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SGNScoops attends Gaither Christmas Homecoming

Gaither Christmas Homecoming 2016

The Gaither Christmas Homecoming Tour 2016 stopped in Nashville, TN at Lipscomb University on December 8th.

SGNScoops roving photojournalist, Craig Harris, was at the venue to capture every minute of excitement.

Many Gaither favorites were there including the Gaither Vocal Band, The Martins, The Isaacs, Buddy Greene, Landy and Joy Gardner and the Christ Church Choir, Russ Taff, Charlotte Ritchie, Gene McDonald, Matthew Holt and Kevin Williams.

We hope you enjoy the many faces of the Christmas Homecoming Tour 2016!

More About Bill Gaither

An avid fan of gospel quartets throughout his childhood, Bill founded his first group, The Bill Gaither Trio, in 1956, while he was a college student. He began teaching English in 1959 because his musical aspirations couldn’t support him full-time… yet. In 1962, Bill did one of the best things he has ever done. He married Gloria Sickal, who became the best writing partner Bill could have found anywhere. The couple spent the first five years of their married life juggling full-time teaching jobs, writing, singing, recording and publishing until music became their full-time career in 1967.

The collaborations of Bill and Gloria have resulted in more than 700 popular gospel songs, including the hymnal standard “Because He Lives,” “The King Is Coming,” “Something Beautiful,” “He Touched Me,” “It Is Finished,” “There’s Something About That Name,” “Let’s Just Praise The Lord,” and “Loving God, Loving Each Other.” Bill and Gloria have collectively won eight Grammy Awards and more than a dozen nominations, and they have received more than two dozen Dove Awards from The Gospel Music Association, earning the title of Gospel Music Association’s “Songwriter of the Year” eight times.

After decades of unprecedented musical successes, Bill and Gloria still operate their business from Bill’s hometown of Alexandria, Indiana, and they dwell in the same home in which they raised their family. They live a lifestyle focused on investing their resources into eternal things.

“Our calling is not just making music… but communicating the reality of Christ. That might mean birthing a song about Him or simply offering a cup of cold water to someone who needs it. Gloria and I have never claimed to have God figured out, but we do know that if He could use two imperfect people like us to communicate His Truth to the world, He can use everyone sitting in the audience, working on our staff or singing with us. If we have done anything right over the years, I hope we have built bridges where people could connect with God and with each other. That is what started us writing and what will keep us going for the rest of our lives.”  [From Gaither.com December 10, 2016. http://gaither.com/artists/bill-gaither]

For more Gospel music news, click here.

This Week on Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright

Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright

This week’s program on “Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright” features Part 2 of our interview with R.W. Blackwood and music from The Palmetto State Quartet, Lynda Randle, Rachel West Kramer, Buddy Greene, The Blackwood Singers, The Isaacs, Adam Crabb, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Booth Brothers, Patsy Cline and MORE!

This Week on Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright! Special Guest – Adam Crabb

Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright

This week’s program on “Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright” features Part 1 of our interview with Adam Crabb and music from The Isaacs, Lynda Randle, The Booth Brothers, Buddy Greene, The Hoppers, The Gaither Vocal Band and MORE!

Artist to Artist with Miles Pike and Buddy Greene

Buddy Greene

It was on a Gaither video about eighteen years ago that I first saw the face of Buddy Greene and heard his finesse on a harmonica. I never forgot that, and now Buddy’s CDs are some of the most listened to in my music collection. His messages strike a wonderful balance between encouraging and admonishing as he exhorts believers on to good works and to remember their first love. The Church needs more music like his that spurs us onward and upward. His presentation is always far above par and it is obvious that he feels great responsibility in putting his best foot forward to make the Gospel musically appealing to his audience.

I’ve attended several Buddy Greene concerts in my life and I’ve always left blown away by his talent and lifted up by the Spirit that I felt there. Check out his website to find out when he’ll be coming your way, “Like” him on Facebook, join his mailing list, get his music, and much more at www.BuddyGreene.com!

Miles: You obviously have a broad taste in music and because of that, someone listening to your CDs or attending your concerts never gets bored. So, if we were to see Buddy Greene just sitting around listening to music, what artists would we be likely to hear playing in the background?

Buddy: You might hear some Doc Watson, or something instrumental like old time or Celtic fiddle music, or something classic like Stevie Wonder (i.e. Songs in the Key of Life) or the Beatles or Paul Simon. I really enjoy Fernando Ortega, Andrew Peterson, Andy Gullahorn, Sara Groves.  Sometimes I’ll pull out some old country like George Jones or Jerry Reed. A couple of weeks ago I was cleaning up the office and put in Beethoven’s 9th.  You’re right – it’s all over the map!

Miles: What pastimes do you really enjoy outside of concerts and studio work? And if you hadn’t made it in the field of music, what do you think you would have found yourself doing today?

Buddy:  I enjoy running and golf, especially solitary golf.  Both of these pastimes allow me time to myself and to exercise, which I’m never getting enough of on the road.

I think I would have enjoyed teaching, which I get to do from time to time in ways related to my work (songwriting, harmonica workshops, etc…).

Miles: I know with my concerts and traveling, I could not begin to do it without the support and love of my wife, Martha. There is an amazing amount of teamwork needed and sacrifices made in order to successfully travel on the road full-time. Tell us about your wife Vicki and about your family.

Buddy:  Vicki and I have been married 30 years and we have two grown daughters, one who is married and the other in college.  Vicki has been the ideal mate.  I think, because of the way she sets priorities, especially when it comes to our home, community, and raising our girls, I’ve been less inclined to get caught up in my preoccupations, i.e. music, career. In other words, because of her example, I’ve worked harder to be more present as a husband and father.

Miles: Who is your favorite songwriter? And my wife wanted me to ask who your favorite author is. What’s a book that you just couldn’t put down? And what’s your favorite song that you have written and why?

Bill Gaither, Buddy Greene, Gloria Gaither

Buddy:  I have so many favorite songwriters it’s hard to just name one, so here’s a few: Lennon and McCartney, Jimmy Webb, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Burt Bacharach and Hal David.  I love great melody writers like Mancini, Bacharach, McCartney, Jimmy Webb.  From the list you could probably tell I’m amazed at songs like Wichita Lineman, Eleanor Rigby, and Alfie.

When it comes to non-fiction writing, I’m a big fan of C.S. Lewis, Eugene Peterson, N.T. Wright.  I love the writing of Wendell Berry, both fiction and non-fiction.  His Jayber Crow really grabbed me.  I also love Flannery O’Connor’s short stories.  I really don’t spend much time with contemporary fiction, although I know I’m missing a lot of great stuff.  I have a list of old books that I’ll never finish, so they’re the ones I reach for first.

Well I like “Mary, Did You Know” for obvious reasons, it being the most popular thing by far that I’ve ever written (thank you, Mark).  But I also think it’s a really good marriage of melody and lyric.  Also in that category I would put “I Don’t Belong” and “O The Precious Blood of Jesus”, both written with Gloria Gaither.  “Grace For The Moment”, written with Tricia Walker, because it’s reminded a lot of people in rough circumstances that God’s grace is always sufficient.  There are a few I never get tired of performing, like “Recovering Pharisee.”  And then there are some that were written and recorded and hardly ever get performed for various reasons like “Man Against Man” or “Kingdom Hymn”.

Miles: As long as you’ve been on the road and in music, I’m sure you have more stories to tell than could fit into a set of encyclopedias. Tell us one of those funny moments. Also, what has been the greatest challenge you have faced as an artist and minister of the Gospel?

Buddy:  I have many that are unprintable.  Seems like the best ones always include some sort embarrassment.  I once was the opening act for an attack dog. On another occasion, an insect dive-bombed up my nose during mid-song.

I think the John the Baptist axiom “I must decrease that He may increase,” is probably as hard a thing there is to keep in mind for a people who work in platform ministry. It’s really hard not to love applause, compliments, and all the things that make Buddy increase.  But that reminds me of a funny story…

I once had a teenager approach me (this was about 10 years ago) and when he recognized me as the guy who had been on the stage earlier in the evening, exclaimed “Wow, you’re the guy that was up there playing and singing.”

He then went on to rave about my guitar playing and harmonica playing and songwriting.  “How long have you been playing guitar?”

“40 years,” I replied.

“How long have you been playing harmonica?”

“30 years,” I replied.

“Wow! Did you write all those songs?”

“Yes, most of them.”

By this time I was feeling pretty good about how I was growing in this young man’s estimation, until he finally said, “Wow, why aren’t you successful?”

Not sure if Christ increased at this moment, but I certainly decreased.
Miles: What is the best advice you’ve been given? And what Bible verse speaks to you the most pointedly?

Buddy:  To stay true to who I am as an artist, it’s come from several places.  Bill Gaither once told me, “Just keep doing what you do Buddy”, and Charlie Peacock has been another one to encourage me to not worry about radio formats or current trends, or any of the other things that would distract me from staying focused on the kind of music I like to make.

There have been many verses over the years, currently, Psalm 116: 8, 9 are verses I return to.  “For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living”.
Miles: Give me a Twitter sized thought that you would like the readers need to take to heart.

Buddy:  Having never tweeted, I’m not sure I can confine myself to a Twitter sized thought, although one of the greatest of pithy statements I’ve ever heard came in the last line of a Wendell Berry poem: “practice resurrection.”  Of course, in order to appreciate the last line, one needs to read the whole poem, and it won’t fit a tweet.  The poem, by the way, is entitled “Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front”.

About Buddy:

Buddy Greene brings a wide variety of southern Americana influences to his music to create a unique musical hybrid of country, bluegrass, folk, gospel and traditional blues. In addition to his solid reputation as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, Buddy has established himself as one of Nashville’s finest harmonica stylists. His live concerts are equal parts hymn singing, jam session, church house revival, and journey through his own musical history. Among his long list of notable achievements, Buddy has collaborated with Mark Lowry to write “Mary, Did You Know,” which quickly became a modern-day Christmas standard.

Buddy Greene Website: www.BuddyGreene.com

Buddy Greene Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buddy.greene.77

Author/Artist Miles Pike

Did you enjoy this issue of Artist to Artist? Email Miles Pike today at miles@milespikemusic.com

First published on SGM Radio website in June 2013. For current features visit http://www.sgmradio.com/

WOODY WRIGHT AND ELECTRIC STATION RECORDS WELCOME AN EXCITING ARTIST LINEUP FOR THEIR 2ND ANNUAL “GOOD NEWS MUSIC RADIO CONCERT” AT THE PALACE THEATER IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012

ALEXANDRIA, IND (September 1, 2012) – Woody Wright and Electric Station Records are excited to present an exciting artist lineup for their 2nd annual “Good News Music Radio” concert at the Palace Theater in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, October 27, 2012!

“To say we’re excited about this year’s lineup would be an understatement,” said E-Station Records President, D. Scott Kramer. “This concert will showcase some of the best vocalists, groups, musicians and songwriters in gospel music today. The event is designed to highlight each artist at their very best for an unbelievably, inspiring evening. The entire concert is also built within the framework of our syndicated radio show and it will include entertaining and inspiring elements found in our weekly radio programs,” Kramer added.

The artist lineup joining Woody & Vonnie Wright includes:

Russ Taff

5 time Grammy Award Winning Artist hailed by Billboard Magazine as one of the most dynamic voices in gospel music today. Russ will be sharing several of his most well-known hits including, “He Came Through”, “They Call It Gospel Music”, “Bethlehem, Galilee and Gethsemane” and “Here Comes Jesus”, which is from his latest Dove Award Nominated project, Faroe Islands.

Jeff & Sheri Easter

With us for the first time this year, Jeff & Sheri Easter will be joined onstage by daughter, Morgan and son, Madison as they share several of their best-loved songs including. “Life Is Great and Getting’ Better”, “Over and Over”, “Praise His Name” and “Hear My Heart”. One of gospel music’s favorite families, the Easters have won five Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and have also received a Grammy nomination. They’ve also participated in the Gaither Homecoming Video Series since 1993, which has sold over 15 million units.
Buddy Greene & Jeff Taylor

Musician, singer-songwriter, Buddy Greene and his great friend, Jeff Taylor, will be bringing their extraordinary talent to the Good News Music Radio Concert for the second year in a row. Buddy brings a wide variety of southern Americana influences to his music to create a unique musical hybrid of country, bluegrass, folk, Gospel and traditional blues. In addition to his solid reputation as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, Buddy has established himself as one of Nashville’s finest harmonica stylists. Buddy & Jeff will be sharing favorites such as, “Walking In Jerusalem”, Classical Medley (Buddy’s amazing harmonica arrangement performed at Gaither’s Carnegie Hall Homecoming with over 2,500,000 views on YouTube), and Buddy’s mega hit co-write with Mark Lowery, “Mary Did You Know”!

Palmetto State Quartet

The Palmetto State Quartet’s newest lineup featuring, Larry Strickland (former Stamps member backing Elvis Presley), Paul Lancaster (multiple Dove Award winner and former member of the Martins), Mike Allen (a fixture on the popular Gaither Homecoming television series), David Staton (Grammy-nominated songwriter, singer and producer), Jeremy Easley (the X-Factor season-one, top-15
finalist) and Casey Martin (keyboards) will be joining us for the first time this year. While featuring many of their latest hits including, “Moment of Grace”, Don’t That Sound Like Heaven”, “All Hail The Power”, and “Holy Ghost Revival”, this super-group’s vocal artistry is sure to shine throughout the evening!

Reggie & Ladye Love Smith

Back for the second year in a row is one of the most dynamic couples in gospel music today, Reggie & Ladye Love Smith! The Smiths have been a part of the Gaither Homecoming family for over a decade, first as back-up singers in Nashville and later as a vocal duet featured on countless Homecoming concerts, tapings and recordings. These internationally loved musicians have performed in more than 12 countries and in such prestigious venues as the Super Bowl, New York’s famed Carnegie Hall, the Kremlin in Moscow and The Grand Ole Opry! Our guests are sure to be delighted by their great sound on classics like, “Can He, Could He, Would He” and the inspiring ballad, “You Raise Me Up”!

Rachel West Kramer & Jairo Arvizu

Back for the second year as well is Christian recording artist, Rachel West Kramer and her tenor duet partner, Jairo Arvizu. With four CDs produced in as many years and two, brand new arrangements of “The Battle Hymn Of The Republic” and “The LORD’S Prayer” by award winning arranger, David Clydesdale, the audience is sure to be delighted after hearing the amazing soprano range of Rachel West Kramer! Rachel had the honor of singing at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. with President and First Lady Bush in attendance. She also charted at the number one slot for 13 non-consecutive weeks on Christian Radio Weekly’s Inspirational charts with “See What A Morning”! We’re excited for everyone to hear, Rachel West Kramer and Jairo Arvizu!

A Tribute to Founding Oak Ridge Boys Member, Willie Wynn

From rural Moultrie, Georgia, Willie Wynn is one of gospel music’s most beloved personalities. After joining Wally Fowler’s Oak Ridge Quartet in the late fifties, Willie was a founding member when the group became the Oak Ridge Boys. The Oaks won numerous Dove and Grammy Awards and Willie became famous for his super-high tenor voice on hit songs like, “Jesus Is Coming Soon”, “Know”, “After Calvary”, and many others. Willie left the Oak Ridge Boys in the early seventies and after a brief stint as tenor for Hovie Lister and The Statesmen, he started his own successful group, Willie Wynn & The Tennesseans. Willie was inducted into the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame with the Oaks and is a member of the Southern Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame as an individual. The ultimate “encourager,” Willie is known as the man with a million friends. He has made an undeniably positive impact on gospel music and it is truly a privilege to pay tribute to Little Willie Wynn!

And, as an added bonus, our audience members will be part of a live concert, high-definition, DVD / Video production!  Award-winning Yake Films from Nashville, TN will be on site recording the concert event!

“Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright” has now been added by nearly 150 stations and translators worldwide. While the majority of the stations are in the US and Canada, some of the international locations include stations in England, Scotland, Grenada, Aruba, Guam, Republic of Vanuatu and New Zealand.

For more information on “Good New Music Radio with Woody Wright”, please visit:

www.GoodNewsMusicRadio.com

For tickets and information on the “Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright” concert at the Palace Theater in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, October 27, 2012, please visit:  www.louisvillepalace.com or call (800) 745-3000

ELECTRIC STATION RECORDS AND WOODY WRIGHT LAUNCH NEW CONCERT SERIES!

Peoria, IL (July 26, 2011) – Electric Station Records and Woody Wright have launched a new concert series based on their latest 1-hour syndicated radio program, “Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright.” The first concert is scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the historic Paramount Theatre in Anderson, IN.  The artist lineup includes Russ Taff, Buddy Greene with Jeff Taylor, Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, Vonnie Wright, Rachel West Kramer, Jairo Arvizu, D. Scott Kramer & For Heaven’s Sake, Joshua’s Vision and The Good News Music Radio Band.  The entire evening will be hosted by Woody Wright.
“We’re all excited about this new concert series,” said E-Station Records President, D. Scott Kramer. “The concert, which will feature an evening filled with inspiring vocal and instrumental artistry, will also include program elements found in our weekly radio programs.  We’ve worked hard at balancing each program with great gospel music, uplifting ministry, interviews with today’s top artists and some fun times as well.  We’re anticipating a wonderful evening for everyone involved,” Kramer added. “Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright” has now been added by over 80 stations in just 8 months.  While the majority of the stations are in the US and Canada, some of the international locations include stations in England, Scotland, Grenada, Aruba, Guam, Republic of Vanuatu and New Zealand.
Some of the artist interviews to date have been with Jeff & Sheri Easter, Russ Taff, Connie Hopper, Guy Penrod, Charlotte Ritchie, Buddy Greene, Doug Anderson, Kevin Williams, Joyce Martin, Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, David Sutton of the Triumphant Quartet, Kenny Bishop, Larry Strickland of Palmetto State Quartet, Michael Sykes and Stephen Hill.
For more information on the concert and “Good New Music Radio with Woody Wright”, please visit: www.goodnewsmusicradio.com

Gaithers Film Homecoming Tent Revival Special at Billy Graham Library

CHARLOTTE, N.C., — Southern gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither, along with the “Homecoming” friends – more than 100 gospel artists – were in Charlotte last week to film the Gaither Homecoming Tent Revival special at the Billy Graham Library.

“It’s a perfect place for us,” said Bill Gaither about the Billy Graham Library.

The Gaither Homecoming Tent Revival special is reminiscent of early tent revival meetings, much like the “Canvas Cathedral” in Los Angeles where Billy Graham gained worldwide recognition in 1949. In fact, the Gaither event aimed to recreate the atmosphere of that historic crusade, with its large tent and standing-room only crowd.

Photo: The taping of the Gaither Homecoming Tent Revival special at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. High-resolution images and video b-roll are available upon request.“A lot of our folks grew up singing in tent meetings,” Gaither continued. “Going through the Library and seeing one of the exhibitions is that of the old tent in Los Angeles brought back those memories for us.”

“Music has always been a very important part of the Billy Graham Crusades. In fact, the Vocal Band has sung at the last 10 or 12 Crusades, including the last one in New York City,” said Gaither. “And, so to have an entire evening, singing songs about Jesus, singing songs about the cross, singing songs about invitation, I think is a great thing.”

Before the event, private tours were given of the Billy Graham Library to the participating artists. The group was able to see depictions of various scenes from Billy and Ruth Graham’s life, including a replica of the “Canvas Cathedral” from the 1949 Los Angeles Crusade.

Bill and Gloria Gaither were joined by legendary gospel music artists The Crabb Family, Michael English, David Phelps, Guy Penrod, Mark Lowry, The Gatlin Brothers, Buddy Greene, Larnelle Harris, The Nelons, The Martins, The Isaacs, longtime Billy Graham Crusade soloist George Beverly Shea and musical director Cliff Barrows, plus many more.

During the program, Bill Gaither presented 102-year-old George Beverly Shea with a commemorative copy of Billboard magazine, which has listed a Gaither Homecoming special with George Beverly Shea as #3 on its chart of best-selling music videos.

THE NASHVILLE CHOIR PRESENTS, “A TRIBUTE TO THE SONGS OF BILL & GLORIA GAITHER,” MAY 1 AT THE SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER IN NASHVILLE, TN

(Nashville, TN)  – The Nashville Choir Presents “A Tribute to the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither” at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on May 1, 2011 at 7:30PM.

This once-in-a-lifetime tribute to the Grammy and Dove Award Winning songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither will fill the hall of Nashville’s magnificent Schermerhorn Symphony Center with the sounds of The Nashville Choir and Orchestra, along with performing artists, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Michael W. Smith, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, The Isaacs, Buddy Greene, Russ Taff, Gordon Mote, Gary McSpadden, Sheila Walsh, Steve Green and the Gaither Vocal Band.

“I was raised on the music of Bill & Gloria Gaither and over the years have been blessed to work with them. All of us at The Nashville Choir are honored to be able to present such a tribute to true Legends of Gospel Music,” says John E. Coates, Founder and Director of The Nashville Choir. Dan Posthuma, who along with longtime Gaither associate Ronn Huff is producing the concert, adds: “The impact that Bill & Gloria’s music has had on the church in our generation is astounding. We all look forward to an inspiring and emotional evening that pays tribute to these powerful songs!”

At the Gaither’s request, the proceeds from the evening will benefit The Gospel Music Trust Fund and The Nashville Choir’s work with the homeless, Hope For Nashville.

Tickets are on sale now through the Schermerhorn Symphony Center Box Office, 615-687-6400 or online at  http://www.NashvilleSymphony.org.

ABOUT BILL & GLORIA GAITHER
“The Gaithers are to Christian music what The Beatles are to pop music,” said Donna Hilley, when the American Society of Composers, Artists and Publishers (ASCAP) named them “Gospel Songwriters of the Century.”

The Gaither’s real-life lyrics were born out of their everyday lives as full-time schoolteachers. Bill and Gloria have partnered to write more than 700 songs, including “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” “Let’s Just Praise the Lord,” “Something Beautiful” and “The King is Coming,” to name just a few of the favorites. Bill and Gloria have performed in concert and shot videos around the world. Sharing their stage with countless up-and-coming artists, Bill and Gloria mentored performers such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Sandi Patty, and Stephen Curtis Chapman, influencing entire generations of artists.

ABOUT THE NASHVILLE CHOIR
The Nashville Choir was formed in 2005 out of a desire to bring Nashville’s Christian community together through music. Under the direction of John E. Coates, The Nashville Choir is an organization of professional-level Christian singers united to show God’s glory in the marketplace bringing all denominations and all peoples together to worship with one voice.

In its short history, The Nashville Choir has appeared at prestigious events in the city including: 3 Community Hymn Sings with the Nashville Symphony, the annual Tennessee Prayer Breakfast since 2007, and at the Inauguration of Governor Bill Haslam. The Nashville Choir recorded “Just As I Am” for the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC, and most recently recorded the choral parts for Walt Disney’s “World Of Color” in California. The Nashville Choir’s heart is firmly planted in Nashville with benefits performed for the Salvation Army, the Rescue Mission, and Room In The Inn. For more information on The Nashville Choir, please visit www.thenashvillechoir.org