The late bass singer Billy Todd of Pensacola, Fla., formerly of Sylacauga, was represented by his widow, Jane, and his daughter, Robin, at his induction into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame at Dollywood recently in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

“Billy Todd performed 12 years with the Dixie Echoes of Pensacola Fla., after returning to his singing career after serving as principal at Berean Christian School in Pensacola,” said Charlie Waller, executive director. “Todd came to that job after leaving an illustrious gospel music career behind as a member of The Florida Boys from 1958-1972.”

Todd is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame with the Florida Boys and received the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Living Legend Award.

The Dixie Echoes performed in honor of Todd, singing “Too Much to Gain to Lose.”

Dr. Jerry Goff welcomed Jane and Robin Todd to center stage as SGMA board member McCray Dove inducted Todd.

“My daughter and I would like to accept this prestigious award on behalf of my dear husband, Billy,” Jane Todd said. “First of all, I would like to thank God for the beautiful bass voice that he gave Billy and that Billy sang His praises for over 60 years. I would like to thank Charles Waller for the Southern Gospel Music Association Museum and all of his work there. I would like to thank all the many fans of Billy and all of his friends in Southern gospel, all the artists. He loved each one of you.”

Robin Todd also thanked Stewart Varnado for his special part in purchasing the bronze bust figure plaque that will be seen in the museum.

The other 2009 SGMA class of inductees are Neil Enloe, Ed Hill, Harold Lane, Don Light, Bill Lyles, Elizabeth "Lady" Mull and Charlie Waller. Country Music Hall of Famer Barbara Mandrell received the James D. Vaughn Impact Award at the event.

The Southern Gospel Music Association is a non-profit organization that maintains the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame, the only facility honoring this genre of music, for the historic preservation of the accomplishments of the music and its people.

Museum hours match those of Dollywood. Donations are tax-deductible. Individuals and businesses may donate to assist with honoring inductees with special bronze plaques that are displayed in the Hall of Fame.

For more information about the museum or its inductees, visit www.sgma.org.