The widely popular Silver Leaf Quartette of Norfolk was formed in 1919. Helped by singing over radio stations that covered the greater New York area, they gained a legion of fans throughout the urban centers of the Northeast and in particular New York City. In 1927, the singers began semiannual spring tours of northern cities that continued for around six years.
Their major break came in 1928, when OKeh Records signed the group to record some of their most popular numbers. With this opportunity, the Silver Leaf Quartette recorded the spiritual, “Daniel Saw The Stone.” It’s available as part of the Discography of American Historical Recordings.
In 1947, the Silver Leaf Quartette was booked long-term at Virginia Beach’s exclusive Cavalier Hotel, where they were billed as the Cavalier Singers. By this time, both William Thatch and William Boush had already dropped out of the original group. However, quartet singing was so popular throughout the late 1950s that the group reunited for local church engagements.
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Sources: Gloryland Gospel Blog + Paul Gilmore