SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: GENE MCDONALD (BASS SOLOIST/GAITHER HOMECOMING TOUR)
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
A SPECIAL TUESDAY EDITION OF THE INTERVIEW SERIES
AN INTERVIEW WITH GENE MCDONALD- BASS EXTRAORDINAIRE
Gene McDonald. What can be said about this incredible talent! He is one of the greatest bass vocalists of this generation and one of kindest performers that I have had the pleasure of meeting. I've been able to see him perform several times thanks to the Gaither Homecoming tour!! McDonald's bass voice not only has amazing depth, but it is smooth! He has unbelievable range as he used to sing tenor in his youth. I recently contacted him via Facebook and email and he gladly accepted my request to interview him. Thank you Mr. McDonald for taking time out your busy schedule to do this!!
So without further ado, here it is!!
J. Gilmore: So Gene, how did you get your start in Southern Gospel music?
G. McDonald: I started with my mom, dad, and my sister in 1968. Dad Tommy, mom Doris, and my sister Janeene. We were from southeast Missouri. J. Gilmore: Given that you began singing with your family, who are your musical influences?
G. McDonald: My influences were great singers as well as great people. Rex (Nelon), Brock (Speer), Chief (James Wetherington), Jake (Hess), and many great tenors also. Kingsmen, Statesmen, Goodmans, and Florida Boys. J. Gilmore: Wow!! Those are some great people and amazing talents!! You mentioned several bass singers above. So, who is your favorite bass singer and singer in general?
G. McDonald: Bass singers were Herman Harper, Chief, Brock, and Tim Riley. Other singers are Vestal Goodman, Big Lou, Dale Shelnut, Jim Hamill, and Arthur Rice.
J. Gilmore: All favorites of mine as well!! Riley can hit some incredible notes!! What is the lowest bass note you can hit? Highest note?
G. McDonald: The lowest is an f above double low c and highest is f above middle c.
J. Gilmore: That's amazing!! Who are your favorite groups? Past or present
G. McDonald: Gold City, Kingsmen, Speers, Florida Boys, Rambos, and Happy Goodmans.
J. Gilmore: Speaking of the Florida Boys, what was your experience with the group like?
G. McDonald: I had a great time with the Florida Boys. Les, Glen, and Derrell were great influences and examples to a punk kid. They showed business and public sense that is needed in this industry. J. Gilmore: You stayed with the group until 2007 and are now a major fixture in the Gaither tour. How did you come in contact with Bill Gaither?
G. McDonald: I met Bill through Ben Speer. Ben had a recording session that he needed another bass and I happened to call him and was booked for the session. May 5, 6, and 7 of 1994. That is when it all started with Bill.
J. Gilmore: Great!! What has been the best part of traveling with the Gaithers?
G. McDonald: The best part is the family atmosphere among the artists. We're here for each other. We also are accountability for each other. Getting see friends and fans over the years is great.
J. Gilmore: I'm glad to hear that it is just like it seems!! You have sung many songs. What is your favorite song to sing?
G. McDonald: How Great Thou Art, Thanks To Calvary, and When They Ring Those Golden Bells. J. Gilmore: Great songs!! What is your favorite Scripture verse?
G. McDonald: John 3:16-17 J. Gilmore: Good word!! What is something that people might not know about you?
G. McDonald: I love fishing, water sport of any kind, hunting, anything with my family. Use to work on tug boats to pay for college. J. Gilmore: Awesome!! From tug boats to Gospel music!! What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your years of singing Gospel music?
G. McDonald: My most memorable was singing for President George Bush 41 when I filled in for Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys. The Greater Vision quartets video. Singing with George Beverly Shea a couple of years ago. Singing with the Gaither Vocal Band is always a highlight. J. Gilmore: Wow!! Those are incredible experiences!! Any advice for aspiring Gospel artists?
G. McDonald: My advice is just to start. Try to get people to listen to you. Go to the Ben Speer School of music. That is where I was discovered. Just try to get exposure for the right people to hear you.
J. Gilmore: Great words of encouragement!! Thanks for your time!!
For more information on this great bass, visit his website: http://www.genemcdonaldmusic.com/