George Beverly Shea

George Beverly Shea (1909–2013) was a Canadian-born American gospel singer and hymn composer, widely revered as "America's beloved gospel singer." Over a career spanning more than eight decades, he became a global icon of religious music, largely through his association with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 1, 1909, in Winchester, Ontario, Shea was the son of a Wesleyan Methodist minister. He was immersed in music from a young age, learning the violin from his father and the piano and organ from his mother. His rich bass-baritone voice was discovered early as he sang in his father's church and at religious meetings.

He attended Houghton College in New York, where he sang with the Glee Club, but financial difficulties during the Great Depression forced him to terminate his studies in 1929. Following this, he worked as a clerk for a life insurance company in New York City for nine years, while continuing to sing on various radio programs.

The Billy Graham Partnership

Shea first met Billy Graham in 1940. In 1944, he began singing on Graham's weekly radio program, Songs in the Night. By 1947, he had joined the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) full-time, becoming the first staff member hired by Graham.

As the featured soloist at Billy Graham Crusades for over 60 years, it is estimated that Shea sang live before more people—hundreds of millions across six continents—than anyone else in history. His signature performances often preceded Graham's sermons, setting a reverent and reflective tone for the audience.

Musical Legacy and Famous Works

Shea was not only a performer but also a composer. He is best known for two iconic pieces:

• "I'd Rather Have Jesus": Shea composed the tune in 1932 to a poem by Rhea Miller. It became his personal testimony and a staple of his repertoire.

• "How Great Thou Art": Shea is credited with popularizing the English translation of this Swedish hymn in the United States, particularly through his performances during the 1957 New York Crusade at Madison Square Garden.

• "The Wonder of It All": Another of his most beloved original compositions.

Career Milestones

• Recording Career: He recorded more than 70 albums and approximately 500 vocal solos. He was a mainstay on the RCA Victor and Word Records labels.

• Awards: Shea won a Grammy Award in 1966 for Best Gospel or Other Religious Recording and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2011. He was also inducted into the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

• Radio and TV: He hosted several long-running radio programs, including Club Time and Hymns From the Chapel.

Shea lived to the age of 104, remaining active in ministry well into his 100th year. He was married twice: first to his childhood sweetheart Erma Scharfe (who died in 1976), and later to Karlene Aceto in 1985. He died on April 16, 2013, following a stroke, and was buried on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.