I grew up listening to Southern Gospel music. My dad would take me to Gospel Sings all over the South to hear The Statesmen Quartet, The Blackwood Brothers, The Imperials and many other Southern Gospel groups that were popular in the fifties and early sixties. All those groups were essentially four singers, usually men, and a piano player singing around one mike. Today, this genre of music has been remade with modern infusions of great song writing, great bands and a more modern presence in today's always changing world of modern music. One of the chief innovators of the new Southern Gospel sound is Bill Gaither. From Indiana, this forward-thinking writer, producer and singer was a major force behind the "modernization" of Southern Gospel.
Through his Gaither Homecoming events, The Gaither Vocal Band and many other artists, Southern Gospel is now a worldwide phenomenon. Gospel Music is heard by over 200 million people all over the world every thirty days.
Today's lineup will feature some great singing and singers performing great Southern Gospel Christmas music.
First Up - Founded in 1981, The Gaither Vocal Band is the premier current day Southern Gospel group. This group of amazing talented singers was formed by song writer, producer and singer Bill Gaither and has won multiple Grammies and GMA Dove Awards. Over the years thirteen different singers have sung with this group. Here is current day Gaither Vocal Band performing a Christmas Classic first published in 1906 - OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM.
Bonus Track - One of the greatest high tenors from Texas to ever sing with the Gaither Vocal Band is David Phelps. This Texas talent graduated from Baylor University with a degree in music and vocal. We had the pleasure of seeing this higher than high singer , winner of multiple Grammies and GMA Dove Awards, perform at Immanuel Baptist Church to a packed house. He brought down the ceiling! Here is this amazing artist performing - JESUS WHAT A WONDERFUL CHILD!
Bonus Track 2- The Martins, a trio with a brother & two sisters, were discovered by Michael English, Mark Lowry and Bill Gaither when they were teenagers in 1987. And the rest, as they say, is history. This multiple award-winning group has been singing loud and proud since then - The Martins performing - GO TELL!
Just sit back or dance to Southern Gospel for Christmas!
D.L.Stafford
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