Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

It Must Be Christmas when David Phelps sings in December

Written by Staff on December 13, 2018 – 1:03 pm -

If the calendar says “December” and David Phelps is ready to sing, it can only mean one thing: It Must Be Christmas!

Phelps, the powerful tenor who is one of gospel music’s most recognizable voices, has been bringing the message of hope through Jesus Christ across the country in his annual “It Must Be Christmas” tour.

We caught up with David after he performed to an enthusiastic crowd at Shelby Christian Church in Shelbyville, Ky. It had been a night of dynamic worship, fun and a challenge to help others.

“It has been great,” Phelps said of his 20th Christmas tour. “We have just been blown away.”

And if the night in Shelbyville was indicative, that reaction goes both ways. The energy flowing from Phelps and his backup band of six musicians and

two vocalists — Phelps’ daughters, Callie, and Maggie Beth — charged a crowd of about 1,000 slightly more than two weeks before Christmas Day.

The tour is sponsored by the KORE Foundation, which promotes the work it does in Haiti, helping farmers become self-sufficient in the poultry business. Midway through the program, Phelps paused so that concert-goers could see a

video of the foundation’s work and be challenged to contribute.

It’s about giving for the One who gave his life. And Phelps makes sure the concert focuses on the season that celebrates God becoming man.

“We drop our non-seasonal music and just do completely Christmas for the month of December,” Phelps says. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Early in the concert, he sang the theme song of the tour, “It Must Be Christmas” and soon after covered Jackie DeShannon’s big 60s hit, “What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love.” Phelps tied the message of the pop song to loving Christ and loving others.

He says the message reaches people who are searching and he says it’s not uncommon for an attendee to share how the concert has affected him. “We are always humbled and honored when that happens that our music can reach someone on such a personal level,” he says. “It’s always just amazing. We hope that we are honorable vessels to deliver the message of hope that is in the songs.”

Phelps says the Christmas season presents an opportunity to share the message of Christ through song. “Definitely. It’s a great time to come together and celebrate renewal,” he says. “It’s the end of the year and it’s starting over again and that’s what Jesus represents too on many levels. I think it’s a great time of the year for everybody, no matter where they are. They may have not stepped in a church all year long, but they love to come together to listen to Christmas music and to celebrate.”

Phelps became a household name in Christian music during his 15 years as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band. He’s coming up on two years of touring strictly as a soloist and says 2018 has been a blessing.

“To this point, it’s been very, very busy, but we’re good,” he laughed.

Phelps says his decision to leave the Gaither Vocal Band has presented an opportunity to expand his creativity. “For Bill, it was a job. I would do what he asked me to do. If he wanted me to sing a certain line, I would do that,” Phelps explains, “and that was wonderful! I enjoyed it and stayed there for a long time. He is a great mentor to me.

“But out here, we get to express ourselves a little more as a soloist.”

Phelps closed his concert with what might be his signature song, “Oh, Holy Night” and a rousing version of “Feliz Navidad.”

But even though the It Must Be Christmas Tour continues through Dec. 21, Phelps says 2019 promises to be another big year. “We have a new video coming out just before Easter. It’s called The Hymnal Project,” he says. “We have been working on that and we will be

touring nationally and internationally. We will be recording, too.”

And come December, 2019, David Phelps will be traveling the country to celebrate Christ’s birth once again.

By John Herndon

John Herndon writes regularly for SGNScoops Magazine, and has his own blog here as well.

 

Tags: bill gaither, Christian Music, christmas, christmas music, david phelps, Gaither Vocal Band, gospel music, John Herndon, SGNScoops Magazine
Posted in artists, sgn scoops magazine | Comments Off on It Must Be Christmas when David Phelps sings in December

It Must Be Christmas: GRAMMY® Award-winning Tenor DAVID PHELPS Records  All-new Christmas CD and DVD

Written by Staff on October 20, 2018 – 11:59 am -

Celebrated, Three-octave Vocalist Brings a Nostalgic, Crooner Flair to Seasonal Songs Old and New

It Must Be Christmas TV Special to Air on Multiple Networks

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–October 19, 2018–GRAMMY® Award-winning, classically-trained tenor David Phelps celebrated Christmas early this year before a LIVE audience on his family farm as he recorded an all-new DVD entitled It Must Be Christmas (Gaither Music Group).  Releasing today, along with the companion studio CD recording, the It Must Be Christmas performance video finds David adding all-new arrangements of classic seasonal favorites as well as original creations to his 20-year repertoire of Christmas songs.

 

 “What a privilege it was to gather my friends and family in this unusual, intimate setting to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!” Phelps described.  “Our goal was — in every sense — to record the entire project as a throw-back to the days of excellent live music–before the editing, punches and retakes of many of today’s recordings.  I gathered some of the best musicians in the world, rehearsed a couple of times and then hit the floor.”

Hitting the floor and making great art is nothing new to Phelps, who is an accomplished arranger, songwriter, composer and one of the most recognized artists on the Gaither HOMECOMING Series.  Recorded in The Barn @ The Phelps Farm, just south of Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Phelps, the concert DVD captures the powerhouse vocals one might expect from this three-octave, “who’s who of vocalists.” He brought in a jazz-heavy band for the show including Pat Coil, Danny O’Lannerghty, Greg Ritchie, Alida Osterlin, Kari Lee, Dan Wheeler and Jack Daniels.

“Surrounded by talent at the top of their game, it made me long for a time when every tree had multi-colored lights, doorways were always dressed with mistletoe, stores were closed on Christmas Eve and families gathered in living rooms around crackling radios tuned in to Frank Sinatra singing ‘The First Noel.’”

Background vocals were performed by Daniels; David’s daughters, Callie and Maggie Beth; Martin Young and acclaimed recording artist Charlotte Ritchie.  Charlotte, who tours regularly with David, joined him for a special duet of an original “Fall on Your Knees,” an epic ballad based on the lyrics of “O Holy Night.”

“I’ve been looking for something to sing with Charlotte.  She and I have never sung a duet before.  I didn’t write this song as a duet, so I went back and kind of re-worked it.  The challenge with a song like this is ‘How do you take a lyric that is so beloved—not only by the world but by me—and kind of do something different with it?’  My goal was for it to be a Christmas worship song; and when the choir comes in followed by the congregation singing, ’‘Fall on your knees!’ it really took on a life of its own.”

Phelps joins the band with a drum feature on the classic “The Little Drummer Boy,” a favorite on his Christmas tour, which has been an annual event for 20 years.  He presents a crooner-inspired flair with seasonal gems “Tennessee Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and the newly-penned title cut, “It Must Be Christmas.”

“I wanted this recording to be something more than nostalgic,” he described.  “I realized for myself as I wrote for this project that this topic can never be finished being written about.  This is the greatest story ever told.  It’s not like ‘ok, it’s told…this is done,’ and so all the songs have been written about it.  That’s not gonna happen for me and for the world.  We’re still gonna be writing songs about this and watching plays about it and reading stories based on it…it is the moment that changed human history, and it will never lose its depth of content.”

The It Must Be Christmas DVD and CD will be positioned heavily at retail, via catalog placements, through a social media campaign and web promotions and through a direct TV campaign, beginning this month on networks including TBN, RFD-TV, CTN, Dish TV, DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, GaitherTV, FamilyNet, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT and TLN.  The campaign will also air in Canada on Vision TV, The Miracle Channel, Grace TV and CTS.

The products are distributed through Capitol Christian Distribution and Universal Music and will be available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon andwww.gaither.com.  The It Must Be Christmas CD is available now at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations as well as atwww.crackerbarrel.com.

For further information regarding David Phelps, please visit www.davidphelps.com,www.facebook.com/davidphelps or @DPhelpsMusic.

It Must Be Christmas CD Song List: 

1. It Must Be Christmas

2. Go Tell It on the Mountain

3. Tennessee Christmas

4. Christmas Rush

5. Catching Santa

6. In the Bleak Midwinter

7. Anthem of the Lord

8. Angels We Have Heard on High

9. What the World Needs Now

10. Sleigh Ride

11. Fall on Your Knees

12. The Little Drummer Boy

13. We Are the Reason

14. Feliz Navidad

It Must Be Christmas DVD Song List: 

1. It Must Be Christmas

2. Go Tell It On The Mountain

3. Tennessee Christmas

4. Christmas Rush

5. White Christmas

6. Five Little Fingers

7. Gesu Bambino

8. Catching Santa

9. In The Bleak Midwinter

10. Anthem Of The Lord

11. Angels We Have Heard On High

12. What The World Needs Now

13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

14. Sleigh Ride

15. Fall On Your Knees

16. The Little Drummer Boy

17. We Are The Reason

18. Feliz Navidad

ABOUT DAVID PHELPS 
David Phelps is blessed with a vocal instrument unlike any other. The multi-platinum artist and Gospel Music Hall of Fame member first entered the national spotlight when he joined the Gaither Vocal Band and has since performed at Carnegie Hall, the White House and many other halls and churches around the world. Phelps has won two GRAMMY® Awards and four GMA DOVE Awards.  His latest work, It Must Be Christmas, showcases his talents as a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer.  Phelps lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Lori, and four children: Callie, Maggie Beth, David Grant and Coby.

Read the latest online version of SGNScoops Magazine HERE

Download The PDF Version Of SGNScoops Magazine HERE

Find SGNScoops Magazine On Facebook HERE

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Christian Music, christmas, david phelps, Jazz
Posted in announcements, artists | Comments Off on It Must Be Christmas: GRAMMY® Award-winning Tenor DAVID PHELPS Records  All-new Christmas CD and DVD

Bill Gaither is still Giving the World a Smile

Written by Staff on January 3, 2018 – 4:42 am -

Bill Gaither is having more fun than ever as the Gaither Vocal Band embraces change, releases “We Have This Moment” 

By Craig Harris

Bill Gaither seems to be loosening the reigns … and at the same time, he’s smelling the roses. The 81-year-old gospel music icon admits that he’s currently having more fun than he’s ever had.

 

“I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had in my whole life, not only on stage, but coming home and eating with the sweet lady (his wife Gloria) I’ve lived with for more than 54 years,” Gaither shares. “I’m singing with some of the greatest guys I’ve ever sung with. I love life.

 

“I encourage young artists all the time … I say, ‘if the lights shine brighter on stage than they do at home, you’re in bad trouble’ … but these are great days.”

 

Oct. 13 was one of those days as the Gaither Vocal Band unveiled its latest CD, “We Have This Moment.” Former Gaither Homecoming Tour pianist Gordon Mote produced the project.

 

“We had another change in personnel last spring with Reggie Smith (joining the group after the departure of tenor David Phelps), who is no stranger to our field,” Gaither points out. “He’s been around a long time with us. I’ve said this 100 times … you don’t replace anybody. We’ve had some of the best singers in our industry I feel … Marshall Hall, David Phelps, Michael English, Russ Taff, Mark Lowry, Larnelle Harris … those are incredible singers. But this is one of the best blends we’ve ever had.

Read more »

Tags: Adam Crabb, bill gaither, david phelps, Gaither Vocal Band, Reggie Smith, Todd Suttles, Wes Hampton
Posted in Christian interest, sgn scoops magazine | Comments Off on Bill Gaither is still Giving the World a Smile

Grammy Winning Recording Artist, David Phelps Teams With Cana’s Voice To Present The Big Voice Tour

Written by SGN Scoops Staff on December 7, 2017 – 9:02 am -

(Johnson City, TN)… One of the most unmistakable voices to ever step onto a concert stage is Grammy winning recording artist, David Phelps. Once a childhood musical prodigy from Tomball, TX, Phelps earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Baylor University. Since then, he has become a nationally celebrated vocalist, whose gifts and talents are matched by none. Perhaps best known as the powerful tenor for the multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band, a group he traveled with for nearly two decades, Phelps is constantly building on a career that has already been groundbreaking. Emerging as a leading voice in Christian music, Phelps has been winning the hearts of audiences all over the world for more than two decades. He has performed at numerous prestigious venues across the globe, including the White House, New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. His electrifying voice has moved audiences from all walks of life, crossing generational and stylistic barriers.

Over the years, Phelps has shared the stage with many of the most elite singers and musicians to ever grace a concert stage. In January and February of 2018, Phelps will team with three of music’s talented vocalists as he partners with popular musical trio, Cana’s Voice to present The Big Voice Tour. This event is expected to attract listeners of all ages, as it will be a night the entire family will enjoy, regardless of stylistic preferences.

Comprised of iconic Gospel singers, Jody McBrayer (formerly of Avalon), TaRanda Greene (formerly of The Greenes) and Doug Anderson (formerly of Signature Sound), Cana’s Voice is quickly capturing the attention of music lovers from varying genres. In 2016, the trio released their very first recording, “This Changes Everything,” which has appeared in Soundscans’ Top 20 Sales for Inspirational recordings since its release. The group has been featured at numerous events with several of the nation’s most well known pastors, including Dr David Jeremiah, John Hagee and Jim Cymbala. Additionally the group performed for the National Day of Prayer in Washington, DC.

IMC Concerts will serve as promoter of The Big Voice Tour and will be offering General Admission Seating, as well as Artist Circle Seating and a variety of Family Packages, in addition to VIP tickets, allowing concert attendees early admittance, preferred seating, a private exclusive Meet and Greet session and a souvenir autographed tour lanyard. “We are extremely excited about the vocal combinations that will be featured on The Big Voice Tour,” states IMC President, Landon Beene.  “Each night will feature the most talented voices to ever take a platform. This will be an evening any music lover will appreciate and absolutely love.”

Many of the songs featured on The Big Voice Tour are included on Phelps’ Hymnal recording, which showcases masterful vocals and lush arrangements of such cherished gems as “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Victory In Jesus” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” Each song takes the listener on a journey of inspiration and worship in song.

Complete information regarding The Big Voice Tour is available online at www.imcconcerts.com.

Tags: david phelps, Gospel Music News
Posted in announcements | Comments Off on Grammy Winning Recording Artist, David Phelps Teams With Cana’s Voice To Present The Big Voice Tour

GRAMMY® Award-winning Tenor DAVID PHELPS Inspired by the HYMNAL for New Chart-topping Recording

Written by Staff on April 10, 2017 – 5:03 pm -

Christian Music Favorite Produces, Arranges and Composes New Release Featuring Some of the Most Celebrated Songs of the Church
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—April 7th, 2017–GRAMMY® Award-winning, classically-trained tenor David Phelps has just released an all-new studio recording entitled Hymnal (Gaither Music Group), featuring all-new arrangements of some of the most revered songs in the church today. The recording debuted this week at #1 on the Southern Gospel chart and at #5 on the CCM chart according to Nielsen Soundscan. In addition, The Best of David Phelps DVD recording landed back at #1 on the Billboard Music Video chart.
“I’m passionate about making music and the message of hope that it carries,” stated Phelps. “To do something you love and have it resonate with listeners is exponentially rewarding. I find myself increasingly grateful to be one of the many voices of my generation dedicated to filling ears with joy and music. For the outpouring of love and support from friends around the world, I humbly thank you.”
Produced, arranged and composed by Phelps, Hymnal finds this three-octave “who’s who of vocalists” creating his own lush arrangements of these Christian household staples, many of which were handed down to him from his family.
Orchestrated by Phelps and Danny O’Lannerghty, the recording features “Victory in Jesus” as a duet with Phelps’ daughter Callie. He showcases his timeless “crooner” side with his piano/jazz rendition of the gospel favorite “Goodbye World, Goodbye”; and he pulls back the instrumentation with a unique, stirring arrangement of “It Is Well with My Soul,” accompanied only by band member Jack Daniels on dobro.
The Bill and Gloria Gaither-penned “Something Beautiful,” the debut radio single from the release, features a piano-based arrangement reminiscent of the era in which the song was written. Longtime fans of Phelps will recognize many of the background and choir vocalists on the release including Charlotte Ritchie, Jack Daniels, Kari Lee, Maggie Beth Phelps, Callie Phelps, Angela Primm, Gale Mayes and Samson White.
Phelps, one of the most recognized artists on the Gaither HOMECOMING Series and known as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band for over 15 years, has won two GRAMMY® Awards and four GMA DOVE Awards. Hymnal is currently positioned heavily at retail and online stores, via catalog placements and through a direct TV campaign on networks including Dish TV, DIRECTV, PBS, RFD-TV, GaitherTV, TBN, FamilyNet, CTN, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT and TLN. The campaign will also air in Canada on Vision TV, The Miracle Channel, Grace TV and CTS.
Hymnal is distributed through Capitol Christian Distribution and Universal Music and is now available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon and gaither.com. The release is also available at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®.
For a preview of the new CD CLICK HERE
For further information regarding David Phelps, please visit his website, facebook page or twitter feed. ,

HYMNAL CD Song List:
1. Prelude: Come Worship
2. Brethren, We Have Met to Worship
3. In the Garden
4. He Lives
5. How Great Thou Art
6. Only Trust Him
7. Interlude: Wrestling with God
8. I Surrender All
9. It Is Well with My Soul
10. Something Beautiful
11. Goodbye World, Goodbye
12. Battle Hymn of the Republic
13. As the Deer
14. Victory in Jesus
15. Invention: The Crown I Wear
16. Matchless Grace
17. Amazing Grace
18. Until Then

ABOUT DAVID PHELPS
David Phelps, a multi-platinum artist, first entered the national spotlight when he joined the Gaither Vocal Band and has since performed at Carnegie Hall, the White House and many other halls and churches around the world. Phelps has won two GRAMMY® Awards and four GMA DOVE Awards. His latest work, Hymnal, showcases his talents as a singer, composer, arranger and producer. Phelps lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Lori, and four children: Callie, Maggie Beth, David Grant and Coby.

For more Gospel music news, click here.

Tags: david phelps, gaither, grammy, Hymnal
Posted in announcements, artists | Comments Off on GRAMMY® Award-winning Tenor DAVID PHELPS Inspired by the HYMNAL for New Chart-topping Recording

Gaither Vocal Band announces changes

Written by Staff on March 1, 2017 – 7:37 am -

Gaither.com announced the following changes this morning:

Gaither Vocal Band Personnel Changes    

Since the Gaither Vocal Band’s genesis in the early 1980s, the group has been a proverbial incubator of great talent.  Names like Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Mark Lowry, Guy Penrod and Michael English have become beloved favorites to listeners all over the world. Today, we announce a coming transition that continues the legacy of the Gaither Vocal Band, not only as a Grammy-winning vocal group but also a launching opportunity and nurturer of rising talent.

Throughout the past 20 years, David Phelps has become a defining influence in the Gaither Vocal Band.  His powerful tenor voice and gift for artfully communicating the heart of a song has won the hearts of listeners across the globe.  Because the demand on David’s time has exploded during recent years, he is departing from the Gaither Vocal Band to concentrate on his solo career full-time.

Gaither Music will release David’s newest recording, Hymnal, on March 22, and we are incredibly proud of what he is doing and will continue an ongoing relationship with him for years to come.  David will sing selections from that recording during our upcoming big events, including Texas Homecoming Spectacular, Family Fest in the Smokies, the 2017 Alaskan Homecoming Cruise, and undoubtedly many other gatherings in the future.

David reflects, “It has literally been a dream-come-true to be a part of the GVB.  I remember the first time I was standing behind Bill in the group as he began ‘There’s a line that’s been drawn though the ages…’ I knew I’d finally made it.  Now the journey that’s been filled with deep-conversations-over-morning-coffee, not-always-appropriate-belly-laughs, sad tears, happy tears, and always-great music has led us to a fork in the road.  I’ve been in school for 20 years.  It still shocks (and scares) Bill a little bit when I quote, word for word, something he said years ago.  I’ve been soaking it all in.  He is my teacher, mentor, friend, and a welcome critic.  We are family.  As things change and evolve over this transition, that will remain the same.  Lori and I are excited about the wonderful future that God has in store for all of us as we embark on this new chapter.  We are so grateful for the invaluable love and support of all our fans, friends and family!’

“David is a rare talent and we are so grateful for his presence in the Gaither Vocal Band for all these years,” Bill states. “We will continue to include him on the program for our special weekend events as he is available.”

Beginning April 1, Reggie Smith will become the newest member of the Gaither Vocal Band, joining Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb and Todd Suttles. Reggie is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a vocal emphasis; and where he has also completed work toward his Master’s degree in vocal performance.  Reggie, along with his wife Ladye Love, has been a featured artist on the Gaither Homecoming stage for more than fifteen years. Reggie has performed in more than 25 countries and in such prestigious venues as the Super Bowl, New York’s famed Carnegie Hall, and the Kremlin in Moscow. His voice can be heard on countless recordings, including the original The Lion King movie soundtrack. Reggie is also an accomplished music producer who has worked with country music’s finest, including Josh Turner and Michael Martin Murphy.

Reggie is honored to join the ranks of the Gaither Vocal Band and states, “I consider this a great honor. Bill has been a great coach to me for many years, and I am thrilled to be able to work with these talented men who are already dear friends.”

Bill Gaither is ecstatic about the future, stating, “I love working with so many great singers, and I am thrilled about all that Reggie Smith brings to the Gaither Vocal Band.  His voice folds in beautifully with the other group members, as does his genuinely sweet spirit.  Great days are ahead!”

Visit Gaither.com for a complete list of tour dates, plus information on the latest releases featuring the Gaither Vocal Band, David Phelps, and the Gaither Homecoming family.

Watch EXCLUSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES video of the GVB’s first photo shoot and rehearsal with Reggie here!

Left to right: Todd Suttles, Reggie Smith, Bill Gaither, Adam Crabb, Wes Hampton

 

 

 

Tags: Adam Crabb, david phelps, gaither, Gaither Vocal Band, Reggie Smith, Todd Suttles, Wes Hampton
Posted in announcements, artists | Comments Off on Gaither Vocal Band announces changes

Check Out This Great Video Of David Phelps And His Family

Written by SGN Scoops Staff on January 12, 2017 – 8:36 am -

Check Out This Great Video Of David Phelps And His Family

David Phelp’s own legacy, so far, he has come a long way from Tomball, Texas. Over the greater part of the last two decades, David’s artistry has grown to echo off the walls of Carnegie Hall, and vibrate the chandeliers in the White House and in countless halls and churches around the world. His masterful melodies have been burned into critically-acclaimed solo offerings, award-winning Gaither Vocal Band CDs and Gold and Platinum Gaither “Homecoming” collections. It has been a showcase far above the expectations of any ordinary artist. But for David, a perpetual work in progress, these happy years have been just an extended glimpse of the Creator’s bigger picture. Pushing the boundaries is every artist’s goal, and David’s focus is beyond the ordinary, trusting in that Divine design.

Tags: david phelps
Posted in artists | Comments Off on Check Out This Great Video Of David Phelps And His Family

The Legendary Gaither Vocal Band Garners 2017 GRAMMY® Award Nomination

Written by Staff on December 7, 2016 – 11:52 am -

Better Together Recording Up for Best Roots Gospel Album
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—December 7th, 2016—Gospel music mainstays the Gaither Vocal Band (Gaither Music Group) garnered a 2017 GRAMMY® nod for Best Roots Gospel Album, according to yesterday’s announcement of nominations by The Recording Academy.
The Gospel Music Hall of Fame member quintet was honored for its recent all-new recording, Better Together, produced by group founder and bass singer Bill Gaither, group tenor David Phelps and Ben Isaacs (Jimmy Fortune, The Oak Ridge Boys). The title cut, penned by Gaither, along with Reba Rambo-McGuire, Dony McGuire and Chip Davis, is a timeless anthem that celebrates the power of unity in an age of divisiveness.
“At this time in the history of the world, we need each other more than ever,” stated Gaither after hearing about the nomination. “The Vocal Band has so enjoyed encouraging audiences with songs that remind us to watch each other’s backs and extend a helping hand to those around us. Together, we can change the atmosphere and make this world a better place.”
That message is reflected throughout the 12-song collection that breathes new life into gospel classics and American standards including “Working on a Building,” “Dig a Little Deeper,” “Didn’t It Rain,” “Led Out of Bondage” and more. The recording also features the group’s unique rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend,” a pop treasure previously performed by Carole King, James Taylor and others.
For over three decades Gaither has been bringing together some of the most well-respected gospel music vocalists, creating the benchmark tradition of the renowned Gaither Vocal Band. Members David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Todd Suttles, Adam Crabb and Gaither continue the group’s streak of award-winning line-ups, showcasing intricate vocal arrangements and intimate blends with this new release.
Creating unity with diverse talent has become a lifelong trademark for Gaither, who is a six-time GRAMMY® Award winner and a 41-time Gospel Music Association DOVE Award winner. He has hosted one of the largest concert tours in the Christian music industry for over two decades, joining the hands of artists, old and young, bridging generational gaps and varying musical preferences.
The Gaither Vocal Band is seen regularly on 17 different TV networks that carry the Gaither Gospel Hour weekly. Songs from Better Together are airing on PBS, RFD, TBN, DIRECTV, Gaither Television Network (DISH TV Channel 276), AT&T U-Verse, FamilyNet, CTN, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT, TLN and GaitherTV (available on the internet, Roku TV, Sony TV and Google TV). The campaign is airing in Canada on Vision TV, The Miracle Channel, Grace TV and CTS.
Better Together debuted at #1 on the Southern Gospel chart and at #9 on the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) chart, according to Nielsen Soundscan. It is distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and is available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon and www.gaither.com.
For further information regarding the Gaither Vocal Band, please visit www.gaither.com or connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gaithermusic or on Twitter: @gaithermusic.

 

The 59th GRAMMY® Awards will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.
ABOUT THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND
The Gaither Vocal Band has been making music since the early 80s when four men gathered around a piano before a Bill Gaither Trio concert and began harmonizing on the quartet classic “Your First Day in Heaven.” More than a quarter century later, the list of men who have comprised the Gaither Vocal Band over the years reads like a “Who’s Who” among gospel music’s best-loved male voices.

One of the most lauded and award-winning groups in gospel music garnering six GRAMMY® nominations, two GRAMMY® Awards and 18 DOVE Awards, these Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame honorees continue to headline one of the largest tours in the field of Christian music annually; and their groundbreaking successes continue to raise the standard in male harmony. The group is comprised of Bill Gaither, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Todd Suttles and Adam Crabb.

Tags: Adam Crabb, Better Together, bill gaither, david phelps, Gaither Vocal Band, Todd Suttles, Wes Hampton
Posted in announcements, artists | Comments Off on The Legendary Gaither Vocal Band Garners 2017 GRAMMY® Award Nomination

GRAMMY® Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band Tops Sales Chart with New Christmas Collection Release

Written by Staff on November 18, 2015 – 1:21 pm -

Gospel Music Hall of Famers Begin the Christmas Season
with Timeless Recording

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—October 26th, 2015—The GRAMMY® Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band has just released a special Christmas Collection (Gaither Music Group) recording, which debuted at No. 1 on the Southern Gospel chart according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Currently available at retail and online stores everywhere, this holiday treasure, produced by Bill Gaither, Ben Isaacs (Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Fortune) and tenor David Phelps, features nostalgic favorites from group members past and present in addition to six all-new recordings by the group’s current lineup–Bill Gaither, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Todd Suttles and Adam Crabb.
Suttles and Crabb take the leads on the mid-tempo opener “Changed by a Baby Boy,” penned by Gloria Gaither and Benjamin Gaither; and the group’s signature, complex harmonies round out the classic “Little Drummer Boy.” The quintet recorded “Reaching,” a song written in the mid-70s by Bill and Gloria [Gaither] that describes how the birth of the Savior went far beyond this special season and changed eternity.
Crabb’s rasp-tinged voice and Suttles’ warm, round tones come back into the spotlight with “Hand of Sweet Release,” and the group puts a soulful stamp on its new arrangement of the popular tune “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” Hampton shines on the easygoing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and listeners will enjoy the familiar voices of Guy Penrod and Marshall Hall featured on “Carol Medley.”
Christmas Collection also includes Mark Lowry’s spine-chilling, LIVE rendition of “Mary, Did You Know?” a modern-day, seasonal classic written by Lowry and singer/songwriter/musician Buddy Greene. Phelps’ classic tenor voice highlights a rich version of “The Christmas Song,” and he brings the recording to a close with his soaring, crowd-pleasing rendition of the standard “O Holy Night.”
This group of Gospel Music Hall of Fame members were just awarded Southern Gospel Artist of the Year at the 2015 GMA DOVE Awards. Nominated for Best Roots Gospel Album at the 2015 GRAMMY® Awards, the Gaither Vocal Band continues to headline one of the largest tours in the Christian music industry.
Christmas Collection will be featured throughout the holiday season on a TV special airing on Dish TV, GaitherTV, TBN, FamilyNet, CTN, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, RFD, TCT and TLN. The campaign will also air in Canada on Vision TV, The Miracle Channel, Grace TV and CTS. The recording is featured in the latest Homecoming Magazine and on the Gaither YouTube channel, which garners over 10 million views monthly. Read more »

Tags: Adam Crabb, bill gaither, christmas, david phelps, Gaither Vocal Band, Todd Suttles, Wes Hampton
Posted in announcements, artists | Comments Off on GRAMMY® Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band Tops Sales Chart with New Christmas Collection Release

2016 Gaither Tour Dates Unveiled

Written by Staff on October 29, 2015 – 2:13 pm -


Tags: Adam Crabb, bill gaither, david phelps, Gaither Vocal Band, Todd Suttles, Wes Hampton
Posted in announcements, artists | Comments Off on 2016 Gaither Tour Dates Unveiled