Gaither Gospel Music - Guy Penrod - George Beverly Shea - Does Jesus Care

Music video by Guy Penrod performing Does Jesus Care?.

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Christian Music - Jason Crabb - I'd Rather Have Jesus

I’d Rather Have Jesus – The History

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I’d Rather Have Jesus is a song written by Rhea F. Miller with the tune written by George Beverly Shea. This poem, written in 1922, was left on a piano in the Shea home by Bev Shea who wanted her son to find it and change the course of his life.

The words, I’d rather have Jesus, moved George so much and spoke to him about his own aims and ambitions in life. He sat down at the piano and began singing them with a tune that seemed to fit the words. Shea’s mom heard him singing it and asked him to sing it at church the next day.

George’s life direction did change. He was offered a popular music career with NBC, but a few years later chose to become associated with evangelist Billy Graham and sang this hymn around the world.

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Billy Graham Crusade - George Beverly Shea - The Love of God

April 17, 2013
Statement by Billy Graham on the Passing of George Beverly Shea

His contribution to my ministry cannot be measured in human terms.
Statement by Billy Graham on the Passing of George Beverly Shea

George Beverly Shea was one of my closest friends for nearly 70 years, and has been one of the dearest friends my wife, Ruth, and I have ever had. He was one of the first members of our evangelistic team. Beginning in Chicago, we traveled the world together, with our close friend and comrade Cliff Barrows.

I’ve been listening to Bev Shea sing for more than 70 years, and I would still rather hear him sing than anyone else I know.

Bev was one of the most humble and greatest Christians I have ever known. He has set an example and has been a role model of what a Christian ought to be. His contribution to my ministry cannot be measured in human terms. He is the fourth member of our original team to be called to heaven – along with Grady Wilson, George Wilson and Billie Barrows.

Since our organization is like a family, we are all going to miss Bev as one of the spiritual leaders of our Association. I have lost one of the best friends I have ever had, but he and I look forward to seeing each other in heaven relatively soon.

Bev has a wonderful family who dearly loved him, and my heart goes out to all of them. I am praying that God’s grace and strength will be more than sufficient for Karlene, his two children – Ron and Elaine – and grandchildren.

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Billy Graham Crusade - George Beverly Shea - How Great Thou Art

George Beverly Shea (February 1, 1909 – April 16, 2013) was a Canadian-born American gospel singer and hymn composer. Shea was often described as "America's beloved Gospel singer" 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 in history.[

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In Memory of George Beverly Shea

George Beverly Shea (1909-2013). See how God turned this simple hymn song singer into the instrument to prepare the hearts of those to receive the Gospel message from Billy Graham.

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George Beverly Shea - The Love of God is Greater Far

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

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George Beverly Shea - It Is No Secret

Born February 1, 1909, George Beverly Shea is a Grammy Award-winning Canadian centenarian, a bass-baritone singer of gospel music and the composer of several hymns and hymn tunes. Shea has often been described as "America's Beloved Gospel Singer" and is 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. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Shea holds the world record for singing in person to the most people ever, with an estimated cumulative live audience of 220 million people.

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