Inducted 2003

John Alexander (J.A.) McClung was instrumental in broadening the scope of Southern Gospel Music as a widely-acclaimed music instructor, songwriter and singer.

After graduating from Hartford, Arkansas Music Institute, McClung traveled all over the United States teaching singing schools. McClung became a co-owner and eventually owner of the Hartford Music Company and Institute. 

He also sang in various Hartford Quartets. The most well-known included McClung, Austin Arnold, Clyde Garner, Al Halp with Doy Ott as pianist. They toured extensively and performed for many radio audiences. McClung's wife, Minnie, whom he met while she was an employee at the Hartford Music Institute sang in a ladies quartet and also was an instructor there. 

McClung composed over 300 songs, most notably "Standing Outside", "Death Will Never Knock On Heaven's Door" and his last and most famous, "Just A Rose Will Do," which became a gospel music standard.