Ben L. Speer

Ben Lacy Speer (June 26, 1930 – April 7, 2017) was a singer, musician, music publisher, and record company executive. He sang for The Speer Family for most of his career. Speer later became the music director of the Gaither Homecoming programs. He was born in Double Springs, Alabama, the youngest child of Lena and G.T. Speer (affectionately known as "Mom" and "Dad" Speer to most people in Southern gospel music), who originally led the group, with Speer's siblings Brock Speer, Mary Tom Speer, and Rosa Nell Speer also participating. He died on April 7, 2017, after suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Birth and Death Data: Born June 23, 1930 (Double Springs), Died April 6, 2017

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1947 - 1951

Roles Represented in DAHR: piano, arranger

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor E1VB-0948 10-in. 5/8/1951 Peace in the valley Harmoneers Quartet Male vocal quartet, with piano arranger  
Columbia CO38448 10-in. 11/29/1947 Keep on the firing line The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38449 10-in. 11/28/1947 Turn on your light The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38450 10-in. 11/29/1947 The call of the cross The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38451 10-in. 11/29/1947 Over in the glory land The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38452 10-in. 11/29/1947 When the chariot swings The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38453 10-in. 11/29/1947 I'm gonna take a ride The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38454 10-in. 11/28/1947 A new born soul The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38455 10-in. 11/28/1947 On the Jericho Road The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38456 10-in. 11/29/1947 Down on my knees The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38457 10-in. 11/29/1947 This world has turned me down The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38458 10-in. 11/29/1947 Going home The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  
Columbia CO38459 10-in. 11/29/1947 The old gospel ship The Speer Family Mixed vocal group, with piano instrumentalist, piano  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Speer, Ben L.," accessed March 28, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/358177.

Speer, Ben L.. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/358177.

"Speer, Ben L.." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 28 March 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/358177

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