Oldham was the son of Dr. Dale Oldham, a minister in the Church of God.[2] His grandfather was also a clergyman.[3] He nearly died from pneumonia as a child.[4]
Musical career
Oldham was a musical performer for more than 60 years, with 64 albums to his credit, often traveling and performing with his wife Laura Lee.[5] The couple produced a CD and wrote three books together.
Beginning in 1950, Oldham was a soloist on the Christian Brotherhood Hour, after having served as soloist for several years on the broadcast of Cadle Tabernacle in Indianapolis, Indiana.[3]
The trials that Oldham faced in his life were the basis for "a number of songs ... including Something Worth Living For and Thanks to Calvary (We Don't Live Here Anymore).[2]
In 1963, Oldham began ministering in evangelism through music. A newspaper article noted that he "served as song director and soloist for citywide preaching missions, camp meetings, youth conventions and concerts" across the United States and in other countries.[3]
Awards and honors
Oldham's album, Something Worth Living For, was named the best gospel album of 1968 by the National Evangelical Film Foundation.[3]
In the mid-1970s, Oldham was granted an honorary doctor of divinity degree from the California Graduate School of Theology.[7] In 2006, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.[8]
In 2007, Liberty University named a campus recital hall at the Fine Arts Building, the "Oldham Recital Hall, in his honor and established the Liberty University Oldham Concert Hall Scholarship Fund at the Center for Worship.[5]
Personal life
Oldham and his wife Laura Lee had three daughters, Paula, Karen, and DeeDee.[9] He was the recipient of an honorary doctorate degree and was named an Honorary Colonel of Alabama.[6]
Discography
I've A Song (TDE)
Songs that Lift the Heart (TDE)
Doug and Dr. Dale Oldham - Duets and Devotions (TDE 506)
Songs that Touch the Heart (TDE 507)
Requests and Favorites (TDE 509)
The Lord is My Song - with the Leppien Sisters (Universal 3661)
Doug Oldham Sings from the Hymnal (Universal 3667)
Sings Songs of Joy, Real Joy - with the Leppien Sisters (Universal 66621)
Doug Oldham with Jake Hess and the Imperials (Heartwarming 1930)[3]
^ abcdefghijk"Church News". The Alexandria Times-Tribune. The Alexandria Times-Tribune. November 19, 1969. p. 16. Retrieved May 17, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
