I just had my first one on one interview time with Bill Gaither. I must say that all of the rumors are true. He is very warm, personable, and just plain easy to talk to. This is Bill Gaither, the man who has written so many songs that have touched the hearts of people around the world. He also, nearly single handedly, turned the genre of Southern Gospel Music around from near obscurity, into a vital part of Gospel music again.
It is Bill Gaither who has been a real innovator in Gospel music in general, but specifically in Southern Gospel Music. His Gaither Homecoming programs have put Southern Gospel music back on television and helped put it back in churches. Now he has done it again. He has taken Southern Gospel Music to a new frontier. I was in Cracker Barrel just last week, you know the place where the Southern Gospel world meets for those warm meals and fellowship after exciting concerts, and low and behold, there was this huge poster of Bill Gaither. I could only think that Bill Gaither has broken another barrier for Gospel Music. Oh, I see lots of Country Artists CDs all over the store, and I see quite a few of their CDs being sold there, but now we have Southern Gospel represented there through the efforts of Bill Gaither.
I asked Bill how he managed to get introduced to the Cracker Barrel agenda? I was a little surprised, though I shouldn't have been, remember I told you that Bill is an innovator and has broken many barriers for Gospel Music, to hear him say that he approached Cracker Barrel. Then he used his two famous words, "Why not?" Bill has loved Cracker Barrel for years, not only for it fine food, but also for the at home feeling atmosphere, and of course for the fireplace. Bill always has a fire going in the fireplace at home, so he loves sitting close to the fireplace at Cracker Barrel. He loves the family feeling that Cracker Barrel has captured.
Bill's "why not?" approach encouraged him to speak with the people at Cracker Barrel, and apparently, because Cracker Barrel has been a supported of Gospel Music in the past, they were already familiar with Bill Gaither, and the connection was made.
I asked Bill how he made the decision of what songs to put on the CD? He said that the process was pretty simple. He merely looked to the most requested hymns from his Homecoming Concerts and put them on the CD. I guess that it stands to reason that when he chose the most popular songs from the Homecoming Concerts that he also got the most popular artists for the CD.
Lastly, I asked Bill if he thought that this newest venture would effect Southern Gospel Music? He said that if this CD in Cracker Barrel has anything near the impact of the Homecoming Videos, that it will get Southern Gospel Music into the hands of people who aren't normally Concert goers, but once they hear the talent on this CD, they will be wanting to hear more of this kind of music. I agree!
Cracker Barrel Exclusive:
Bill Gaither's 12 All-Time Favorite Homecoming Hymns
Track Listing:
1. Sweet Beulah Land (featuring Squire Parsons)
2. The Eastern Gate (featuring Sheri Easter)
3. Rock of Ages (featuring Reggie Smith, Joy Gardner, Stephen Hill & Vestal Goodman)
4. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (featuring Jeff and Sheri Easter & Charlotte Ritchie)
5. How Great Thou Art (featuring Reggie Smith, Shane McConnell, Wesley Pritchard & Gene McDonald)
6. God Will Take Care of You (featuring The Oak Ridge Boys)
7. What A Friend We Have in Jesus (featuring Larry Ford)
8. Amazing Grace (featuring Russ Taff & The Booth Brothers)
9. He Leadeth Me (featuring The Martins)
10. O, Come Angel Band (featuring Candy Hemphill Christmas, Wesley Pritchard, Terry Blackwood & Vestal Goodman)
11. Yes, I Know (featuring The Gaither Vocal Band)
12. Mansion Over The Hilltop (featuring Jeanne Johnson)
Author: SGN
| Author's Website: http://sogospelnews.com/
Written: 12/15/2008
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Comments: 12
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I very much enjoyed reading the interview with Bill Gaither. I had already spotted the poster and his music at Cracker Barrel a few weeks back and I also thought "Why not?" I just wonder if perhaps his music might be played in the restaurant/store like they do other artists. Hopefully, yes! It is wonderful that we can get the gospel into the secular places by whatever means that God would open the doors.
JRM
Thanks for the interview. It would be nice to know which individual wrote the article.
I had already seen Bill Gaither's music at Cracker Barrell. We love both. Have been listening and going to the Gaither's concerts for several years. Love them--they do so much for Gospel music.
Becky Jones
Tad, I am the one who wrote the article. Good or bad, I'm the culprit.
Deon
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
Was this an article or well done advertisement?
Whether or not it is an advertisement, the point is..southern gospel music is available in Cracker Barrel. I commend Bill Gaither for getting 'in the door' there. Now, it is up to the buying public to actually buy enough that other outlets will take notice and want to 'copy' the success of Cracker Barrel.
Jerry ‘JT’ Tinkle
Baritone singer for The Minister’s Quartet
http://www.ministersquartet.com
Great article, great action by Mr. Bill and I'm sure great results are forthcoming. Anything to promote our Lord Jesus Christ I'm all in!!
tiger61
I meet the Gaithers in 1969 when an associated pastor at Woodlawn Church of God in Detroit. They were still traveling in the Chev Step Van and I helped set the equipment - so humble - so down to earth - so spiritual. Some years later I met Gloria at Belding Church of God when I was doing a Sunday solo concert. I did know she was there until I was singing "We Have This Moment" with their soundtrack. It was reading the Bible to God. After the service she was so gracious complimenting me on my song.
Recently I attended my 1st Gaither Homecoming in Grand Rapids - it was 4 hours of wonderful worship.
They are truly God's people.
I recently introduced 3 friends to a Homecoming Concert and they were thrilled with the music. The Gaithers continue to be a blessing to many Southern Gospel music lovers. God bless them for their many miles on the road!!!
Tricia
What's left to say? Bill Gaither is an American
icon! GOD bless the Gaithers and those that travel with them.
My father really can sing very well, and would like to help him anyway that I can, but for us to put money down for him to let his dream come true is just not an option, because I have just lost my job, and is praying everyday for a new job. so if you can help I would appreciate this. He love the Gather music.
Searching for Your concert in Spring. Mo
Mosque [Shriners]
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