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Singer remembered for eloquent
gospel
Associated Press
FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Glen Payne, the smooth-toned lead vocalist of the
Cathedrals, died late Friday at his home in Franklin. He was 72.
Mr. Payne was diagnosed with liver cancer six weeks ago.
"He passed away peacefully without any pain, with his family near him.
He
spent yesterday singing 'Victory in Jesus,' " Debbie Bennett, a producer
and family friend, said in a note to fans posted on the group's Web site.
"Glen died with joy in his heart, the same way he lived," Ms. Bennett said.
During Mr. Payne's nearly 60 years in gospel music, his group won
numerous awards and was nominated for 11 Grammys.
His lifetime work was honored by inductions into the Gospel Music
Association's Hall of Fame, the Texas Music Hall of Fame, the Southern
Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame and the Radio Music Hall of
Fame.
Born in Royse City, Texas, in 1926, Mr. Payne started his career in 1939
as a student at the Stamps School of Music in Dallas.
After serving in the Army, he returned to the school to teach and sing
in the
Frank Stamps Quartet.
From 1951 to 1957, Mr. Payne sang in the Stamps-Ozark Quartet before
leaving to join the Weatherfords.
In 1963, he formed a trio to perform at evangelist Rex Humbard's
Cathedral of Tomorrow in Akron, Ohio. After George Younce joined the
trio, it changed its name to the Cathedral Quartet.
Mr. Payne and Mr. Younce became constants in the group that would
feature 17 other members over the next 35 years on its way to becoming
one of the pre-eminent Southern gospel groups.
Mr. Payne is survived by his wife, Van; one son; two daughters; a brother;
a sister; and three grandchildren.
Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Monday at the Franklin First Baptist
Church. Burial will follow in Williamson Memorial Gardens. |
