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 live in Argentina. Sorry about my english.
Is David Phelps the best singer because sing high or top notes (do, re)?
There are many fantastics singer like Steve Lacey,
Steve Green and many others with extraordinary voices and it's not problem that they can't tops notes like David Phelps.
The most important for a good singer is "how" sing a note.
If you want a record note, go to the Guiness Book.
I hope that you understand me.
By By
Sebastian

Commented by On 10/14/2004

What happened to the GVB this year at the NQC?

AB

Commented by On 10/14/2004

First let me say that a study into the culture of Bible times will show you that Jesus was not the long haired, light skinned "hippie" that ARTISTS have portrayed him to be. Just because he was from Nazareth does not mean that he was a Nazarene (as in Samson).
Second, let me say that I think that David Phelps is one of the best singers anywhere today. I LOVE to hear him sing. I also enjoy his humor and appreciate his love for God that is so evident when he sings. However, I am one of those people that has not enjoyed the change in his appearance over the last few years. I love Southern Gospel! In a time when I was seeking holiness above all else, the two things that drew me to Southern Gospel were the following:
#1 I could understand every word being sung by the singers (I cannot say that about any other music genre - Christian or non-Christian.)
#2 The singers' appearances seemed set apart from the rest of the world. They fit in no category except that of a Christian trying to please no one but God.
Unfortunately, I have seen a slip in both of these areas. I am still a huge Southern Gospel fan, and in my house there is no other music. But I am concerned with the shift I see. We must remember that we can make our own desires the most important thing in our lives. May we all be willing to submit everything to the Lord (even the things we feel are okay) and allow Him to decide what is beneficial for us and for those around us and what is not.

Commented by On 10/16/2004

David Phelps is the best of the best whether solo or with GVB. He and Guy Penrod compliment each other so well with VB.They never win at NQC either but they are the best group for a lot of us folks.Way to go David and Guy and GVB keep it up,doing what God called you to do and his blessing on you beats a NQC award.

Commented by On 10/17/2004

All of the discussion about appearance brings to mind I Samuel 16:7 "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." God chose David to be king of Israel when everyone around was certain he was not the one that should be chosen. He didn't look right; he was smaller and young; he quite simply didn't fit the "mold."

While I realize that it is impossible to look at someone else's heart, I think it is imperative to search one's own heart. If the reasons for liking or disliking someone are based in any way on appearance, then our motives and values are misplaced. If we were to judge on clothing or appearance, some artists would be banished to the seventies with their leisure suits and toupees. Not that there is anything wrong with leisure suits and toupees, they have their place (on John Travolta or, um, I won’t go there).

I believe David Phelps is where he is, doing what he is doing because it is part of God's purpose.

David Phelps is an absolutely phenomenal singer with unsurpassed talent. He has obviously worked very hard to hone his craft. All of his hard work and effort deserve respect. If you don’t like his appearance, don’t buy his products, but don’t look down those who appreciate his talent and want to participate in his ministry.

Commented by On 10/18/2004

I'm not looking to start any problems here, but can't stay quiet any longer. Will everyone please stop with the negative comments about the way David and Guy look!
This is getting really old. The way a person looks does not mean they don't have a good heart and don't love the Lord.
When we as "Christians" are so focused on what people wear or how long their hair is, I believe we are the ones with the problem. Ever heard judge not? And as far as the - Jesus didn't have long hair "hippie" comment and not being a Nazerene. What about the scriptures? His beard was plucked? He stood out in a crowd?
As far as the sound of GVB...I've said this before on this site, I'll say it again. I have never heard Bill Gaither say that GVB is SG. They are a quartet, that has the ability to do something that 99% of the quartets is SG can do and that is mix and match their styles...and pull it off very very well. They can sing SG or CCM or Country Gospel or Traditional or Acapella and they do it all really well.
This is where SG and "fans" of SG are hurting themselves...If you don't look like a duck and quack like a duck, then you aren't in SG.
Which is why you don't see GVB win awards at NQC and why you don't see them on the cover of magazines.
It's time to open up our minds, a little bit more SG fans and not put God or His ministry in a box.

Commented by On 10/24/2004

I need to make a correction on a typo.
GVB is a quartet, that has the ability to do something that 99% of the quartets is SG can't do and that is mix and match their styles.
By this I mean, you won't hear Kingdom Heirs or Signature Sound or Gold City singing some of the songs GVB sings, because they wouldn't pull it off well. That's not to say those groups aren't good. They are, but I don't think GVB or it's members should be cut on for their style and dress. What's the old saying, if you don't like it, don't listen...because it will minister to someone else!

Commented by On 10/24/2004

what does a SGM artist look like? shirt and tie? comb-over? please tell me this isn't what it is all about to some of these people. I always thought David looked uncomfortable in his suit and tie get up. He seems more genuine now. More at ease with himself. Luckily it doesn't matter if everyone in SGM likes him and his "new" look, because God loves to hear praises to his name, and David's soar higher than most.

Commented by zach On 10/25/2004

What is with all the hype about David's hair and clothing? Just shut your eyes and listen! No one sings like he does so who cares what he looks like. He can come to my house anytime and wear whatever he likes. Just keep on singing David.

Commented by On 10/27/2004

I have a hole bunch of songs by David Phelps. When he sings with the Gaither vocal band. And when he sings solo. He is the best singer. When he sings he sings with all of his might and every breath with in him. He is just like Vestal Goodman. Both of them loves God with all of their hearts. There is no other singer like David Phelps and Vestal Goodman. As far as David new apperance. It should not bother anybody. They should be listing to the words of what he is singing and the message he is trying to get out to everthing body thru what he is singing. And not worring about his apperance. Every body should be feeling the love of God thru what he is singing.

Commented by On 11/04/2004

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