The Jordanaires

For over 40 years, the Jordanaires remained one of the premier backup vocal groups in country music, working with such greats as Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline, George Jones, and, of course, Elvis Presley. The quartet began in Springfield, MO during the late '40s, featuring original members Bob Hubbard, Bill Matthews, Monty Matthews, and Culley Holt, and sang barbershop and spirituals. They debuted on The Grand Ole Opry in 1949. The group changed members during the early '50s, with Gordon Stoker and Hoyt Hawkins replacing Hubbard (who was drafted) and Bill Matthews (who became seriously ill). In 1953, Monty Matthews left the group for personal reasons, and was replaced by Neal Matthews.