Albert Edward Brumley (1905 – 1977)
Inducted in 1997

Albert E. Brumley was one of the most beloved-and prolific-songwriters in Southern Gospel Music history.

Among the 700 songs penned by Brumley are the gospel standards “I’ll Fly Away,” “Jesus, Hold My Hand,” “Turn Your Radio On,” “If We Never Meet Again,” “I’d Rather Be An Old-Time Christian,” and “I’ll Meet You in the Morning.”

The Oklahoma native began writing songs in the late 1920s when, as a young man, he studied with E. M. Bartlett at the Hartford Music Institute, later working as a member of the Hartford Quartet and as an instructor in the annual school.

Brumley’s great gift was the ability to touch the heart of his audience through the powerful lyrics and easy-flowing melodies of his songs. A wide range of artists continue to record his compositions and many remain just as popular today as when they were written decades ago.

Brumley was among the charter inductees into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, evidence of his impact on the music industry in general.