Squire Parsons

Squire Parsons, a native of West Virginia was raised in a Christian home and was introduced to gospel music by his parents. His father, Squire Parsons, Sr., was a choir director in their home church and taught shaped note gospel music. Squire attended West Virginia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music in 1970. He has served as interim music director, church soloist, elementary school music teacher, high school band director and in 1975 he became the baritone singer for the Kingsmen Quartet. In 1979 Squire went into solo ministry. Since 1978, Squire Parsons has been nominated by the SINGING NEWS' fans for "Favorite Baritone", "Favorite Gospel Songwriter" and "Favorite Gospel Singer". He was named "Favorite Baritone" in 1986 and 1987. In 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 - "Favorite Gospel Songwriter". In 1988 he was named "Favorite Southern Gospel Male Singer". He has also been nominated for the DOVE AWARDS for male vocalist and songwriter. in 1981, his song, "Sweet Beulah Land" was voted "Favorite Song Of The Year" by the SINGING NEWS. Some of the other gospel classics written by Parsons include: "Master Of The Sea", "Oh What A Moment", "The Broken Rose", ""He Came To Me", "I Call It Home", "I , I Sing Because", "Hello Mama", "I'm Not Giving Up", and "I Go To The Rock". Many gospel recording artists and groups have recorded at least one of his songs. In 1999 Squire was honored by his alma mater, West Virginia Institute of Technology with an honorary Doctorate of Humanities. On October 9, 2008, Squire was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association's, Hall Of Fame, in Pigeon Forge, TN. On January 29, 2013, Squire was one of several songwriters given the "Harmony Honors Award", by the Southern Gospel Music Guild for his outstanding contributions to Gospel Music as a Songwriter. On September 28, 2013, Marty Raybon won "The Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year", for "Sweet Beulah Land", at the International Bluegrass Music Awards in Raleigh, NC. In February, 2015, the group, Casting Crowns, recorded the song, "Sweet Beulah Land". Squire has been the guest soloist at: First Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA, with Dr. Charles Stanley. Thomas Road Baptist Church of Lynchburg, VA, with the late Dr. Jerry Falwell. Little Rock Crusade in Little Rock, AR, with Dr. Billy Graham on September 19, 1989. Since 1975 Squire has been a part of the Singing At Sea Cruise with Templeton Tours of Boone, NC. Squire has also been a part of the popular "Gaither Homecoming" video series. Mr. Parsons was ordained at his home church, Trinity Baptist, in Asheville, NC, in 1979. Squire and his wife, Linda, live in Leicester, NC. They have four adult children.