Clinton, TN (Dec. 26, 2023) We are saddened to announce the passing of Peg McKamey Bean of The McKameys.
If you’ve been around Southern Gospel music for any length of time, chances are you are very familiar with the name Peg McKamey.
Growing up in the home of a minister, Peg was no stranger to church and that’s where she got her start singing as a teenager. In 1954 Peg, along with sisters Dora, and Carol started a family trio (The McKameys) singing in their home church. In 1957 a young man by the name of Reuben Bean started playing guitar for the group, and 2 years later he and Peg were married.
“We just thought we were gonna sing that one time, in our home church, but different people heard us and invited us to sing at their church or at revivals. Then out of town evangelists heard us at the revivals and invited us to come to their church” ~ Peg McKamey… And the rest is history as they say.
For over six decades Peg, along with The McKameys have been faithful to spread God’s message of love and hope through their music. Peg is a seven time Female Vocalist Of The Year, the 2012 Norcross-Templeton Award Recipient , and in 2016 was Inducted into the esteemed Southern Gospel Music Association Hall Of Fame.
Mrs. Peg had a kindness and warmth about her that left a lasting impression long after she had left the room. Her love for God was infectious and unwavering. There will never be another like Peg McKamey but she leaves a lasting legacy. Although the McKameys officially retired from full-time touring in Sept. of 2018, Peg and Reuben’s Daughter, Connie, along with her husband Roger Fortner and their son Eli are still going strong and are carrying on the tradition with their group McKamey Legacy which was founded in February of 2021.
She is now walking on streets of gold….barefoot, no doubt!
