SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW WITH WES HAMPTON OF THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH WES HAMPTON OF THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND
Wes Hampton has served as the tenor vocalist for the Gaither Vocal Band since 2005. His stellar voice has become a vital part of the group's sound. Hampton is one of the greatest tenor vocalists in Southern Gospel music in my humble opinion. I have had the pleasure of seeing him in concert with the GVB on three of their recent trips to California. He is one of the kindest individuals and is such a joy to watch on stage. He graciously accpeted my request for this interview and I couldn't be more thrilled to present this to you all! Enjoy!
J. Gilmore: How did you get your start in Southern Gospel music?
W. Hampton: I started singing in a quartet in high school. My love for music really grew while in that group. I also sang in a different quartet in college. J. Gilmore: Awesome! Who are your musical influences?
W. Hampton: Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, and Michael English. I grew up loving a wide variety of music. I like a lot of secular artists as well, including Michael Bolton, Billy Joel, Sting, and Brian McKnight. J. Gilmore: Fantastic vocalists! Who is your favorite tenor singer? Who is your favorite singer (in Gospel or secular music)?
W. Hampton: That’s a tough one. I like different tenor voices for different reasons. A few of my favorite tenors are Terry Franklin, Steve Green, David Phelps, and Larnelle. I also think Chris Allman is pretty amazing. J. Gilmore: Great! Some of the best ever! What is the highest note you can hit?
W. Hampton: I haven’t checked recently. :) I remember warming up to a high E flat in college. I haven’t attempted that note in a while. J. Gilmore: Hahaha That’s great! Who are your favorite groups? Past or present
W. Hampton: Well, obviously, my favorite group is the GVB. I grew up loving them so much. It’s crazy to think I’ve been a part of the GVB for 10 years now! I also love the Martins, Isaacs, Take 6, Booth Brothers, Nelons. J. Gilmore: The GVB is incredible!! I’m glad that you are in the group! How did you come in contact with the GVB?
W. Hampton: I was leading worship in a church when I got the call to send in a CD of songs I had recorded. That led to a 7 week long audition with the GVB.
J. Gilmore: What has been the best part of traveling with GVB/Homecoming crew?
W. Hampton: Besides singing in my favorite group with some really great guys, I have loved getting to see so much of the world. It’s been an amazing ride! J. Gilmore: Great! What is your favorite song to sing?
W. Hampton: I’ll Pray for You, Little is Much, He is Here J. Gilmore: Amazing songs!! What is your favorite Scripture verse?
W. Hampton: John 15:5 J. Gilmore: Awesome! What is something that people might not know about you?
W. Hampton: I absolutely love to cook. I’m actually writing a second cookbook right now. J. Gilmore: Cool! What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your years of singing Gospel music?
W. Hampton: Singing at the final Billy Graham crusade in NYC was pretty surreal. We also won a Grammy back in 2008. Pretty amazing to think about! J. Gilmore: That’s great! Well deserved! Any advice for aspiring Gospel artists?
W. Hampton: Sing whenever and wherever you can. God will open the right doors in His perfect timing. J. Gilmore: Awesome! What can fans expect from you and the GVB this year?
W. Hampton: We are about to record a new GVB Christmas record this month. I believe we have plans for another GVB record as well once we finish this one. I am currently thinking about recording a new solo CD as well as a solo Christmas CD.
J. Gilmore: Sounds great!! Looking forward to all of the upcoming releases!! Thanks for taking the time to do this interview!
For more info on Wes and the GVB, visit their website:http://gaither.com/
Also see Wes Hampton's website for info on Solo projects and concerts: http://weshampton.com/