DECEMBER 10 - NO. 16 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GAITHER VOCAL BAND TO CELEBRATE THE SECOND SUNDAY IN DECEMBER!

The Gaither Vocal Band is the preeminent Southern Gospel Group in the United States. I grew up being dragged by my dad to gospel sings all over the South from a very early age. I met the great Hovie Lister, Jake Hess, Big Chief and Rosie Rosell, the talented singers who made up the Statesmen Quartet, founded in 1949 by Baptist Minister Hovie Lister. That music became embedded in my heart and soul and has never left me. Even when I was young and dumb!

Over the years, The Gaither Vocal Band has had some of the greatest gospel singers to ever step on a stage. Over 21 talented singers, mostly high tenors, have been in and out of this amazing Grammy and Dove Award winning group since forming in 1981 under the leadership of two great songwriters Bill & Gloria Gaither. Elvis covered one of their most popular songs - He Touched Me and his album, so named, won a Grammy.

Enjoy an amazing tune, first released in 1998, combining gospel and blues as performed by the current Gaither Vocal Band - Mary Was The First One To Carry The Gospel.

BONUS TRACK - Today's bonus tune is one of the greatest songs ever written about the beauty of Christ and the Mother Mary. It was written by Mark Lowry, a longtime member of the Gaither Vocal Band. Winner of multiple accolades including Grammy and Dove Awards, this song has been recorded by many major artists - Carrie Underwood, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and many more. Today's powerful rendition features Mark Lowery and The Gaither Vocal Band - Mary Did You Know?

Merry Christmas on this second Sunday of December. I hope all Vagabonds everywhere are enjoying this 2023 Music Countdown. There's more coming to celebrate the birth of Christ and Christmas time, the best season of the year.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

The Nomad Architect