In 1947, Billy Graham invited Shea to join his ministry as a singer. I said, “Billy, the only gospel singers I have known will sing a verse or two and then start talking. Would I have to do that?’ And he said, ‘I hope not.’ The men have been a team ever since. Shea was there when Graham held his first crusade at the “old armory” in Charlotte in 1947

They call George Beverly Shea “America’s beloved gospel singer,” but that’s almost an understatement, given how much he has accomplished in 101 years of life.

He’s performed on almost every corner of the planet and holds the Guinness Book of World Records mark for singing in front of the most people ever, a combined audience of 220 million, much of it with his old friend the Rev. Billy Graham.

He’s met almost every president of the past 60 years. He’s recorded more than 500 vocal solos, more than 70 albums and performed on radio, TV and in film. He’s earned 10 Grammy nominations and won the award in 1965.

Next month, just after his 102nd birthday, he’s headed to Los Angeles to collect a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, the group that presents the Grammys. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented Feb. 12, a day before the full Grammy ceremony.

“We believe that Mr. Shea will be the oldest living recipient” of the Lifetime Achievement Award, said Grammy spokeswoman Stephanie Schell…

Shea brushes aside notion of stardom.

“I don’t see much spotlight,” he said. “I never did anything on my own. Well, I was 26 years on RCA (records), and that was nice. The man who signed up Elvis signed me up. I think Elvis sold a few more records than I did.”

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