Doug Oldham DEAD: Gospel Singer Dies At 79

By Adelle M. Banks
Religion News Service

(RNS) Doug Oldham, a prolific gospel singer and ministry partner of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, died July 21 at the age of 79.

Oldham, who was a soloist at Falwell's Thomas Road Baptist Church and helped the evangelist raise money to start Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., died at a Virginia hospital while awaiting back surgery.

"My father and Doug Oldham were an evangelistic team who brought the gospel to nearly every home in America every Sunday morning on the 'Old Time Gospel Hour,"' said Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. in a statement.

"The names Jerry Falwell and Doug Oldham were synonymous as Billy Graham and George Beverly Shea. ... His passing represents the end of an era at Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University."

Oldham recorded more than 60 albums and sang on Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's Praise the Lord (PTL) ministry's television show. He was the first to perform "He Touched Me," a song written by colleague Bill Gaither.

"Doug's resonant voice and vibrant spirit moved people at a very personal level," Gaither recalled in a tribute on his Web site, Gaither.com. "He possessed that rare balance between polished professionalism and authenticity."

Oldham, a Dove Award-winning artist, was inducted in the Gospel Music Association's Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Comments

[DeBartolo]

01:15 PM on 07/30/2010

Doug Oldham's anointed voice touched the hearts and lives of countless thousands as it crossed denominational lines striking a cord of harmony, love and respect with all who are brothers and sisters in Christ. This is one old Catholic couple who is saddened at his passing, but comforted in knowing he sings with the angels this day!

Our most sincere sympathy to the Oldham family!

[Yulia Dyulicheva]

06:13 AM on 07/30/2010

It’s a terrible tragedy that Doug Oldham has passed away. You can help remember him by contributing to his memorial website at http://dougoldham.people2remember.com/

[lexis gibson]

09:37 PM on 07/29/2010

To the family of Bro Doug, we will miss our Bro. so much. But your life of ministry and song, give witness to your new found home. We'll see you when we get there.

Every blessing!

[bonum]

08:28 PM on 07/29/2010

he had a "golden" voice,...... beautiful

[JohnnyKay]

04:17 PM on 07/29/2010

Nothing like confusing hyperemotionalism to make a buck with the real thing.

Shameless.

[greendollar]

05:16 PM on 08/13/2010

Doug had more genuineness in his little finger than you probably have in your whole miserable body ! And please tell me JK, YOU are the "real thing" ??