Inducted 1997

As a music publisher, record label executive, performer and promoter, Hovie Lister was instrumental in helping to expand the Southern Gospel Music industry and popularize this musical art form around the world. 

As a young man, Hovie toured as pianist with famed evangelist Mordecai Ham before attending the Stamps-Baxter School of Music. After honing his skills with the Homeland Harmony Quartet, the LeFevre Trio and the Rangers, Hovie formed the Statesmen Quartet in 1948. 

Under his direction, the Statesmen became one of the pre-eminent Southern Gospel groups in America with a national television program, film appearances and hundreds of sold-out personal appearances to their credit. Their showmanship-which centered on a highly animated performance style-inspired countless musicians and set a high standard for other Southern Gospel groups to follow.