The Gaither Vocal Band is the southern gospel vocal group of America, named after founder and leader Bill Gaither. On March 1, 2017, it was announced that the Gaither Vocal Band lineup consisted of Reggie Smith, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles, and Bill Gaither, as of April 1st. Although the group began recording contemporary Christian music in the 1980s. , became famous for the southern gospel after the popularity of Gaither Homecoming video.
The band's lineup often changed, with artists leaving for work in solo careers, and new and old coming to replace them. In addition to Bill Gaither, the longest-running singer in the band included Guy Penrod (1995-2008), Mark Lowry (1988-2002, 2009-13), Michael English (1985-94, 2009-13), David Phelps (1997- 2005, 2009-17) and Wes Hampton (2005-present).
The band has released 29 albums (not including compilations), at least 19 albums have been charted. The band has also released 10 DVDs, featuring many other Christian artists as well. The Gaither Vocal Band has received two Grammy and 17 Dove awards.
Video Gaither Vocal Band
History
Beginner
The Gaither Vocal Band is named after the gospel legend and leader Bill Gaither. It was his successor-the Bill Gaither Trio group. In the 1980s, Bill Gaither, along with wife Gloria Gaither, was a very successful songwriter. For example, their song, "He Touched Me" was covered by Elvis Presley, after which he even named his album He Touched Me. Presley won the Grammy for his album. Bill Gaither felt that his trion had reached its peak in the mid-1980s, but his desire to make another gospel blow made the trio continue.
The original Vocal Band (called New Gaither Vocal Band) was formed spontaneously, backstage from the Gaither Trio concert. It consists of Bill Gaither and Gary McSpadden from the trio, along with two spare trio singers, Steve Green and Lee Young. The quartet sang "Your First Day in Heaven" on the stage that night. Their debut album, self-titled The New Gaither Vocal Band, debuted in 1981.
According to the liner notes from the compilation CD of The Best of the GVB, the term "vocal band" is used instead of "quartet" because it does not limit Gaither in terms of votes or the number of group members. According to Steve Green on the video of Gaute Vocal Band Reunion, he came up with a name and convinced Gaither to use it because he, at that time, did not want to be associated with "music quartet".
Lee Young left the group in 1982, and Jon Mohr was hired as a new bassist. They then recorded the album Passin 'The Faith Along . Later, tenor Steve Green left and Larnelle Harris was hired. The group cut off the album New Point Of View before Mohr left.
Widespread popularity
Michael English was hired as the new lead singer, so McSpadden was moved to baritone, and Gaither dropped to the lowest. At this point the group dropped the "new" part of their name. Although the previous album ( New Point of View ) has been more contemporary than its predecessor, the album with this group version ( One X 1 ) takes it even further. After this album, Larnelle left and was replaced by Lemuel Miller. The group did not record the album with Lemuel before he also left. He was replaced by Imperial alumnus, Jim Murray. This line cut out one album ( Wings ) before Gary McSpadden left to start his solo career. Mark Lowry is sure to replace him. Along with a good voice, Lowry adds comedy into the mix. Their 1991 Gospel roots project in 1991 caused most Southern Gospel fans to greet the Vocal Band with open arms. Jim Murray left and was replaced by Terry Franklin. Southern Classics album was released in 1993 with the hit "I Bowed On My Knees".
Then Michael English left. He was replaced by Buddy Mullins. Mullins is only a temporary add-on, but he's included in the Testify album . Terry Franklin soon left and was replaced by another Imperials alumnus, Jonathan Pierce (formerly known as Jonathan Hildreth, first and last name - later changed to his first and middle name). Powered by the popularity of the video series Homecoming , Vocal Band adds Guy Penrod in the lead. After Pierce's departure, Gaither hires David Phelps in tenure. After Lowry's departure, Imperials Russ Taff sang a baritone for several years. Marshall Hall is his successor. Wes Hampton replaced Phelps in 2005.
The group has three number one songs on the Singing News chart. "Yes, I Know" held the top spot from July to October 1997, just like "I Will Go On" in November 2006. "Greatly Blessed" is their number one single. The group routinely performs classical Southern Gospel songs including many written by Bill and Gloria Gaither such as "He Touched Me", "I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary", and "Sinner Saved By Grace."
Reunion
In July 2008, the vocal band recorded a reunion DVD in Gaither Studios - The Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, Volumes 1 and 2 . Except for Jonathan Pierce, Terry Franklin, and Lemuel Miller, previous and present members appear and perform. The two CDs debuted in the top two on the Billboard contemporary Christian album, marking not only the No. 1 No Vocal Band on the Christian Album chart but also their debut Their first No. 1 on the chart also. DVD with the same title debuted in the No. position. 1 and No. 2 on the Music Video ladder as well.
Quintet
In January 2009, Marshall Hall and Guy Penrod left. Gaither brought back several former members: Michael English as lead vocalist, Mark Lowry as baritone and David Phelps as tenors. The first album by the five-member version is Reunited , released in September 2009. It is also the first album of the vocal band ever featuring only songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. The live album called Better Day was released in January 2010. In August 2010, they released a long-awaited album called Greatly Blessed , followed by I Am A Promise , children's album, released in August 2011. Their latest album is Pure & amp; Simple , released in September 2012.
In October 2013, it was announced that Mark Lowry and Michael English would leave the group to devote more time to their solo career. The British departures soon happened while Lowry remained until they could find another baritone to replace him. Their last album as a member, Hymns , was released in March 2014 and nominated for a Grammy Award in December. Upon their departure, some guests fill up until two new members can be found. In January 2014, it was announced that Adam Crabb (from The Crabb Family) would join the group as the fourth member and main vocalist. Todd Suttles joined this group as a baritone singer one month later.
Following their formation, the new quintet will continue to release a limited edition album, The New Edition , which can only be purchased at concert performances. In October 2014, the group released their first album together, titled Sometimes Taking a Mountain . Five months later, the album was followed by two live DVDs and the release of their second album (live performance album), Happy Rhythm . Once released, the DVD debuted at the top of the Billboard ' s Music Video Graph ( Sometimes Bringing Mountain at # 1 and Happy Rhythm on # 2). In August 2016, the group album Better Together was released.
In March 2017, it was announced that David Phelps would leave the group on April 1, and Reggie Smith would join the group as a tenor.
In October 2017, the line-up released their first studio album, titled We Have This Moment .
In April 2018, it was announced that there would be another Vocal Reunion Band in October. It will be a two-day live concert. Except Terry Franklin, Jonathan Pierce, Lemuelle Miller (they missed the Reunion 2009) and Steve Green, previous members and now will be performing.
Maps Gaither Vocal Band
Members (past and present)
Arrangement
Timeline
Discography
Awards and nominations
Grammy Grammy Awards
Dove GMA Awards
References
External links
- Official website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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