GEORGE Beverly Shea, known for his rich baritone voice, won a lifetime achievement award at the recent Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb 12.
The 102-year-old Canadian gospel singer was recognized alongside Julie Andrews, Roy Haynes, the Juilliard String Quartet, the Kingston Trio, Dolly Parton and the Ramones at the ceremony, held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater.
The long-time soloist with Billy Graham crusades becomes the oldest artist to receive a Grammy, his second.
According to CBC News, although he’s been nominated 10 times over his career, Shea last won a Grammy in 1966 for best gospel or other religious recording, an honor he shared with Anita Kerr.
“It’s been a long time since I won a Grammy. They found me somewhere and then this happened,” he joked on Feb 19.
Shea received a standing ovation when he claimed his award, and while on stage sang a couple bars from Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.
Bev Shea met evangelist Dr. Graham in the 1940s and soon found himself singing before the crowds that attended Graham’s sermons.
Shea has released more than 70 albums.
Shea was born in the eastern Ontario community of Winchester in 1909.
“I am so thankful that at my age the academy has given me this special tribute, and was surprised and humbled by their action,” Shea said. “I thank God for giving me so many years of musical ministry, and am grateful for the countless opportunities around the world to sing about our Precious Lord.”
Shea talked about his life-long love of music and tenure of ministry with Billy Graham spanning nearly six decades.
He recounted a particularly moving moment when he accompanied the global evangelist to Vietnam to hold meetings for the troops during the War.
While up near the front lines one Christmas day, he was standing beneath a giant Christmas tree held up by wires, and noticed a group of soldiers receiving haircuts upon their return from duty.
One of the soldiers recognized him and yelled out, ‘Shea, sing ‘How Great Thou Art’.” He then cupped his hands around his mouth so to be heard, and sang a verse of the song that he had popularized with crusade audiences around the world.
As Shea concluded by thanking members of the Academy for this honor, many stood to their feet in rousing applause, acknowledging his extraordinary life and musical accomplishments.
