Hugh McGraw (2) (1931–2017)

Hugh held many life accomplishments. In addition to his leadership in the Sacred Harp community, Hugh was a Sacred Harp composer, several of whose songs appear in the 1960 and subsequent editions of The Sacred Harp. An inspiration for the revisions of the Sacred Harp songbook, founded the National Sacred Harp Convention (1980), 1982 NEA National Heritage Fellow, an actor in the movies, The Long Riders (1980), and Awake, My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp (2006), Lawless (2012), 32nd degree Free Mason, with membership in Bremen, GA and a 32nd degree Shriner in Atlanta, GA. These are just a few of the many awards and accolades that Hugh accumulated over the course of his lifetime.

Anyone that knew Hugh would tell you he was passionate about two things in life: Sacred Harp Singing and spending time with family. Hugh was considered the greatest Sacred Harp singer of the last and present century. Many deemed him as “Mr. Sacred Harp”. Hugh played a crucial role in the revitalization and spread of Sacred Harp singing in the late twentieth century. He will be chiefly remembered, however, for his long service with The Sacred Harp Publishing Company, Inc. as executive secretary from 1958 – 2002, his leadership role over The Sacred Harp revision of 1960, 1966, 1971 and 1991, the catalyst that brought African American, Native American and other shaped note tune books together and for his leadership in bringing thousands of newcomer singers, including those outside the South, into the tradition while helping to establish singing and conventions in many states.

There wasn't a Sacred Harp singing he didn't enjoy traveling to and made it a priority to always be attending one! Hugh tried to never miss a singing at Holly Springs Primitive Baptist Church! When asked if he wanted to go home, his reply and final words were, "I want to go to Holly Springs."