The Palmetto State Quartet began in 1946 with original members Jamie Dill (Piano), Woodrow Pittman (Lead), Clarence Owens (Tenor), Malone Thomason (Baritone), and Paul Burroughs (Bass). Soon after they started, the group was signed to do a thirty minute program which would air live on WFBC Radio in Greenville. The group remained unchanged until 1952 when Jack Bagwell replaced Malone Thomason as baritone singer. The next change occurred in 1954 Jack Earl Pittman replaced his cousin Woodrow Pittman as the lead singer.