Inducted 1997

The son of a sharecropper, Lee Roy Abernathy was one of the great teachers of Southern Gospel Music. He tutored and inspired countless gospel singers and musicians. Lee Roy was widely known for pioneering sheet music in gospel music circles and also for an innovative teaching technique, begun in 1945, his famous "Modern Gospel Piano Course By Mail." 

In addition he was a noted performer, having worked with the Atco Quartet, the Electrical Workers Quartet, the Rangers, the Homeland Harmony Quartet, the Miracle Men Quartet and as a member of Happy Two with Carrol "Shorty" Bradford. 

Abernathy was also a recognized songwriter, composing such standards as "A Newborn Feeling," "He's a Personal Savior," and "Everybody's Gonna Have a Wonderful Time Up There" (Gospel Boogie). 

Teacher, performer, creator, and innovator, Lee Roy Abernathy left an indelible imprint through his many contributions to the world of Southern Gospel.