Inducted 1997

A native of Jefferson County, Alabama, Oren A. Parris devoted his entire life to gospel music. 

A key figure in the publishing business, he studied music under the direction of James D. Vaughan and Adger M. Pace. In 1932, Parris founded the Parris Music Company in Jasper, Alabama, and, over the next 13 years, tackled such tasks as revising the original Sacred Harp and Christian Harmony songbooks. 

He also composed hundreds of gospel songs, including "When The Home Gates Swing Open," "A Happy Meeting," and "Hallelujah, I'm Going Home." 

In 1947, Parris joined the Stamps Quartet Music Company as the organization's southeastern office manager and served in that capacity for 15 years. Late in life, he also organized the Convention Music Company and served as that organization's president for three years.