New Gaither Vocal Band Debut - English, Phelps return to stage

NEW GAITHER VOCAL BAND DEBUT - JAN. 29, 2009 - Huntsville, AL

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Report by Judy Nelon / photos by Aaron Crisler

Bill Gaither debuted his new Gaither Vocal Band with former members Michael English and David Phelps last night in Huntsville, Alabama. One of the coldest nights of the year found the road between Nashville and Huntsville hot with Tennesseans eager to be at the first date of this new grouping of the highly successful GVB. Once again Bill Gaither has gone out of the box because of his passion for this music creating another amazing opportunity to revisit his beloved gospel music with a new excitement featuring his singers popular around the world.

Huntsville, known for its space museum and the beautiful Von Braun Center arena, where the most famous gospel music fan Elvis Presley performed in 1975; now will be remembered as the place that launched the new era of the Gaither Vocal Band and reigniting gospel music. The 10,000 seat arena was packed with enthusiastic fans including an array of talented friends showing up to celebrate this momentous occasion and experience this historical night with those they love and have also performed with.

The Gaither Vocal Band and the energetic Ernie Haase and Signature Sound opened the night with a quartet duo that began what proved to be one of the greatest nights in gospel music’s history. Gordon Mote and Kevin Williams also contributed to the great evening.

Only the beautiful and talented Janet Paschal could take the stage while the eight seasoned quartet members left to catch their breaths giving the returning members Michael English and David Phelps a chance to rest and return to take it by storm on their first night back out.

Bill introduced Michael and David along with Wes Hampton as the three tenors. During the performance Bill often stood to the side to listen and watch his guys as a proud father would. This was an evening never to be forgotten. Mark Lowry, still fulfilling his solo dates, called this morning asking for all the details of the evening. He said, “Tell me everything!” He can hardly wait for his first date back with the group on February 14 in Orlando, Florida. This is a tour that all lovers of gospel music will not want to miss.

It makes one think only the legendary Bill Gaither can make this kind of magic happen again and again. Bill Gaither has said: “It is not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit says the Lord.” Zechariah 4:6.

Thanks Bill Gaither!