Remembering Squire Parsons

The Southern Gospel Music community is mourning the passing of singer/songwriter Squire Parsons. Mr. Parsons was 77 years old.

Born April 4, 1948, Squire Parsons, Jr. began singing Southern Gospel music professionally when he joined West Virginia’s Calvarymen Quartet in 1969. By 1975, Mr. Parsons had joined The Kingsmen, serving as the quartet’s baritone vocalist for most of his tenure there. During his time with The Kingsmen, Mr. Parsons’ voice was heard on several songs that have gone on to become classics—“It Made News In Heaven,” “Hello Mama,” “The Lovely Name Of Jesus,” “I’ve Got A Reservation,” “Master Of The Sea,” “Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet,” and numerous others.

Following his departure from The Kingsmen in 1979, Mr. Parsons began focusing on a solo ministry and songwriting, and it was during this time that the Gospel music community was introduced to even more songs that touched the hearts and lives of people around the world. “Sweet Beulah Land,” “He Came To Me,” “The Broken Rose,” “The Greatest Of All Miracles,” “I’m Not Giving Up,” “I Sing Because,” and “I Call It Home” are just a few of the songs that Mr. Parsons shared with the world. Mr. Parsons was also ordained as a minister in 1979 at his home church, Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina.

In additional to a solo ministry, Mr. Parsons was responsible for two groups that served Gospel music well: Squire Parsons & Redeemed (1984-1991) and The Squire Parsons Trio (1995-2009). During the year 1992, The Squire Parsons Quartet made limited appearances with a line-up that included Ernie Phillips, Arthur Rice, Joe Fowler, and Mr. Parsons.

During Mr. Parsons’ professional singing career, he was honored numerous times for his contributions to Gospel music. The readers of Singing News Magazine presented Mr. Parsons the award for Favorite Baritone(1986-1987), Favorite Male Singer (1988), and Favorite Songwriter (1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995). His song, “Sweet Beulah Land” was voted Song Of The Year in 1981. Mr. Parsons was inducted in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and he was also inducted in the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2000 as a former member of The Kingsmen.

Though he continued to make limited appearances in his home area of Asheville, North Carolina, Mr. Parsons retired from traveling in 2019 due to health concerns. Even while facing several serious health issues in his mid-to-late 70s, Mr. Parsons’ powerful voice could often be heard during regular services and revivals at Trinity Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The Parsons family appreciates your prayers.