Red Foley, Ferlin Husky, Tennesse Ernie Ford, Johnny Cash, and Randy Travis. What do these men have in common besides their music career? It is their unwavering faith and making a stand on the relevance of faith-themed songs.
Fast forward today, we’re seeing a bunch of fast-rising Country stars who hold the same stance. For today’s feature, let’s have another of Josh Turner’s bold move in Hollywood.
Josh Turner’s Film Debut as George Beverly Shea
Not long after America’s Pastor and renowned evangelist, Billy Graham went home to glory, a film produced in his honor resurfaced – “Billy: The Early Years.” This 2008 biographical film featured a decade of Graham’s life story on how he started doing crusades. Newcomer Armie Hammer was chosen to play Billy Graham and Josh Turner as Graham’s Music Director and renown songwriter, George Beverly Shea. Turner gleefully accepted the offer as he had been familiar with Mr. Shea’s works. He had also attended a few of Graham’s crusades.
“It was my way of honoring the legacy of George Beverly Shea and Billy Graham and what they’ve done in their lives and their careers and the lives they’ve touched — obviously including mine.”
For You
Billy: The Early Years Trailer
Turner and More Country Stars Featured in the Soundtrack Album
Blessed with a rich, deep voice, it’s easy to see why Josh Turner was picked to play Shea in the film. The filmmakers wanted to stay close to the original and Shea’s singing ought to be portrayed well. The following was the piece assigned, one of Shea’s gospel classics, “Almost Persuaded.”
Check it out here:
Seasoned and new stars from the Country and Contemporary Christian genres teamed-up to complete the soundtrack for the Reverend Billy Graham. To name, we have Michael W. Smith, Alan Jackson, Sara Evans, Brooks & Dunn, and Brad Paisley. For the newcomers, we have Brandon Heath and China Edelman.
