CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 16, 2013 – George Beverly Shea, 104, of Montreat, North Carolina, soloist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), died this evening following a brief illness. Since George Beverly Shea first sang for Graham in 1943 on the Chicago radio hymn program, “Songs in the Night,” Shea has faithfully carried the Gospel in song to every continent and every state in the Union. Graham’s senior by ten years, Shea devotedly preceded the evangelist in song in nearly every Crusade over the span of more than one-half century. Shea was the recipient of ten Grammy nominations, a Grammy Award in 1965, and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy organization in 2011. He was also a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame (1978), and was inducted into the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame in February 1996. Shea was also inducted into the inaugural class of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists’ “Hall of Faith” in 2008. A Statement by Evangelist Billy Graham on the Passing of George Beverly Shea MONTREAT, N.C., April 17, 2013 — George Beverly Shea was one of my closest friends for nearly seventy years, and has been one of the dearest friends my wife, Ruth, and I have ever had. He was one of the first members of our evangelistic team. Beginning in Chicago, we traveled the world together, with our close friend and comrade Cliff Barrows. I’ve been listening to Bev Shea sing for more than 70 years, and I would still rather hear him sing than anyone else I know. Bev was one of the most humble and greatest Christians I have ever known. He has set an example and has been a role model of what a Christian ought to be. His contribution to my ministry cannot be measured in human terms. He is the fourth member of our original team to be called to heaven – along with Grady Wilson, George Wilson and Billie Barrows. Since our organization is like a family, we are all going to miss Bev as one of the spiritual leaders of our Association. I have lost one of the best friends I have ever had, but he and I look forward to seeing each other in Heaven relatively soon. Bev has a wonderful family who dearly loved him, and my heart goes out to all of them. I am praying that God’s grace and strength will be more than sufficient for Karlene, his two children – Ron and Elaine – and grandchildren. SOURCE Billy Graham Evangelistic Association The Recording Academy®Statement: re: George Beverly Shea April 16, 2013 GRAMMY® winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient George Beverly Shea was one of the most beloved and revered gospel music singers and composers. He began his nearly 70-year-long career singing in the church choir and became prominent in the Youth for Christ movement of the’40s and ’50s. Subsequently, he began touring with the Billy Graham Crusades and became best known for his rendition of “How Great Thou Art” and for composing the popular hymn “The Wonder Of It All.” His impact on gospel music was immense, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Christian artists. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the millions around the world he reached through song and worship. Neil Portnow The Recording Academy President/CEO |
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It seems like every 10-to-20 years, a new style of Gospel singer is introduced and accepted. In the 1930s Mahalia Jackson provided new energy to traditional songs. In the 1950s Shirley Caesar became the Story teller of gospel. In the 1970s James Cleveland said that there would be peace and peace was still. In the 1990s Yolanda Adams let the gospel world of music know that she was every woman and God accepted her just as she was. The 2000s will belong to the anointed Gayla James. Gayla, whose heartfelt song testimonials and soul lifting voice tunes have been introducing folks to God since she began singing in a Ft. Myers, Florida church at the age of three, is releasing her sophomore album, “Broken” due for release in March 2011. Though singing was what she was assigned to do, it’s not all that she does for people’s souls. When she is not singing at charitable events for organizations like the Edison Pageant of Light Art Festival, the United States Postal Service, the Coconut Christmas Charity, the National Bowling Association Scholarship Program, Echo Juvenile Facility and Flossie Garden Elderly Center, Gayla is dedicating her time to helping those who are disadvantage in the community. She currently serves as the gospel coordinator for NFL Player Jevon Kearse Foundation, a position she has held for 10 years. If you ask Gayla, why she works so hard for God she will tell you, “I am here to make a difference in lives through music. My prayer is that the young and old can be healed, saved and delivered through my singing ministry. I am here to change lives and the touch the broken hearted.” |