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radioThe Cathedral Quartet's George Younce dies aged 75.
MAJOR Southern gospel figure and founding member of the legendary Cathedral Quartet, George Younce died in April. Born of 22nd February 1930 in Paterson, Carolina, Younce began singing gospel music growing up in the small North Carolina town of Patterson. After three years of military service with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1950 until 1953, in 1954, Younce began singing with The Watchmen. Later he joined The Homeland Harmony Quartet, The Weatherfords and The Blue Ridge Quartet, before moving to Akron, Ohio, in 1964 to join long-time friend Glen Payne at Rex Humbard's Cathedral Of Tomorrow. Payne had previously organized The Cathedral Trio in 1963, and with the addition of Younce, the Trio became even more successful as a quartet. The Cathedrals spent the next five years appearing on Humbard's nationally televised church services until 1969 when they left Humbard's Cathedral and began travelling on the full time quartet circuit.
Throughout the next 30 years, The Cathedrals, under the leadership of Younce and Payne, achieved major popularity earning Gospel Music Association Dove Awards as well as multiple Grammy nominations. They also enjoyed appearances on the famed Grand Ole Opry and NBC's Today Show.
After the retirement of The Cathedrals in 1999, Younce continued to
participate in the highly acclaimed Bill Gaither Homecoming Video
Series and also appeared on the successful Gaither Homecoming
concerts. During one of those tapings, Younce teamed with son-in-law
Ernie Haase, who had also been a member of The Cathedrals, as well as
Gaither Homecoming regular Wesley Pritchard, and fellow gospel music
legend Jake Hess to perform a song. That performance led to the
formation of The Old Friends Quartet. Throughout the next few years,
The Old Friends Quartet headlined numerous concert events. Eventually,
health problems
began to take their toll on both Younce and Hess,
and the Quartet was forced to take a step back from performing. In
September 2004 Younce made a surprise guest appearance at the Gaither
Homecoming concert at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. That performance
was to be Younce's last public appearance. His funeral took place at
Akron Baptist Temple on Tuesday, 19th April. 
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I grew up in the small town of Athens, Tennessee where I attended a small church with my grandmother and aunt. From a very young age, I sang gospel music in that small church. I grew up listening to the sounds of southern gospel music. My favorite group was always the Cathedral Quartet. My favorites were, of course, Glen, George, Mark, and Danny. That was a long time ago. I am now 44 years of age living in Texas. When we lost Glen and George to move on to their reward in heaven, I felt like I lost a part of my family. I never knew my grandfather, but I can tell you if I could ever choose one, I'd want him to be like George or Glen. I love you both. You are in my heart. I still listen to your music. This world is a lesser place without you, and heaven is a greater place with you. Thank you for making a mark on my life.