Sparrow Records Founder Billy Ray Hearne Passes

GOSPELflava joins others around the world remembering the life of Christian music legend Billy Ray Hearne who passed away on Wednesday, April 15th.  Hearne, a graduate of Baylor University began his career at Word Records, launching the Myrrh label and introducing the world to Amy Grant.  In 1976, he founded Sparrow Records, which would include a number of top Gospel artists including Bebe and CeCe Winans, Tramaine Hawkins, The Clark Sisters, Daryl Coley, and the West Angeles COGIC Saints In Praise series.

In 1992, Sparrow was sold to EMI Music, making way for the creation of Capitol Christian Music, the world’s largest Christian music group and home to Motown Gospel.