Gary McSpadden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gary McSpadden
Background information
Born	(1943-01-26)January 26, 1943 Mangum, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died	April 15, 2020(2020-04-15) (aged 77) Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Genres	Christian, southern gospel, contemporary Christian
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, record producer, pastor
Years active	1950s–2020
Associated acts	Bill Gaither Trio, Gaither Vocal Band, The Imperials, The Oak Ridge Boys

Gary McSpadden (born January 26, 1943 – died April 15, 2020) was an American pastor, singer, and songwriter. He was also a record producer, TV host, and motivational speaker. Gary was famous for his Christian and Southern gospel music. He sang with well-known groups like The Oak Ridge Boys and The Imperials. He also joined the Bill Gaither Trio and the Gaither Vocal Band. Gary McSpadden wrote popular songs such as "Jesus Lord To Me." He also helped produce many music albums for other artists. Later, he hosted TV shows and live music concerts.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Gary McSpadden was born in 1943 to Boyd and Helen McSpadden. His family later moved to Lubbock, Texas. There, Gary's father was a pastor at Faith Temple church. Gary grew up in a very musical family. Both his mother and father wrote songs. One of their songs, "Heaven," became very popular. Gary started singing in church when he was very young. By the age of ten, he was already singing solos.

Gary McSpadden's Music Career

Gary McSpadden had a long and successful career in music. He sang with several famous gospel groups. He also started his own solo career.

Singing with Famous Groups

In 1962, when Gary was 18, he joined The Statesmen group. He sang with them for five months. After that, he became part of The Oak Ridge Quartet. While he was with them, the group changed its name to The Oak Ridge Boys. They recorded three albums together.

From 1964 to 1967, Gary sang with Jake Hess and the Imperials. During this time, The Imperials began singing backup for Elvis Presley.

In 1977, Gary joined the Bill Gaither Trio. He sang with them for several years. In 1981, Bill Gaither started a new group called The Gaither Vocal Band. Gary McSpadden was one of the first members of this new group.

Gary McSpadden's Solo Music

Gary McSpadden began his solo singing career in 1979. His first solo album was called Higher Purpose. He continued to sing with the Gaither Vocal Band until 1988. After that, he focused more on his solo music. Gary recorded more than 30 albums during his career. Sixteen of these were his own solo albums.

Gary McSpadden as a Pastor

In 1967, Gary McSpadden decided to take a break from music. He became a pastor at a large church in Fort Worth, Texas. He worked with his father there for 13 years. Later, he pastored Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, Missouri. He taught people about faith and obedience to the Bible.

Television and Live Shows

Gary McSpadden also spent many years working in television. He hosted several TV programs and live music shows.

Early TV Appearances

In 1976, Gary and his father aired a series of TV programs. These shows were filmed at their church in Fort Worth, Texas. Years later, Gary was a guest on a show called The PTL Club. He was later invited to host the program for six months.

Gospel Jubilee and Other Shows

In 1999, Gary McSpadden started hosting a new live music show. It was called Gospel Jubilee and took place at Silver Dollar City in Branson. The show was recorded and broadcast on TV every Sunday. It ran from 2000 to 2003. Gary featured many popular Christian artists on the show. They sang favorite gospel songs.

In 2003, Gary also starred in a live show with his brother-in-law Dino Kartsonakis. This show was called the "Easter Spring Spectacular." It was held every spring for four years in Branson, Missouri. In 2004, Gary moved his live music show to the Americana Theater in Branson. He changed the name to "Southern Gospel Sundays." He continued to host different Christian artists there.

Later, Gary focused more on preaching and teaching the Gospel. His show, The Gary McSpadden Show, was broadcast on TCT (Total Christian Television). It included Christian artists and Gary's Bible teachings. Today, the show focuses mainly on gospel teachings. It also features a song from a visitor at Faith & Wisdom Church. The show is broadcast on two satellite networks: TCT and GEB.

Music Producer Work

Gary McSpadden was also a talented music producer. He helped create many award-winning recordings. He produced albums for groups like the Bill Gaither Trio and The Cathedrals. He also worked with The Gaither Vocal Band and The Talleys. Many of these recordings won Dove Awards.

Later Life and Passing

Gary McSpadden passed away on April 15, 2020. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier that year. He was hospitalized in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Before he passed, he had some serious health problems, including a stroke. He was buried in Nashville, Tennessee. A large memorial service was held at his Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, Missouri.

Awards and Special Honors

Gary McSpadden received many awards for his contributions to music.

• He was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame three times: in 1998, 1999, and 2000.
• He was also inducted into the Texas Gospel Music Hall Of Fame in 1989.

Discography

Solo Albums

Devotional Albums