A one time member of the Oak Ridge Boys, spiritual leader Gary McSpadden died April 15, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma as a result of pancreatic cancer at the age of 77.
He was born on January 26, 1943 in Lubbock, Texas to songwriting parents. His father was also a minister and a young Gary got his musical start singing in his father’s church.
McSpadden was 18 when he joined his first group, The Imperials – a Southern Gospel group. Then came a stint with the Oak Ridge Boys, A second stint with The Imperials, The Statesmen Quartet, and some time in the Bill Gaither Trio – later the Gaither Vocal Band.
When not singing, McSpadden worked as a producer for Terri Gibbs, The Cathedrals, The Talleys, and Lulu Roman of “Hee Haw” fame.
He served as the host of the Gospel program “Jubilee” and was Jim Baker’s replacement on the PTL Club.
After he stopped performing with various groups, McSpadden followed in his father’s footsteps, both as a minister and as a songwriter. He continued to perform as a solo artist and held a number of concerts in Branson, Missouri.
McSpadden was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame three times including as a member of the Oak Ridge Boys. He is also a member of the Texas Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.
He is survived by his wife Carol.
Gary McSpadden’s songwriting credits include music on:
“Keeper of My Heart” by Truth
“White Heart” by White Heart
“Passin’ the Faith Along” by the Gaither Vocal Band
“Songs from the Heart” by Sandi Patty
“Do Something Now” by The Cause
“Turnaround” by Terri Gibbs
“Greatest Hits” by White Heart
“Make His Praise Glorious” by Sandi Patty
“White Heart”/”Vital Signs” by White Heart
“Just the Beginning” by Margo Smith and Holly