Gloria Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gloria Spencer
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Promotional photo of Gloria Spencer from the jacket of her 1976 album For Once In My Life
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gloria Christine Spencer |
| Also known as | Gloria Gray |
| Born | March 18, 1937 Steelton, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 2, 1976 (aged 39) Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Genres | Gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1972–1976 |
| Labels | Jaywalking Records Creed Records |
Gloria Spencer (born March 18, 1937 – died April 2, 1976) was an American gospel singer. She was known as the "World's Largest Gospel Singer." This was because of a health condition that made her weigh around 625 pounds (283 kg). During her short four-year career, Gloria Spencer released two albums. People remembered her for her "sparkling soprano" voice. She could sing with a pop feel or a powerful, gritty sound. Spencer passed away in April 1976 from heart problems.
Gloria's Early Life
Gloria Spencer was born in Steelton, Pennsylvania, in 1937. She had two sisters, and all three were born with a thyroid gland condition. This condition caused them to gain weight quickly. As an adult, Gloria was 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall. She weighed about 625 pounds (283 kg).
Gloria started singing solos in church when she was only three years old. Soon after, she taught herself to play the piano.
Her Music Career
After high school, Gloria Spencer worked as a typist in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She was very fast, typing 115 words per minute! On weekends, she traveled along the East Coast. She sang gospel music for many people.
In the early 1970s, Gloria signed with Jaywalking Records. Her first album, Gloria's Views of Glory, came out in 1972. Later, in 2007, this album was re-released online. It was given a new name, I Got It.
Her second album, For Once In My Life, was released in 1976. This album had a mix of classic gospel songs and new ones. It included famous songs like "Amazing Grace". On the album, before she sings "I'll Fly Away", Gloria talks about her older sister's funeral. Her sister had also passed away, weighing 628 pounds (285 kg).
Gloria's record company, Creed Records, decided to promote her. They called her the "World's Largest Gospel Singer." This helped her get more attention. She often shared stories with the media about her weight. For example, she said she needed three airline seats to fly. She also told a story about a piano bench breaking during a show. She said she "kept right on playing - from the floor."
Personal Life and Passing
While touring, Gloria met Reverend David Gray. He was a counselor at Kittrell College. They got married on December 31, 1973. Their wedding was at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Harrisburg. David was very supportive of Gloria's singing career. He often traveled with her on the road.
Gloria Spencer passed away from heart problems on April 2, 1976. She was 39 years old. At the time of her death, Gloria weighed 797 pounds (362 kg). Her viewing and funeral lasted two days. They were held at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Harrisburg. This was the same church where she and David were married.
The mayor of Harrisburg, Harold A. Swenson, attended her funeral. Singer Shirley Caesar performed the song "Stand By Me". It took seventeen pallbearers to carry Gloria's casket. Her casket was 82 inches (208 cm) wide.
