| . |
 |
 |
| If an individual's life is
touched by a mentor who is capable, patient and willing to pass on acquired wisdom and
experience, that person is extremely fortunate. For those whose lives were blessed to walk
with Alphus LeFevre (Uncle Alf), he was that mentor. |
 
In
2002, at the S.G.M.A. (Southern Gospel Music Association) Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Alphus
LeFevre was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. |
  |
Gerald Wolfe looks on as Scott & Marla
(Uncle Alf's Children)
accept the award on behalf of their Dad and the LeFevre Family |
Throughout his
career, he was a consummate musician, and his induction validates his place among the best
ever in Gospel Music. Those of us who were privileged to know him couldn't agree more.
'Uncle' Alf's induction follows the induction of Eva Mae & Urias in prior years. |
|
 |
 |
|
The big grin
was genuine, reflecting the effervescent inner beauty of a shy, quiet southern gentleman
who was a genius in every respect.
Children were drawn to him at every stop on the LeFevre tours, and he rewarded them with
his own brand of caring childlike innocence. He had few equals among his peers and was
respected for his knowledge and adherence to sound principles in his life and music. |
 |
 |
 |
Known throughout his life as a
dapper dresser and always meticulous in his grooming and appearance, Alphus was still more
than willing to don the uniform of the military to serve his country. Check out the shoes
in the left photo! |
 |
 |
 |
These vintage photos
barely scratch the surface of Alf's musical knowledge and abilities. Night after night,
Alf would fill the stage with not only these instruments but additional stringed
instruments as well, including the violin. The pic on the right shows Alf with his beloved
Gretsch guitar.
Not pictured is a sample of the vast multitude of handwritten and
hand- drawn manuscripts which were the foundation of every song presented by the group.
While most SGM groups today "woodshed" their arrangements, (i.e., they work out
the harmonies as they rehearse), Uncle Alf actually wrote out complete four-part
arrangements which probably accounts for the timelessness of even the oldest surviving
recordings of the LeFevres. Even after Alphus retired from the road, he continued to write
arrangements for the Rex Nelon Singers. |
Wedding Day
Ellender & Alphus |
May, 1961 |
|
At home with Alf holding his pride and joy, his babies,
Marla & Scott |
"Smile for the camera!" |
He loved his family second only to his Lord,
Jesus Christ.
Ellender, Scott and Marla always knew they were his special treasure. |
With his family at the
1965 National Quartet Convention,
Memphis |
One of Uncle Alf's famous Christmas cards.
(1965?) > > >
Each year he would try to outdo the previous years' cards. |
 |
Even with Uncle Alf
and the LeFevre name supposedly in retirement, Uncle Alf just had to sing; so along
with his son Scott, his daughter Marla, and a very young Mike Bowling, the LeFevres were
reborn as Uncle Alf & the LeFevres! |
 |
<<UNCLE ALF &
THE LeFEVRES
COME INTO THE LIGHT
on Calvary Records>> |
 |
A few years later, Alf
would also introduce a very young Karen Peck to the SGM audiences. After Uncle Alf went
home to be with the Lord, and his family group left the road, Rex Nelon would hire Karen
to replace Janet Pascal with the Nelons. Now, Karen Peck and New River continue to
carry the family group sound to today's audiences, a tradition we are sure Uncle Alf would
be most proud of! We will add that picture as soon as we have it in hand, so check back
often. |
 Though time worn, this Polaroid is my personal
favorite of all the photos of Uncle Alf. He loved to fish, and as you can see, he was
proficient at that sport as well. But in the grand scheme of history, he caught much more
important fish.
Since the beginnings of our Christian faith, the Church has often used
the fish symbol to identify both the Church as a whole and the individual members. Uncle
Alf caught a lot of fish for heaven, and we suspect that he would tell you that was his
all time single greatest accomplishment! |
| . |
| [ Everybody's Friend: "Uncle" Alphus LeFevre ] [ Reverend Harry Whittington - Eva Mae's Dad ] [ Eva Mae's Daughter, Andrea ] [ "Little Rex" Foster ] [ Remembering Big Rex Nelon ] |
[ Home ] [ Eva Mae Still Going Strong! ] [ Eva Mae's News ] [ Eva Mae's Schedule ] [ Eva Mae LeFevre, A Living Legend ] [ Singing News Cover Story ] [ EM: Products ] [ Eva Mae's Order Info ] [ LeFevres: Scattering Sunshine Through The Years ] [ Southern Gospel Links ] |
