I tuned in last night to catch the last part of Greater Vision's set. I will miss tonight's but be back for most of Saturday night.
Highlights and Commentary -
Of course, Thursday has become known as Gaither day at NQC. I didn't hear if it was sold out like last year but just judging by the webcast it looked pretty full. The Gaither Vocal Band had a 45 minute set last night. The more I hear this lineup, the more I like them - Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Reggie Smith, Todd Suttles and Bill Gaither. Wes Hampton is one of the best vocalists on the road today, in my opinion.
Someone recently asked me who's going to be the next big up and coming group. My answer was the Jordan Family Band. I 100% stand by that after hearing them again last night during the power half hour on main stage. They are one to watch!
Favorite Performances of the Night -
"He'll Carry Me" - Greater Vision
"When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Tribute Quartet
"My Faith Still Holds" - Mark Trammell Quartet
"Calvary" - Jim Brady Trio
"I Will Go On" - Gaither Vocal Band
"He Made a Change" - Legacy Five
"Walking Through Fire" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
The Gaither Vocal Band had the honor of singing at Billy Graham's memorial service last week. Here's a clip of them singing "Because He Lives" just their voices and the piano. Watch it below!
Here are some news items from this week in Southern Gospel music -
The Dove Awards were held on Tuesday in Nashville. They will air on Sunday night on TBN. Here are a few winners -
Southern Gospel Artist of the Year - Gaither Vocal Band
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year - "Better Together" by Gaither Vocal Band
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year - "When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace" by the Nelons (writers Wayne Haun and Barbara Huffman)
Southern Gospel Album of the Year - Resurrection by Joseph Habedank
Bluegrass/Country/ Roots Album of the Year - Sing It Now by Reba McEntire
Congratulations to Jeremy and Jennifer Peace (of the LeFevre Quartet) on the addition of their baby girl Leah Rebekah. Mother and baby are doing well. Leah was born on Oct. 17 and weighed 7 lbs. and 1 oz. and was 20 inches long. She joins big sisters Abigail, Elizabeth and Rachel.
Prayers go out to Arthur Rice (of the Kingdom Heirs) and his family in the death of his sister, Juanita. Services will be held on Sunday afternoon in Ashville, North Carolina.
Daywind Records announced the launch of Daywind Radio Station and the Daywind Radio App. Daywind Radio will play Southern Gospel music 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Gaither Music Group and UP TV have announced a joint partnership this fall with special programming of content from the award-winning Gaither HOMECOMING brand scheduled to air on the network and UP Faith & Family, a streaming service.
Day four of the National Quartet Convention is in the books. I attended the afternoon showcase of Aaron Wilburn and the Gaither Homecoming sing-along. I have to say that the two-hour Homecoming sing has been my favorite part thus far of convention. I've never had an experience quite like that one. When I've been to Homecoming concerts in the past, there have never been that many artists on stage at one time.
So for the evening concert, here are highlights -
Tonight was a sell out. Of course, the Gaither Vocal Band was the closer tonight. They had an extended set as well as the Hoppers.
The reminder of Heaven was a major theme tonight. Jim Brady shared of his dad's passing and the song that came out of that. Mike LeFevre said goodbye to his mom only a few weeks ago and shared about her passing and then they sang a tribute to her.
Patriotism was another theme of the night as it has been all week. The Nelons sang several from their recent Americana project. Selah actually joined the Nelons during their set. Of course, Legacy Five sang and played a couple as well.
Bill Gaither came up during the Hoppers' set talking about the new album he just worked on with them. Mark Trammell paid a touching tribute to Gaither before singing his song "The King Is Coming."
The Gaither Vocal Band set was great tonight and gave us something different from what we had been hearing this week. Mark Trammell Quartet, the Hoppers and Tribute Quartet also had some of my favorite sets of the night.
It's Friday ... and Good Friday at that. It's the season where we reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, His death and resurrection. With it being that season, let's look at a few songs all about the cross.
Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -
Gospel music legend and Hall of Fame member Ben Speer passed away yesterday morning at age 86. His funeral will be held on Tuesday. Thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. Read below a few tributes to Ben Speer from fellow artists -
"I'll never forget the first night I sang with the Booth Brothers. We were in Nashville and I was really just filling in (I thought) but when Ben Speer heard our set, he grabbed Michael Booth walking off stage and said "You found your man!"
That night after the concert, in a conversation with Ben and Jake Hess, they both said to me "You fit with these boys and your future is bright."
He would often say "If I ever put together The Ben Speer Quartet" I'm calling you!" I will always appreciate how he welcomed me into this music industry with kindness and encouragement.
He and I served on the NQC board together and I had the privilege of driving him to a few meetings. I cherish the great advice and wonderful stories he would tell. He was a friend to Gospel music and a friend to us all. Ben Speer will be
missed." - Jim Brady
I love the Speer Family! Grateful they paved the way for all us singers! Loved Ben! He was a precious soul! I have no words to explain the bitter/sweet feelings of the passing of my friend Ben Speer! I'll Meet You in the Morning! - Libbi Stuffle
Not much can be added to what everyone has posted about Ben Speer and his transition to heaven this morning .I'll just say the Gospel music world has lost a legend . For me I've lost a friend and mentor. He made me a viable piano player in my time on the road with the Speers.I will never forget those times! You were loved , you will be missed And never forgotten! Prayers for his family at this time - Sue Dodge
In my early days of singing, I had 6 men that took an interest in helping mold whatever it is i've become vocally. Jim Hamill, Glen Payne, George Younce, Neil Enloe, Steve Hurst, and Ben Speer. Today I wake up to the news that Mr. Ben is now realistically "seeing the picture" that he so craftfully and artistically painted with music and words. Rest in peace Mr. Ben. - Mark Trammell
Ben Speer was a pioneer. He fought the good fight, and won. Gospel music owes him an amazing debt of gratitude. I was privileged to sit with him at several NQC events, and glean some incredible words of wisdom. He even tried to teach me shape notes. That didn't go very well. I will not pretend that we were as close as he was to so many in the industry, but his family's influence on me goes back to my childhood. He will be dearly missed, until we meet again. - Pat Barker
Prayers also go out to Jeff and Dusty Treece (Sunday Drive) in the loss of their father, Frank Treece. He died suddenly of a brain aneurysm on April 3.
The National Quartet Convention announced the addition of Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band to NQC 2017. The Gaither Vocal Band will be there on Thursday and Thursday afternoon will feature a Gaither Homecoming sing-along.
Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -
The Gaither Vocal Band announced this week that David Phelps will be resigning to focus on his solo career. Reggie Smith will be taking his place.
The Inspirations has undergone an ownership and management change. Tenor Archie Watkins is now the owner and manager of the group. Martin Cook (pianist and co-owner since 1964) has retired from all of his roles.
Jeremy Ballinger, Chris Bennett and Mike Franklin have started a new group - United Voice.
Jeremy sang lead with Under Grace for 17 years. Chris was the fbaritone for Southern Heritage Quartet for eight years and N’Him for 15 years. Mike sang tenor for the Melody Boys Quartet for 21 years.
The Freemans announced the engagement of their son Caylon to Valerie Crist this week. The couple actually got engaged this past September and are planning a May wedding.
The Gaither Vocal Band announced a change today. Long-time member David Phelps will be stepping down to pursue his solo career full-time. Stepping into the role will be none other than Reggie Smith effective April 1. Reggie, along with his wife Ladye Love, has been a featured artist on the Gaither Homecoming stage for more than 15 years. Reggie has performed in more than 25 countries and in such prestigious venues as the Super Bowl, Carnegie Hall and the Kremlin in Moscow.
Check out this video below -
Here are more comments and quotes from David, Reggie and Bill from the press release -
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 Gaither states. “We will continue to include him on the program for our special weekend events as he is available.”
“I consider this a great honor," Reggie said. "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!”
Happy Friday to everyone. For today's Fun Clip Friday, check out this recent video from Mark Lowry. He spent a few days with Bill and Gloria Gaither and this is what happened during one of their drives. Enjoy!
After a long week, it's good to have some comic relief. So today's Fun Clip Friday features Bill Gaither and Kevin Williams from a Gaither video several years ago in Toronto, Canada. Watch what happens as Bill tries to set up a song and Kevin keeps interrupting!
As I mentioned I love all things Christmas, so here's my second Christmas-related top moment of 2015. Last weekend, I had the chance to see the Gaither Homecoming Christmas tour in Little Rock. The night was just incredible.
This night on the tour featured Kevin Williams, Charlotte Ritchie (who also filled in with the Isaacs since Sonya just had a baby), Gene McDonald, the Nelons, Angie Primm, the Isaacs and the Vocal Band. I always enjoy seeing these large tour events with several groups. And the quality of the production that the Homecoming Tour puts on is just top notch. Bill Gaither knows how to read the audience well and move the night along seamlessly.
This was my first chance to see this lineup of the Gaither Vocal Band with Wes Hampton, David Phelps, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Bill Gaither. I like how they sound together and their interactions on stage. They seem to really have a great time together! It was good to hear them individually featured along with the group. We really got to hear from each of the guys and what great vocalists they are!
Highlights from the night included -
I loved getting to hear more from Charlotte Ritchie. She sounded amazing with Isaacs, pulling double duty that night!
This was also my first chance to see Angie Primm live, wow, what a voice and what energy she has on stage!!
Kevin Williams is just funny and super talented. He did a great job warming up the crowd and his interactions with Bill are hilarious!
David Phelps - I think that's really all I have to say. I forget how great of a singer he is!
The Nelons never fail to impress me with their vocals. It's great to see Autumn have more of a presence on stage with them.
The younger generations are all having a greater role. Levi Bowman joined his family on stage during the second half and was featured, singing with his mother and Autumn.
I liked how the second half was more of a sing-along. The groups and various members were showcased but the audience got to join in some!
Here's a clip that the Nelons had on their Facebook page from one of their stops on the tour -
From the Gaither Christmas Tour tonight, we not only celebrate the birth of Jesus, we celebrate His life and Ressurection! Please share and enjoy
Posted by The Nelons on Thursday, December 10, 2015
Here are some news and tidbits from this week in gospel music -
Kevin Williams of Gaither Vocal Band lost his mother earlier this week. She suffered from Parkinson's Disease for 16 years. Services were held on March 18.
The Singing News fan awards top 10 nominations were announced this week. Here is a full list of nominations. Here are a few of my thoughts on the nominations.
Congratulations to Paul Harkey and his wife Jennifer on the birth of their new baby Hudson Lee Harkey. He was 10 lbs .4 oz. and 21 3/4 inches.
Chris White of Crossroads lost his father this week. Rev. Carl White age 96, of Maryville, passed away Monday at Blount Memorial Hospital. Services were held on Thursday, March 19.
The big news of the week in Christian music was the Dove Award nominations announced on Wednesday. In honor of that, here's a clip from last year's Dove Awards. The Gaither Vocal Band were one Southern Gospel artist who got to perform during the ceremony last year. Enjoy this for today's Fun Clip Friday!
This video is a couple of months old now, but it's too cute not to share for today's Fun Clip Friday. Kevin Williams interviews Ayden Yeary, Jimmy and Sonya (Isaacs) Yeary's son, at a Gaither event. He talks to Ayden about music and even has him tell a joke. Also, congratulations to Sonya and Jimmy who announced last week that they are expecting again!
Gaither Music issued an announcement this afternoon that Todd Suttles will officially join the group as the baritone. He has been at Vanderbilt University where he served as a sports fitness director as well as youth program director. He will continue there when he is not traveling with the vocal band.
Todd's name had been circulating for some time with him filling in during recent weeks. From the clips I've seen, I think it will be a great fit.
Here's more from Gaither's release -
Todd has sung with the Settles Connection and can be heard in the background vocals on numerous recordings with artists whom you know and love. He comes highly recommended by fellow artists, university faculty, and many others who have had the privilege of working with him.
“First of all, I want to thank Mark Lowry and Michael English for giving us some really wonderful years and incredible recordings that will live on in gospel music history,” Bill states. “We knew when they left, we had big shoes to fill and, as I have said before, you never truly replace anyone. You have to create something new and unique. I have been putting voices together for a long, long time and never before have we considered more possibilities or auditioned so many incredible singers than we have during the past few months. This decision came down to finding a vocal range and texture that would offer just the right balance to the current mix of voices in the group. I could not be happier with this decision. Not only do we love the rich tones in Todd’s voice, he also happens to be a wonderful human being to be around. So not only have we gained a talented individual, we have gained a new friend. And very soon, I believe you will agree. Trust me. This is going to be good!”
The Gaither Vocal Band has announced its newest member this afternoon. The group welcomes Adam Crabb. Adam had been singing and filling in with them some, but will now join the group full-time. Here's the release from the Gaithers -
We are thrilled to welcome Adam Crabb aboard as the newest member of The Gaither Vocal Band! Adam comes to us with years of musical expertise, including on-stage and studio work as a member of award-winning Crabb Family, and as a solo artist and worship leader.
Bill Gaither is grateful and excited about the future! He says, “For decades now, we have reinvented the Gaither Vocal Band again and again, and in the process we have found some of the most incredible male singers and wonderful human beings on the planet. Adam is a very exciting addition to this 30-year legacy of excellence."
As for a fifth member of the Gaither Vocal Band, Bill adds, "We are taking our time and trying out some wonderful individuals during the next few weeks. You will see some very gifted guest artists out on the tour with us as we seek the perfect fit. Trust me. You do not want to miss the chance to see what is about to happen as we enter this new season."
Check below to see upcoming Family Fest 2015 ticket information and 2014 concert tickets so you get in on the next chapter of GVB history!
I think this is a great choice, and I can't wait to see what is in store for Adam and the Gaither Vocal Band.
So this one might be a little bit more of a personal meaning to me as well. This year for the first time I got to go to a Gaither Homecoming concert. Yep, it was one of the highlights of the year for me.
The artists who were there that night were Gene McDonald, Charlotte Ritchie, the Nelons, the Isaacs and the Vocal Band. It was an incredible night of music!! It was great to see this lineup of the Vocal Band in person especially now with recent changes. The entire Vocal Band set was so amazing seeing that level of talent live.
The second half was a lot of fun and more all-sing style. I loved every minute of it. You can read more about the night here.
So I'm combining today's Fun Clip Friday with the top moment post to give you a glimpse into my favorite moment from the concert. Enjoy!!
Updated - Both Mark Lowry and Michael English are leaving the Gaither Vocal Band after trying to balance solo careers and Vocal Band duties they both feel it is in their best interests.
Mark Lowry confirmed this morning in a video on Facebook that he is in fact leaving the Gaither Vocal Band. He said that he wanted to slow down and do more solo dates.
Lowry was with the Vocal Band from 1988 - 2001 and then returned in 2009. He will be with the group the rest of the year. He will also do events like the cruise and Family Fest in the future. Lowry also said that the Martins will be touring with him in the spring.
Michael English has already concluded his last regular Gaither Vocal Band concert as lead singer, but he also will be at Gaither Fest and other future events. He was with the group from 1985 to 1994 and then rejoined when Lowry did in 2009.
Gaither's press release included a statement from Bill Gaither.
“I am grateful that we have had five bonus years with these incredibly talented artists. Thank you, thank you to Michael and Mark. For those of you who have followed the Vocal Band for the past 25 years, you know that I have worked with some of the most talented male vocalists in our field, and I promise you we are not going to let that standard down in this transition. I am sad to see Michael and Mark leaving, yet I am so excited about the new possibilities we are considering. So stay tuned for an exciting voyage in 2014! We will update you when we have made final decisions.”
On a personal note, I had the chance to see the Vocal Band for the first time this spring. This lineup was absolutely incredible together, especially live. Mark and Michael will definitely be missed!
Where do I even begin with recapping tonight's NQC? I remember when I first saw the schedule for this year, I knew if I could only make one night this would be the night. I love gospel music, all kinds even within southern gospel, but let's be honest we all have our favorites and groups that we prefer over others. Every group that sang tonight I follow and listen to a lot and am just a big fan of -- all of them!
And even if you're not a big fan of every group, it's safe to say that tonight you found a lot more hits than misses and highlights than low points! The whole night was a standout night for me, but I'll try to summarize best I can. I'm just going to go in order of the night when I started watching -
The Bowling Family kicked off the great evening, for me at least. I got home in time to catch their set. I love this group! It was great hearing their new songs. I love that they took time to showcase the girls and their young talent. It's funny to me that we have heard "Accentuate the Positive" twice on main stage this week, very different styles, but not a song you would expect. The song they closed with, "Somebody's Believing," is such an incredibly powerful song!
The Nelons did their a cappella version of the "Hallelujah Chorus." I heard them sing it in Branson, it was a "wow" moment then, and it was a "wow" moment tonight! Their entire set was so strong! And they closed with the favorite, hand-clapping and foot-tapping "I'm Going Home With Jesus."
The Hoppers came on next with the addition of Karlye Hopper who took a few solo lines in "I'll Take You Home." She has a really good voice, and would like to hear from her more. Connie pulled TaRanda on stage to join them for "The Love of God." I am such a huge fan of her and Kim singing together, and the end of "Something's Happening" is exactly why! It was simply amazing to hear them go up together at the end!
The Isaacs started with "Walk On" and then sang their title cut "The Living Years" from their latest project. However, the a cappella reprise of the verse of that song was what stood for me!!
I feel like I got a little bit gipped on Karen Peck and New River's set. They were doing some behind the scenes interview at first, which were really cool, as long as they didn't interfere with the music. Thankfully NQC listened and adjusted. I think it was a great idea, but needed some kinks worked out with timing.
Anyway, we only caught the last little bit of "Revival" by KPNR. They did a tribute to Louisville and sang "I Want to Thank You." Then sang "On the Banks of the Promised Land." I love when they sing the chorus again a cappella! Beautiful!! Then closed with "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown" with some help from the Nelons! I loved seeing Karen and Kelly on stage together!
Canton Junction was the surprise of the night! The audience loves them some Tim Duncan, and so do I! He was featured on both songs they sang.
This lineup of the Gaither Vocal Band is just incredible. I was "greatly blessed" to be able to see them live this year! :) But they blew me away tonight! All of the guys are just incredible singers. "I'll Tell It Whereever I Go" and "That Sounds Like Home" were both great, but "He's Alive" was the definite highlight for me!! I love seeing them stage the song and how they do it with others joining them on stage at the end!
Jeff and Sheri Easter were next. Morgan tweeted earlier about having some guests join them tonight on stage. She sang "Broken" again and Wes Hampton joined her! Morgan impresses me more and more in how she's grown as a vocalist each time I see them, and I loved hearing her get to sing this with Wes! Then Jeff and Sheri sang one from Jeff's upcoming project with his dad that Wilburn & Wiburn joined them called "Down in the Valley." It seemed to end a little abruptly. I think Jeff was really watching the time because the night was running late, but Gerald wanted a little more of that, and so did I. So they came back and sang a little more!
The Booth Brothers closed their set with "I Played in a Band" and called Bill Gaither on stage. It was a great song by them as always, but I love what Bill did at the end. He had every person who had sang in a choir and served in various other church capacities stand and talked about how every position was important. Most people from the looks of the webcast were standing.
The Mark Trammell Quartet was solid as always! Pat Barker was featured on "Wonderful Time Up There," such a fun song! But the closer "The King Is Coming" was the highlight! Absolutely incredible.
Gold City had a really strong set as well. They closed with "Get Up Get Ready," and Jonathan Wilburn joined them at the very end!!
The Browders came up and sang "He's Alive," great up and coming group! So glad they got to sing on main stage tonight!
Greater Vision sang several from their latest project. I'm loving the "preacher song." They ended with "I Know a Man Who Can," which is always amazing by Chris! And this started the finale!
The finale included favorites by Karen Peck and New River, the Booth Brothers, Mark Trammell Quartet and finally the Gaither Vocal Band. They closed with "It Is Finished," appropriate right? :) It was an INCREDIBLE run of music and had the perfect end to a night full of great moments!!
Tonight will definitely be hard to top! What did you think?
