Gaither Vocal Group
Clinio Lofton
The Gaither Vocal Band is an American southern gospel vocal group, named after its founder and leader Bill Gaither. On March 1, 2017, it was announced that the Gaither Vocal Band lineup consisted of Reggie Smith, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles, and Bill Gaither. Although the group started out recording contemporary Christian music in the 1980s, it became known for southern gospel after the popularity of the Gaither Homecoming videos.[1]
The band has released 29 albums (not including compilations), at least 19 of which have charted. The band has also released 10 DVDs, which feature many other Christian artists as well. The Gaither Vocal Band has been honored with two Grammys and 17 Dove Awards.
The Gaither Vocal Band is named after gospel leader Bill Gaither.[2] It was the successor-group of the Bill Gaither Trio. By the 1980s, Bill Gaither, along with wife Gloria Gaither, were both very successful songwriters.[3] For example, their song, "He Touched Me" was covered by Elvis Presley, after which he named his album He Touched Me. Presley won a Grammy for the album.[4] Bill Gaither felt that his trio had reached its peak in the mid-1980s, but his desire to make another gospel hit kept the trio going.[2]
The original Vocal Band (called the New Gaither Vocal Band) was formed spontaneously, backstage of a Gaither Trio concert. It consisted of Bill Gaither and Gary McSpadden of the trio, along with two of the trio's backup singers, Steve Green and Lee Young. The quartet sang "Your First Day in Heaven" on stage that night.[5] Their debut album, the self-titled The New Gaither Vocal Band, debuted in 1981.
According to the liner notes of the CD compilation The Best of the GVB, the term "vocal band" was used instead of "quartet" because it did not limit Gaither in terms of sound or number of group members. According to Green on the Gaither Vocal Band Reunion video, he came up with the name and convinced Gaither to use it because he, at the time, did not want to be associated with "quartet music".[citation needed]
Young left the group in 1982, and Jon Mohr was hired as the new bass singer. They then recorded the album Passin' the Faith Along. Later, tenor Green left and Larnelle Harris was hired. This group cut the New Point Of View album before Mohr left.
Michael English was hired as the new lead singer, so McSpadden was moved down to baritone, and Gaither dropped to bass. At this point the group dropped the "new" part of their name. Although the previous album (New Point of View) had been more contemporary than its predecessors, the album with this version of the group (One X 1) took it even further. After this album, Harris left and was replaced by Lemuel Miller. The group did not record an album with Miller before he too left. He was replaced by Imperials alumnus Jim Murray. This line up cut one album (Wings) before McSpadden left to start his solo career. Mark Lowry was convinced to replace him. Their Gospel roots project Homecoming was released in 1991. Murray left and was replaced by Terry Franklin. The album Southern Classics was released in 1993 with the hit "I Bowed on My Knees" (This song was co-written by Jeremy Ward).
Later English left. He was replaced by Buddy Mullins. Mullins was only a temporary fill-in, but he was included on the album Testify. Franklin soon left and was replaced by yet another Imperials alumnus, Jonathan Pierce (formerly known as Jonathan Hildreth, his first and last name, then changed to his first and middle name). Strengthened by the popularity of the Homecoming video series, the Vocal Band added Guy Penrod at lead. After Pierce's departure, Gaither hired David Phelps at tenor. After Lowry's departure, Imperials alumnus Russ Taff sang baritone for a couple of years. Marshall Hall was his replacement. Wes Hampton succeeded Phelps in 2005.
The group has had three number one songs on the Singing News chart. "Yes, I Know" held the top position from July to October 1997, as did "I Will Go On" in November 2006. "Greatly Blessed" was their third number one single. The group has routinely performed classic Southern Gospel songs including many written by Bill and Gloria Gaither like "He Touched Me", "I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary", and "Sinner Saved By Grace".
In January 2009, Hall and Penrod left. Gaither brought back some former members: English as lead vocal, Lowry as baritone and Phelps as tenor. The first album by this five-member version was Reunited, released in September 2009. It was also the first album of the vocal band ever to feature only songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. A live album called Better Day was released in January 2010. In August 2010, they released the long-awaited album called Greatly Blessed, followed by I Am A Promise, a children's album, released in August 2011. Their most recent album was Pure & Simple, released in September 2012.
In October 2013, it was announced that Lowry and English would be leaving the group to devote more time to their solo careers.[7] English's departure was immediate whereas Lowry stayed on until they could find another baritone to replace him. Their last album as members, Hymns, was released in March 2014[8][9] and was nominated for a Grammy Award the following December.[10] After their departure, several guests filled-in until two new members could be found. In January 2014, it was announced that Adam Crabb (of The Crabb Family) would join the group as the fourth member and lead singer.[11] Todd Suttles joined the group as the baritone singer one month later.[12]
In October 2018, there was another Gaither Vocal Band Reunion. It was a two-day concert, recorded live. Except for Green, Franklin, Miller & Pierce, all of the past and present members who were at the first reunion performed.[16]
Since the early 1990s, the Gaither Vocal Band has served as a standard-bearer in the world of gospel music. Founded by legendary gospel songwriter and producer, Bill Gaither, this Grammy-winning vocal group has performed in the worlds most prestigious venues, including the Sydney Opera House, The Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall.
Guy Penrod is "the bomb".
I really enjoy hearing your voice!
What an inspiration you are. It is ironic to see that you have left Gaither vocal band TODAY. I was just talking to my best friend about you and how much I enjoy listening to you.
I look forward to a solo release from you. =o)
I was very disappointed to see that Guy was not at the concert in Ft. Myers at the Germain Arena
on Feb. 12,2009. My husband bought us both tickets to the Gaithers for my birthday present because he knows how much I enjoy Guys singing. To my surprise he was not there. When we bought the tickets his picture was on the advertising for that date. As much as I love the Gaithers, I would not have chosen to go for my gift because I do watch them on T.V. every week.. Could you please give me an update where Guy will be performing. Thank You very much. Cynthia Rumpf
The Gaithers have helped me through ALOT of life's difficulties... and, it's ALL THANKS TO GUY!! I bought his solo album at 1 of their concerts, and that's where I met him in person... he hugged me, and took a picture with me. That being said, Guy Penrod is one of the sweetest, if not the sweetest singer out there!! I can't wait to see what this godsent does next!!
I was disappointed that Guy wasn't at the Feb. 14, 2009 concert in Orlando Florida, but I have to admitt it was great getting hear David Phelps, Mark Lowry, and Michael English (it's been a long time). The concert was amazing. Guy will be missed in the group but a solo career "ain't so bad" either. Good luck and God Bless.
May 23, 2009 Today I learned that Guy Penrod is no longer with the Bill Gaither Vocal Band and I am so extremely disappointed. Actually, I am just a bit concerned. I hope that everything is going well for him and his wife and family. I am concerned about the sheep leaving the flock - I hope that it wasn't a riff that caused the decision to leave. Why in the world would anyone want to go "solo" when there is strength in numbers. Hummm maybe a need for finances?
I will be praying for Your success Guy and that your success will be such that you can come back and join in again singing and blessing others with your fellow brothers.
Your handsome face and tell tale long hair will sorely be missed.
Lifting you up to the Lord,
Sincerely, Linda and family
I have just recently returned to Christ after over 20 years away and the reason for that initial choice was because of Guy Penrod! I just happened upon some videos on YouTube while looking for some other friends of mine and was totally hooked. At first, by that distinct look of his. Then, his voice just blew me away!! For weeks now I have be listening to the wonderful music of the GVB. I am reconnecting in fellowship with my old church family and friends, as well as making a new commitment to God. None of this would be happening now were it not for what I saw in Guy and heard in his voice. I will truly miss that you are no longer in the Gaither Vocal Band. You really made it for me. THANK YOU!!!!! (Wish you'd come back (-;)
Lesa (Austin, TX)
Guy your the greatest cousin I got. I tell every one I run across. Been around the world since I saw you last. Iraq 2006 then the Philippines, then Montana, then Kuwait 2008 and Philippines. Staying home for a while in Nevada going to college and fighting cancer (not fatal though) I'll beat God
Guy: You are the primary reason most/many of us enjoyed the Gaither concerts to the extent that we did. And while they are all great musicians and vocalists, YOU were the biggest draw. Your voice is spiritually uplifting and we will participate in your solo career and support it by buying your CD's and coming to your concerts (if we can get tickets!! ha!!) I know you need time off but can you cut another CD soon?? "Best of Guy Penrod" is getting worn out!! ha!!
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