Inducted 1997

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, W. B. Nowlin became, by the 1950s, one of the most successful promoters of gospel concerts in the country. 

A friend and close confidant of V. O. Stamps, he was instrumental in helping get gospel quartets on daily radio programs in the 1930s. Beginning in the late 1940s, he began promoting gospel sings throughout the United States, particularly in the southwestern states. 

He became known for a regular promotion billed as the "Battle of Songs," an event which placed top quartets on stage in friendly head-to-head competition. Throughout his career, Nowlin expanded the influence of Southern Gospel and, in 1970, organized the first industry concert in Hawaii. 

A tireless, "behind the scenes" figure in gospel music, Nowlin presented Southern Gospel Music to millions of fans for over four decades.