1945 - The Gospel Team of James and Bristo McGregor
The Guitar used by the McGregors who
sang at thousands of area events over a span of 58 years!
James and Bristo McGregor began their singing career, when
teenagers, in 1945, in Mascotte. Through the years they
became well known for singing at community events, services
at various churches, and was especially known for singing at
funerals.
Married in 1948, by the time of their 25th wedding
celebration, the Groveland Kurfiss Funeral Home reported
they had already sung at 500 "Kurfiss" funerals. Married for
55 years, this husband-wife's singing career continued until
James' death in 2003. By that time, it was established they
had already sung for well over 1500 funerals.
In the late '50's and early '60's, these "Legendary Locals of
Lake County" had their own radio program, broadcast on
five different stations at various times in Orlando, Clermont,
Winter Garden and Leesburg. In the late '50's they were
regulars on the "Five Owls" TV program, singing the gospel
segment, originating weekly from Channel 6 in Orlando.
Nashville promoters were known to show up at their
Mascotte home with offers to go "on the road," but the couple
declined for two reasons: They would not be allowed to take
along their children, and they felt uncomfortable with the
idea of singing Christian music in a night club environment.
James' magnetic personality made life enjoyable for anyone
who came in contact with him! Bristo, age 86, in 2016, still
continues singing regularly.
[Contributors: James and Bristo McGregor]