 gospel and sentimental songs; GMA named Albert as 1 of only 5 persons in US whose contributions directly affected 20th century music; Brumley songs have been estimated to have been printed 15 million times in sheet music and songbooks; Brumley songs emulate country settings, ordinary country religion, simplicity and values--simplicity and naturalness was his music motto and philosophy. Smithsonian Institute made a study of gospel music; researchers called Albert 'the greatest white gospel songwriter before W.W.II.' Brumley music has been heard on practically every TV musical entertainment." (from son)

Discography / Career Highlights

Career Milestones:
1932 - "I'll Fly Away" published
1936 - started working for Stamps Baxter Music Co.
1943 - established Albert E. Brumley Music Co.
1948 - purchased Hartford Music Co.
1975 - Albert E. Brumley appreciation day started in Spiro, OK
1976 - received trophy for "I'll Fly Away" for recognition of the song being the most recorded gospel song in history

Awards:
1972 - Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction
1972 - BMI\"Turn Your Radio On"
1986 - SESAC\Hall of Fame\"I'll Fly Away"

Catalog Highlights:
"I'll Fly Away" - Artists: Chuck Wagon Gang, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Boston Pops Orchestra, Ray Stevens, Osborne Bros., Elvis Presley, Bill Monroe

"Turn Your Radio On" - Artists: Ray Stevens, Blackwood Bros.

"I'll Meet You in the Morning" - Artists: Blackwood Bros., Smitty Gatlin Trio, Masters V, Inspirationals

"Jesus, Hold My Hand" - Artists: Vern Gosden, Smitty Gatlin Trio, Chuck Wagon Gang

"If We Never Meet Again" - Artists: Masters V, Statesmen

"I'm Bound For That City" - Artists: Speers, Ray Charles Singers

"I'm Bound For the Land of Canaan"
Artists: Kingsmen, Chuck Wagon Gang

"I'd Rather Be An Old Time Christian" - Artists: Kingsmen, Chuck Wagon Gang

"Camping in Canaan's Land" - Artists: Smitty Gatlin Trio, Red Smiley

"There's a Little Pine Log Cabin" - Artists: Smitty Gatlin Trio

"Nobody Answered Me" - Artists: Roy Acuff, Stanley Bros.

"Rank Strangers to Me" - Artists: Roy Acuff

"Victory in Jesus"

"King Sacred Quartet"

"I Cannot Find the Way Alone"

"The Blood That Stained The Old Rugged Cross"

"Surely I Will, Lord"

"He Set Me Free"

"It's An Unfriendly World"

"God's Gentle People"

"I'm As Poor As a Beggar"

"I've Found a Hiding Place"

"I Want To Walk Just as Close as I Can"

"Her Mansion is Higher Than Mine"

"I'd Like To Go Back"

Comments:
Biography "I'll Fly Away" written by Albert Brumley Jr. and Kay Hively
In 1976-77 made Marquis Who's Who in America as one of Missouri's best known living men
In 1978-79 made Marquis Who's Who in the World
Inducted into the Ozark Hall of Fame in 1986
A 15-mile stretch of 'E' Highway renamed Albert E. Brumley Pkwy. in 1987