Bill Gaither
Encyclopedia
William J. Gaither is an American
singer and songwriter
of southern gospel
and Contemporary Christian music
. Besides having written numerous popular Christian songs with his wife, Gloria
, he is also known for performing as part of the Bill Gaither Trio, and the Gaither Vocal Band
. In the 1990s, his career (as well as the careers of other southern gospel artists) gained a resurgence as the popularity of the Gaither Homecoming
series grew.
, around 35 miles northeast of Indianapolis, in 1936, the son of George and Lela Gaither. He formed his first group, the Bill Gaither Trio (consisting of his sister Mary Ann and brother Danny), in 1956 while a college student at Anderson College
. After graduating from Anderson in 1959, he worked as an English teacher. He married the former Gloria Sickal in 1962. After a few years of trying to manage both a music career and his full time teaching job, he quit his teaching job in 1967 and worked full time in the Christian music industry
. "He Touched Me
", which he recorded in 1964, was his breakthrough song.
Gaither was influenced by southern gospel singers like Jake Hess
and Hovie Lister
and by groups like the Speers
, the Statesmen and the Happy Goodmans.
, Sandi Patty
, The Cathedral Quartet, The Speers and The Heritage Singers), country singers (The Statler Brothers) and pop artists (Elvis Presley
).
Gloria Gaither often writes the lyrics while Bill writes the music, although composing is usually a collaborative project between the two. As of 2005, they had composed about 600 songs.
and his sister Mary Ann Gaither. In about 1964 Bill's wife, Gloria, took the place of Mary Ann. The trio sang traditional gospel songs along with original compositions by the Gaithers that gave them a more contemporary feel.
Gaither has a high bass voice (or low baritone), and would often sing while playing a guitar with the Bill Gaither Trio. He also plays the piano.
Included as part of the company is Live Bait Productions, which is an animation company run by Benjy Gaither, Bill's son.
to buy Benson Records
, which is now part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment
.
In 1994, Gaither and entrepreneur Leland Boren founded the Brentwood, Tennessee
-based Chapel Hill Music Group, which later changed its name to Spring Hill Music Group
. It was created as part of the Gaither Music Company to handle in-house productions, including the Gaither Homecoming series.
, while helping to prolong the careers of those who came before him. Mark Lowry
, Michael W. Smith
, Sandi Patty
, Carman
, Steve Green, Don Francisco
, Amy Grant
, Michael English, Jonathan Pierce
, Karla Worley, and Cynthia Clawson
are all CCM artists who either got their start or became popular while touring with the Gaithers.
He has maintained the Gaither Vocal Band
with a variety of singers through the years, including Michael English, Mark Lowry, Wes Hampton, David Phelps, Gary McSpadden, Steve Green, Lee Young, Jon Mohr, Larnelle Harris
, Lemuel Miller, Jim Murray, Terry Franklin, Buddy Mullins, Jonathan Pierce, Guy Penrod, Russ Taff
and Marshall Hall. Guy Penrod
and Mark Lowry
were the members of the Gaither Vocal Band with the longest tenure besides Bill Gaither himself. Guy Penrod
was with the group from 1995–2008 and Mark Lowry
from 1988-2001. It was announced in January 2009 that Mark Lowry
was rejoining the group; at the same time the announcement was made that Guy Penrod
was leaving in order to pursue a solo career.
Gaither's Homecoming tours, which started in 1991, brought together major stars of the southern gospel and CCM industry, sparking a revival of the genres. The tours have sold more than 1.1 million tickets across the world, and have included such notable venues as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall
. Pollstar listed the tour as selling more tickets in 2004 than Elton John
, Fleetwood Mac
or Rod Stewart
. Lynda Randle, The Isaacs, Jessy Dixon and many more have performed on the tours.
Inducted into the Gospel Music Association
Hall of Fame
in 1983
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer and songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
of southern gospel
Southern Gospel
Southern Gospel music—at one time also known as "quartet music"—is music whose lyrics are written to express either personal or a communal faith regarding biblical teachings and Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music...
and Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith...
. Besides having written numerous popular Christian songs with his wife, Gloria
Gloria Gaither
Gloria Gaither is a Christian songwriter, author, speaker, editor, and academic. She is the wife of Bill Gaither and also sang in the Bill Gaither Trio, one of the most influential groups in recent Christian music.-Early Years:...
, he is also known for performing as part of the Bill Gaither Trio, and the Gaither Vocal Band
Gaither Vocal Band
The Gaither Vocal Band is a Grammy award-winning Christian music vocal group, headed by Bill Gaither. They originally recorded contemporary Christian music, but after the popularity of the Gaither Homecoming videos, the group has become known for southern gospel.-Group history:The Gaither Vocal...
. In the 1990s, his career (as well as the careers of other southern gospel artists) gained a resurgence as the popularity of the Gaither Homecoming
Gaither Homecoming
Gaither Homecoming is the name applied to a series of videos, music recordings and concerts, which are organized, promoted and usually presented by Christian music songwriter and impresario Bill Gaither...
series grew.
Early life
Bill Gaither was born in Alexandria, IndianaAlexandria, Indiana
Alexandria is a city in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, United States. It is about northeast of Indianapolis. It is part of the Anderson, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, around 35 miles northeast of Indianapolis, in 1936, the son of George and Lela Gaither. He formed his first group, the Bill Gaither Trio (consisting of his sister Mary Ann and brother Danny), in 1956 while a college student at Anderson College
Anderson University (Indiana)
Anderson University is an accredited private Christian liberal arts university in Anderson, Indiana. The college is affiliated with the Church of God . Anderson University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and the society. In 2010, U.S...
. After graduating from Anderson in 1959, he worked as an English teacher. He married the former Gloria Sickal in 1962. After a few years of trying to manage both a music career and his full time teaching job, he quit his teaching job in 1967 and worked full time in the Christian music industry
Christian music industry
The Christian music industry is a small part of the larger music industry, that focuses on traditional Gospel music, Southern Gospel music, Contemporary Christian music, and alternative Christian music. It is sometimes called the gospel music industry, although this designation is not a limitation...
. "He Touched Me
He Touched Me
He Touched Me is a 1972 gospel music album by Elvis Presley. It earned Presley his second of three Grammy Awards. It was his third and final studio gospel album, and the most contemporary of the three. The album was certified Gold on 3/27/1992 and Platinum on 7/15/1999 by the RIAA.-Track listing:#...
", which he recorded in 1964, was his breakthrough song.
Gaither was influenced by southern gospel singers like Jake Hess
Jake Hess
Jake Hess was an American Grammy Award-winning southern gospel singer.-Life:Hess was born Manchild Hess December 24, 1927, in Limestone County, Alabama...
and Hovie Lister
Hovie Lister
Hovie Franklin Lister was an American gospel pianist.Lister was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and learned piano from age six. He accompanied a singing group composed of his father and three of his uncles at 14, and toured with Mordecai Ham at the same age...
and by groups like the Speers
Speer Family
The Speer Family, a Southern Gospel family group, was founded in 1921 by George Thomas Speer , his wife Lena Speer, and his sister and brother-in-law Pearl and Logan Claborn.-Early years:...
, the Statesmen and the Happy Goodmans.
Songwriter
Gaither and his wife have written many songs, including "The Longer I Serve Him," "Because He Lives," "The King Is Coming," "Something Beautiful," "He Touched Me", "It Is Finished," "There's Something About That Name" and "Let's Just Praise The Lord." His songs have been performed by Christian artists (CarmanCarman (singer)
Carmelo Domenic Licciardello known by his stage name, Carman, is a contemporary Christian music artist and evangelist.-Biography:...
, Sandi Patty
Sandi Patty
Sandra Faye "Sandi" Patty is an American Christian music singer. For many years she was known as Sandi Patti. She has been dubbed "The Voice" by critics, because of her wide range and flexibility.-Early life:...
, The Cathedral Quartet, The Speers and The Heritage Singers), country singers (The Statler Brothers) and pop artists (Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
).
Gloria Gaither often writes the lyrics while Bill writes the music, although composing is usually a collaborative project between the two. As of 2005, they had composed about 600 songs.
Performer
Since Gaither first began singing with the Bill Gaither Trio in the 1950s, he has constantly been performing. The Bill Gaither Trio originally consisted of Bill, his brother Danny GaitherDanny Gaither
Danny Gaither , was a gospel music singer from Alexandria, Indiana and an original member of the world-famous Bill Gaither Trio....
and his sister Mary Ann Gaither. In about 1964 Bill's wife, Gloria, took the place of Mary Ann. The trio sang traditional gospel songs along with original compositions by the Gaithers that gave them a more contemporary feel.
Gaither has a high bass voice (or low baritone), and would often sing while playing a guitar with the Bill Gaither Trio. He also plays the piano.
Entrepreneurship and Influence
Gaither founded the Gaither Music Company, under which the functions of record company, concert booking (Gaither Management Group), television production, copyright management (Gaither Copyright Management), retail store, recording studio (Gaither Studios, formerly Pinebrook Studios) and telemarketing for the Gaither organization reside. Gaither also runs a retail center called Gaither Family Resources.Included as part of the company is Live Bait Productions, which is an animation company run by Benjy Gaither, Bill's son.
Record Labels
In the 1980s, Gaither was involved with Paragon Associates, which formed a partnership with ZondervanZondervan
Zondervan is an international Christian media and publishing company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Zondervan is a founding member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association .- History :...
to buy Benson Records
Benson Records
Benson Records was founded by Bob Benson & John T. Benson, beginning as the John T. Benson Music Publishing Company in 1902. The record label started out as Heart Warming Records and would come to house labels such as Impact Records, Greentree Records, RiverSong, StarSong and Home Sweet Home...
, which is now part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Sony BMG Music Entertainment was a recorded music company, which was a 50–50 joint venture between the Sony Corporation of America and Bertelsmann AG...
.
In 1994, Gaither and entrepreneur Leland Boren founded the Brentwood, Tennessee
Brentwood, Tennessee
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 23,445 people, 7,693 households, and 6,808 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 7,889 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 94.63% European American, 1.89% African American,...
-based Chapel Hill Music Group, which later changed its name to Spring Hill Music Group
Spring Hill Music Group
Spring Hill Music Group is a Contemporary Christian record label based in the United States. As of July 2007, the Spring Hill Music Group is home to nineteen different Christian artists and produces the Shout! and Songtime Kids record series....
. It was created as part of the Gaither Music Company to handle in-house productions, including the Gaither Homecoming series.
Industry Influence
Gaither has been a father figure to many younger performers in the Contemporary Christian music industryChristian music industry
The Christian music industry is a small part of the larger music industry, that focuses on traditional Gospel music, Southern Gospel music, Contemporary Christian music, and alternative Christian music. It is sometimes called the gospel music industry, although this designation is not a limitation...
, while helping to prolong the careers of those who came before him. Mark Lowry
Mark Lowry
Mark Alan Lowry is a Christian comedian, songwriter, and singer, best known for co-writing the song “Mary, Did You Know?”. Lowry performed with the Gaither Vocal Band from 1988–2001 and, in January 2009, he re-joined the group along with other "GVB" alumni Michael English and David Phelps...
, Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith
Michael Whitaker Smith is a Billboard top ten Billboard Hot 100 recording artist and Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor. He is one of the best-selling and most influential artists in Contemporary Christian music. Smith also has achieved a considerable amount of...
, Sandi Patty
Sandi Patty
Sandra Faye "Sandi" Patty is an American Christian music singer. For many years she was known as Sandi Patti. She has been dubbed "The Voice" by critics, because of her wide range and flexibility.-Early life:...
, Carman
Carman (singer)
Carmelo Domenic Licciardello known by his stage name, Carman, is a contemporary Christian music artist and evangelist.-Biography:...
, Steve Green, Don Francisco
Don Francisco (Christian musician)
Don Francisco is an independent American singer, songwriter, and musician, specialising in the field of contemporary Christian music. He has won two Dove awards, 1980 song of the year , and 1980 Songwriter of the year....
, Amy Grant
Amy Grant
Amy Lee Grant is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, media personality and actress, best known for her Christian music. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christian Pop"...
, Michael English, Jonathan Pierce
Jonathan Pierce
Jonathan Pierce is an American gospel/CCM singer from Odessa, Texas. His full name is Jonathan Pierce Edward Loveheart Hildreth although he prefers to perform using his first and middle names instead of his first and last name....
, Karla Worley, and Cynthia Clawson
Cynthia Clawson
Cynthia Clawson is a Grammy Award-winning American gospel singer. She has been called "The most awesome voice in gospel music" by Billboard Magazine, and has received five Dove Awards, 15 Dove Award nominations, and a Grammy for her work.-Biographical information:Cynthia was three years old when...
are all CCM artists who either got their start or became popular while touring with the Gaithers.
He has maintained the Gaither Vocal Band
Gaither Vocal Band
The Gaither Vocal Band is a Grammy award-winning Christian music vocal group, headed by Bill Gaither. They originally recorded contemporary Christian music, but after the popularity of the Gaither Homecoming videos, the group has become known for southern gospel.-Group history:The Gaither Vocal...
with a variety of singers through the years, including Michael English, Mark Lowry, Wes Hampton, David Phelps, Gary McSpadden, Steve Green, Lee Young, Jon Mohr, Larnelle Harris
Larnelle Harris
Larnelle Steward Harris is a gospel singer and songwriter. During his 30-plus years of ministry, Harris has recorded 18 albums, won five Grammy Awards and 18 Dove Awards, and has had several number one songs on the inspirational music charts.-Early life:A native of Danville, Kentucky, Harris...
, Lemuel Miller, Jim Murray, Terry Franklin, Buddy Mullins, Jonathan Pierce, Guy Penrod, Russ Taff
Russ Taff
Russell Taff is an American gospel singer who is originally from Farmersville, California. Taff later then moved to Arkansas where he graduated from Cutter-Morning Star High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas....
and Marshall Hall. Guy Penrod
Guy Penrod
Guy Penrod is a gospel music singer mostly known for his work as the lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Band, a position he held from 1994-2008.-Biography:...
and Mark Lowry
Mark Lowry
Mark Alan Lowry is a Christian comedian, songwriter, and singer, best known for co-writing the song “Mary, Did You Know?”. Lowry performed with the Gaither Vocal Band from 1988–2001 and, in January 2009, he re-joined the group along with other "GVB" alumni Michael English and David Phelps...
were the members of the Gaither Vocal Band with the longest tenure besides Bill Gaither himself. Guy Penrod
Guy Penrod
Guy Penrod is a gospel music singer mostly known for his work as the lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Band, a position he held from 1994-2008.-Biography:...
was with the group from 1995–2008 and Mark Lowry
Mark Lowry
Mark Alan Lowry is a Christian comedian, songwriter, and singer, best known for co-writing the song “Mary, Did You Know?”. Lowry performed with the Gaither Vocal Band from 1988–2001 and, in January 2009, he re-joined the group along with other "GVB" alumni Michael English and David Phelps...
from 1988-2001. It was announced in January 2009 that Mark Lowry
Mark Lowry
Mark Alan Lowry is a Christian comedian, songwriter, and singer, best known for co-writing the song “Mary, Did You Know?”. Lowry performed with the Gaither Vocal Band from 1988–2001 and, in January 2009, he re-joined the group along with other "GVB" alumni Michael English and David Phelps...
was rejoining the group; at the same time the announcement was made that Guy Penrod
Guy Penrod
Guy Penrod is a gospel music singer mostly known for his work as the lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Band, a position he held from 1994-2008.-Biography:...
was leaving in order to pursue a solo career.
Gaither's Homecoming tours, which started in 1991, brought together major stars of the southern gospel and CCM industry, sparking a revival of the genres. The tours have sold more than 1.1 million tickets across the world, and have included such notable venues as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
. Pollstar listed the tour as selling more tickets in 2004 than Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
or Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart
Roderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE is a British singer-songwriter and musician, born and raised in North London, England and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry....
. Lynda Randle, The Isaacs, Jessy Dixon and many more have performed on the tours.
Grammy Awards
- 1973: Best Inspirational Performance for “Let's Just Praise The Lord”; Bill Gaither Trio
- 1975: Best Inspirational Performance for “Jesus, We Just Want To Thank You”; Bill Gaither Trio
- 1991: Best Southern Gospel Album for Homecoming; Gaither Vocal Band
- 1999: Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Kennedy Center Homecoming
- 2001: Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album for A Billy Graham Music Homecoming
- 2008: Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Lovin' Life; Gaither Vocal Band
GMA Dove Awards
- 1969, 1970, 1972–'77: Songwriter of the Year
- 1974: Song of the Year for “Because He Lives”
- 1976: Inspirational Album of the Year for Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You; Bill Gaither Trio
- 1978: Inspirational Album of the Year for Pilgrim’s Progress; Bill Gaither Trio
- 1980: Mixed Group of the Year – Bill Gaither Trio
- 1986: Praise and Worship Album of the Year for I’ve Just Seen Jesus (choral)
- 1987: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for The Master Builder; The CathedralsCathedral QuartetThe Cathedral Quartet, often known as simply The Cathedrals, was an American southern gospel quartet that lasted from 1964 until their retirement in 1999....
(producer) - 1991: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Climbing Higher & Higher; The Cathedrals (producer)
- 1992: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Homecoming Gaither Vocal Band
- 1993: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Reunion: A Gospel Homecoming Celebration
- 1994: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Southern Classics; Gaither Vocal Band
- 1994: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "Satisfied"; Gaither Vocal Band
- 1995: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "I Bowed On My Knees"
- 1999: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Still the Greatest Story Ever Told; Gaither Vocal Band
- 1995: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary"; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2000: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for God is Good; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2001: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for I Do Believe; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2001: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "God Is Good All The Time"; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2001: Long Form Video of the Year for A Farewell Celebration; The Cathedrals (producer)
- 2002: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Encore; Old Friends Quartet (producer)
- 2002: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "He's Watching Me"; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2007: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Give It Away; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2007: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "Give It Away"; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2009: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Lovin' Life; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2010: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Reunited; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2010: Long Form Video of the Year for A Gospel Journey; Oak Ridge Boys (producer)
- 2011: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "Better Day"; Gaither Vocal Band
- 2011: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Greatly Blessed; Gaither Vocal Band
Inducted into the Gospel Music Association
Gospel Music Association
The Gospel Music Association was founded in 1964 for the purpose of supporting and promoting the development of all forms of Gospel music. There are currently about 4,000 members worldwide...
Hall of Fame
Gospel Music Hall of Fame
The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, created in 1971 by the Gospel Music Association, is a Hall of Fame dedicated exclusively to recognizing meaningful contributions by individuals and groups in all forms of gospel music.-Inductees:...
in 1983
Other honors
- 1974, 1980: ASCAP Best Gospel Song of the Year
- 1997: Named among the top 75 American entrepreneurs: Entrepreneur Magazine
- 2000: Christian "Songwriter of the Century" (with Gloria Gaither): American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP)
- 2006: SPEBSQSA Honorary Life Member
- 2010: Indiana Wesleyan UniversityIndiana Wesleyan UniversityIndiana Wesleyan University is a private, evangelical Christian, liberal arts university located in Marion, Indiana that is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church denomination...
Society of World Changers inductee/Honorary doctorate recipient
Gaither Trio
- 1966: Sincerely (Heartwarming Records)
- 1966: When God Seems So Near (Heartwarming) Bill, Danny & Mary Ann Gaither
- 1967: Happiness’’ (Heartwarming) Bill & Danny Gaither and Sherry Slattery
- 1968: I'm Free (Heartwarming) Bill, Danny & Gloria Gaither
- 1969: He Touched Me (Heartwarming)
- 1969: Sings Warm (Heartwarming)
- 1970: At Home In Indiana
- 1971: The King Is Coming
- 1972: Live (2 LPs)
- 1972: Christmas...Back Home In Indiana
- 1972: My Faith Still Holds
- 1973: Especially For Children Of All Ages
- 1973: Let's Just Praise The Lord
- 1974: Something Beautiful...An Evening With The Bill Gaither Trio (2 LPs)
- 1974: Because He Lives
- 1974: Thanks For Sunshine
- 1975: I Am A Promise
- 1975: Jesus, We Just Want To Thank You
- 1976: Praise
- 1977: My Heart Can Sing – The Inspiring Songs of Stuart Hamblen
- 1977: Moments For Forever (2 LPs)
- 1978: Pilgrim's Progress
- 1978: The Very Best Of The Very Best
- 1979: We Are Persuaded
- 1979: He Touched Me
- 1980: The Very Best Of The Very Best...For Kids
- 1981: Bless The Lord Who Reigns In Beauty
- 1982: He Started The Whole World Singing
- 1983: Fully Alive
- 1984: Ten New Songs With Kids...For Kids About Life
- 1985: Then He Said Sing
- 1987: Welcome Back Home
- 1990: Hymn Classics
- 1992: Best Of The Gaithers...Live!
- 1993: Old Friends
- 1994: Oh Happy Day Vol. 1 & 2
- 1994: Precious Memories
- 1996: Our Recollections
- 2000: Bill Gaither Trio, Vol. 1–4