It Is No Secret

Category: Obituary

You may be a little surprised to see a country music blog paying tribute to evangelist Billy Graham, but this is actually one of the best places to mention the late minister.

Dr. Graham died this morning (2/21) at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Friends who appeared on TV station WCNC in Charlotte said that the minister had been in failing health, with "poor quality of life," for a number of years.

William Franklin Graham was born in 1918 Charlotte when Charlotte was more country than town.  He was raised on a dairy farm and knew hard work, growing up in the 1920s and into the Great Depression.  

He felt the calling into ministry and obeyed.  His first "crusade" was held in 1947 in Los Angeles, which is where his connection to country music also began.  Among the people attending his revival in a circus tent was Stuart Hamblin, who later wrote the country gospel classic "It Is No Secret."

Additionally, Graham appeared in a 1951 film, Mr. Texas, which he billed as "the first Christian western" movie.  The film co-starred Hall of Fame songwriter Cindy Walker.

As the popularity of television rose in the 50s and 60s Graham's multi-night crusades were carried on numerous television stations.  Among the country legends who frequently guested on the shows were Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Charlie Daniels, and Ricky Skaggs.  Cash, much like President George W. Bush, credited Graham's friendship with helping him overcome his addictions.

Billy Graham was 99.