Inducted 2002

Born November 10, 1917 in Lineville, Alabama, Buford Abner pioneered Southern Gospel through his long-standing service with the Swanee River Boys.

One of the smoothest groups in Southern Gospel history, this quartet appeared on radio and television in various parts of the nation - including Chattanooga, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. Their work on the Saturday Night Barn Dance in Atlanta and also on a series of radio transcriptions knows as the "Swanee River Boys Time" carried the sound of quartet gospel to larger audiences. 

In addition to singing lead, Buford managed the group until his retirement in the early 1970s. Wherever he went, Buford Abner left behind a solid Southern Gospel tradition.