About the book
No other gospel musician in history has spread Christ's love throughout the world for as long. George Beverly Shea is a legend among both his peers and admirers. Today's thriving popularity of gospel music is a living legacy of Shea's dedicated, enthusiastic, ground-breaking vision. But more than that, Shea is a warm, loving Christian with the heart of a servant.In this authorized biography, Shea's inspiring life story is told in a personal, in-depth way. This uplifting story reads as if it were fiction, detailing his life from a humble upbringing as a pastor's son in Ontario Canada, to his world travels with Reverend Billy Graham. It's a human tale full of passion and heart-warming sentiment.
About the author
To write the authorized biography of George Beverly Shea, Dr. Paul Davis investigated Shea's life, associates and recordings more extensively than ever before, chronicling Shea's 100 years with detail and depth. Davis an author, journalist, broadcaster, and record producer whose relationship with Shea spans many years. Davis served as the executive producers on albums for Shea and many other well-known Christian artists.Visit Davis' website
Excerpt from the book:
We invite you to read a passage from the authorized biography of George Beverly Shea:
Modestly motivated yet paradoxically a trailblazer, Bev Shea set for himself ever-rising standards. With Christ-like humility -via his musical gift- he devotedly strived, as he said, "to be faithful and true to the truths of the unchanging message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It still has the power to turn any man from a "sinner into a saint when he comes back to God in repentance and faith".
Literally and proverbially able to stand tall (six feet, two inches) with the best of them, he never craved the limelight of a star-performer. Had he wished, he could often have selfishly coveted and seized the stage of world-renown. Humanly-speaking, he had what it took for fame-and-fortune. Big in talent and personality, he was a commanding gentleman, but in show business terms, he was too low on ego and too high in integrity. Yet amazingly, he arose from an inconspicuous office worker in an insignificant insurance office to become the world's most prominent gospel singer. This phenomenal change of career direction, was nothing less than 'a divine call'.
Record company giant of his day, RCA Victor astutely recognized Bev's commercial potential, signing him up in 1951, and keeping him on contract for a quarter of a century! His plentiful RCA Victor recordings became immensely popular, earning him numerous industry awards and nominations. Such recognition was a strong affirmation of the high esteem in which he was held by the music industry and gospel music enthusiasts alike. His recording artistry is evident even in his early recordings, being the first-and-only evangelistic soloist to secure a long-term recording contract with a major record company. He may have played down his fame and popularity but truly, he achieved the kind of reputation, following and fame from which legends arise. His warm classy vocals displayed a distinctive quality that stood out from among the best artists of his genre. Years later, as one listens back to his exciting, original master-recordings - now in the crystal-clear, clean-crisp miracle of re-mastered digital CD sound, one cannot help marveling at the quality. No wonder there is a continuing longevity with his musical recordings. One appreciates afresh just why Bev Shea is still renowned and revered.