Retro Insider - "The Gaithers"

We're going to take a look at a band that has been around for about thirty years.

Their concerts shake the foundations of the buildings they are in and they're not even a rock band!  This is a group which caters to our parents and grandparents, but it’s a group that is instrumental to many music groups catering to younger audiences today.  That's right, we're examining the career of Bill Gaither.

The template for the modern day Gaither Vocal Band goes back to the 1960's.  The Bill Gaither Trio was three siblings, Bill, Mary Ann, and Danny.  Bill married Gloria who replaced Mary Ann.  Danny left and was replaced with by Gary McSpadden.  The New Gaither Vocal Band was formed in 1981 with tenor Steve Green, baritone Bill Gaither, lead Gary McSpadden, and bass Lee Young.  They called themselves the New Gaither Vocal Band so they would not be restricted to being four singers, as Green did not want to be called what is known as a quartet.  In 1986, they dropped “New” from their name.  Bill sang the lowest part (they didn’t call it bass as it wasn’t a true bass part at that time), McSpadden moved to baritone and Michael English was hired as the new lead singer.  Over the years there would be many members coming and going, including Mark Lowry who became known for his Christian parody and comedy, silver haired lead Guy Penrod, tenor Jonathan Pierce, tenor David Phelps, baritone Russ Taff, and baritone Marshall Hall.  Some of these members, like Lawry, are more known for their solo careers. 

Starting in the 90's and into the new century, the Gaither Vocal Band mastered the art of mixing southern gospel with country and inspirational styles, which really broadened their fan base.  Bill and Gloria, along with some form of their group, have given Christian music some of its best loved gospel songs including, "Because He Lives", "He Touched Me", "The King is Coming", and "Something Beautiful".  The Gaither’s music stresses individual sentiment and their songs are often found in revivalist churches, where Bill is a living legend, whereas mainline churches are often untouched by him.  His relationship to Christian music has been seen as similar to Frank Sinatra’s relationship to rock and roll.  The Gaither’s have remained true to their style, never fitting with rock, but they did try disco in 1979, and are revered by many pop artists.  Bill Gaither is an eight time Dove-award winner for Songwriter of the Year and Gloria has won it once.  Bill also has three Grammy awards in his career, and is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, inducted in 1986.

In 2008 they recorded a reunion DVD with all but four past members in attendance.  Then, in 2009, English, Lowry, and Phelps rejoined the band with Bill and Wes Hampton. The five released Reunited. This album is the only one with songs written only by Bill and Gloria.  Since 1981, the band has seen at least 12 members and has released over 25 albums.  The band has also over 30 Homecoming videos in circulation.  One local concert in Ontario was recorded and released in 2006 called Live in Toronto.

For more info, visit http://www.gaither.com/.