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{{short description|American singer and songwriter}}
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: ] -->
{{similar names|Bill Gaither (disambiguation){{!}}Bill Gaither}}
{{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}}
| Name = Bill Gaither
{{Infobox musical artist
| Img =
| Img_capt = | name = Bill Gaither
| Background = solo_singer | image = Bill Gaither, Sept. 2016 (cropped).jpg
| Alias = | caption = Gaither in 2016
| Born = ], ] | birth_name = William James Gaither
| Died = | alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1936|3|28}}
| Origin = ] ], ]
| birth_place = ], U.S.
| Genre = ], ]
| Occupation = ], ] | origin =
| genre = ], ]
| Years_active = 1950s-present
| occupation = Singer, songwriter, record producer
| Label = Spring House Productions
| Associated_acts = | years_active = 1950s–present
| URL = | label = Spring House Productions, Gaither Music Group
| associated_acts = ], ]
| website = {{URL|gaither.com}}
}} }}


'''William J. Gaither''' (born ] ]) is an ] ] and ] of ] and ]. He has written numerous popular Christian songs with his wife, ]. Besides performing solo and with his wife, Gaither has appeared as part of the ], the ], and as a part of his "Homecoming" groups. '''William James Gaither''' (born March 28, 1936) is an American singer and songwriter of ] and ]. He has written numerous popular Christian songs with his wife ]; he is also known for performing as part of the ] and the ]. In the 1990s, his career gained a resurgence (as well as the careers of other southern gospel artists), as popularity grew for the '']'' series. In 2023 he released a secular music album with the Gaither Vocal Band entitled “Love Songs”.


==Early life== ==Early life==
Bill Gaither was born in ], in 1936 to George and Lela Gaither. He formed his first group the Bill Gaither Trio (consisting of Bill, his sister Mary Ann (1945–2018),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gaither.com/news/loving-memory-mary-ann-gaither-addison|title=In Loving Memory of Mary Ann Gaither Addison|website=Gaither.com}}</ref> and brother ] (1938–2001) in 1956 while a college student at ], to which he had transferred after one year at ]. He graduated from Anderson in 1959 with a major in English and a minor in music,<ref name=eccm>{{cite book|last1=Cusic|first1=Dan, Ed.|title=Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music: Pop, Rock, and Worship: Pop, Rock, and Worship|date=2010|publisher=Greenwood Press|location=Santa Barbara, California|isbn=978-0-313-34425-1|pages=201–207|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_3jqjSKHKcwC&q=ASCAP+Gospel+Songwriter+of+the+Year+Gaither&pg=PA206|access-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref> after which he worked as an English teacher. He married the former Gloria Sickal in 1962.


Gaither earned his master's degree from ] in 1961, Gaither entered into the fledgling Gospel Music Association, founded in 1964, and helped organize the first Dove Awards ceremony in 1969.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bill & Gloria Gaither biography |url=https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/bill-gloria-gaither-bio |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Hymnologyarchive.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Gaither was born in ] in 1936, the son of George and Lela Gaither. He formed his first group, the Bill Gaither Trio (consisting of his sister Mary Ann, and brother Danny) in ] while a college student at ]. After graduating from Anderson in ], he worked as an English teacher. He married the former Gloria Sickal in ]. After a few years of trying to manage both a music career and his full time teaching job, he quit his teaching job in ] and worked full time in the Christian music industry.


He tried for a few years to manage both a music career and his full-time teaching job, but he quit his teaching job in 1967 and worked full-time in the ]. He recorded his breakthrough song "]" in 1964.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=15362 |title=He Touched Me Songfacts |publisher=Songfacts.com |access-date=April 20, 2013}}</ref>
Gaither was influenced by southern gospel groups and singers such as ], ], and groups like the ], the ] and the ].

Gaither was influenced by ] singers such as ] and ] and by groups such as the ], the ], and the ].


==Songwriter== ==Songwriter==
]
Gaither and his wife, Gloria, have written many songs including: "The Longer I Serve Him," "]," "The King Is Coming," "Sinner Saved By Grace", "Something Beautiful," "]", "It Is Finished," "Jesus, There's Something About That Name" "I'm Gonna Sing", and "Let's Just Praise The Lord." His songs have been performed by Christian artists (], ], ], ], ], ] and the ]), country singers (]) and pop artists (]).<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://gaither.com/artists/gloria-gaither/ | title=Gloria Gaither|website=Gaither.com}}</ref> A video of a man surreptitiously recorded playing "Jesus, There's Something About That Name" on a piano in his destroyed house was shared by many people following the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/this-kentucky-man-played-the-piano-after-a-tornado-destroyed-his-home-11639524250|title=This Kentucky Man Played the Piano After a Tornado Destroyed His Home|website=Wsj.com}}</ref>


] often writes the lyrics while Bill writes the music, although composing is usually a collaborative project between the two. As of 2005, they had composed 600 songs and by 2012 that number had increased to over 700.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/devotions/terry_because_he_lives.aspx|title=Courage and Strength for His Child: "Because He Lives"|website=Cbn.com|date=December 8, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="auto"/>
Many of the more than 600 songs that he and Gloria wrote have become standards across the English-speaking world. Among the titles:"The Longer I Serve Him," "Because He Lives," "The King Is Coming," " Something Beautiful," "He Touched Me," "It Is Finished," "There's Something About That Name" and "Let's Just Praise The Lord". His songs have been performed by Christian artists (], ]), country singers (]) and pop artists (]).

Gloria Gaither often writes the lyrics while Bill writes the music, although composing is usually a collaborative project between the two.


==Performer== ==Performer==
]
After graduating high school, Gaither took a job in 1955 at ]'s radio station ] as a member of the station's gospel quartet.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Oller |first1=Julia |title=After 60 years, gospel legend Bill Gaither keeps his music, outlook fresh |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/events/2016/12/07/after-60-years-gospel-legend/22752005007/ |access-date=17 April 2022 |work=The Columbus Dispatch |date=6 December 2016}}</ref> Since Gaither first began singing with the Bill Gaither Trio in the 1950s, he has constantly been performing. The trio originally consisted of Bill, his brother ] and his sister Mary Ann Gaither. In about 1964 Bill's wife, Gloria, took the place of Mary Ann. The trio sang traditional gospel songs along with original compositions by the Gaithers that gave them a more contemporary feel.


Gaither has a high bass voice (or low baritone), and often sang while playing piano with the Bill Gaither Trio.
Since Gaither first began singing with the Bill Gaither Trio in the 1950s, he has constantly been performing. The Bill Gaither Trio originally consisted of Bill, his brother ] and his sister Mary Ann Gaither. In about ] Bill's wife, Gloria, took the place of Mary Ann. The trio sang traditional gospel songs along with original compositions by the Gaithers that gave them a more contemporary feel.


==Entrepreneurship and influence==
Gaither has a high bass voice (or low baritone), and would often sing while playing a guitar with the Bill Gaither Trio. He also plays the piano.
Gaither founded the Gaither Music Company, which includes the functions of record company, concert booking (Gaither Management Group), television production, copyright management (Gaither Copyright Management), retail store, recording studio (Gaither Studios, formerly Pinebrook Studios) and telemarketing for the Gaither organization reside. He also ran the Gaither Family Resources retail center.


Included as part of the company is Live Bait Productions, an animation company run by Benjy Gaither, one of Bill's three children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livebaitproductions.com/ourcompany.html |title=Welcome to Livebait Entertainment |publisher=Livebaitproductions.com |access-date=April 20, 2013}}</ref>
==Entrepreneur and Influence==
Gaither founded the Gaither Music Company, which performs the functions of record company, concert booking, television production, copyright management, retail store, recording studio and telemarketing for the Gaither empire. Gaither also runs a retail center called Gaither Family Resources.


===Record labels===
Gaither has been a father figure to many up-and-comers in the Contemporary Christian music industry, while helping to prolong the careers of those who came before him. ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] are all CCM artists who either got their start or became popular while touring with the Gaithers.
In the 1980s, Gaither was involved with Paragon Associates, which formed a partnership with ] to buy ], which is now part of ].
He has maintained the Gaither Vocal Band with a variety of singers coming and going. The current Gaither Vocal Band consists of: ], Wes Hampton, Marshall Hall and of course, Bill Gaither. Previously, Mark Lowry, David Phelps, Steve Green, Michael English, Russ Taff, Jonathan Pierce and others have been with the group. ] is the longest current standing member of Gaither Vocal Band outside of Bill Gaither who founded the group. ] has been with the group since 1993. Marshall Hall and Wes Hampton are both recent additions to Gaither Vocal Band (GVB)


In 1994, Gaither and entrepreneur Leland Boren founded the ]-based Chapel Hill Music Group, which later changed its name to ].<ref>{{cite web |work=All About Jazz |url=http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=421 |title=The Spring Hill Music Group Announces the Creation of the Hillsboro Jazz Label |publisher=Allaboutjazz.com |access-date=April 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202101727/http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=421 |archive-date=February 2, 2009 }}</ref> It was created as part of the Gaither Music Company to handle in-house productions, including the ''Gaither Homecoming'' series.
His "Homecoming" tours, which started in ], brought together giants of the southern gospel and CCM industry, sparking a revival of the genres. The "Homecoming" tours have sold more than 1.1 million tickets across the world, and have included such notable venues as the ] and ]. Pollstar lists the tour as selling more tickets in ] than ], ] or ].


===Industry influence===
In addition to singing and songwriting, Gaither has produced albums for other Christian artists since the early 1990s.
], ], Bill Gaither (left to right) in April 2009]]
Gaither has been a father figure and career booster to many younger performers in the ], while helping to prolong the careers of those who came before him for example by producing Homecoming recordings and tours. The following are all CCM artists who either got their start or became popular while touring with the Gaithers: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Karla Worley, and ].


He has maintained the Gaither Vocal Band with a variety of singers through the years, including ], Steve Green, Lee Young, Jon Mohr, ], Michael English, Lemuel Miller, Jim Murray, ], Terry Franklin, Buddy Mullins, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Todd Suttles and Reggie Smith. Penrod, Lowry and Hampton were the members of the Gaither Vocal Band with the longest tenure besides Bill Gaither himself. Penrod was with the group from 1995 to 2008; Lowry from 1988 to 2001; and Hampton has been with the Gaither Vocal Band since 2005. It was announced in January 2009 that Lowry, English and Phelps were rejoining the group; at the same time the announcement was made that Penrod and Hall were leaving to pursue solo careers.
In ], ] named Gaither one of the top 50 richest musicians, with the likes of ] and the ]. At 68, Gaither was the oldest on the list.


Gaither's ''Homecoming'' tours, which started in 1991, brought together major stars of the southern gospel and CCM industry, sparking a revival of the genres. The tours have sold more than 1.1&nbsp;million tickets across the world, and have included such notable venues as the ] and ]. Pollstar listed the tour as selling more tickets in 2004 than ], ] or ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=12702 |title=
Bill and Gloria still live in Indiana and have three grown children.
Bill Gaither's Homecoming Tour Hits POLLSTAR's 'Top 20' Ticket Sales List; Outranks Rod Stewart, Elton John & Fleetwood Mac |website=Top40-charts.com |access-date=April 20, 2013}}</ref> Lynda Randle, the Isaacs, Russ Taff, the Hoppers, Jessy Dixon and many more have performed on the tours.


==Awards== ==Personal life==
{{expand section|date=September 2018}}
*Christian "Songwriter of the Century" (with Gloria Gaither): American Society of Composers and Publishers (]), 2000.
Bill and Gloria live in Alexandria, Indiana, and have three grown children.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gaither.com/artists/bill-gaither/|title=Bill Gaither – Gaither Music|website=Gaither.com}}</ref>
*Among the top 75 American entrepreneurs: Entrepreneur Magazine, 1997
*] inductee, 1982.
*]s in 1973, 1975, 1991, 1999; additional nominations in 1969, 1974, 1984 (x2), 1987, 1993, 1997, 1998)
*]s in 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974 (x2), 1975, 1976 (x2), 1977 (x2), 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 (x3), 1995, 1999 (x2), 2000. Numerous other nominations.
*Multi-platinum albums: 2. Platinum albums: 22. Gold albums: 21. (])
*ASCAP Best Gospel Song of the Year: 1974, 1980
*] Honorary Life Member: 2006


==Works== ==Discography==
===Books=== ===Gaither Trio===
{{main|Bill Gaither Trio}}
''(This list excludes books of music and books that are a companion to his "Homecoming" series.)''
*Gaither, Bill and Ken Abraham. ''It's More than Music: Life Lessons on Friends, Faith, and What Matters Most''. Anderson, Indiana: Warner Books. 2003. (ISBN 0-446-53041-7)
*Gaither, Bill and Jerry Jenkins. ''I Almost Missed the Sunset''. Thomas Nelson (pub). 1992. (ISBN 0-8407-7573-3).
*Gaither, Bill and Jerry Jenkins. ''Homecoming''. Zondervan. 1997. (ISBN 0-310-21325-8)
*Gaither, Bill and Gloria Gaither. ''God Gave Song''. Zondervan. 2000. (ISBN 0-310-23123-X)


===Discography=== ===Solo===
====Bill Gaither, The Gaithers, Gaither Trio, etc.==== *2005: ''Bill Gaither''
*1960s Happiness, The Bill Gaither Trio: Bill & Danny Gaither and Sherry Slattery
*1970s At Home In Indiana
*1970s The King Is Coming
*1970s Sings Warm
*1970s Allelujah: Praise Continues
*1970s The Early Works
*1972 Live (2 LPs)
*1972 Christmas...Back Home In Indiana
*1972 My Faith Still Holds
*1973 Especially For Children Of All Ages
*1973 Let's Just Praise The Lord
*1974 Something Beautiful...An Evening With The Bill Gaither Trio (2 LPs)
*1974 Because He Lives
*1974 Thanks For Sunshine
*1975 I Am A Promise
*1975 Jesus, We Just Want To Thank You
*1976 Praise
*1977 My Heart Can Sing - The Inspiring Songs of Stuart Hamblen
*1977 Moments For Forever (2 LPs)
*1978 Pilgrim's Progress
*1978 The Very Best Of The Very Best
*1979 We Are Persuaded
*1979 He Touched Me
*1980 The Very Best Of The Very Best...For Kids
*1981 Bless The Lord Who Reigns In Beauty
*1982 He Started The Whole World Singing
*1983 Fully Alive
*1984 Ten New Songs With Kids...For Kids About Life
*1985 Then He Said Sing
*1987 Welcome Back Home
*1990 Hymn Classics
*1992 Best Of The Gaithers...Live!
*1993 Old Friends
*1994 Oh Happy Day Vol. 1 & 2
*1994 Precious Memories
*1996 Our Recollections
*2000 Bill Gaither Trio, Vol. 1
*2000 Bill Gaither Trio, Vol. 2
*2000 Bill Gaither Trio, Vol. 3
*2000 Bill Gaither Trio, Vol. 4
*2005 Bill Gaither (self-titled solo project)


====Gaither Vocal Band==== ===Gaither Vocal Band===
{{main article|Gaither Vocal Band}} {{main|Gaither Vocal Band discography}}
*1981 The New Gaither Vocal Band
*1983 Passin' The Faith Along
*1984 New Point Of View
*1986 One X 1
*1988 Wings
*1989 The Best From The Beginning
*1990 A Few Good Men
*1991 Homecoming
*1993 Southern Classics
*1993 Peace Of The Rock
*1994 Testify
*1994 I Bowed On My Knees
*1994 King Is Coming
*1995 Reunion Precious Memories
*1995 Can't Stop Talking About Him
*1996 Southern Classics: Volume 2
*1997 Back Home In Indiana
*1997 Lovin' God & Lovin' Each Other
*1997 Joy To The World: Gaither Gospel Series
*1998 Still The Greatest Story Ever Told
*1999 God Is Good
*2000 I Do Believe
*2002 Everything Good
*2003 a cappella
*2003 8 Great Hits
*2004 Best Of The Gaither Vocal Band
*2006 Give It Away


====Homecoming Series==== ===Homecoming Series===
{{main article|Gaither Homecoming}} {{main|Gaither Homecoming}}

*1992 A Praise Gathering
==Bibliography==
*1993 Old Friends
''(This list excludes books of music and books that are companions to his "Homecoming" series.)''
*1993 Turn Your Radio On
*2003: Gaither, Bill and Ken Abraham. ''It's More than Music: Life Lessons on Friends, Faith, and What Matters Most''. Anderson, Indiana: Warner Books. ({{ISBN|0-446-53041-7}})
*1995 Reunion
*1992: Gaither, Bill and Jerry Jerkins. ''I Almost Missed the Sunset''. Thomas Nelson (pub). ({{ISBN|0-8407-7573-3}}).
*1995 Holy Ground
*1997: Gaither, Bill and Jerry Jerkins. ''Homecoming''. Zondervan. ({{ISBN|0-310-21325-8}})
*1995 All Day Singin' with Dinner on the Ground
*2000: Gaither, Bill and Gloria Gaither. ''God Gave Song''. Zondervan. ({{ISBN|0-310-23123-X}})
*1995 Revival

*1995 Ryman Gospel Reunion
==Awards and honors==
*1996 Homecoming Texas Style
===Grammy Awards===
*1996 Something Beautiful
*1973: Best Inspirational Performance for "Let's Just Praise The Lord"; Bill Gaither Trio
*1996 Sing Your Blues Away
*1975: Best Inspirational Performance for "Jesus, We Just Want To Thank You"; Bill Gaither Trio
*1996 When All God's Singers Get Home
*1991: Best Southern Gospel Album for ''Homecoming''; Gaither Vocal Band
*1997 Feelin' At Home
*1999: Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for ''Kennedy Center Homecoming''
*1997 Joy in the Camp
*2001: Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album for ''A Billy Graham Music Homecoming''
*1998 Down by the Tabernacle
*2008: Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for ''Lovin' Life; Gaither Vocal Band''
*1998 Hawaiian Homecoming

*1998 Marching to Zion
===GMA Dove Awards===
*1998 Kenedy Center Homecoming
*1969, 1970, 1972–'77: Songwriter of the Year
*1998 Atlanta Homecoming
*1974: Song of the Year for "Because He Lives"
*1998 All Day Singin' at the Dome
*1976: Inspirational Album of the Year for ''Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You''; Bill Gaither Trio
*1998 Rivers of Joy
*1978: Inspirational Album of the Year for ''Pilgrim's Progress''; Bill Gaither Trio
*1998 Singin' with the Saints
*1980: Mixed Group of the Year – Bill Gaither Trio
*1999 Singin' in My Soul
*1986: Praise and Worship Album of the Year for ''I’ve Just Seen Jesus'' (choral)
*1999 So Glad!
*1987: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''The Master Builder''; ] (producer)
*1999 Mountain Homecoming
*1991: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Climbing Higher & Higher''; The Cathedrals (producer)
*1999 I'll Meet You on the Mountain
*1992: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Homecoming'' Gaither Vocal Band
*1999 Sweet, Sweet Spirit
*1993: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Reunion: A Gospel Homecoming Celebration''
*2000 Good News
*1994: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Southern Classics''; Gaither Vocal Band
*2000 Memphis Homecoming
*1994: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "Satisfied"; Gaither Vocal Band
*2000 Oh, My Glory!
*1995: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "I Bowed On My Knees"
*2000 Because He Lives
*1999: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Still the Greatest Story Ever Told''; Gaither Vocal Band
*2000 Harmony in the Heartland
*1995: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary"; Gaither Vocal Band
*2000 Irish Homecoming
*2000: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''God is Good''; Gaither Vocal Band
*2000 Christmas in the Country
*2001: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''I Do Believe''; Gaither Vocal Band
*2000 Whispering Hope
*2001: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "God Is Good All The Time"; Gaither Vocal Band
*2001 What a Time!
*2001: Long Form Video of the Year for ''A Farewell Celebration''; The Cathedrals (producer)
*2001 London Homecoming
*2002: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Encore''; Old Friends Quartet (producer)
*2001 Christmas... A Time for Joy
*2002: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "He's Watching Me"; Gaither Vocal Band
*2001 A Billy Graham Music Homecoming, Vol. 1
*2007: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Give It Away''; Gaither Vocal Band
*2001 A Billy Graham Music Homecoming, Vol. 2
*2007: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "Give It Away"; Gaither Vocal Band
*2002 Freedom Band
*2009: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Lovin' Life''; Gaither Vocal Band
*2002 I'll Fly Away
*2010: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Reunited''; Gaither Vocal Band
*2002 New Orleans Homecoming
*2010: Long Form Video of the Year for ''A Gospel Journey''; ] (producer)
*2002 God Bless America
*2011: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "Better Day"; Gaither Vocal Band
*2002 Let Freedom Ring
*2011: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for ''Greatly Blessed''; Gaither Vocal Band
*2003 Going Home

*2003 Heaven
===Other honors===
*2003 A Gospel Bluegrass Homecoming Vol.1
*2003 A Gospel Bluegrass Homecoming Vol.2 *1974, 1980: ASCAP Best Gospel Song of the Year
* 1983: Inducted into the ] ]
*2003 Australian Homecoming
*1997: Named among the top 75 American entrepreneurs: ''Entrepreneur Magazine''
*2003 Red Rocks Homecoming
*1997: Inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame
*2003 Rocky Mountain Homecoming
*2000: Christian "Songwriter of the Century" (with Gloria Gaither): American Society of Composers and Publishers (])<ref>{{cite news|title=Top Acts, Execs Gather in Nashville For Gospel Music Week|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WQ8EAAAAMBAJ&q=ASCAP+award+Gaither&pg=PA22|access-date=March 8, 2016|agency=Billboard|date=May 27, 2000|page=22}}</ref>
*2004 Build a Bridge
*2006: ] Honorary Life Member<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barbershop.org/history/our-heroes/honorary-society-members.html |title=Honorary Members |publisher=Barbershop.org |access-date=April 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324064911/http://www.barbershop.org/history/our-heroes/honorary-society-members.html |archive-date=March 24, 2013 }}</ref>
*2004 We Will Stand
*2010: ] Society of World Changers inductee and honorary doctorate recipient<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Indiana Wesleyan University |url=http://www.indwes.edu/News/2010/IWU-Honors-Bill-and-Gloria-Gaither-as-World-Changers/ |title=IWU Honors Bill and Gloria Gaither as World Changers &#124; Indiana Wesleyan University |work=Indwes.edu |date=August 17, 2010 |access-date=April 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527093133/http://www.indwes.edu/News/2010/IWU-Honors-Bill-and-Gloria-Gaither-as-World-Changers/ |archive-date=May 27, 2010 }}</ref>
*2004 America The Beautiful: Bill Gaither's Favorite Patriotic Songs
*2012: Concert Promotor of the Year: NQC Music Awards
*2004 A Tribute To Howard & Vestal Goodman

*2004 A Tribute to Jake Hess
==References==
*2004 He Started the Whole World Singing
{{Reflist}}
*2004 Journey to the Sky
*2004 Passin' the Faith Along
*2005 Church In The Wildwood: Cherished Hymns
*2005 Hymns
*2005 Israel Homecoming
*2005 Jerusalem Homecoming
*2005 A Tribute to George Younce
*2005 The Best of Guy Penrod
*2005 Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
*2006 Canadian Homecoming
*2006 Gaither Homecoming Tour: Live from Toronto
*2006 Bill Gaither Remembers Homecoming Heroes
*2006 Bill Gaither Remembers Old Friends
*2006 The Best of Anthony Burger
*2006 The Best of Jessy Dixon
*2006 The Best of Jeff and Sheri Easter
*2006 Gaither Vocal Band: Give It Away
*2006 Christmas in South Africa
*2006 Homecoming Christmas from South Africa


==External links== ==External links==
* *{{Official website|https://www.gaither.com }}
* *
* *
* * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050919155536/http://christianmusic.about.com/od/interviewsal/a/aabgaither1104.htm |date=September 19, 2005 }}
* *
* *


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Latest revision as of 02:23, 16 October 2024

American singer and songwriter For other people with similar names, see Bill Gaither.

Bill Gaither
Gaither in 2016Gaither in 2016
Background information
Birth nameWilliam James Gaither
Born (1936-03-28) March 28, 1936 (age 88)
Alexandria, Indiana, U.S.
GenresSouthern gospel, contemporary Christian
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, record producer
Years active1950s–present
LabelsSpring House Productions, Gaither Music Group
Websitegaither.com
Musical artist

William James Gaither (born March 28, 1936) is an American singer and songwriter of Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music. He has written numerous popular Christian songs with his wife Gloria; he is also known for performing as part of the Bill Gaither Trio and the Gaither Vocal Band. In the 1990s, his career gained a resurgence (as well as the careers of other southern gospel artists), as popularity grew for the Gaither Homecoming series. In 2023 he released a secular music album with the Gaither Vocal Band entitled “Love Songs”.

Early life

Bill Gaither was born in Alexandria, Indiana, in 1936 to George and Lela Gaither. He formed his first group the Bill Gaither Trio (consisting of Bill, his sister Mary Ann (1945–2018), and brother Danny Gaither (1938–2001) in 1956 while a college student at Anderson College, to which he had transferred after one year at Taylor University. He graduated from Anderson in 1959 with a major in English and a minor in music, after which he worked as an English teacher. He married the former Gloria Sickal in 1962.

Gaither earned his master's degree from Ball State in 1961, Gaither entered into the fledgling Gospel Music Association, founded in 1964, and helped organize the first Dove Awards ceremony in 1969.

He tried for a few years to manage both a music career and his full-time teaching job, but he quit his teaching job in 1967 and worked full-time in the Christian music industry. He recorded his breakthrough song "He Touched Me" in 1964.

Gaither was influenced by Southern gospel singers such as Jake Hess and Hovie Lister and by groups such as the Speers, the Statesmen, and the Happy Goodmans.

Songwriter

Bill & Gloria Gaither in 2016

Gaither and his wife, Gloria, have written many songs including: "The Longer I Serve Him," "Because He Lives," "The King Is Coming," "Sinner Saved By Grace", "Something Beautiful," "He Touched Me", "It Is Finished," "Jesus, There's Something About That Name" "I'm Gonna Sing", and "Let's Just Praise The Lord." His songs have been performed by Christian artists (David Crowder Band, Carman, The Imperials, Sandi Patty, The Cathedral Quartet, The Speers and the Heritage Singers), country singers (The Statler Brothers) and pop artists (Elvis Presley). A video of a man surreptitiously recorded playing "Jesus, There's Something About That Name" on a piano in his destroyed house was shared by many people following the Tornado outbreak of December 10–11, 2021.

Gloria Gaither often writes the lyrics while Bill writes the music, although composing is usually a collaborative project between the two. As of 2005, they had composed 600 songs and by 2012 that number had increased to over 700.

Performer

Bill Gaither performing, 2011

After graduating high school, Gaither took a job in 1955 at Worthington, Ohio's radio station WRFD as a member of the station's gospel quartet. Since Gaither first began singing with the Bill Gaither Trio in the 1950s, he has constantly been performing. The trio originally consisted of Bill, his brother Danny Gaither and his sister Mary Ann Gaither. In about 1964 Bill's wife, Gloria, took the place of Mary Ann. The trio sang traditional gospel songs along with original compositions by the Gaithers that gave them a more contemporary feel.

Gaither has a high bass voice (or low baritone), and often sang while playing piano with the Bill Gaither Trio.

Entrepreneurship and influence

Gaither founded the Gaither Music Company, which includes the functions of record company, concert booking (Gaither Management Group), television production, copyright management (Gaither Copyright Management), retail store, recording studio (Gaither Studios, formerly Pinebrook Studios) and telemarketing for the Gaither organization reside. He also ran the Gaither Family Resources retail center.

Included as part of the company is Live Bait Productions, an animation company run by Benjy Gaither, one of Bill's three children.

Record labels

In the 1980s, Gaither was involved with Paragon Associates, which formed a partnership with Zondervan to buy Benson Records, which is now part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

In 1994, Gaither and entrepreneur Leland Boren founded the Brentwood, Tennessee-based Chapel Hill Music Group, which later changed its name to Spring Hill Music Group. It was created as part of the Gaither Music Company to handle in-house productions, including the Gaither Homecoming series.

Industry influence

David Phelps, Gordon Mote, Bill Gaither (left to right) in April 2009

Gaither has been a father figure and career booster to many younger performers in the Christian music industry, while helping to prolong the careers of those who came before him for example by producing Homecoming recordings and tours. The following are all CCM artists who either got their start or became popular while touring with the Gaithers: Mark Lowry, Michael W. Smith, Carman, Sandi Patty, Steve Green, Don Francisco, Amy Grant, Michael English, Jonathan Pierce, Karla Worley, and Cynthia Clawson.

He has maintained the Gaither Vocal Band with a variety of singers through the years, including Gary McSpadden, Steve Green, Lee Young, Jon Mohr, Larnelle Harris, Michael English, Lemuel Miller, Jim Murray, Mark Lowry, Terry Franklin, Buddy Mullins, Jonathan Pierce, Guy Penrod, David Phelps, Russ Taff, Marshall Hall, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Reggie Smith. Penrod, Lowry and Hampton were the members of the Gaither Vocal Band with the longest tenure besides Bill Gaither himself. Penrod was with the group from 1995 to 2008; Lowry from 1988 to 2001; and Hampton has been with the Gaither Vocal Band since 2005. It was announced in January 2009 that Lowry, English and Phelps were rejoining the group; at the same time the announcement was made that Penrod and Hall were leaving to pursue solo careers.

Gaither's Homecoming tours, which started in 1991, brought together major stars of the southern gospel and CCM industry, sparking a revival of the genres. The tours have sold more than 1.1 million tickets across the world, and have included such notable venues as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Pollstar listed the tour as selling more tickets in 2004 than Elton John, Fleetwood Mac or Rod Stewart. Lynda Randle, the Isaacs, Russ Taff, the Hoppers, Jessy Dixon and many more have performed on the tours.

Personal life

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2018)

Bill and Gloria live in Alexandria, Indiana, and have three grown children.

Discography

Gaither Trio

Main article: Bill Gaither Trio

Solo

  • 2005: Bill Gaither

Gaither Vocal Band

Main article: Gaither Vocal Band discography

Homecoming Series

Main article: Gaither Homecoming

Bibliography

(This list excludes books of music and books that are companions to his "Homecoming" series.)

  • 2003: Gaither, Bill and Ken Abraham. It's More than Music: Life Lessons on Friends, Faith, and What Matters Most. Anderson, Indiana: Warner Books. (ISBN 0-446-53041-7)
  • 1992: Gaither, Bill and Jerry Jerkins. I Almost Missed the Sunset. Thomas Nelson (pub). (ISBN 0-8407-7573-3).
  • 1997: Gaither, Bill and Jerry Jerkins. Homecoming. Zondervan. (ISBN 0-310-21325-8)
  • 2000: Gaither, Bill and Gloria Gaither. God Gave Song. Zondervan. (ISBN 0-310-23123-X)

Awards and honors

Grammy Awards

  • 1973: Best Inspirational Performance for "Let's Just Praise The Lord"; Bill Gaither Trio
  • 1975: Best Inspirational Performance for "Jesus, We Just Want To Thank You"; Bill Gaither Trio
  • 1991: Best Southern Gospel Album for Homecoming; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 1999: Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Kennedy Center Homecoming
  • 2001: Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album for A Billy Graham Music Homecoming
  • 2008: Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Lovin' Life; Gaither Vocal Band

GMA Dove Awards

  • 1969, 1970, 1972–'77: Songwriter of the Year
  • 1974: Song of the Year for "Because He Lives"
  • 1976: Inspirational Album of the Year for Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You; Bill Gaither Trio
  • 1978: Inspirational Album of the Year for Pilgrim's Progress; Bill Gaither Trio
  • 1980: Mixed Group of the Year – Bill Gaither Trio
  • 1986: Praise and Worship Album of the Year for I’ve Just Seen Jesus (choral)
  • 1987: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for The Master Builder; The Cathedrals (producer)
  • 1991: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Climbing Higher & Higher; The Cathedrals (producer)
  • 1992: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Homecoming Gaither Vocal Band
  • 1993: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Reunion: A Gospel Homecoming Celebration
  • 1994: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Southern Classics; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 1994: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "Satisfied"; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 1995: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "I Bowed On My Knees"
  • 1999: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Still the Greatest Story Ever Told; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 1995: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary"; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2000: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for God is Good; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2001: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for I Do Believe; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2001: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "God Is Good All The Time"; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2001: Long Form Video of the Year for A Farewell Celebration; The Cathedrals (producer)
  • 2002: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Encore; Old Friends Quartet (producer)
  • 2002: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "He's Watching Me"; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2007: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Give It Away; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2007: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "Give It Away"; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2009: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Lovin' Life; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2010: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Reunited; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2010: Long Form Video of the Year for A Gospel Journey; Oak Ridge Boys (producer)
  • 2011: Southern Gospel Song of the Year for "Better Day"; Gaither Vocal Band
  • 2011: Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Greatly Blessed; Gaither Vocal Band

Other honors

  • 1974, 1980: ASCAP Best Gospel Song of the Year
  • 1983: Inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame
  • 1997: Named among the top 75 American entrepreneurs: Entrepreneur Magazine
  • 1997: Inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame
  • 2000: Christian "Songwriter of the Century" (with Gloria Gaither): American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP)
  • 2006: SPEBSQSA Honorary Life Member
  • 2010: Indiana Wesleyan University Society of World Changers inductee and honorary doctorate recipient
  • 2012: Concert Promotor of the Year: NQC Music Awards

References

  1. "In Loving Memory of Mary Ann Gaither Addison". Gaither.com.
  2. Cusic, Dan, Ed. (2010). Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music: Pop, Rock, and Worship: Pop, Rock, and Worship. Santa Barbara, California: Greenwood Press. pp. 201–207. ISBN 978-0-313-34425-1. Retrieved March 8, 2016.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. "Bill & Gloria Gaither biography". Hymnologyarchive.com. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  4. "He Touched Me Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  5. ^ "Gloria Gaither". Gaither.com.
  6. "This Kentucky Man Played the Piano After a Tornado Destroyed His Home". Wsj.com.
  7. "Courage and Strength for His Child: "Because He Lives"". Cbn.com. December 8, 2022.
  8. Oller, Julia (December 6, 2016). "After 60 years, gospel legend Bill Gaither keeps his music, outlook fresh". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  9. "Welcome to Livebait Entertainment". Livebaitproductions.com. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  10. "The Spring Hill Music Group Announces the Creation of the Hillsboro Jazz Label". All About Jazz. Allaboutjazz.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  11. "Bill Gaither's Homecoming Tour Hits POLLSTAR's 'Top 20' Ticket Sales List; Outranks Rod Stewart, Elton John & Fleetwood Mac". Top40-charts.com. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  12. "Bill Gaither – Gaither Music". Gaither.com.
  13. "Top Acts, Execs Gather in Nashville For Gospel Music Week". Billboard. May 27, 2000. p. 22. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  14. "Honorary Members". Barbershop.org. Archived from the original on March 24, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  15. "IWU Honors Bill and Gloria Gaither as World Changers | Indiana Wesleyan University". Indwes.edu. Indiana Wesleyan University. August 17, 2010. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved April 20, 2013.

External links

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Gaither Vocal Band
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