Myrtle Hall Smith
The standing ovations are indicative of the worldwide acclaim and respect for lyric soprano Myrtle Hall Smith. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, she has thrilled audiences across the United States and on all corners of the globe. She started singing when she was in the sixth grade and has become a world renowned soloist with the Billy Graham Crusade. She was initially introduced to the Billy Graham Association by its music director, Cliff Barrows. She performed for the Southern Piedmont Crusade in Greenville in 1966. Thereafter, she appeared on the Ted Mack Amateur hour TV program.
When Greenville businessman and philanthropist Arthur Magill heard her sing he knew that her voice needed to be nurtured. He arranged financial support for her to attend the prestigious Julliard School of Music in New York City. Myrtle Hall excelled. After graduation, she embarked on her life’s mission, singing in religious crusades and presenting concerts in cities throughout the world.
Her concerts give observers a clear image of world geography. She has performed in such cities as: Paris, Tel Aviv, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Amsterdam, East Berlin, Warsaw, Johannesburg, Jerusalem, Tokyo, London and Frankfurt. Her rich soprano voice has been heard throughout the United States and the Caribbean.
Rheumatic fever plagued Myrtle Hall as an infant and she almost died. The love and care of her parents and family saw her through and in time, she was blessed with good health. She feels particularly fulfilled that God gave her the gift of song and that the Billy Graham Crusade provided her with the leverage to thrill millions of people. Her renditions of gospel, church hymns, contemporary music and Negro spirituals have confirmed that music is a universal language.
From the Community Christian songfest in Greenville in 1965 to performances at concert halls throughout the world, Myrtle Hall Smith has demonstrated that faith and perseverance make the impossible possible. Her honors and accolades include being featured soloist at the World Baptist Alliance in Stockholm, Sweden, a private worship service for the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter, and the inauguration of South Carolina Governor Dick Riley.
Evangelist Billy Graham said of Myrtle Hall: “We pray that God will continue to bless and use her in concerts and churches around the country as she has opportunity to minister through the musical gifts she has been given.”