Boyer, Horace Clarence

Dr. Horace Clarence Boyer (born in Winter Park, Florida on July 28, 1935; died in Amherst, Massachusetts, July 21, 2009) was one of the foremost scholars in African-American gospel music. He and his brother James had careers as singers under the name the Famous Boyer Brothers. The brothers recorded for Excello (1952), Chance (1954), Vee-Jay (1955 and 1957) and Savoy (1966 and 1967).

Horace Boyer published over 40 articles on gospel music. As an educator, he taught at several universities, including the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and directed many choirs and gospel workshops throughout the world. Dr. Boyer was instrumental in introducing African-American gospel music to many communities beyond the African-American church.