Gaither Homecoming "Lovin Life" Tour

A Family Affair

The Gaither Vocal Band, accompanied by their Homecoming artists, recently released their latest album, Lovin’ Life, and will share it with the Frank Erwin Center on October 17 for the Gaither Homecoming “Lovin’ Life” Tour. Throughout his career, Bill Gaither has always stressed the importance of his own family, and always taken extras step to enhance family ties for those around him.

Gaither first began singing in the Bill Gaither Trio in the 1950s with his brother Danny and his sister Mary Anne. After marrying his wife Gloria, she joined the trio and they started to sing traditional gospel tunes and producing their own music. Their union has produced over 700 songs, hundreds of recordings, numerous awards, a dozen musicals, a collection of books, and most importantly, three children and six grandchildren.

Gaither has been known to take overnight buses to concerts around the country, giving the other band members the company airplane so they can spend at least one more night with their families. He also schedules the Gaither Vocal Band’s tour dates on Friday and Saturday nights so the members can spend the weekdays at home. While heading the vocal group, Gaither also plays a fatherly-figure for many contemporary Christian artists. Many singers like Amy Grant and Michael English got their start by touring with the Gaither Vocal Band. Gaither gave many artists the opportunity to join the vocal group along the way to help them showcase their talents.

Bill Gaither is also very involved in the Gospel Music Trust Fund. He uses his success to donate to the fund, which aids gospel stars who have seen hard times. The fund has reached about $2.5 million. “Our calling is not just making music... but communicating the reality of Christ,” said Bill Gaither. “That might mean birthing a song about Him or simply offering a cup of cold water to someone who needs it. Gloria and I have never claimed to have God figured out, but we do know that if He could use two imperfect people like us to communicate His Truth to the world, He can use everyone sitting in the audience, working on our staff or singing with us. If we have done anything right over the years, I hope we have built bridges where people could connect with God and with each other. That is what started us writing and what will keep us writing for the rest of our lives.”

The Homecoming Tour started in 1991 and has brought together hundreds of acts ranging from the contemporary Christian scene to the true homegrown southern gospel artists. With the “Lovin’ Life” Tour, audiences can expect an evening of music and celebration featuring both new music and classic favorites. Joining the Gaither’s for this year’s “Lovin’ Life” Tour are Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Janet Paschal, Gordon Mote and Ben Speer. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of the audience for this praise-worthy performance on October 17 at the Frank Erwin Center!