The former soloist at Billy Graham's crusades passed away on April 16 in Asheville after a brief illness.
- Apr 17, 2013
AceShowbiz - George Beverly Shea, who had sung live to millions of Christians at the Reverend Billy Graham's evangelical crusades, died Tuesday, April 16 after a brief illness. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said he passed away in Asheville. He was 104.
Shea joined Graham's crusade team in 1947 as the soloist and travelled the world with the famous preacher for years until the Reverend's declining health. "I've been listening to Bev Shea sing for more than 50 years and I would still rather hear him sing than anyone else I know," Graham once said.
At Shea's 100th birthday celebration in February 2009, Graham said he couldn't have had a ministry without the singer. "I first met Bev Shea while in Chicago when he was on Moody Radio," he recalled. "As a young man starting my ministry, I asked Bev if he would join me."
"He said yes and for over 60 years we had the privilege of ministering together across the country and around the world. Bev was one of the most humble, gracious men I have ever known and one of my closest friends. I loved him as a brother."
During his long career, he had recorded 70 albums. He composed one of his best known solos, "I'd Rather Have Jesus", at the age of 23. He got ten Grammy nominations, won one in 1965, and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy in 2011.
He was also a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame in February 1996. Shea was also introduced as a member of the inaugural class of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists' "Hall of Faith" in 2008.
Remembered as one of America's most beloved gospel singers, Shea is survived by his wife, Karlene, and his two children from his first marriage, Ronald and Elaine. His first wife, Erma, died in 1976.
