Gaither Vocal Band

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.[1] 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 Gaither, singers with the longest tenure in the band include Guy Penrod (1995–2009), Mark Lowry (1988–2001, 2009–14), Michael English (1985–94, 2009–14), David Phelps (1997–2005, 2009–17) and Wes Hampton (2005–present).Michael English was hired as the new lead singer, so McSpadden was moved down to baritone, and Gaither dropped to bass.The album Southern Classics was released in 1993 with the hit "I Bowed on My Knees" (This song was co-written by Jeremy Ward).Strengthened by the popularity of the Homecoming video series, the Vocal Band added Guy Penrod at lead.After Lowry's departure, Imperials alumnus Russ Taff sang baritone for a couple of years.The group has routinely performed classic Southern Gospel songs including many written by Bill and Gloria Gaither like "He Touched Me", "I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary", and "Sinner Saved By Grace".The two CDs debuted in the top two positions on Billboard's Contemporary Christian Album chart, marking the Gaither Vocal Band's first No.Gaither brought back some former members: English as lead vocal, Lowry as baritone and Phelps as tenor.In October 2013, it was announced that Lowry and English would be leaving the group to devote more time to their solo careers.[14] Upon release, the DVDs debuted at the top of Billboard's Music Video chart (Sometimes it Takes a Mountain at #1 and Happy Rhythm at #2).