Inducted 1997

James Parks "Big Jim" Waits inspired generations of bass singers to emulate the magic of his rich bass voice. He was instrumental in bringing the quartet to the forefront of gospel music. 

His career included stints with many pioneering groups: the Morris-Henson Quartet, the Electrical Workers Quartet, the Vaughan Radio Quartet, the Stamps Quartet, the John Daniel Quartet, the LeFevres, the Homeland Harmony Quartet and the Rebels Quartet. 

Known toward the end of his life as "Pappy," Waits continued to inspire audiences and other singers well into his later years-hitting the low notes that made him the dean of bass singers.