John Starnes is a tenor who performs uplifting gospel music, has published 15 CDs, and has been in seven of the “Gaither Homecoming” series of full-length southern gospel concert films. In the 1980s, Starnes flew for Jimmy Swaggart Ministries while also serving as a backing singer for the organisation.
Starnes was born on December 7, 1950 in Atlanta, Georgia. He joined the Army in 1969 and was honourably discharged two years later. Starnes sang for a local Atlanta rock and roll band named Choice in the early 1970s. In addition, he obtained permits to pilot private, commercial, instrument, and multi-engine aircraft.
Teresa and Starnes first met at the Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta. He relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1978 so he could sing backup for Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. Shortly after employing him as a backup singer, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries hired Starnes as the plane’s pilot. Starnes spent the 1980s with the ministry, singing and transporting members around the globe.
Starnes established his own solo ministry in 1991, presenting on several religious television programmes. As part of a Benny Hinn crusade in India, Starnes sang in front of an estimated audience of over one million.
Starnes returned to college and earned a Bachelor of Science in liberal studies from Belmont University in 2008. In Toronto, Canada Christian College honoured Starnes with an honorary degree in sacred music six months later. John and Teresa, his 30-year-old wife, currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee. The couple has two daughters.
