Jesus Music Review

George Beverly Shea, America’s beloved gospel singer, is considered “the first international singing ’star’ of the gospel world,” as a consequence of his solos on the Billy Graham Crusades, and his exposure on radio, records, and television. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Shea holds the world record for singing in person to the most people ever, with an estimated cumulative live audience of 220 million people.

I’d Rather Have Jesus is a song written by Rhea F. Miller with the tune written by George Beverly Shea. This poem, written in 1922, was left on a piano in the Shea home by Bev Shea who wanted her son to find it and change the course of his life. 

The words, I’d rather have Jesus, moved George so much and spoke to him about his own aims and ambitions in life. He sat down at the piano and began singing them with a tune that seemed to fit the words. Shea’s mom heard him singing it and asked him to sing it at church the next day.

George’s life direction did change. He was offered a popular music career with NBC, but a few years later chose to become associated with evangelist Billy Graham and sang this hymn around the world.

How lovely, and still as fresh as ever, is the warmth and richness of Bev’s singing! I like the varied collection of items, unusual accompaniments and the directness and clarity of the message, in song. More of his work should be more readily available in this country. - Richard, KY