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Legendary Gospel Singer George Beverly Shea Dies At 104

Legendary Gospel singer George Beverly Shea has died. He shared a podium with evangelist Billy Graham for more than 60 years.

Credit Billy Graham Evangelic Association

  George Beverly Shea grew up singing in the choir of his father’s church in Ontario, Canada. He first caught Billy Graham’s attention in the early 1940’s while on the radio in Chicago. The two became close friends, and Shea joined the Graham crusade, singing for more than 200 million people throughout his career. His version of the hymn “How Great Thou Art” became iconic, and his numerous albums were nominated for 10 Grammys, winning one.

Shea was also honored with a Grammy lifetime achievement award and became a member of the Gospel music and Religious broadcasting halls of fame.

A spokesman says Shea night died in an Asheville hospital Tuesday night after a brief illness. George Beverly Shea lived nearby in Montreat, about a mile from Billy Graham.