Looking forward to their performance at NQC.
While Phelps/Penrod/Lowry/Gaither might be my favorite group some of my fav. songs were in the Jonathon Pierce era. The GVB always has just the right “blend” like the Imperials were known for.

southern gospel singer - 31 December 2007 08:53 PM

The GVB are great people and singers,,,but i am afraid they are going in the contemporary direction along with Ernie and the guys,,,all great guys,,but i prefer the old time southern gospel quartet style!!

I guess I am not sure why you would say they are going in a contemporary direction.  Mayeb with the hair and suits they are contemporary, but SSQ is a SG quartet from the word go.  They are doing a lot of the same tricks the Statesmen did back in the day. 

As far as GVB...they have never been SG.  Bill will tell you that.  GVB is in a class and league of their own.  Sure they sing some SG songs, but they are more Middle of the road.  They can do SG, Contemporary, traditional, country, etc… Bill has always said it is hard to put GVB in one style because they do all different styles. That is the sign of a great quartet that can sing all different styles and do it well.

When i say southern gospel most of us that have been around the industry for years know what i mean.
Southern Gospel as i see it is looking the part as well as singing the old songs like they were written.
The Gaithers used to be true southern gospel,,but i disagree with all the dancing around and juming around on stage,,but i also believe that one is called to sing,,and not just decided to sing gospel because they have the voice,,i have sang with some top groups,,and i will tell you first hand that there is a difference.

Count me in. I like the new guys, but I do miss Mark & David. I enjoyed Jonathan too.

Wes Hampton posted this recently to his site. 

the week of July 21st, I will be in Indiana, along with Bill, Guy, and Marsh, for a Gaither Vocal Band Reunion taping.  Everyone who has ever been in the GVB will come together for two days to do, well, I’m not really sure at this point.  But, all I know is that it will be awesome.  I will get to hang around and sing with my vocal idols…wow.  I still can’t believe it when I think about it. 

I saw that too Elaine.  Wonder where in Indiana they will be holding the taping??  I’m only about 2.5 hours form Alexandria!!  I could go!  What a time that would be!!!!

Need to make a comment to southerngospelsinger who posted the following:

“Southern Gospel as i see it is looking the part as well as singing the old songs like they were written.
The Gaithers used to be true southern gospel,,but i disagree with all the dancing around and juming around on stage,,but i also believe that one is called to sing,,and not just decided to sing gospel because they have the voice,,i have sang with some top groups,,and i will tell you first hand that there is a difference.”

IMHO GVB has never been true SGM - there’s always been a bit of an “edge” and they do sing all styles of music - well.  As for the dancing around on stage, are you sure you are referring to GVB??  They seldom move except to stroll from one spot on the stage to another.  Bill couldn’t keep up!

I wonder why they decided to make it a private event instead of open to the public? No doubt they could have filled a huge auditorium with enthusiastic fans, but I guess it is easier to operate sound and video with a studio setting.

southern gospel singer - 12 January 2008 04:06 PM

When i say southern gospel most of us that have been around the industry for years know what i mean.
Southern Gospel as i see it is looking the part as well as singing the old songs like they were written.
The Gaithers used to be true southern gospel,,but i disagree with all the dancing around and juming around on stage,,but i also believe that one is called to sing,,and not just decided to sing gospel because they have the voice,,i have sang with some top groups,,and i will tell you first hand that there is a difference.

This puzzles me. None of the GVB jump or dance, and they all dress sharp. Maybe you are referring to someone else?

I hate to disagree with anyone but SSQ is nothing like the Statesmen Quartet.  The Statesmen were genuine in their performance, I was priviliged to grow up in the 50’s and 60’s and saw them numerous times.  SSQ puts on this cutesy show with choreographed movements.  They are not in the same league as the Statesmen.