The Patriarch

In honor of George Beverly Shea:

The Patriarch, alive but old, silver hair his crown…

How great thou art, he bellows, as heaven and earth hear him sing…

A quiver is heard in the vintage voice, but the heart of the man can still rejoice…

As tears stream down the audience’s face…He is still filled, with God’s, sweet, amazing grace…

The angels listen as the music transcends to every dimension throughout known and unknown land…long last they know and understand…God’s child he is, as he sings they all stand…in awe of this humble, vibrant, old man…as he sings in honor of the creator; Then Sings My Soul, My Savior God to Thee, How Great Thou Art…How Great Thou Art…Then Sings My Soul, My Savior God to Thee, How Great Thou Art…How Great Thou Art!!!

~M. S. O’Neill September 28, 2017

A bit of history…

George Beverly Shea (February 1, 1909 – April 16, 2013) was a Canadian-born American^[1] gospel singer and hymn composer. Shea was often described as “America’s beloved gospel singer”^[2] and was considered “the first international singing ‘star’ of the gospel world,” as a consequence of his solos at Billy Graham Crusades and his exposure on radio, records and television. Because of the attendance at Graham’s Crusades, Shea has sung live before more people than anyone else in history.^[3][4]

Musical background

Shea was taught to play the violin by his father, and the piano and organ by his mother.^[13] Shea’s bass-baritone voice brought early recognition and provided many opportunities for him to sing in his father’s church.^[14] He began singing at religious meetings in the Ottawa Valley.^[13]

His Death

A centenarian, Shea died on April 16, 2013 at the age of 104 from complications following a stroke. He was buried on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.^[33]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNUv-EyMQXU