GROUP SPOTLIGHT: THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND: A BRIEF HISTORY, PART 1
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND, PART ONE: 1981-1997
The Gaither Vocal Band was formed 1981 by legendary Christian Music singer-songwriter William J. “Bill” Gaither as a successor to his widely popular Gaither Trio. The original lineup of the group consisted of Gaither singing baritone, Gary McSpadden, fellow trio member, at lead, and two of the trio’s backup singers Steve Green (Tenor) and Lee Young (Bass). The group sang a rousing rendition of the classic “Your First Day In Heaven” one night at a trio concert and the rest is history! The New Gaither Vocal Band as it was originally called was born!! The group adopted the name Vocal Band as Green at the time did not want to be associated with “quartet” music. In addition, the group would not be bound in terms of sound, number of vocalists for example by using the name Vocal Band. The stellar vocal group released their self titled album in 1981 and featured songs that would later become GVB standards such as “He Came Down To My Level.” In 1982, the group saw the first of many changes come to the lineup with bass singer Lee Young departing. John Mohr, who would write some of the GVB’s great songs such as “Rumor Mill,” “New Point Of View,” and “Passin’ The Faith Along,” joined the group in the bass position. This lineup recorded one album called Passin The Faith Along (1982) before tenor Steve Green’s departure in 1983.
Green’s replacement was Larnelle Harris, who brought his powerful high notes to the group. Harris, McSpadden, Gaither, and Mohr recorded one album together called A New Point of View which was released in 1984. More change came to the GVB in 1985 as John Mohr left the group. Instead of hiring a new bass, Gaither hired an incredible young lead singer by the name of Michael English. Gary McSpadden switched to the baritone and Gaither switched to the bass position citing the baritone was getting to high for him to sing. In addition, the group dropped the “New” from the name, officially becoming The Gaither Vocal Band. This incredible lineup brought the group to the forefront of the industry. They began to experience more widespread popularity during this time. The group recorded another great album entitled One X 1 which was more contemporary in style which was released in 1986.
In 1987, tenor Larnelle Harris left the group and Lemuel Miller was hired in his place. Miller did not record with the group and was only a member for a few short months before former Imperials tenor Jim Murray joined the group. Murray brought a clear an resonant tenor voice to the group which at this time began to hearken back to their Southern Gospel roots. This lineup released one record called Wings in 1988. In 1988, Gary McSpadden left the group to start a solo career. His replacement not only brought an amazing baritone voice, but what would become a classic part of the Gaither concert and video experience: comedy. This funny man vocalist was none other than Mark Lowry. In 1990, the group recorded the album A Few Good Men which featured several of the now classic GVB songs. It was the lineup of Murray, English, Lowry, and Gaither that started the now widely popular award winning Homecoming video series beginning with the GVB recording entitled Homecoming in 1991 which was a return to their Southern Gospel roots. Gaither had the idea of gathering many of his Gospel music heroes including George Younce, Glen Payne, The Speer Family, and The Happy Goodmans together for a wonderful time of worship and singing and decided to have it recorded. This video boosted the popularity not only of the GVB, but also brought new life to the careers of these classic Southern Gospel artists. In 1992, change came to the group yet again with Jim Murray departing and Terry Franklin joining as the new tenor vocalist. Franklin would become known for his stirring rendition of “Little Is Much.” This lineup recorded two incredible projects: a contemporary styled Peace Of The Rock and a CD of great Southern Gospel songs entitled Southern Classics Volume 1 both released in 1993. Franklin left the quartet in 1994 and was replaced by Jonathan Pierce at the tenor position. In addition, longtime lead singer Michael English decided to leave the group to begin a solo career. The soulful Buddy Mullins, formerly of Mullins & Co and Sunday Drive, joined in the lead vocal position and recorded one CD with the group called Testify which was a great mix of contemporary style and Southern Gospel which became more prominent as the years went on. In 1995, following the departure of Buddy Mullins, Guy Penrod joined the group bringing his incredible soulful country style voice to the mix. This lineup recorded two great projects: a sequel to the Southern Classics recording Southern Classics Volume II (1995) and Lovin’ God Loving Each Other (1997). The year 1997 brought more changes to the group with tenor Jonathan Pierce leaving and the great David Phelps joining as the quartet’s new tenor. This begins one of the most popular eras of the Gaither Vocal Band!!
Stay tuned for the continuation of this incredible group’s history…..