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 AWARD for male vocalist and songwriter. In
1990, he was presented the coveted MARVIN NORCROSS AWARD, given for devotion
to family, service to church, involvement in community affairs, and
contributions to the gospel music industry.
In
addition to being one of America’s best loved soloists, Squire is a prolific
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
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. He has
been the guest soloist at:
First Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA., with Dr. Charles Stanley. Thomas
Road Baptist Church of Lynchburg, VA., with 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 and the
January Bible Study 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,
North Carolina, in 1979.
Squire
and his wife Linda, live in Leicester, NC. They have four adult children.