Fmr. Oak Ridge Boys Member Gary McSpadden Has Died
Gospel singer and songwriter Gary McSpadden has died after a battle with pancreatic Cancer. McSpadden passed away on Wednesday, April 15th at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 77-years-old.
A baritone who performed in numerous Gospel groups throughout his career, including The Statesmen, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Imperials, The Bill Gaither Trio, and The Gaither Vocal Band, Gary McSpadden was also a solo singer and songwriter, television host, and pastor throughout his nearly 60 year career.
Born January 26th, 1943 in Magnum, Oklahoma, Gary’s family moved to Lubbock, TX where his father was a pastor, and his family was very musical with both his father and mother working as Gospel songwriters. In 1962 at the age of 18, Gary was noticed by the manager of the Southern Gospel group The Statesman, and was asked to fill in while the lead singer Jake Hess was on medical leave.
After five months with The Statesman, McSpadden joined what at the time was called The Oak Ridge Quartet at the critical moment when the group signed with Warner Bros. Records and officially became known as The Oak Ridge Boys. Gary McSpadden replaced Ron Page, and appeared on three records with the Hall of Fame group before reuniting with Jake Hess and singing with The Imperials. McSpadden was part of The Imperials when they famously sang backup for Elvis Presley.
From there, McSpadden joined The Bill Gaither Trio in 1977, and began working as a pastor before stepping down to pursue music full time as the group became the Gaither Vocal Band. Gary first began pursuing a solo career in 1979, and by 1988 began solely focusing on a career as a solo artist that resulted in 16 solo albums.
Later in his career, Gary McSpadden continued to work as a pastor, and hosted multiple live and televised music shows, and also worked as a producer for multiple bands and artists. By the early 2000’s Gary had become a fixture of the Branson, Missouri Gospel scene, and mentored numerous artists, including Lauren Mascitti, who Saving Country Music recently featured.
Gary McSpadden has been inducted a total of three times in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame from his various projects and pursuits, and is also a member of the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Most recently, he had been the pastor at the non-denominational Faith & Wisdom church in Branson.
“As most of you know Gary and I have been in Tulsa at the Cancer Treatment Center of America,” his wife Carol posted. “Gary has been battling cancer along with other complications over the last several weeks. This has been a quick and difficult journey we have been on. We knew this week that God had a plan and his healing would be here on earth or in heaven. As of 8:40 AM Pastor passed peacefully surrounded by his family into the arms of God.”
April 16, 2020 @ 6:45 pm
“We knew this week that God had a plan and his healing would be here on earth or in heaven.”
What a beautiful statement.
Love & prayers to his family & friends
April 16, 2020 @ 10:01 pm
I never heard of McSpadden, but it does not appear that his brief membership in the pre-stardom Oak Ridge Boys is his claim to fame.
April 17, 2020 @ 8:32 am
I had heard the name here and there, but really did not know much about him. But a couple of weeks ago when I was reviewing the new album from Lauren Mascitti, I saw in her bio that she had moved to Branson to sing backup for former Oak Ridge Boys member Gary McSpadden at the age of 12, and thought “Huh.” I sort of fell into a wormhole tracking his career and the long legacy of the Oak Ridge Boys in general. Strange two weeks later I’m reporting that he’s passed away. His time in the Oak Ridge Boys may not have been the biggest part of his career, but it is what makes him relevant to the country music world, and he was there when they officially changed their name, and released their first major label records. If it wasn’t for a pact Gary made with his previous boss to return after he was well, who knows, Gary McSpadden might be a Country Music Hall of Famer, and would have never been replaced in the Oak Ridge Boys.
April 17, 2020 @ 9:54 am
I know of Gary more from the Gaithers, and they posted a beautiful tribute the other day on the Gaithers Music social media pages. Pretty cool that he was with the Oaks, then Elvis, and then with the Gaithers. What a life he lived…rest in peace!
April 17, 2020 @ 6:05 am
I never heard that name until this article- looks like he had a pretty good career doing what he wanted to do.
RIP, my man!
April 17, 2020 @ 5:47 pm
Knew the McSpaddin’s personally from the PCofG. Preached a two week meeting for them as a boy-preacher (16 -17 yrs old) in Ponca City, OK. Experienced the worst and only electrical storm of my life. He and his sister Sheryl were two of the prettiest children you ever saw. They’re parents were movie star beautiful and talented. Les Coughran
April 17, 2020 @ 5:54 pm
Thanks for this article, Trig.
He certainly sounds like he was a fine man.
Gospel singers and a cappella groups frequently exhibit some remarkable vocal ranges.
April 18, 2020 @ 10:36 am
I believe his son Shawn manages Kip Moore.
I remember Gary coming town in the late 80’s and hosting a record burning at a local kooky church.
April 18, 2020 @ 1:24 pm
I feel bad today of learning of the passing of Gary McSpadden. Years ago his wife had cancer and he asked for prayers for her. We would Share on FB and pray with each other for his wife. May he rest in Peace in Jesus arms today and give his wife comfort. I know how she feels for I lost my husband a little over a year ago.
April 18, 2020 @ 8:49 pm
Fantastic singer! RIH Brother
April 19, 2020 @ 3:33 am
Sorry to hear of the loss.
April 3, 2022 @ 12:50 pm
The photo here is the same photo of Steve that also died. I’m confused.
September 16, 2022 @ 11:33 pm
I loved his music in the 90’s and still listen to his gospel music today. It’s music that always seems relevant.