Thursday gospel singer Squire Parsons will entertain residents at the Golden Living Facility in Eden and invites residents’’ families to join in the fun.

There is no charge to see the West Virginia native’s show, which will feature classics such and modern hits. His gospel trio will join in for the newer numbers.

Parsons was introduced to gospel music by his parents. His father, Squire Parsons, Sr. was a choir director in their home church and taught shaped note gospel music.

Parsons attended West Virginia Institute of Technology where he earned his music degree. He has served as an interim music director, church soloist, elementary school music teacher, high school band director and was the baritone singer for the Kingsmen Quartet before becoming a soloist in 1979.

He has been nominated for many awards and named “Favorite Baritone in 1986 and 1987 by Singing News. He was Favorite Gospel Singer in 1986 and from 1992-1995.

In 1988 he was named Favorite Male Southern Gospel Singer.

In 1990 he was presented the coveted Marvin Noncross Award, given for devotion to family, service to church, involvement in community affairs and contributions to the gospel music industry.

He is a prolific songwriter and his hit “Sweet Beulah Land” received the song of the year award in 1981 from Singing News.

Some of the other gospel classics written by Parsons include, “Master of the Sea,” Oh What a Moment,” The Broken Rose,” “He Came to Me,” “I sing Because,” “Hello Mama,” “I’m not giving up,” and “Go to the Rock.” Many gospel artists have recorded at least one of these songs.

In October of 2008 he was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.