Jesse Randall Baxter, Jr.

Jesse Randall Baxter Jr. (December 8, 1887 – January 29, 1960) was an American Southern Gospel composer and publisher. He was sometimes referred to as “Pa” or "Pap". He has been in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame since 1973.

Biography J. R. Baxter was born on December 8, 1887, in Lebanon, Alabama in Dekalb County. He was a farmer and married Clarice Howard in 1918. following this Baxter moved to Dallas, Texas, to run the main office.

Baxter also composed Gospel songs himself; his works include "Try Jesus", "Travel the Sunlit Way", "Something Happens (When You Give Your Heart to God)", "I Have Peace in My Soul", "Living Grace", and "I Want to Help Some Weary Pilgrim". In 1997, Baxter was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame along with his wife Clarice. In 2001, he was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.