David Phelps, Feature Article

Sep

2004

David Phelps

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Very few times does an artist come along that can send chills down your spine one moment and have you weeping the next. We are fortunate enough to have an artist that does just that. David Phelps is one of the most powerful vocalists of all times with a heart bigger than his voice, David deeply believes everything he sings. Whether performing as the tenor for the Gaither Vocal Band or holding his own on stage during his solo dates, David continues to wow audiences of all ages with his unique and awe inspiring voice as well as his ability to truly deliver each and every song he performs. David's ability to make the listener feel the song more than just hear it comes from years of practice and true dedication to his craft. God has truly granted Phelps with what is not only a unique and wonderous voice but a passion for what he does.

Sitting down to talk to David in a one on one session was a great blessing and very eye opening. David allowed me to see his heart, his passion and his unbridled ability to capture an audience. I want to take this time to share with you, the readers, just what David shared with me. So, sit back and enjoy getting to know David Phelps the man of God with a heart that far exceeds his voice.

Scott: “Tell me about David the man. How do you see God molding you as an artist on a daily basis?”

David: “God has really been dealing with me lately on making the gospel tangible. How do we make it practical to people today. I see so many hurting people mislead. We don't need any more phonies. People are searching for love and acceptance today. Christianity has been given such a bad rap and we've brought a lot of it on ourselves. It's time that we stop fighting each other as Christians and put aside our differences in theologies and things that are so trivial to someone who is hurting. We need to remember that we're all in this together. It's all about God's love! There's a line in the song “Break Free” on my new album that sums it up so clearly. “Forget everything you've heard about Jesus if it doesn't end and begin with love.” That's the bottom line. That's where I see God directing me more and more. I want to be real and make Christ tangible.”

Scott: “Ok, this has been the discussion of many people. What brought on the sudden image change?”

David: “Man, I'm just myself. This is how I actually came into the Vocal Band dressing. Bill and Gloria came to me one day and said I might want to consider wearing some suits because basically I was too big to look good dressing this way back then. We would be setting up or on the bus watching some of the older videos and I would cringe. I'll joke around with the guys and say, “Here we go, count down to fat David.” I really just got tired of seeing myself like that. I didn't want to look that way anymore.”

Scott: How important was your training and your practice schedules to your success today?”

David: “I was very hesitant about telling people about my degree in vocal performance from Baylor because I didn't want to come across as a know it all or sound arrogant in any way. I remember when I would try to sing as a kid and my mom would tell me I was trying to sing way to high. She told me that if I really wanted to sing I needed to get lessons. The next week I was taking vocal lessons. I would ride my bike over after school. It is definitely what has brought me here today. That and experience. I would sing anywhere and everywhere I was given a chance. People ask me how to get started all the time and I tell them first thing you better do is make sure you are in love with it. You have to be sold out and 110% dedicated. I like to use the example from the Bible about the rich man that was told to sell everything. You have to be that dedicated.

Scott: “You have had so many accomplishments already. You have a Dove nomination for male vocalist of the year, you won the SoGospelNews male vocalist of the year, you sing with the biggest group and name in SG, you've sang on Broadway, very successful solo career, you've gotten to sing with some of the best voices in music. I mean the list goes on and on. What's next?”

David: “I'm such a dreamer. I'm always day dreaming. I want to be a better songwriter. I want to learn to communicate better. Most of all, I want more revelation. The emails I get really keep me going. I just want to encourage and help at least for a moment during someone's struggles. I never want to be satisfied. I'm willing to go as far as God wants, not a step too far nor a step too short.

Scott: “There have been a lot of comparisons made between you and other great vocalists, Pavarotti, Josh Groban. Who does David consider the best vocalist ever?”

David: “Wow, that's a hard one. I love a voice that is both powerful and vulnerable at the same time. I'm a big fan of Celine Dion. I just love that voice. There is so much power there yet it is so fragile at the same time. I love Whitney Houston's older stuff. I really love how Pavarotti lets his soul come out when he sings. There may be others more technically sound, but for me, he is it.

Scott: “Ok, I'm going to ask it. The seeming trend for the Vocal Band is to record a solo project and then leave the group. Let's set the record straight. Are you going anywhere?

David: “I'm not going anywhere. Bill has been very open handed with me. Singing with the Vocal Band is a dream come true. The first three years were very hard. I didn't feel the people got to see “all” of me. I didn't feel like I was getting to express myself. After my first solo project, Bill came to me and said, “Let's do both”. So, Bill has been very fair and open handed in letting me express my heart. I love what I do.

So as you can see, David is much more than just a superb vocalist. He is a man with a true desire to see God use him. He deeply desires to grow more in God and help, even if just for a moment, a hurting soul. For more information on David and his full concert schedule, please visit http://www.davidphelps.com

Reader Comments

I really wish all of the people who have criticized David on his appearance would read this article. It really brings into focus what is important and that is using your gifts for God's work, not being dressed to someone else's standard. David is definitely using his gifts to serve God. I really feel a turning point in my faith journey was after hearing David hit the signature "high note" at the key change on "I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary" at a Homecoming concert. At that point, through the power of the song and David's voice, I came to understand the power of Christ's sacrifice for me. I think that he is the greatest singer walking the planet of ANY genre of music. In a recent article, Roy Pauley rated him #3 of CURRENT tenors. Come on Roy, this guy is the greatest singer in SGM history PERIOD!!!! I am so relieved to hear that he has no plans of leaving GVB. Vocally, this could prove to be the greatest lineup they have ever had. David, don't mind what people say about your appearance. Those people are on the wrong page as to what ministry is about. Just know that you are touching lives, because you touched mine!!!!!

Commented by On 10/01/2004

I do not post often, but I am willing to go on record here to agree that David is the best vocalist of which I am aware in the history of SG music. (btw, Guy Penrod may be the 2nd best of all time).

This, of course, makes Bill Gaither the single greatest "talent-finder" of all time.

Mike Wiggington

Commented by On 10/01/2004

Preach it Mike!!!!

Commented by On 10/01/2004

Along those same lines of voices I would put in the same league would be Mike English and Larnelle Harris. Both whom sang with GVB. But its still hard to beat David on songs like "No More Night" and possibly the most underated song in SGM history "Let Freedom Ring" WOW!!!!!!

Commented by On 10/01/2004

The first year or two that David Phelps was with the GVB, I was very much impressed with his voice. In recent times, however, it seems to me that his "histrionics and dramatic gestures and movements" take away from his vocal presentation. The voice is unchanged but most of its impact is lost. I know this will not make me popular so I will refrain from commenting on his "new look" as far as his attire and hairstyle.

Commented by On 10/01/2004

Great article, Mr. Bandy! I really enjoyed it.

I would encourage everyone to go to one of David's solo concerts. Personally, I think he has the art of communication down pat. He is very open, warm, engaging, funny, sincere, humble, and interesting when speaking to his audience. I think he would make a great preacher, but we'd miss that beautiful singing voice. I don't see the histronics alluded to in an earlier comment. I see his performances as being somewhat understated. He is accompanied by a full band, and an amazing light show, but isn't flashy. And, actually, more often than not, he starts the night off in a suit (sans tie.) The praise and worship time he leads (he's an awesome pianist as well,) is the best I've seen at any concert. He has the ability to make every single person in the audience feel as if he's singing JUST to them. He'll look you in the eye and you can just see him asking you, "Are you getting it?" I've been a fan since "discovering" him on I Do Believe, but it wasn't until I saw him solo and learned, just as Scott Bandy has, that his heart is even bigger than his voice. You just don't see that side of him at a Homecoming concert.

He is only going to do a few Christmas concerts this December (and a source of mine has said that there won't be a 1995 Christmas tour) and a West Coast tour in February. Find one close to you and go....he may even wail an sg tune for you during the course of the evening.

Commented by On 10/01/2004

David Phelps is the best singer that has ever been in SGM and Christian Music...and he is better than Josh Groban cause the last time I heard Joshy Groban he was sounding really...uh...like he had a frog in his throat. But DP is not better than Pavarotti, no one is. I think that there are no histrionics, that is called "emotion". At least he doesn't have that white hanky like Pavarotti does cause if you want to talk histrionics watch Pavy cause you will NEVER see anyone get so emotional as him...and that, to be honest, is what separates the good from the GREAT. David Phelps is in the GREAT category. Thank you for your interesting article. I hope there is a second part.

Commented by On 10/02/2004

Hello Everyone!
This is Matt McFarland with the group Crossway. I hope that you are all well. I read the article, and could not resist putting my 2cents in on this important matter:) David Phelps is not just the greatest vocal talent in our wonderful industry, that man is the greatest vocal talent in ANY industry hands down. There is noone else that can produce the perfect tone that he can on every note that he sings. There is also noone else that can produce a "southern" sound, a "pop," "classical" or any other sound for that matter, and execute it as perfectly as he can! I would love to hear Luciano or Josh produce a southern or pop sound:) It would'nt happen. (I have enormous amounts of respect for those two as well, any could sing circles around me...I'm just trying to make a point:) Needless to say, I am a small fan of Mr. Phelps and just wanted to remind everyone of how privaledged we are to have him in our industry. I unfortunately do not know David personally, but David if by chance you read this...hook a brother up and lets sing a duet together:) God Bless everyone and thanks for the opportunity!!

Commented by On 10/04/2004

I will agree that DP is a tremendous talent, and probably the best range in gospel music. Many of the comments indicated that he is in SGM. Not exactly. Does it surprise you that he never receives awards during the NQC? Apparently he is not concerned enough about that to make some modifications, and that is ok by me, and apparently to thousands of SGM fans.

Commented by On 10/04/2004

Jim, there are any number of great singers who do not get awards at NQC. So, that is no indicator of how SG he is or not. The point is, David is very SG when he wants to be. He's very "any other" style when he wants to be.

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

Commented by On 10/05/2004

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