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
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
What We Know About Paul and Hannah McClure's "After Your Heart (Live)"
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
Tasha Page-Lockhart Announces Her Engagement to Deangelo Loftin!
-
Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Frank Damazio Set for October 5, 2025
-
Bryan & Katie Torwalt Share the Story Behind "Sound Mind"
-
Lauren Daigle No Longer Considers Herself a "Christian" Artist
-
Coquí's New Song "LIVING 2 DIE" is Here
-
Allison Eide Recounts Her Personal Journey & Struggles in Her Debut Album "Love Who I Am"
-
New TV Series "Testament" Tells the Story of Acts with a Modern Twist
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "Follow"
Most Popular
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
What We Know About Paul and Hannah McClure's "After Your Heart (Live)"
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
Tasha Page-Lockhart Announces Her Engagement to Deangelo Loftin!
-
Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Frank Damazio Set for October 5, 2025
-
Bryan & Katie Torwalt Share the Story Behind "Sound Mind"
-
Lauren Daigle No Longer Considers Herself a "Christian" Artist
-
Coquí's New Song "LIVING 2 DIE" is Here
-
Allison Eide Recounts Her Personal Journey & Struggles in Her Debut Album "Love Who I Am"
-
New TV Series "Testament" Tells the Story of Acts with a Modern Twist
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "Follow"