The Jackson Southernaires

Gospel music group the Jackson Southernaires formed in Jackson, Mississippi. While the group’s origins date back to 1940, they didn’t come to national attention until the release of their debut album, Too Late, in 1969. The quintet featured on the debut album included Huey Williams, Luther Jennings, Roger Bryant Jr., James Burks, and Maurice Surell. The line-up of the Jackson Southernaires’ line-up would continue to change over the years and would feature more than five members. The gospel group continued to release a series of albums throughout the 1970s including Save My Child (1973), Look Around (1974), Down Home (1975), All God’s Children (1976), and The Jackson Southernaires (1978). Their success continued into the 1980s with a series of albums that charted on Billboard’s Gospel charts including 1984’s Made in Mississippi (number 5), 1986’s Lord We Need Your Blessing (number 9), 1987’s Hear Our Prayers O Lord (number 9), 1988’s Power Packed (number 12), and 1989’s On the Third Day (number 9). Their success continued into the 1990s beginning with the Grammy-nominated Thank You Mama for Praying for Me (1991). The Jackson Southernaires continued to perform and record despite the personnel changes. Many of the group’s members have passed away including the 1969 line-up’s Luther Jennings, Roger Bryant Jr., and Huey Williams, who died on March 24, 2025.

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