A Brilliant Brain

Biography

Billy Graham was an American evangelist who conducted massive crusades across the globe, reaching an estimated 215 million people in person during his lifetime. His exceptional organizational ability and media savvy transformed evangelical Christianity into a mainstream American movement, while his counsel influenced multiple U.S. presidents from Eisenhower through George W. Bush. Graham's stewardship of resources and moral authority made him one of the most trusted religious figures of the 20th century.

Key Facts

• Preached to over 215 million people across 185 countries and territories over nearly 70 years
• His 1949 Los Angeles crusade catapulted him to national fame when newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst ordered staff to 'puff Graham'
• Pioneered the use of television for mass evangelism, reaching millions more through broadcast crusades
• Advised nine U.S. presidents and maintained relationships with political leaders across the ideological spectrum
• Founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 1950, which managed his crusades and continues ministry work today