Gloria Spencer

Gloria Spencer (March 18, 1937 – April 2, 1976) was an American gospel singer who was billed as the "World's Largest Gospel Singer"in the world due to a glandular condition that caused her to weigh . Over the course of her four-year career, Spencer released only two albums. She was noted for her "sparkling soprano that could easily show a pop feeling or a gritty one." Spencer died of congestive heart failure in April 1976.

Early life Spencer was born in Steelton, Pennsylvania in 1937. She and her two sisters were all born with a thyroid glandular condition that led to rapid weight gain. As an adult, Spencer stood and weighed .

Recording career After Spencer graduated from high school, she worked as typist at the capital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania during the week (she reportedly typed 115 words a minute). On the weekends, she toured the East Coast singing gospel music. In the early 1970s, Spencer was signed to Jaywalking Records. Her debut album, Gloria's Views of Glory, was released in 1972. Gray was supportive of Spencer's career and often accompanied her on the road.

At the time of her death, Spencer weighed . Her two-day viewing and funeral were held at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Harrisburg, the same church Spencer and her husband were married. Then Harrisburg mayor Harold A. Swenson attended Spencer's funeral while Shirley Caesar performed "Stand By Me". Seventeen pallbearers were needed to carry Spencer's wide casket.