Inducted 2009

Benefactor: Grandson-Rush Hatcher, Charles and Gene Key, Mona and Leah Caradine

Born November 5, 1948 , in Waynesboro, MS., Charlie Waller was destined to be an innovator in Gospel Music. The night of his birth, the first Wally Fowler All-Nite Singing was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville , TN.  

One of the more colorful people in Gospel Music, Charlie wears many hats. He is best known in the industry as a concert promoter and producer.  He promoted his first Gospel concert in 1971, in New Orleans , LA.   Charlie was working as a Gospel DJ in New Orleans after returning from the Vietnam War.  The concert was sold out. 

Known for his Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, which has become a mega-event, it is a showcase for traditional Gospel Music. Charlie was the first to do a “ Reunion ” style video and is credited as Bill Gaither's direct inspiration for his homecoming videos. The late Glen Payne stated “Charlie’s Grand Ole Gospel Reunion brought many legends back on the scene and gave them a medium where people could enjoy them again”. 

Charlie formed the Southern Gospel Music Association of Georgia in 1980.  This organization eventually became what is known today as the Southern Gospel Music Guild. He is the owner of a very large, private collection of Southern Gospel memorabilia, which he has been collecting since age 14. His collection includes a number of Statesmen and Blackwood microphones. He owns a library of vintage video that he transferred from early film and kinescope of such things as the Statesmen’s “Nabisco” TV shows of the 50s.  He was a Top Five nominee for the SGMA Video of the Year Award for his video, “A Tribute to Wendy Bagwell” in 1998.  Charlie’s most memorable project is the last recording of the late Hovie Lister, recorded only 17 days before Hovie’s death on December 28, 2001 – “Hovie’s Finale”. 

In 2007, the mantel of the Florida Boys was passed to Charlie by Les, Glen and Derrell. Charlie is currently singing lead, with Buddy Burton, Chip Cooper and Eddie Broome. 

His contributions to the Southern Gospel Music Association and Hall of Fame have proven beneficial in honoring the heritage of Gospel Music. At the time of his induction, Charlie is serving his fourth year as the Executive Director of the Southern Gospel Music Association.