A Family Tradition Legacy Heritage in Southern Gospel Music

While the family ministry is retired for now, the memories live on.

1967

The family music ministry was begun as The Laymen Quartet in 1967 by Judy’s father, Jim Burch.

1969

The Laymen Quartet recorded and released their first long play album entitled “Jesus Is Coming Soon.”

1971

“Singing God’s Praises” became the second long play album for The Laymen Quartet.

1973

“Oh What A Day,” the third long play album was released.

1974

Judy Cleghorn joins the family group, and begins singing alto and playing the piano. She remained in that role until 1978.

1976

The Laymen Quartet recorded and released their fourth long play album—“Still Singing God’s Praises.”

1981

“Quartet” was dropped from the group’s name and The Laymen released “Consider The Lilies.”

1984

The group’s final long play album was released, simply titled, “The Laymen.”

1986

Jeff Cleghorn officially joined the family ministry.

1989

“Standing By The River” — the group’s first recording with both Jeff and Jim Cleghorn was released.

1990

“Too Near Home” was released.

1992

Judy Cleghorn rejoined the family group, singing with her father, her brother Randy, and her two sons. The group’s “Silver Anniversary” project was released.

1998

“Almost Home” became the family’s tenth full length recording project and the first to be released on compact disc.

2000

Following the departure of Judy’s brother, Jim Cleghorn joined the group full-time and the family released their eleventh recording, “Standing Firm.”

2001

Jim Burch retired from the road and the group name was changed to The Cleghorns. Judy, Jeff, and Jim sang their first date together as a trio on November 14, 2001.

2003

The Cleghorns released two new projects, “Telling The Old Story” and “Standing On Tradition.”

2006

The Cleghorns released “Glorious Day,” their fourteenth recording.

2012

The release of “Generation To Generation” marked the FOURTH generation of the family to sing with the addition of Jeff’s daughter C.J. (age 4) and Jim’s son Parker (age 2).

2019

What would become the group’s final recording, “Good Things” was released. Adding to the fourth generation, Jim’s daughter Anna (age 5) made her debut with the family.

2023

After traveling thousands of miles over a span of 56 years, The Cleghorns sang their final concert on July 30—at least for the time being. Who knows what the future may hold for the next generation?

These days, Judy Cleghorn continues to thrive in her role as matriarch of the family and is an extremely proud mother and grandmother.

She was an active part of the family ministry from 1974—1978 and again from 1992—2023. She and her high school sweetheart Jackie were married for 52 years before he passed away in 2020.

Jeff is the oldest son of Jackie and Judy Cleghorn and travels the country as a full-time MUSICIANARY.

In his solo ministry, he performs piano concerts and leads worship for revivals, conferences, and other events. Visit his website at www.jeffcleghorn.com.

Jeff began traveling as part of the family ministry at the age of 5. He became a full-time part of the group in 1986 at the age of 16 and remained until 2023. Jeff is the proud father of his beautiful daughter, C.J. (born 2008).

Jim is the youngest son of Jackie and Judy Cleghorn.

He currently works in nursing regulation for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Jim began traveling and singing with his family at the age of 8, and actually appeared on his first recording at the age of 10.

He became a full-time part of the ministry in 2000 at the age of 21. Jim is married to Amber, and they are the parents of two wonderful children, Parker (born 2010) and Anna (born 2014).