The 102-Year Old Grammy Winner

A 102-year old gospel singer from Canada did something last night that teeny-bopper phenom Justin Bieber didn't do - he won a Grammy:

A 102-year-old Canadian gospel singer took home a Grammy in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

George Beverly Shea, known for his rich baritone voice, won a lifetime achievement award.

Shea was recognized alongside Julie Andrews, Roy Haynes, the Juilliard String Quartet, the Kingston Trio, Dolly Parton and the Ramones at the ceremony, held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater.

Though he's been nominated 10 times over his career, Shea last won a Grammy in 1966 for best gospel or other religious recording, an honour he shared with Anita Kerr.

"It's been a long time since I won a Grammy. They found me somewhere and then this happened," he joked on Saturday.

Shea received a standing ovation when he claimed his award, and while on stage sang a couple bars from Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.

Born in the eastern Ontario community of Winchester, Shea met the evangelical Christian Reverend Billy Graham in the 1940s and soon found himself singing before the crowds that attended Graham's sermons.

Shea has released more than 70 albums. He lives in Montreat, N.C.

Bev, as he's known to his friends, is best known for his work with Billy Graham. I saw him with the Billy Graham Crusade in Anaheim Stadium in 1969 and 1985. He introduced the song "How Great Thou Art" to the gospel world (and even changed a couple of the lyrics from the original version given him by the author), and would usually sing right before Graham's message.

Pastor Rick Warren posted this picture with Bev that was taken last week:

According to the Guinness Book of Records, Bev holds the record for singing in person to the most people ever - estimated 220 million.

A well deserved honor from the Grammy people.