The prominent televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who rose to fame as one of the most influential figures in American televangelism during the 1980s, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, at the age of 90. His death occurred at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center, following a serious cardiac incident on June 15, as confirmed by family spokesperson Megan Kelly. Swaggart’s legacy is marked by his profound impact on religious broadcasting and his extensive outreach efforts that reached millions of viewers across the nation.
Throughout his illustrious career, Swaggart authored nearly 50 books and produced numerous Bible study guides and commentaries, contributing significantly to Christian literature. His writings not only reflect his theological beliefs but also serve as resources for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the Bible. Swaggart’s work has been instrumental in shaping the spiritual journeys of countless individuals, making his contributions to Christian education particularly noteworthy.
Swaggart also ventured into music, recording a variety of albums that resonated with many. His 1980 album Worship garnered a Grammy nomination for best gospel performance in the traditional category. During the mid-1980s, he achieved significant success on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, with four albums making impressive appearances: Living Waters (No. 12 in 1984), Jesus Just the Mention of Your Name (No. 32 in 1984), Sweet Anointing (No. 22 in 1985), and It’s Beginning to Rain (No. 13 in 1986). His musical contributions greatly influenced contemporary Christian music.
Despite his musical achievements, Swaggart was critical of the emerging Christian rock music scene. In 1987, he collaborated with Robert Paul Lamb to co-author Religious Rock n Roll: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, where they expressed concerns over the integration of contemporary music styles into religious practices. Swaggart argued that this trend represented a dangerous convergence of worldly entertainment and spirituality, which he believed could dilute the message of the Gospel.
Jimmy Lee Swaggart was born on March 15, 1935, in the small town of Ferriday, located in northeastern Louisiana. He was related to two notable musical figures: rock ’n’ roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis and country music star Mickey Gilley, collectively known as The Ferriday Three. Both Lewis and Gilley achieved significant fame in their respective genres, with Lewis being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Tragically, both musicians passed away in 2022, with Gilley dying at 86 in May and Lewis at 87 in October.
As a passionate Pentecostal preacher, Swaggart embarked on full-time evangelistic work in 1955. By 1960, he began producing gospel music albums and broadcasting his messages on Christian radio stations. His ordination by the Assemblies of God in 1961 marked a significant milestone in his ministry, which expanded further when he launched his radio ministry the following year, reaching audiences with his fiery sermons.
In 1971, Swaggart initiated a weekly 30-minute telecast on local Baton Rouge TV stations, marking the beginning of a significant shift in religious broadcasting. Just two years later, he proposed a unique program concept to television producers in Nashville that included a music segment, a brief sermon, and discussions of ongoing ministry projects. This innovative format led to the launch of The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast, which quickly gained popularity and was broadcast nationwide.
By 1984, Swaggart had risen to prominence, surpassing notable figures like Robert Schuller and Oral Roberts to become the leading televangelist in America. His telecast attracted nearly 2 million viewers weekly across 500 stations, solidifying his status as a major force in religious broadcasting. Additionally, his monthly publication, The Evangelist, reached over 800,000 households, further expanding his influence within the Christian community.
By 1985, reports indicated that Swaggart’s ministry was generating an estimated $120 million annually through a combination of offerings, magazine sales, and merchandise sales, showcasing the immense financial support for his outreach efforts. This substantial income allowed him to expand his ministry’s reach and impact, catering to a growing audience hungry for spiritual guidance.
However, the competitive landscape among the leading televangelists of the time led to a series of scandals that would tarnish reputations. Swaggart initiated public accusations against Jim Bakker, alleging an affair with church secretary Jessica Hahn. On April 6, 1987, Swaggart, Bakker, and his wife Tammy Faye Bakker graced the cover of TIME magazine, under the headline “Unholy Row: TV Preacher Jimmy Swaggart and the Besieged Bakkers.” Swaggart later admitted to relaying rumors of Bakker’s alleged misconduct to Assemblies of God officials, which further complicated their rivalry.
Swaggart’s scrutiny extended to New Orleans preacher Marvin Gorman, whom he accused of multiple affairs. Gorman retaliated by suing Swaggart for defamation, ultimately settling for $1.8 million. Suspecting Swaggart of infidelity, Gorman had his son follow him one evening, resulting in the discovery of Swaggart at a motel with a prostitute. On February 16, 1988, Gorman presented these incriminating photos to the Assemblies of God, leading to a three-month suspension for Swaggart.
Just five days later, Swaggart delivered a heartfelt, tearful address on live television, famously known as the “I have sinned” speech, a moment that has become emblematic of his fall from grace and a stark reminder of the perils of public scrutiny.
In the wake of the scandal, the national presbytery of the Assemblies of God defrocked Swaggart, stripping him of his ministerial credentials. In response, he established himself as an independent and non-denominational Pentecostal minister, founding Jimmy Swaggart Ministries based at the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, a move that allowed him to continue his ministry outside the constraints of his former denomination.
Despite facing a second scandal involving another prostitute three years later, which further tarnished his public image, Swaggart remained dedicated to his role as senior pastor of Family Worship Center until his passing, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity and his unwavering commitment to his congregation.
Swaggart is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Francis, whom he married when he was just 17 and she was 15. He is also survived by their son Donnie, along with three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His family legacy continues to reflect his long-standing dedication to both his faith and his loved ones.
