Gary Dunham
Encyclopedia
Gary Dunham is an American Contemporary Christian recording artist. He has played professionally since the late 1960s. In addition to his two solo albums, he has written songs for many other artists including Kathy Troccoli
, Sandi Patty
, and the Gaither Vocal Band
. His musical versatility has enabled him to traverse several musical genres including gospel, country, and rock.
Gary is originally from St. Joseph, Missouri. Although he is a talented guitarist and a practitioner of several different instruments, he is most known as a piano and keyboard virtuoso. A formally trained musician, Gary began his musical endeavors early, writing music and performing live as a young teen. Gary moved to California in 1973 and toured with the final incarnation of the L.A. rock band Blues Image (of "Ride, Captain, Ride" fame). After several years, the rigors of life on the road and the constant stress of touring resulted in problems in his personal life. However, it was this very life crises that brought Gary to a spiritual awakening and with it the realization of his great need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This awakening was so powerful that it not only came to encompass his private life but his musical career as well. He dedicated himself completely to God's call and became a "music evangelist." For a couple of years, he performed as an indie artist.
Gary moved to Nashville, Tennessee
in 1979 to begin in earnest his Christian music ministry. He soon signed with NewPax Records
and eventually recorded two top albums: "Gary Dunham" in 1980 and "The Pearl" in 1982. From these albums came his two most popular songs, the CCM hit singles, "Happy Family" and "The Pearl," both of whom he co-wrote with Rosemary Dunham-Yocam.
From 1978 until 1982, Gary traveled and primarily performed as a solo artist, even playing on the college and small club circuits. In 1983, renowned Christian artist Don Francisco
invited Gary to join him on tour. For several years, the duo performed and recorded together with great success. However, during the 1990s, Gary greatly cut back on his touring. Gary now resides again in his hometown of St. Joseph (MO) and continues to write and perform music.
Kathy Troccoli
Kathleen Colleen "Kathy" Troccoli is a contemporary Christian singer, author, and speaker.-Personal:Born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 24, 1958, Troccoli moved at age three and was raised in Islip Terrace, Long Island, New York, graduating from East Islip High School. At 15, she lost her father...
, 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:...
, 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...
. His musical versatility has enabled him to traverse several musical genres including gospel, country, and rock.
Gary is originally from St. Joseph, Missouri. Although he is a talented guitarist and a practitioner of several different instruments, he is most known as a piano and keyboard virtuoso. A formally trained musician, Gary began his musical endeavors early, writing music and performing live as a young teen. Gary moved to California in 1973 and toured with the final incarnation of the L.A. rock band Blues Image (of "Ride, Captain, Ride" fame). After several years, the rigors of life on the road and the constant stress of touring resulted in problems in his personal life. However, it was this very life crises that brought Gary to a spiritual awakening and with it the realization of his great need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This awakening was so powerful that it not only came to encompass his private life but his musical career as well. He dedicated himself completely to God's call and became a "music evangelist." For a couple of years, he performed as an indie artist.
Gary moved to Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
in 1979 to begin in earnest his Christian music ministry. He soon signed with NewPax Records
NewPax Records
NewPax Records was founded in 1975 by Gary S. Paxton as an outlet for his gregarious ideas in songwriting and engineering. This gave Paxton the edge he needed to create music that was far ahead of its time....
and eventually recorded two top albums: "Gary Dunham" in 1980 and "The Pearl" in 1982. From these albums came his two most popular songs, the CCM hit singles, "Happy Family" and "The Pearl," both of whom he co-wrote with Rosemary Dunham-Yocam.
From 1978 until 1982, Gary traveled and primarily performed as a solo artist, even playing on the college and small club circuits. In 1983, renowned Christian artist Don Francisco
Don Francisco
Don Francisco may refer to:*Don Francisco *Don Francisco *Don Francisco de Paula Marin, Hawaiian*Don Francisco...
invited Gary to join him on tour. For several years, the duo performed and recorded together with great success. However, during the 1990s, Gary greatly cut back on his touring. Gary now resides again in his hometown of St. Joseph (MO) and continues to write and perform music.