The Weatherfords

The Weatherfords – Southern Gospel Group. Led by the nucleus of husband and wife Earl and Lily Weatherford, the Weatherfords began in California in the mid 1940s, although Earl was originally from Oklahoma. Among the many locations where the group settled was Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they started a full-time radio gig on WOWO in 1949. This exposure introduced the Weatherfords to the Gospel listening public. After WOWO changed its format to recorded music only, the Weatherfords accepted a spot on a television show with Rex Humbard at the Calvary Temple in Akron, Ohio, in 1953. Sometimes known as the Weatherford Trio and the Weatherford Quartet, the ensemble also sang for Humbard’s church until 1963. At that point, the group focused on national touring, although three of the members (Glen Haydn, Bobby Clark, and Danny Koker stayed behind to form the Cathedral Trio. After Earl’s death in 1992, Lily Weatherford, Steve Weatherford (Earl’s ???), and Kenny Payne continued the tradition, which is still going. At that point, the group could focus national touring. Well recorded on RCA Victor, the Weatherfords prepared several members for position in other groups. Original members Henry T. Slaughter (pianist) and Armond Morales (bass vocalist) joined the Imperials in 1963 and recorded albums with Elvis.