The Parade of Quartets began in the 1950's in the transition of WJBF radio to television. Under the leadership of J. B. Fuqua, Steve Manderson located African-American gospel groups to appear on the program, and also hosted the program. At that time each group had its sponsors to pay for their time on the air. This allowed many businesses that normally could not get on television, an opportunity to advertise their products and services. Also, with its vast viewing audience, many businesses found the program to be an excellent vehicle to reach the African American community.

Originally, this Sunday morning program was on for two and one-half hours. Some of the original groups to appear included the Abraham Brothers, Swanee Quintet, Veteran Harmonizers, Gospel Echo Soul Stirrers, and others. The groups would sing, talk about their sponsor and then tell the benefits for churches and groups to raise money for needed projects.

Upon the retirement of Steve Manderson, Henry L. Howard became the program's host and producer. Howard was the lead singer and manager of "The Spirits of Harmony," a singing group that was a regular on the Parade of Quartets. This was a natural transition and worked well for the program.

Howard's improvements included adding the morning's prayer and becoming more aggressive in promoting minority businesses and gospel music in general. He saw the need to bring in a community service segment with guests coming in to be interviewed. This particular segment was called 'Past, Present, Future.'

In the early 1980's, Howard brought his son Karlton Howard on as co-host during a family crisis. Since that time, Rev. Karlton Howard has become host and producer. This gave Howard more time for his political career as county commissioner and state representative. Rev. Howard brought in the idea of offering the Sunday school lesson weekly.

Several co-hosts have been able to assist with the program. They include Valerie Howard, Mary Adams, Pam Parris, Roberta Stephens, Betty Griffin, Alicia B. Martin, Marco Brooks, Judy Jones Frank Brown and Robert 'Flash' Gordon.

The list of national recording artist appearing or performing on the program includes, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Shirley Caesar, Williams Brothers, Slim and the Supreme Angels, Willie Neal and the Gospel Keynotes, Violinaires, Dorothy Norwood, Christianaires, Tommy Ellison, Donnie Harper, Jackson Southernaires, CBS Trumperteers, F.C. Barnes, Luther Barnes, Sunset Jubilaires, Troy Ramey, James Brown, Joe Simon, Dixie Hummingbirds, Willie Banks, Julius Cheeks, Clarence Fountain and Al Green.

Many national, state and local political leaders have made their way to the stage of the Parade of Quartets. The Reverend Jesse Jackson appeared live one Sunday morning before announcing his candidacy for president of the United States of America. Georgia Governor Roy Barnes and state Senator Charles Walker are among those who have appeared. The nine o'clock morning hour in the Augusta area has long been blessed by the Parade of Quartets. The program is thought to be the longest continuous running program in the United States.