GRAMMY® Award-winning Quintet Makes the Most of Every Moment with New We Have This Moment DVD
Gospel Music Hall of Fame members and GRAMMY® Award winners the Gaither Vocal Band will release an all-new performance video on Friday, May 18th. We Have This Moment (Gaither Music Group) captures stage performances of 14 of the group’s recorded songs, most of which can be found on the companion We Have This Moment CD, which released in October of last year. Produced by famed country and gospel music performer and studio musician Gordon Mote, the CD recording debuted at #1 on the Southern Gospel chart and at #4 on the Contemporary Christian Music chart, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
“The longer I live the more I learn to appreciate here and now,” stated group founder and bass singer Bill Gaither, “this moment…this place in life… this group of people with whom I am privileged to collaborate on these songs. I am blessed beyond measure by these men and by the way our collective contributions have brought something very special to this collection of songs. I hope you are as blessed by this recording as we have been to create it.”
That creation, recorded by group members Gaither, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Reggie Smith, includes performances of several harmony-based tunes, Gaither classics and some of today’s most popular worship songs of the church, including the worship anthems “Chain Breaker”and “Jesus Messiah.”
“For me, ‘Jesus Messiah’ is a great song of perspective that Jesus came not to be served. He came to serve,” stated Hampton. “It’s a great reminder to me of why we are here. I’m not here for you to do something for me. I’m here to serve you because that’s exactly what Jesus did for us. He came for one purpose, and that was to rescue sinners.”
“I’ll Worship Only at the Feet of Jesus,” penned by Gloria Gaither, Bill Gaither and J.D. Miller, is a beloved favorite that longtime fans of the group will recognize. “I like the line in this song that says, ‘There’ll be no other gods before Him,’” stated Suttles. “Sometimes we have to sit back and look at what’s really important–at what really matters. What’s the purpose of what we’re doing? What do we want the final result to be? I think sometimes we get hung up on things that won’t really matter in the end. We focus on what looks good right now and what feels good right now, and a lot of times we don’t think of others enough.”
The first radio single from the release, “Hallelujah Band,” which landed in the Top 5 on the national radio chart, highlights how these five unique voices and personalities have come together to create something special. Written by Becca Mizell and Sam Mizell, the up-tempo number was featured via social media as a performance video that has garnered over one million views on Facebook. The group’s follow-up video of “Chain Breaker” has received nearly three million Facebook views.
Both of these performance videos are found on the new We Have This Moment 90-minute DVD release, which includes behind-the-scenes interviews with the group members and Gloria Gaither, who penned new words to a classic melody for the recording with the song “Hymn of Praise.”
We Have This Moment will be part of a TV special airing on over 15 networks that carry the “Gaither Gospel Hour” weekly including RFD-TV, DIRECTV, TBN, The Heartland Network, Dish TV, FamilyNet, CTN, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT, TLN and GaitherTV. It will air in Canada on Vision TV, The Miracle Channel, Grace TV and CTS. The recording is featured onwww.gaither.com, in the Gaither Catalog Collection, via the company’s social media properties and on the Gaither YouTube channel, which garners over 22 million views monthly.
The release comes on the heels of three 2017 GMA DOVE Award nominations for the group in addition to a 2017 GRAMMY® Award nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album. Their Better Together recording debuted at #1 on the Southern Gospel chart and at #9 on the Contemporary Christian Music chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The group has garnered six GRAMMY® nominations, two GRAMMY® Awards and 18 GMA DOVE Awards to date.
We Have This Moment is exclusively distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and Universal Music and will be available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon and Gaither.com. It is available now for pre-order at Gaither.com, Amazon.com and CBD.com.
For further information regarding the Gaither Vocal Band, please visit Gaither.com or connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gaithermusic or on Twitter: @gaithermusic
We Have This Moment DVD Song Listing:
HALLELUJAH BAND
MAN OF SORROWS
LIVIN’ IN THE RHYTHM OF GRACE
I’LL WORSHIP ONLY AT THE FEET OF JESUS
CHAIN BREAKER
LOW DOWN THE CHARIOT
MANNA FROM HEAVEN
WE ARE THE SAND, WE ARE THE STARS
WE’LL TALK IT OVER
WE ARE ALL GOD’S CHILDREN
JESUS MESSIAH
YOU AMAZE ME
WE HAVE THIS MOMENT, TODAY
HYMN OF PRAISE
ABOUT THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND The Gaither Vocal Band has been making music since the early 80s when four men gathered around a piano before a Bill Gaither Trio concert and began harmonizing on the quartet classic “Your First Day in Heaven.” More than a quarter century later, the list of men who have comprised the Gaither Vocal Band over the years reads like a “Who’s Who” among gospel music’s best-loved male voices.
One of the most lauded and award-winning groups in gospel music garnering six GRAMMY® nominations, two GRAMMY® Awards and 18 GMA DOVE Awards, these Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame honorees continue to headline one of the largest tours in the field of Christian music annually; and their groundbreaking successes continue to raise the standard in male harmony. The group, which has sold over three million DVDs and CDs and performed at venues ranging from The Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall, is currently comprised of Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, Todd Suttles, Adam Crabb and Reggie Smith.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of music business veteran and former Recording Academy™ Trustee, Bill Hearn. Following in the footsteps of his late father Billy Ray, Hearn played an essential role in the formation of the renowned Christian music company—Capitol Christian Music Group. His producing efforts earned him two GRAMMYs® during his career, first for 1995 for his contributions to Amazing Grace—A Country Salute To Gospel and again for 2009 for his work on the collection Oh Happy Day. Hearn will not only be remembered for his impressive list of achievements, but for his philanthropic efforts, kind spirit, and commitment to his craft.
Our thoughts go out to Bill’s family, friends, and colleagues as they look to find comfort during this difficult time.
“The River” Claims Top Song Honors; Capitol CMG Publishing Earns Publisher of the Year for 15th Consecutive Year
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored the songwriters and publishers of Christian music’s most performed songs of the past year at the 39th annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards on Tuesday, September 19th, at the Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. The evening was hosted by ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, President and Chairman Paul Williams, Executive Vice President of Membership John Titta and Vice President of Nashville Membership Michael Martin, before an audience of distinguished songwriters, Christian music stars and music industry leaders.
Top honors were awarded to the following:
ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year:Matthew West
ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter-Artist of the Year:Joel Smallbone (of For King & Country)
ASCAP Christian Music Song of the Year: “The River,” written by Colby Wedgeworth, published by Colby Wedgeworth Music and Fair Trade Music Publishing
ASCAP Christian Music Publisher of the Year: Capitol CMG Publishing
Country music star Reba McEntire made a special appearance to present the Song of the Year award to writer Colby Wedgeworth and publisher Fair Trade Music. Performances included Jordan Felizwith Wedgeworth on “The River;” Hannah Kerr, “Warrior;” Ryan Stevenson, “Eye of the Storm;” Emily Weisband, “Thy Will;” and Matthew Westwith Randy Phillips (of Phillips, Craig and Dean) on “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again.” A total of 24 most-performed song awards were presented by Martin along with ASCAP Senior Creative Director Mike Sistad, Director of Strategic Services Kele Currier and Creative Manager Beth Brinker.
West earned his second ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year award, having previously claimed the title in 2014. He also earned three ASCAP most-performed song awards for his own chart-topping single, “Mended,” as well as “One Step Away,” recorded by Casting Crowns and “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again,” recorded by Danny Gokey.
Joel Smallboneearned his first ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter-Artist of the Year award and two ASCAP most-performed song awards for hits “Priceless” and “It’s Not Over Yet,” recorded by For King & Country.
ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews presented the ASCAP Christian Music Publisher of the Year Award to Capitol CMG Publishing, which claimed the title for the 15th consecutive year with an impressive nine award-winning titles. Capitol CMG Executive Vice President Casey McGinty and his team were on hand to accept the award.
Notable songwriters and artists in attendance included Mike Gomez, Chad Mattson & Jon Lowry(Unspoken), Randy Phillips (Phillips, Craig and Dean) Jodi King and Chris Rademaker of Love & The Outcome, Jonny Diaz, 2016 ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year Ben Glover, songwriter David Garcia and more.
About ASCAP The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a professional membership organization of songwriters, composers and music publishers of every kind of music. ASCAP’s mission is to license and promote the music of its members and foreign affiliates, obtain fair compensation for the public performance of their works and to distribute the royalties that it collects based upon those performances. ASCAP members write the world’s best-loved music and ASCAP has pioneered the efficient licensing of that music to hundreds of thousands of enterprises who use it to add value to their business – from bars, restaurants and retail, to radio, TV and cable, to Internet, mobile services and more. The ASCAP license offers an efficient solution for businesses to legally perform ASCAP music while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly. With more than 625,000 members representing more than 10 million copyrighted works, ASCAP is the worldwide leader in performance royalties, service and advocacy for songwriters and composers, and the only American performing rights organization (PRO) owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascap.com, on Twitter @ASCAP and on Facebook.
Better Together Recording Up for Best Roots Gospel Album
Gospel music mainstays the Gaither Vocal Band(Gaither Music Group) garnered a 2017 GRAMMY® nod for Best Roots Gospel Album,according to yesterday’s announcement of nominations by The Recording Academy.
The Gospel Music Hall of Fame member quintet was honored for its recent all-new recording, Better Together, produced by group founder and bass singer Bill Gaither, group tenor David Phelps and Ben Isaacs (Jimmy Fortune, The Oak Ridge Boys). The title cut, penned by Gaither, along with Reba Rambo-McGuire, Dony McGuire and Chip Davis, is a timeless anthem that celebrates the power of unity in an age of divisiveness.
“At this time in the history of the world, we need each other more than ever,” stated Gaither after hearing about the nomination. “The Vocal Band has so enjoyed encouraging audiences with songs that
remind us to watch each other’s backs and extend a helping hand to those around us. Together, we can change the atmosphere and make this world a better place.”
That message is reflected throughout the 12-song collection that breathes new life into gospel classics and American standards including “Working on a Building,” “Dig a Little Deeper,” “Didn’t It Rain,” “Led Out of Bondage” and more. The recording also features the group’s unique rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend,” a pop treasure previously performed by Carole King, James Taylor and others.
For over three decades Gaither has been bringing together some of the most well-respected gospel music vocalists, creating the benchmark tradition of the renowned Gaither Vocal Band. Members David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Todd Suttles, Adam Crabb and Gaither continue the group’s streak of award-winning line-ups, showcasing intricate vocal arrangements and intimate blends with this new release.
Creating unity with diverse talent has become a lifelong trademark for Gaither, who is a six-time GRAMMY® Award winner and a 41-time Gospel Music Association DOVE Award winner. He has hosted one of the largest concert tours in the Christian music industry for over two decades, joining the hands of artists, old and young, bridging generational gaps and varying musical preferences.
The Gaither Vocal Band is seen regularly on 17 different TV networks that carry the Gaither Gospel Hour weekly. Songs from Better Together are airing on PBS, RFD, TBN, DIRECTV, Gaither Television Network (DISH TV Channel 276), AT&T U-Verse, FamilyNet, CTN, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT, TLN and GaitherTV (available on the internet, Roku TV, Sony TV and Google TV). The campaign is airing in Canada on Vision TV, The Miracle Channel, Grace TV and CTS.
Better Together debuted at #1 on the Southern Gospel chart and at #9 on the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) chart, according to Nielsen Soundscan. It is distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and is available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon and www.gaither.com.
The 59th GRAMMY® Awards will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.
ABOUT THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND
The Gaither Vocal Band has been making music since the early 80s when four men gathered around a piano before a Bill Gaither Trio concert and began harmonizing on the quartet classic “Your First Day in Heaven.” More than a quarter century later, the list of men who have comprised the Gaither Vocal Band over the years reads like a “Who’s Who” among gospel music’s best-loved male voices.
One of the most lauded and award-winning groups in gospel music garnering six GRAMMY® nominations, two GRAMMY® Awards and 18 DOVE Awards, these Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame honorees continue to headline one of the largest tours in the field of Christian music annually; and their groundbreaking successes continue to raise the standard in male harmony. The group is comprised of Bill Gaither, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Todd Suttles and Adam Crabb.
Gospel Music Hall of Fame members and GRAMMY® Award winners the Gaither Vocal Band will release an all-new performance video on Friday, May 18th. We Have This Moment (Gaither Music Group) captures stage performances of 14 of the group’s recorded songs, most of which can be found on the companion We Have This Moment CD, which released in October of last year. Produced by famed country and gospel music performer and studio musician Gordon Mote, the CD recording debuted at #1 on the Southern Gospel chart and at #4 on the Contemporary Christian Music chart, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Gospel music mainstays the Gaither Vocal Band(Gaither Music Group) garnered a 2017 GRAMMY® nod for Best Roots Gospel Album,according to yesterday’s announcement of nominations by The Recording Academy.