Billy Ray Hearn, the Founder of Myrrh and Sparrow Records, Has Died
Billy Ray Hearn, the founder of Myrrh and Sparrow Records, has died at 6pm Wednesday, April 15th surrounded by his family.
Billy Ray Hearn began his career and ministry in gospel music in 1960 as a church music director. Through writing and producing innovative youth musicals he was recruited to work with Word Record Co., where he launched the Myrrh label for Contemporary Christian artists. He was the director of music promotion and music publishing for Word until 1976 when he founded Sparrow Records (now Capitol Christian Music Group), the world's largest Christian record label, which is now led by his son Bill.
Billy Ray is responsible for launching the careers of many artists including Andre Crouch, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith and 2015 GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees, BeBe and CeCe Winans and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame himself in 1997.
"Billy Ray was a visionary and a leader of leaders. His fingerprint will forever be on our Christian & Gospel music industry. His love for the message, the music and the artists will have impact on generations to come," says Jackie Patillo, president of GMA
Just this March, he and his son were given the Frances Preston Lifetime Music Industry Achievement Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation for their vision, creativity and commitment in the growth and development of the Christian music industry and philanthropic efforts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hearn family during this difficult time.
Tags : billy ray hearn billy ray hearn news billy ray hearn death billy ray hearn funeral Sparrow Records myrrh records
Hot Trends
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Sadie Robertson Huff, Priscilla Shirer, Craig Groeschel, And More Join In On Gather25 Awareness Campaign
-
Hulvey Announces New Album, "Cry," Due Out Sept. 13
-
Hear the Story Behind Getty’s "Christ Our Hope in Life and Death"
-
Chester Bennington Dies: Was He a Christian?
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Roy Clark Dies at 85
-
Randall Goodgame's "Scripture Hymnal" Unveils a Treasury of Bible Songs
-
Carla Williams Releases New Duet with 4HIM's Kirk Sullivan "Love to Gain"
-
John Schlitt Releases Deluxe Edition Box Set "HISTORY"
-
kalley and Her Husband Andrew Heiligenthal Welcome Their New Baby
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Lauren Daigle's New Song "Be Okay"
-
Free Sheet Music Download: Keith and Kristyn Getty's “Rise My Soul, The Lord Is Risen”
-
Mark Driscoll Resurfaces Again at Hillsong Conference 2015
Most Popular
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Sadie Robertson Huff, Priscilla Shirer, Craig Groeschel, And More Join In On Gather25 Awareness Campaign
-
Hulvey Announces New Album, "Cry," Due Out Sept. 13
-
Hear the Story Behind Getty’s "Christ Our Hope in Life and Death"
-
Chester Bennington Dies: Was He a Christian?
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Roy Clark Dies at 85
-
Randall Goodgame's "Scripture Hymnal" Unveils a Treasury of Bible Songs
-
Carla Williams Releases New Duet with 4HIM's Kirk Sullivan "Love to Gain"
-
John Schlitt Releases Deluxe Edition Box Set "HISTORY"
-
kalley and Her Husband Andrew Heiligenthal Welcome Their New Baby
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Lauren Daigle's New Song "Be Okay"
-
Free Sheet Music Download: Keith and Kristyn Getty's “Rise My Soul, The Lord Is Risen”
-
Mark Driscoll Resurfaces Again at Hillsong Conference 2015