Gaither Music announced today that Gaither Vocal Band lead singer, Guy Penrod, will be taking a sabbatical from the Homecoming Tour for a few weeks. He has been singing and traveling full-time with the Gaither Vocal Band since 1994 and his faithfulness throughout that time is being honored with some much-deserved rest and personal time. Guy will spend these weeks resting, enjoying his family and recharging physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The Vocal Band will be assisted by distinguished GVB alumni Mark Lowry and David Phelps, as well as young vocal sensation, Jason Crabb, who will alternately cover Guy's vocal part during the next few weeks. As always, the Gaither organization is committed to creating an unparalleled concert experience for ticket holders and anticipates that these three gifted artists will contribute an extraordinary element to the Homecoming program during Guy's temporary absence.
"Guy has a tremendous following of friends and fans around the world who care about his well-being," Bill Gaither expressed, "So the Homecoming family extends our sincere thanks in advance for fans' support of this decision to give our friend some time off."
"Guy is more than a big voice on whom the Vocal Band relies heavily," he added. "He is first a father, husband and friend and honestly, this time of rest was my idea because I love him and I know that our busy lives rarely offer the opportunity to look after our own needs. I look at this sabbatical as a gift that will refresh Guy and help him keep his body and spirit strong for the years to come."
Author: SGN
| Author's Website: http://sogospelnews.com/
Written: 10/09/2008
| 
Category: News & Scoops
Comments: 22
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Praying that Guy gets all the R&R;he needs & can come back refreshed & ready to go again.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
If anyone deserved a break it's Guy!
Guy, you will be missed at the Concerts.
However will be Praying for you to rest and enjoy your family as well as spending time in your Bible and having some quite time with the God you love so much.
Love you,Praying for your health and for your precious family.
Guy will definately be missed. I can't help but be cynical enough to wonder if there's more than meets the eye, here. I realize performers work hard on the road, but GVB does not keep a very full schedule. They only work 3 nights most weeks, always home for Sunday morning, and generally don't work much more than half the year.
Also, I've never heard of sabbaticals, other than in the academic and pastoral realms. Is this something new?
Don'r know anything about the personal life of Guy but do know he CAN SING. Gaither has been blessed with men that make him look good and that is a good trait for him -- knowing how to pick great singers. Maybe sometimes John can do one of those History 101 articles on Guy Penrod. I have nothing but admiration and respect for Guy Penrod.
With all due respect to the other people filling in for him, talented as they are, Guy should not lose sleep about being replaced unless he wants to be replaced!
I imagine he just needs a break, Ron. Traveling like that for so many years does get grueling I'm sure. He probably wants to spend some time with his family. Regardless, if wanted us to know the reason for his break, I'm sure he'd tell us. 
God Be with you Guy. Enjoy your family and may God Bless you beyond measure. Thanks for all of your blessings, Betty
God bless you Guy for the blessings I've received through your music. Enjoy your time off with your boys and we'll look forward to hearing you again soon. Manuel and Jan
Exposure to The Son May Prevent Burning.
May God richly bless this time you take to renew yourself. I pray that He will be especially close to you right now. We can't keep giving ourselves to others without putting something back in to renew our energies. Thank you for caring about the rest of us by caring for yourself. Your lucky wife and family now get you all to themselves! God Bless You and Yours, Guy. See you soon!
There is a bit of skeptic in me as well. I pray for his personal health and the health of his family.Mark Lowry has called Guy Penrod the "Godliest man I know." Watching guy peform in concert with the Vocal Band or the full on Homecoming crew, he stands out....the large gentle man with wonderfual and unique voice. My wishes and prayers are for the story to be true as presented and Guy gets the rest and peace he needs.
God Bless and take care. Enjoy your lovely family.
Guy's always been a favorite of mine. He deserves a break. I hope that's all it is and that he continues with the group.
The one thing I do think is odd is that David Phelps is doing some fill in work. I think it's cool, cause David Phelps is a great singer as well. However, Wes Hampton is put in 2nd place when Phelps steps up. At least in the youtube video I saw, Hampton was the one filling in for Guy and Phelps was back on tenor.
I would have thought they would have let Wes stay on tenor, so to not be overshadowed. However, there really shouldn't be doubt in anyone's mind concerning Phelps vs. Hampton.
Sabbaticals are actually fairly common although sometimes they are called something else. Missionaries take sabbaticals every four years when they leave the country they serve in and go on furlough. Kevin Williams took a sabbatical a few years back. Even if one is only one the road a few days a week I would imagine those days are very draining. Even if you like performing and meeting people and all that a music ministry entails, it's still going to be very emotionally and physically draining.
No reason to doubt that the reason is for a sabbatical and a rest, time with family, etcetc.
It is no fun to be on the road every weekend even if just for 3 days. Would be nice to have a weekend or two off.
Furthermore Gaither Music has nothing to gain by giving us a fabricated story.
Tim, It sounds as if you yourself are in the Southern Gospel Music field and could use a little rest yourself. I agree with you one hundred percent that everyone likes a weekend off now and then. I Pray that Guy is getting the much needed rest he needs, and that you will too. I think Mr. Gaither would allow any of his singers a much needed rest. It's great he has such great singers to fall back on. God bless Betty
I hope I am wrong, I have felt that Guy was not looking as healthy as usual for some time, I pray that I am wrong. I just can't feel, that after all these years, he is tired, I think something else happened to cause this. Phelps and Mark are good, but they won't be as good, without Guy. It will be good hearing David hit some of those ceiling raising,, standing ovation notes again.
don't worry, guy, whatever happens, you're covered...God never abandons His children, and that's all we need to know.
Make your own albums, I'll buy them..
I love you in Jesus--can't wait to hear you sing in heaven...maybe I'll sing with you
Guy, what a heartache no seeing you in Fort Worth this year. You were the reason I attended each year. I pray that you are well and the family is growing strong.
I will miss you, but God always supplies those to Bless us again. Lovin' Life was wonderful, but misse you so much.
God's Grace be with you and the family.
Oh Yes I feel that there is bit of Skeptic in me and a lot of other people?? I agree with spartan,word for word.GVB will never be the same I pray that Guy is just taking TIME off with his family.And I hope nothing but good thing for Guy with his NEW COUNTRY MUSIC CD. GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU!
I just heard the new 5 member Gaithers..it sounded like each one were trying to sing louder than the other. I call it catterwalling. Mark was a good addition but it sure needs Guy back I hope this is real and not a gimmick. I think they were trying to compete with Signature Sound. Leave the Old Gaither band alone.
Guy, If I had 16,000 troops like you the Battle would be won. I am praying that you get the R&R you need and return to the GVB and the four of you, David, Bill and yes even Mark will be together again. God bless you my young friend and your family.
Guy has been a blessing to me also for years, and I really hope he prospers in the Lord. Keep up the great work for our Precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, without him we are nothing, and I Love Him more than anything. Love you Guy and hope to see you at a concert real soon. Love your Sister in Christ, Mona Lisa.
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