Remembering Two Canadian Musicians
Two famous Canadian musicians died yesterday. Rita MacNeil and George Beverly Shea.
Rita MacNeil was from Nova Scotia. Well known in the country music world, she was Canada’s best-selling country artist in 1990, hitting the charts in the UK as well. She won three Juno awards. She was 68 years old.
George Beverly Shea was better known a generation earlier. He was born in Ontario in 1909 (about 4 hours from where I was born), the son of a pastor.
Shea appeared on the radio in the 30s and 40s, eventually singing on Billy Graham’s weekly radio program. He continued on the radio as the years passed, but also began singing at Graham’s crusades. Eventually he began recording, and even appeared in TV and in the movies. He won a Grammy in 1965 and was nominated for 9 more. He won numerous other awards during his career.
Shea composed the music to I’d Rather Have Jesus, a song that touched his heart and became one of his favourites to sing. Read more about this song here – (particularly the fascinating performance by Chief White Feather at the Calgary Stampede in front of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth).
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
Shea was 104.
17 April 2013 @ 9:15 pm
George Beverly Shea was greatly used by God. His influence will affect generations to come. He was loved and respected by so many and is a good model to follow.
“I’d Rather Have Jesus” expresses his faith in his Lord and Saviour in a simple and lovely way.
May God comfort his family and close friends and draw many closer to Himself during the grieving process.