Renowned Southern Gospel Singer Squire Parsons Passes Away

A peaceful Southern landscape honoring Squire Parsons

News Summary

Squire Parsons, a prominent figure in Southern Gospel music, has died at 77 following a cardiac arrest. Known for his powerful voice and iconic songs, including ‘Sweet Beulah Land’, Parsons influenced generations. His career spanned decades, performing with the Kingsmen Quartet and as a solo artist. He was recognized with numerous accolades, including inductions into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. His legacy endures through his music and ministry that touched countless lives.

Asheville, North Carolina – Squire Parsons, a renowned Southern Gospel singer and songwriter, has died at the age of 77 following a cardiac arrest that left him on a ventilator. His passing marks the end of an era for a musician whose contributions to gospel music have left a lasting impact on the genre.

Parsons was born on April 4, 1948, in West Virginia. He began his illustrious gospel music career in 1969 with the Calvarymen Quartet, where he began to make a name for himself as a talented vocalist and songwriter. During his early career, Parsons also served as the band director at Hannan Junior Senior High School in Mason County from 1970 to 1975, a position he held while developing his songwriting skills.

It was during his teaching years that Parsons penned some of his most iconic songs, most notably “Sweet Beulah Land,” which was recognized as the Song of the Year by Singing News Magazine in 1981. This song remains one of his signature pieces and continues to resonate with audiences today.

In 1975, Parsons joined the Kingsmen Quartet as the baritone vocalist, where he contributed to notable songs such as “It Made News In Heaven,” “Hello Mama,” and “Master Of The Sea.” However, in pursuit of his solo ministry and songwriting endeavors, he departed from the Kingsmen in 1979, becoming ordained as a minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina, the same year.

Throughout his solo career, Squire Parsons formed several groups, including Squire Parsons & Redeemed, which operated from 1984 to 1991, and The Squire Parsons Trio, which was active from 1995 to 2009. He also made limited appearances with The Squire Parsons Quartet in 1992, continuing to share his music with audiences around the country.

Parsons’s talent did not go unrecognized. He received numerous honors from Singing News Magazine readers, including Favorite Baritone (1986-1987), Favorite Male Singer (1988), and Favorite Songwriter throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His contributions to the genre were acknowledged when he was inducted into the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2000, followed by his induction into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

In recent years, due to health concerns, Parsons retired from full-time touring in 2019, although he continued to make occasional performances near his Asheville home. His music, significantly influenced by his upbringing in West Virginia, has inspired many and contributed to the rich tapestry of Southern Gospel music.

Parsons was known to have a profound impact through his music ministry, filling auditoriums and touching countless lives throughout his career. He performed at prominent events, including Billy Graham Crusades, and appeared in multiple Gaither Homecoming videos, further solidifying his standing in the gospel music community. His kindness, humility, and enormous talent were acknowledged by peers and fans alike, making him a beloved figure in the industry.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Parsons received an honorary doctorate in 1999 from his alma mater, the West Virginia Institute of Technology, solidifying his legacy not just as a musician but also as an influential figure in the education of aspiring artists. As funeral arrangements for Squire Parsons remain incomplete, the music world mourns the loss of a remarkable artist whose songs and spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of many.