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Bill Gaither
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Bill Gaither
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Key Information

William James Gaither (/ˈɡeɪθər/[1] GAY-thər; 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

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Bill Gaither was born in Alexandria, Indiana, in 1936 to George William Gaither and Lela Olga Hartwell. He formed his first group the Bill Gaither Trio (consisting of Bill, his sister Mary Ann (1945–2018),[2] 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,[3] 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.[4]

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.[5]

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

[edit]
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 Oak Ridge Boys, The Statler Brothers) and pop artists (Elvis Presley).[6] 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.[7]

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.[8][6]

Performer

[edit]
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.[9] 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

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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.[10]

Record labels

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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.[11] It was created as part of the Gaither Music Company to handle in-house productions, including the Gaither Homecoming series.

Industry influence

[edit]
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 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; at the same time the announcement was made that Penrod and Hall were leaving.

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.[12] Lynda Randle, the Isaacs, Russ Taff, the Hoppers, Jessy Dixon and many more have performed on the tours.

Personal life

[edit]

Bill and Gloria live in Alexandria, Indiana, and have three grown children, Suzanne, Amy, and Benjy.[13]

Discography

[edit]

Gaither Trio

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Main article: Bill Gaither Trio

Solo

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  • 2005: Bill Gaither

Gaither Vocal Band

[edit]
Main article: Gaither Vocal Band discography

Homecoming Series

[edit]
Main article: Gaither Homecoming

Bibliography

[edit]

Awards and honors

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Grammy Awards

[edit]
  • 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

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  • 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

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  • 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)[14]
  • 2006: SPEBSQSA Honorary Life Member[15]
  • 2010: Indiana Wesleyan University Society of World Changers inductee and honorary doctorate recipient[16]
  • 2012: Concert Promotor of the Year: NQC Music Awards

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bill Gaither

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bill Gaither is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer known for his prolific and influential work in Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music. Through his long-standing collaboration with his wife Gloria Gaither, he has composed more than 700 gospel songs, many of which have become enduring standards in Christian hymnody and worship. Gaither began his musical journey in Indiana, where he formed his first group, the Bill Gaither Trio, while still a college student in 1956. He initially balanced a career as a high school English teacher with songwriting and performing after marrying Gloria Sickal in 1962, transitioning to full-time music in 1967. His songwriting partnership with Gloria produced widely recognized works such as "Because He Lives," "He Touched Me," "The King Is Coming," and "There's Something About That Name," which have been incorporated into hymnals and sung across denominations. Gaither's impact extends beyond songwriting through his leadership of the Gaither Vocal Band and the creation of the Gaither Homecoming series, a collection of videos, recordings, and live events starting in 1991 that featured veteran Southern gospel artists and helped revitalize the genre for new generations. His efforts have earned multiple Grammy Awards, numerous Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, and repeated recognition as Songwriter of the Year. He continues to operate Gaither Music Company from his home state, producing television broadcasts and concerts that reach millions worldwide.

Early life and education

Birth and family background

William James Gaither was born on March 28, 1936, in Alexandria, Indiana. He is the son of George William Gaither and Lela Olga Hartwell. Gaither grew up in Indiana, where he developed an early interest in gospel music as a fan of gospel quartets. His childhood in the region included exposure to Southern gospel music through local quartets that performed in churches and community venues, influencing his lifelong connection to the genre.

Education and early influences

Bill Gaither initially enrolled at Taylor University before transferring to Anderson College (now Anderson University), graduating in 1959 with a major in English and a minor in music. He subsequently earned an M.A. in guidance and counseling from Ball State University in 1961. In 1959, the same year as his undergraduate graduation, Gaither began teaching English at Madison Heights Junior High School in Anderson, a role he maintained while pursuing his musical interests on a part-time basis. During his college years at Anderson, he formed the Bill Gaither Trio in 1956, an early step that intersected with his academic pursuits and laid the foundation for his emerging involvement in gospel music. These educational experiences, combined with his initial teaching career, provided Gaither with a structured background in literature and music that influenced his development as a performer and songwriter during this formative period.

Music career

Formation of the Bill Gaither Trio

The Bill Gaither Trio was formed in 1956 while Bill Gaither was a college student. The group initially featured Gaither alongside his siblings Danny and Mary Ann, performing gospel standards at churches and religious events. In 1959, Gaither began working as a high school English teacher. For the next several years, from 1959 to 1967, he balanced this full-time teaching position with the Trio's ongoing commitments to singing, recording, and publishing music. During this period, the group continued to perform live and produce recordings, steadily building a presence in the gospel music community. By the mid-1960s, the Bill Gaither Trio had gained notable recognition within the field through their performances and early recordings. In 1962, Gaither married Gloria Sickal, a fellow teacher who would later collaborate with him musically. In 1967, as the demands of their music activities grew, Gaither left his teaching career to pursue gospel music full-time with the Trio. This transition marked the group's shift from a part-time endeavor to a primary professional focus.

Songwriting partnership with Gloria Gaither

Bill Gaither married Gloria Sickal in 1962, and she soon became his primary songwriting partner, marking the beginning of one of the most prolific collaborations in contemporary gospel music. Their partnership has produced over 700 gospel songs, blending heartfelt lyrics with accessible melodies that resonate with wide audiences. Among their best-known compositions are "He Touched Me" (1964), "Because He Lives", "The King Is Coming", "Something Beautiful", "It Is Finished", "There's Something About That Name", and "Let's Just Praise The Lord". These songs have endured as staples in church hymnals across various denominations, often featured in worship services and recordings worldwide. The couple's collaborative approach, with Gloria contributing much of the lyrical content and Bill providing musical settings, has helped shape modern gospel expression, making their catalog a cornerstone of inspirational Christian music. Their works continue to influence generations of singers and songwriters in the genre.

The Gaither Vocal Band and performances

The Gaither Vocal Band, founded by Bill Gaither, has served as a prominent force in southern gospel music with its signature harmonies and faith-centered performances. The group has evolved through multiple lineup changes over the decades, featuring an array of acclaimed gospel singers as members, including Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Mark Lowry, Michael English, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles, and Reggie Smith, whose talents have contributed to its enduring reputation as a "who's who" of the genre's best-loved voices. The Gaither Vocal Band has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. As a featured act in the Gaither Homecoming concert series, the group has maintained a steady schedule of live tours across North America for over 20 years, regularly filling venues and connecting with audiences through live gospel presentations. Through these performances and tours, the Gaither Vocal Band has collaborated with various gospel and country artists, broadening the reach of southern gospel music in live settings.

Business ventures

Founding and growth of Gaither Music Group

Bill Gaither founded Gaither Music Company, a multifaceted enterprise that encompasses a record label, concert booking services, television production, copyright management, a recording studio, and retail operations. In 1994, he co-founded Spring Hill Music Group (initially known as Chapel Music Group) to expand the company's presence in inspirational music publishing and distribution. Under the Gaither Music Group umbrella, the organization has achieved significant commercial success, with sales exceeding 40 million DVDs and CDs. The Gaither Gospel Series has seen 133 products certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum. The Gaither Gospel Series airs weekly on television networks across North America and Europe, with partnerships including PBS, RFD-TV, TBN. Gaither content is also available on streaming platforms through Gaither TV, and the associated YouTube channel has surpassed 1 billion views.

Video and television production

Launch and expansion of the Gaither Homecoming series

The Gaither Homecoming series originated in 1991 when Bill Gaither conceived the concept as a way to honor aging pioneers of Southern gospel music while they were still alive, initially as a one-time gathering to "offer flowers" to his heroes in the genre. This began with an informal post-recording session sing-along among veteran artists that was captured on video, generating strong positive response from participants and viewers. The enthusiasm led Gaither to develop and expand the idea into a professional video series featuring larger ensembles of gospel musicians performing classic songs, often in mass sing-alongs. The series surged in popularity during the 1990s, evolving into a major franchise with Bill Gaither serving as producer, director, and central figure in the productions. It renewed interest in Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music genres by showcasing gatherings of major artists and highlighting timeless repertoire, including many songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Many titles feature large gatherings of gospel artists performing Gaither songs, with notable examples including Irish Homecoming (2000), God Bless America (2002), Red Rocks Homecoming (2003), Amazing Grace (2007), and Tent Revival Homecoming (2011). The catalog encompasses more than 177 video copyrights.

Other television specials and productions

Bill Gaither has made occasional guest appearances and voice contributions to television and video productions outside his flagship Gaither Homecoming video series. He provided voice acting for the animated children's series Gaither's Pond (1997–2003), where he voiced the character Big Bass Bill. He also lent his voice to the animated video Mighty Messengers: Jonah and the Whale (1999). Gaither appeared in a guest role as Vaughn Winslow in a 2001 episode of the CBS drama Touched by an Angel. In 2007, he had a small role as a security guard in the comedy video special Chonda Pierce: Stayin' Alive... Laughing!. He contributed to soundtracks for the 1978 production Nite Song, including the song "I Will Serve Thee" that he wrote. His music was also featured in the 2011 film Bernie. In addition to acting and soundtrack work, Gaither served as a producer on early gospel music videos, including Bill & Gloria Gaither Present: The Journey the Goodman Family (1994) and Bill & Gloria Gaither Present: The Blackwood Brothers Family Reunion (1995). These productions highlighted southern gospel family groups and helped lay groundwork for his later video endeavors.

Personal life

Marriage, family, and residence

Bill Gaither married Gloria Sickal on December 22, 1962. The couple has three children: Suzanne Gaither Jennings, Amy Gaither Hayes, and Benjamin "Benjy" Gaither. Their son Benjy Gaither is involved in the family business, managing Live Bait Productions, an animation company within the Gaither Music organization. Bill and Gloria raised their family in Alexandria, Indiana, and continue to reside in the same home there, where they also operate aspects of their business.

Awards and recognition

Grammy and Dove Awards

Bill and Gloria Gaither have collectively won eight Grammy Awards for their contributions to gospel music. These include Best Inspirational Performance honors with the Bill Gaither Trio in 1973 for Let's Just Praise the Lord and in 1975 for Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You, along with Best Southern Gospel Album (or equivalent category) wins in 1991, 1999, 2001, and 2008. He has received more than two dozen GMA Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association across his career as a songwriter, performer, and producer. Gaither was named Songwriter of the Year by the GMA in 1969, 1970, and consecutively from 1972 to 1977, totaling eight times. His composition "Because He Lives" earned the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year in 1974. These accolades highlight his enduring influence in inspirational and southern gospel genres.

Hall of Fame inductions and other honors

Bill Gaither has been recognized with several prestigious honors for his contributions to gospel music and the broader music industry. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1983. This induction celebrated his significant impact as a songwriter and performer in gospel music. In 1997, Gaither was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. The honor acknowledged his enduring legacy in southern gospel through his work as a singer, songwriter, and industry figure. That same year, Entrepreneur Magazine named him among the top 75 American entrepreneurs in recognition of his successful business ventures in Christian music publishing and production. In 2000, Bill Gaither and his wife Gloria were named Christian Songwriters of the Century by ASCAP. This designation highlighted their collective influence on contemporary Christian music through their extensive catalog of songs. In 2024, Bill and Gloria Gaither received the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award from the Gospel Music Association.

References

  1. https://gaither.com/artists/bill-gaither/
  2. https://secure.cbn.com/cbnmusic/artists/gaither_bill.aspx
  3. https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/bill-gloria-gaither-bio
  4. https://www.alexandriahistoricalsociety.com/gaithers/
  5. https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/living/religion/article29149882.html
  6. https://gospelmusichalloffame.org/hall-of-fame-inductees-and-honorees/gaither-trio
  7. https://gaither.com/artists/gaither-vocal-band/
  8. https://www.absolutelygospel.com/2023/02/06/gaither-vocal-band-releases-love-songs/
  9. https://primarywave.com/gaither-music-group-and-primary-wave-music-launch-new-inspirational-product-line-with-storiarts/
  10. https://gaither.com/about/
  11. https://www.tbn.org/blog/gaither-gospel-hour-coming-tbn
  12. https://journalofgospelmusic.com/gospel/the-gaithers-and-southern-gospel-homecoming-in-the-twenty-first-century-ryan-p-harper/
  13. https://store.gaither.com/collections/homecoming-dvds
  14. https://gaither.com/gaither-music-group-and-primary-wave-music-launch-new-inspirational-product-line-with-storiarts/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3392946/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15145596/fullcredits/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1510079/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1724545/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1651141/soundtrack/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1704573/soundtrack/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1423905/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1423904/
  23. https://seniordirectory.com/articles/info/bill-and-gloria-gaither
  24. https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/gaither-gloria-1942
  25. https://grammy.com/artists/bill-gaither/2424
  26. https://gospelmusichalloffame.org/hall-of-fame-inductees-and-honorees/bill-gaither
  27. https://sgma.org/1997-inductees
  28. https://gaither.com/artists/gloria-gaither/
  29. https://doveawards.com/awards/special-awards
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