Gospel music media series
David Phelps, Gordon Mote, Bill Gaither (left to right) in April 2009 Gaither Homecoming videos , music recordings andconcerts , which are organized, promoted and usually presented byChristian music songwriter andimpresario Bill Gaither .[ 1]
On February 19, 1991, theGaither Vocal Band had just wrapped up a recording session in aNashville, Tennessee , working on an album calledHomecoming , which featured many of the great voices ofsouthern gospel music:The Speers ,The Gatlins ,Jake Hess ,The Cathedrals ,Howard &Vestal Goodman ,Buck Rambo ,Eva Mae Lefevre ,James Blackwood ,Hovie Lister , Jim Hill, andJ.D. Sumner & The Stamps . After the session, the artists stayed around to chat, swap stories and sing old standards around the piano.[ 1]
The format for almost all of the videos in the series is very similar. A studio set or concertstage is home to a group of several dozen singers, with the front row featuring artists with longstanding and legendary careers in Southern Gospel music. They would be joined by younger artists, some of them up-and-coming acts in the Gaither Music Group publishing stable. Gaither would lead the group in several songs, with soloists and groups featured in additional songs. Comments by veteran singers, who would reminisce about their careers, are a staple of the series. In later videos, the inevitability of death found its way into the videos, as segments remembering artists who had died since the previous taping were featured.
Most videos also have accompanyingCDs which can be purchased in a set or separately.
The videos and CDs regularly top sales charts, even many years after the series' inception and after the death of many favorite artists. The most recent videos,Gaither Homecoming Tour: Live From Toronto andCanadian Homecoming, were first and third, respectively, onBillboard's music video chart, and the companion CDs also hit theCCM charts.[1] More recently, the 2007 recording of "How Great Thou Art" was nominated for a Dove Award.
In 1996, the video series gave birth to a concert tour, with a format similar to the videos but usually performed "in the round" inarenas . The concert dates are normally on Fridays and Saturdays, usually in separate cities.
In 2004, the Gaither Homecoming concert tour ranked 16th inPollstar rankings of all tours, beating outpop music heavyweights such asElton John ,Fleetwood Mac andRod Stewart .[ 2]
Many of the video series have been repackaged into a series of hour-long or half-hour-longtelevision shows (similar to aninfomercial ). They can be found on the following Christian or family-orientedcable /satellite channels. (There is also an Internet TV channel – gaither.tv)
In the U.S.
In Canada
TheGaither Homecoming series has branched out into twice-yearlycruises . One cruise normally sails toAlaska in September, and the other to tropical ports in February.
It was on one of these cruises, in 2006, where regular pianistAnthony Burger , a longtime favorite of the Homecoming series, collapsed on-stage as a result of aheart attack while accompanying Gaither, his wifeGloria and the rest of the Homecoming Friends.
In 2009, for the first time, a Homecoming cruise was recorded for DVD/CD releases.Alaskan Cruise Homecoming andMajesty were released in January 2011.
1991:Homecoming 1992:A Praise Gathering 1992:Reunion 1993:Turn Your Radio On 1993:Old Friends 1994:A Christmas Homecoming 1994:Landmark 1994:Precious Memories 1995:All Day Singin' with Dinner on the Ground 1995:The Sweetest Song I Know 1995:Revival 1995:Holy Ground 1995:Ryman Gospel Reunion 1996:When All God's Singers Get Home 1996:Sunday Meetin' Time 1996:Sing Your Blues Away 1996:Moments To Remember 1996:Something Beautiful 1996:Homecoming Texas Style 1996:Joy To The World 1996:Joy in the Camp 1997:This Is My Story 1997:Feelin' At Home 1998:Singin' With The Saints 1998:Down By The Tabernacle 1998:Rivers Of Joy 1998:Hawaiian Homecoming 1998:Marching To Zion 1998:Atlanta Homecoming (at theGeorgia Dome inAtlanta ) 1998:All Day Singin' At The Dome 1999:Singin' In My Soul 1999:So Glad! 1999:Sweet, Sweet Spirit 1999:Kennedy Center Homecoming 1999:Mountain Homecoming (Blue Ridge Mountains ) 1999:I'll Meet You on the Mountain 2000:Good News 2000:Memphis Homecoming 2000:Oh, My Glory! 2000:Harmony in the Heartland 2000:Irish Homecoming (inBelfast ) 2000:Whispering Hope 2000:Christmas in the Country 2001:Christmas... A Time for Joy 2001:What a Time! (filmed in 1999) 2001:London Homecoming 2001:ABilly Graham Music Homecoming , Vol. 1 & 2 2001:Journey to the Sky [certified gold] (filmed in 2001). 2001:Passin' the Faith Along [certified gold] (filmed in 2001). 2002:Freedom Band (filmed in 2001) 2002:I'll Fly Away (filmed in 2000) 2002:New Orleans Homecoming (fimed in 2000) 2002:God Bless America (atCarnegie Hall ) (filmed in 2002) 2002:Let Freedom Ring (at Carnegie Hall) (filmed in 2002) 2003:Going Home [certified platinum] 2003:Heaven [ 3] 2003:Australian Homecoming 2003:Red Rocks Homecoming (filmed in 2001) 2003:Rocky Mountain Homecoming (filmed in 2001) 2003:A Gospel Bluegrass Homecoming , Vol. 1 & 2 2004:Build a Bridge (atThe Potter's House inDallas, Texas ) (filmed in 2003) 2004:We Will Stand (at The Potter's House) (filmed in 2003) 2005:Church In The Wildwood [certified platinum] (filmed in 2001) 2005:Hymns [certified platinum] (filmed in 2001) 2005:The Best of Guy Penrod 2005:A Tribute to George Younce 2005:Israel Homecoming [certified platinum] 2005:Jerusalem Homecoming [certified platinum] 2006:Canadian Homecoming [certified gold] 2006:Live from Toronto [certified gold] 2006:Christmas in South Africa 2006:Homecoming Christmas – Live From South Africa 2007:South African Homecoming 2007:Love Can Turn The World – Live From South Africa 2007:Amazing Grace [certified gold] 2007:How Great Thou Art [certified gold] 2008:A Campfire Homecoming 2008:Homecoming Picnic 2008:Rock of Ages 2008:Country Bluegrass Homecoming , Vol. 1 & 2 2009:Nashville Homecoming (at theGrand Ole Opry stage) 2009:Joy in My Heart 2010:Giving Thanks 2010:Count Your Blessings 2011:Alaskan Homecoming (cruise) (filmed in 2009) 2011:Majesty (Alaskan cruise) (filmed in 2009) 2011:Tent Revival Homecoming (at the Billy Graham Library) 2011:The Old Rugged Cross (at the Billy Graham Library) 2012:Gaither Homecoming Celebration (filmed in new year of 1998, never-before-seen material) 2013:Women of Homecoming , Vol: 1 & 2 2016:Circuit Rider 2017:Give the World a Smile 2017:Sweeter as the Days Go By 2020:The Longer I Serve Him 2021:Glorious Church (filmed in 2001, never-before-seen material) 2023:Power In The Blood 2023:Hallelujah Homecoming 2025:Sweet Hymns Of Fellowship 2025:Heavenly Love: A Southern Convention Sing-Along An asterisk (*) indicates that the artist is deceased.
Aaron Wilburn (2001–2020*) (died Nov. 27, 2020) Acoustix (2007–)Adam Crabb (2017-) 3 Alicia Williamson (2000–) Allison Durham Speer (1999–) Alvin Slaughter (2004)Amber Nelon Kistler (2000–2024*) 7 (d. July 26, 2024)Amy Grant (2013) 2Andraé Crouch (1999–2015) (d. Jan. 8, 2015)Angela Primm (2002–) Ann Downing (1992–)Anthony Burger (1994–2006*) (d. Feb. 22, 2006)Armond Morales (2002– 2022*) (d. Dec. 5, 2022) The Arnolds Group (2002) Autumn Nelon Streetman (2025) Avalon (2001–)Babbie Mason (1995–) Becky Isaacs Bowman (1999–)Ben Isaacs (1998–) Ben Speer (1992–2017*) (d. April 7, 2017)Benjy Gaither (2002–) 4 Billy Blackwood (1996) The Bishops (1995–) The Blackwood Brothers (2000–)Bob Cain+ (1996–2000*) (d. August 30, 2000) Bonnie Keen (1999–) The Booth Brothers (2002–) 14Boots Randolph + (2004-2007*) (d. July 3, 2007)Brenda Lee (2007)Brock Speer + (1991-1999*) (d. March 19, 1999)Buck Rambo+ (1991-2016*) (d. February 21, 2016) Buddy Greene (1994–) 31Buddy Mullins (1995–) 15 Calvin Newton (1994–2023*) 5 (d. March 3, 2023)Carman (1998*) (d. Feb. 21, 2021)Candy Hemphill Christmas (1995–) 17 The Cathedrals (1991–1999) 9CeCe Winans (2001–) 2Charlotte Ritchie (1995–) 35 Cherryholmes (2008–) 3Chonda Pierce (1998–) 2Chris Blue (2023-) 2Chuck Wagon Gang (2011–) 2 Cliff Barrows (2001*) 3 (d. Nov. 15, 2016)Collingsworth Family (2008) 5 The Crabb Family (2001–) 7Cynthia Clawson (1995–) 20Dallas Holm (1995–) 3Danny Gaither (1993–2000*) 4 (d. April 6, 2001)David Phelps (1998–) 30Don Francisco (2001)Donnie Sumner (1996–) 7 Dottie Rambo (1992–2008*) 5 (d. May 11, 2008)Doug Anderson (2006-)Dove Brothers (2000–) 2 Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver (1999–) 3Earl Weatherford (1992*) (d. June 17, 1992)Ed Enoch (1994–) 2 Ernie Haase (1996–) 9Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (2005–) 16Eva Mae LeFevre (1991–2009*) 11 (d. May 18, 2009) Evie (2000–) 4Fairfield Four (1993)Florida Boys (1994–) 8Gaither Vocal Band (1991–) 67Gatlin Brothers (1991–) 7Gene McDonald (1998–) 24George Beverly Shea (2001–2011*) 4 (d. April 16, 2013)George Jones (2008*) 2 (d. April 26, 2013)George Younce (1991–2005*) 25 (d. April 11, 2005)Glen Payne (1991–1999*) 10 (d. October 15, 1999)Gloria Gaither (1991–) 29Gold City (1998–) 3Gordon Mote (2007–) 12Greater Vision (2000–) 5Greenes and Sons (2001–) 3 Guy Penrod (1995–) 38Hayes Family (1996–) 9 Henry Slaughter (1996*) (d. Nov. 13, 2020)Hoppers, The (1993–) 21Hovie Lister (1991–2002*) 8 (d. Dec. 28, 2001)Howard Goodman (1991–2002*) 17 (d. Nov. 30, 2002)The Isaacs (1996–) 41Ivan Parker (1995–) 31J. D. Sumner (1991–1999*) 18 (d. Nov. 16, 1998)Jack Toney (1996–2004*) 11 (d. April 15, 2004) Jake Cowley (2023-) 2 Jake Hess (1991–2004*) 39 (d. Jan. 4, 2004)James Blackwood (1991–2002*) 10 (d. Feb. 3, 2002)Jamie Grace (2013) 2Janet Paschal (1993–) 26Jason Crabb (2001–) 14Jeff Allen (2000–) 4 Jeff & Sheri Easter (1994–) 33Jessy Dixon (1996–2008*) 46 (d. Sept. 26, 2011)Jim and Melissa Brady (2025) Jimmy Blackwood (1995–) 5 Jimmy Fortune (2008–) 2Joel Hemphill (1995–) 4 John Starnes (1995–) 7 Johnny Cook (1993*) 2 (d. May 14, 2000)Johnny Minick (1996–) 11Jonathan Pierce (1996–1997*) 3 (d. May 10, 2020)Jonathan Wilburn (2025) Joseph Habedank (2025) 2 Joy Gardner (1993–) 44 Karen Peck and New River (1998–) 11Karen Wheaton (1996–) 4Katinas, The (1999–) 2Kelly Nelon (1993–2024*) 3 (d. July 26, 2024)Ken Davis (1998–) 4 Kevin Spencer Family (1999) Kevin Williams (1999–) 7 Kim Collingsworth (2009) Kim Hopper (1998–) 27 Kingsmen Quartet (1998–) 2Larnelle Harris (1994–) 20Larry Ford (1992–) 26 Larry Gatlin (1991–) 7Lauren Talley (2000–) 6 Legacy Five (2001–) 6Lillie Knauls (1993–) 26 Lily Fern Weatherford (1992–) 5Lynda Randle (1996–) 31Matthew Holt (2017-) Mark Lowry (1991–) 39Marshall Hall (2000–) 15The Martins (1995–) 26Mary Tom Speer Reid (1995–2014*) 11 (d. Sept. 16, 2014)Meadowlark Lemon (1999–*) 2 (d. Dec. 27, 2015)Mel Tunney (2002) Michael English (1991–) 19Michael Sykes (2000–) 5 Mike Allen (1998–) 22 Mylon LeFevre (1992–2023*) 3 (d. Sept. 8, 2023)Nancy Harmon (1996) Naomi Sego (1993-2009*) (d. Nov. 3, 2017) Natalie Grant (2002–) 3The Nelons (1995–2024) 12Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (2008)Oak Ridge Boys (2002–) 6Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet (2004)The Peasall Sisters (2005)Perrys, The (2009)Ralph Stanley (2003–2008*) 4 (d. June 23, 2016)Randy Owen (2007–) 2Randy Travis (2001–) 3Reba Rambo-McGuire (1994–) 3Reggie Smith (1998–) 33 Rex Nelon (1994–2000*) 16 (d. Jan. 24, 2000)Ricky Skaggs (2001)Robbie Hiner (1996–) 4 Roger Bennett (1999*) (d. March 17, 2007) Roger McDuff (1995–) 2 Roger Talley (1993-) Russ Taff (1992–) 33Sandi Patty (1999–) 7Sherman Andrus (2002–) 2Sonya Isaacs (1996–) 17Speer Family (1991–) 6Squire Parsons (1993–) 18Stamps Quartet (1991–) 6Stan Whitmire (2004–) 3Statesmen Quartet (1996–2001) 2Statler Brothers (1990)Stephen Hill (1998–2012*) 30 (d. August 5, 2012) Steve Green (2010)Suzanne Gaither–Jennings (1999) Tendero Kochibar (2003) The Old Friends Quartet (2000-2002) 3Talley Trio (2000–) 14Tanya Goodman Sykes (1992–) 26 TaRanda Greene (2001–) 10 Taylor Mason (2002–) 3Terry Blackwood (1995–) 33Terry McMillan (1998–*) 2 (d. Feb. 2, 2007)Testify (2000 -2004)Three Bridges (2008–) 2 Tim Duncan (2005-)Tim Lovelace (1997) Tim Parton (1996–) 3Tim Pettigo (1995) Tim Riley (2000)Todd Suttles (2017-) Tramaine Hawkins (2004–) 2Triumphant Quartet (2011) Vestal Goodman (1991–2003*) 38 (d. Dec. 27, 2003)Voices of Lee (2006)Wes Hampton (2007–) 8Wesley Pritchard (1996–) 43The Wilbanks (2025) Wintley Phipps (2001–) 6Woody Wright (1998–) 20Zig Ziglar (2001*) (d. Nov. 28, 2012)^a b winkler, stephanie (28 August 2009)."August 28, 2009 ~ Gaither Gospel Singers | August 28, 2009 | Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly" .Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly .Archived from the original on 9 Sep 2013. Retrieved28 November 2023 .JONES: There was a time back in the mid-'80s that Bill Gaither felt his trio had peaked, but he wasn't ready to hang it up. He wanted one more shot to make a gospel hit. So he reached out. BILL GAITHER: You know, and I called a bunch of the old timers and I said, ah, we're gonna come in and have fun. We're gonna have the radio days. JONES: And they came to join Bill and his Gaither Vocal Band—big stars from all over the country. Little did they know that this reunion with the Gaithers would turn into a concert series around the world called Homecoming. The themes—patriotism and religion. ^ "Top40-charts.com" . Top40-charts.com. Retrieved2013-04-20 .^ Bill Gaither: Heaven atAllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015.
Associated acts Companies Discography Books Related
