Inducted 1997

A native of Fountain Head, Tennessee, Herman Harper's contributions to Southern Gospel Music were varied and far-reaching. In addition to a popular singing career, he was a successful songwriter and producer, a pioneering gospel talent agent, and founder of the Gospel Music Trust Fund. 

His devotion to gospel music came second only to his dedication to family. In 1985, he created Harper and Associates-a leading Southern Gospel talent agency. Harper proved instrumental in getting live coverage of gospel music on the Grand Ole Opry and other cable television broadcasts. 

His career included a thirteen-year position as bass singer for the Oak Ridge Quartet from the late-1950s through the 1960s.