Excerpt from the introduction to Then Sings My Soul by George Beverly Shea

The thing that impressed me most about Bev from the very beginning of our long association, was the life he lived behind the scenes. His humility was genuine. His walk with God was sincere. He really meant what he sang!

I have seen Bev under pressure time after time. I have watched him in almost every conceivable circumstance – from the battlefields of Vietnam to the largest stadiums in the world. He always remains calm, unruffled and devotional.

One of the characteristics that makes Bev Shea unique as a singer is that he sings a sermon. Many other singers are more spectacular, but he is in a class by himself when it comes to worshipful singing. In the early days of our relationship, before Cliff Barrows joined us, people would come to hear Bev Shea sing, and I had an opportunity to preach to the crowds that came to hear him. It has been a thrill and a joy to watch Bev, Cliff Barrows, Tedd Smith, Son Hustad and the other musicians on our team work in such close spiritual harmony. During the last two or three generations, scores of evangelists have had their ministry crippled by disunity on the musical team. But when we step out on that platform, in our Crusades, we are united in heart and purpose. It has been the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.

George Beverly Shea will turn 103 years old on Wednesday, Feb. 1! There will be a banner on display at The Billy Graham Library beginning Jan. 26 through Feb. 2, where visitors can write personal birthday greetings.