George Beverly Shea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Beverly Shea
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| Born | February 1, 1909 Winchester, Ontario, Canada
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| Died | April 16, 2013 (aged 104) Montreat, North Carolina, U.S.
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| Resting place | Billy Graham Library |
| Nationality | Canadian, American |
| Years active | 1929–2013 |
| Spouse(s) |
Erma L. Scharfe
(m. 1934; died 1976)Karlene Aceto
(m. 1985–2013) |
| Children | 2 |
George Beverly Shea (born February 1, 1909 – died April 16, 2013) was a famous gospel singer and songwriter. He was born in Canada but became an American citizen. People often called him "America's beloved gospel singer."
He became very well-known for singing solos at Billy Graham Crusades. These were large Christian events. Because of these crusades, it's thought that George Beverly Shea sang live for more people than anyone else in history! He also shared his music on radio, records, and TV.
Contents
About George Beverly Shea
His Early Life and Family
George Beverly Shea was born in Winchester, Ontario, Canada. This was on February 1, 1909. He was the fourth of eight children. His father, Rev. Adam Joseph Shea, was a minister. His mother, Maude Mary Theodora Shea, played music.
His family moved often because of his father's church work. They lived in places like Winchester, Ontario; Houghton, New York; and Syracuse, New York.
His Musical Journey
George learned to play the violin from his father. His mother taught him piano and organ. He had a deep, rich voice, called a bass-baritone. This voice was noticed early on. He often sang in his father's church. He also started singing at religious meetings in Canada.
His Education
George went to Annesley College in Ottawa. In 1928, he moved to Houghton College in New York. There, he studied singing. But he had to stop his studies in 1929 because of money problems.
Working in New York City
After college, George worked as a clerk. He worked for a life insurance company in New York City. He stayed there for nine years. During this time, he also started singing on the radio.
His Family Life
George married his childhood sweetheart, Erma L. Scharfe, in 1934. They had two children, Ronnie and Elaine. His first wife, Erma, passed away in 1976.
In 1985, George married Karlene Aceto. She was also involved in Christian work. George became an American citizen in 1941. He and Karlene lived in Montreat, North Carolina. This was on the same road as Billy Graham's home.
His Passing
George Beverly Shea lived to be 104 years old. He passed away on April 16, 2013. He was buried at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.
His Ministry and Music
Starting in New York (1929–1939)
While working in New York, George studied singing with a special coach. He also appeared on a radio show hosted by Fred Allen. He sang popular music there. But he felt that singing secular (non-religious) songs was not the right path for him.
He sang regularly on Christian radio programs. He also began his recording career with Decca Records. He recorded gospel songs like "I'd Rather Have Jesus." These early recordings became very popular.
Moving to Chicago (1939–1952)
In 1939, George joined the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He worked at their radio station, WMBI. He sang on programs like Let's Go Back to the Bible.
In 1944, he became a featured singer on Billy Graham's radio show, Songs in the Night. George's singing helped make this show very successful. He also sang on Club Time, a popular hymn program. This show helped him become nationally recognized. By 1951, he was one of the most famous male gospel singers.
Working with Billy Graham (1947–2013)
George Beverly Shea and Billy Graham were very important figures in bringing Christian faith into the mainstream. George was one of the first people Billy Graham hired for his ministry.
They first met in 1940. In 1948, George helped create a set of ethical rules for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). These rules became very important for their work.
Billy Graham Crusades
George sang at the very first unofficial Billy Graham Crusade in 1947. His first song there was "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story."
George and Cliff Barrows were the main musical team for the crusades. Cliff Barrows directed the choir. George's solo singing was a key part of every crusade. His songs would prepare the audience for Billy Graham's message. People often said his songs were as powerful as the sermons. George himself said his solo was a time for people to quiet down. It also gave Billy Graham time to get ready.
Hour of Decision Radio Show
In 1950, the Hour of Decision radio program began. George sang regularly on this show. It became one of the most listened-to religious radio programs ever. Through this show, George's voice became known all over the world.
His Recording Career (1951–2013)
George Beverly Shea recorded about 500 songs. These were on more than 70 albums. He recorded with major labels like RCA Victor and Word Records. His albums featured orchestras and famous musical directors.
Famous Songs
George is most famous for his version of "How Great Thou Art." This song was originally a Swedish hymn. Another well-known song he wrote was "The Wonder of It All."
Writing and Composing
George also wrote and composed music. In 1932, he wrote the tune for "I'd Rather Have Jesus." The words were written by Rhea F. Miller. He also wrote both the words and music for "The Wonder of It All" in 1955.
He also wrote several books. These included his autobiography, Then Sings My Soul (1968). He also wrote How Sweet the Sound (2004).
TV and Film Appearances
George appeared on Billy Graham's TV program, Hour of Decision. He also sang "How Great Thou Art" during the Madison Square Garden Crusade in 1957. This was shown live on TV.
He appeared in several films produced by the BGEA. These included Oiltown, U.S.A. (1953) and The Mighty Fortress (1955). He also narrated the film Pilgrim's Progress (1977).
Awards and Honors
George Beverly Shea received many awards for his music.
- He was nominated for ten Grammy Awards.
- In 1966, he won a Grammy for his album "Southland Favorites."
- In 1978, he was added to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. This was for his lifelong work in gospel music.
- He received the Gold Angel Award in 1982.
- In 1996, he was voted into the "Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame."
- He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gospel Music Association Canada in 2004.
- In 2011, he received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award. This was a very special honor.
Honorary Degrees
He also received honorary doctorates from colleges. In 1956, he got a Doctor of Fine Arts from Houghton College. In 1972, he received a Doctor of Sacred Music from Trinity College.
Biographical Book
A book about George Beverly Shea's life was published in 2009. It is called George Beverly Shea: Tell Me the Story by Paul Davis.
See also
- Los Angeles Crusade (1949)
