Gaither Vocal Band

Gaither Vocal Band
Gaither Vocal Band, 2014
Background information
Also known as	New Gaither Vocal Band (1981–1984)
Genres	Christian, southern gospel, contemporary Christian
Years active	1981–present
Labels	Spring Hill Music Group
Associated acts	Larnelle Harris, Russ Taff, Steve Green, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Mark Lowry, David Phelps
Website	Official website
Members	Bill Gaither Reggie Smith Wes Hampton Adam Crabb Todd Suttles

The Gaither Vocal Band is an American southern gospel vocal group, named after its founder and leader Bill Gaither. On March 1, 2017, it was announced that the Gaither Vocal Band lineup consists of Reggie Smith, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles, and Bill Gaither, beginning April 1,2017. Although the group started out recording contemporary Christian music in the 1980s, it became known for southern gospel after the popularity of the Gaither Homecoming videos.

The lineup of the band changes often, with artists leaving to work on solo careers, and new and old ones coming to replace them. Besides Bill Gaither, singers with the longest tenure in the band include Guy Penrod (1995–2008), Mark Lowry (1988–2002, 2009–13), Michael English (1985–94, 2009–13), David Phelps (1997–2005, 2009–17) and Wes Hampton (2005–present).

The band has released 29 albums (not including compilations), at least 19 of which have charted. The band has also released 10 DVDs, which feature many other Christian artists as well. The Gaither Vocal Band has been honored with 2 Grammys, and 17 Dove Awards.

The Gaither Vocal Band is named after gospel legend and leader, Bill Gaither. It was the successor-group of the Bill Gaither Trio. By the 1980s, Bill Gaither, along with wife Gloria Gaither, were both very successful songwriters. For example, their song, "He Touched Me" was covered by Elvis Presley, after which he even named his album He Touched Me. Presley won a Grammy for the album. Bill Gaither felt that his trio had reached its peak in the mid-1980s, but his desire to make another gospel hit kept the trio going.