Albert E.Brumley

Full biography Albert E.Brumley

Albert E. Brumley (October 29, 1905 – November 15, 1977) was an American gospel music composer and publisher, best known for his contributions to the genre of Southern Gospel music. He was born in Spiro, Oklahoma, to a family of farmers, and grew up in the rural town of Powell, Missouri. Brumley was a self-taught musician who learned to play the guitar, mandolin, and piano.

Brumley began writing songs at a young age and went on to compose hundreds of gospel songs over the course of his career. He was recognized as one of the most successful gospel songwriters of the twentieth century, penning such standards as "I'll Fly Away," "Turn Your Radio On," "If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven," and "Rank Stranger."

In 1926, Brumley moved to Hartford, Arkansas, where he began working in the music publishing industry. He quickly established himself as a skilled composer and writer, and in 1931, he signed on as a staff songwriter for the Stamps-Baxter Music Company. During his time at Stamps-Baxter, Brumley wrote 12 songs per year and received compensation for his work.

In addition to his work as a songwriter , Brumley was also a publisher and founded the Albert E. Brumley and Sons Music Company in 1948. He was a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1981.

Brumley's songs have been covered by numerous musical artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, and Willie Nelson. "I'll Fly Away" is considered one of the most recorded songs in history, with thousands of recordings to its credit.

In conclusion, Albert E. Brumley was a prolific gospel music composer and publisher who made significant contributions to the genre of Southern Gospel music. His songs continue to be sung and revered by musicians and fans alike, and his legacy endures as one of the most important figures in gospel music history.