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Billy Graham

Billy Graham was an American Christian evangelist and Southern Baptist minister who became one of the most influential religious figures of the 20th century.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Billy Graham was an American Christian evangelist and Southern Baptist minister who became one of the most influential religious figures of the 20th century. He was known for large-scale crusades, radio and television preaching, and a long association with U.S. presidents. Graham died in 2018 at age 99.

Early life and conversion

Billy Graham was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised on a dairy farm. Sources describe a religious conversion in adolescence that led him toward Christian ministry.

Evangelistic ministry

Graham became known for large revival meetings and crusades that drew massive audiences in the United States and abroad. His ministry reached people through live events as well as radio, television, and film.

Organizations and publications

In 1950, Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and launched The Hour of Decision. He also founded Christian publications and wrote numerous books.

Public influence

Graham had a long public profile through his relationships with U.S. presidents and his role in American religious life. He was frequently described as one of the most prominent evangelical leaders of his era.

Key facts

  • Graham preached to large live audiences in more than 185 countries and territories during his ministry.
  • He founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 1950.
  • He launched the radio programme The Hour of Decision in 1950.
  • He wrote more than 30 books and founded Christian publications including Christianity Today and Decision.
  • He died in Montreat, North Carolina, in 2018 at age 99.
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Canadian context

Billy Graham’s ministry had international reach, including audiences and broadcasts in Canada, where evangelical Christian media and crusade-style events were part of his broader North American influence.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Billy Graham?
Billy Graham was an American evangelist, Southern Baptist minister, and author known for large-scale Christian crusades and media-based preaching.
What was Billy Graham best known for?
He was best known for preaching at large evangelistic crusades and for spreading his message through radio, television, and film.
When was Billy Graham born and when did he die?
He was born on November 7, 1918, and died on February 21, 2018.
What organization did Billy Graham found?
He founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 1950.
How many people did Billy Graham preach to?
Sources report that he preached to about 215 million people in live audiences across more than 185 countries and territories.
Why is Billy Graham historically significant?
He is regarded as one of the most influential Christian evangelists of the 20th century and a major figure in U.S. religion and politics.

References

  1. Billy Graham Memorial — https://memorial.billygraham.org/biography/
    Supports: Books written, ministry biography, and associated career highlights.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Billy-Graham
    Supports: Birth, death, occupation, ministry style, and historical significance.
  3. Wheaton College — https://www.wheaton.edu/billy-graham/biography/
    Supports: Radio program, BGEA founding, audience size, books, and publications.
  4. Billy Graham Library — https://billygrahamlibrary.org/billy-graham/
    Supports: Lifetime audience estimates, countries reached, and BGEA founding.
  5. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43142263
    Supports: Death, age, and overview of influence and media use.