![]() ![]() "They have intense moments of fellowship," he said, laughing. Gaither recalled his friend Jeff Easter, who with his wife, Sheri, have led a Southern gospel group, saying they don't fight. Disagreement has come, he said, on setting priorities and how to raise their three children. Oh, the Gaithers' marriage hasn't been perfect. The kind of faith that someone who sings "Amazing Grace" on Earth believes it will be more amazing in Heaven, he said. Sometimes, he said, "forever doesn't work" but there is a safety net. He said there are studies to prove it.īut he's a realist. Gaither believes a Christ-centered couple has a better chance of making it work. But we zero in on the son of God, who lived, died and rose again." "We don't agree on everything, and we don't have to. "We see it more and more every day," he said. While denominations differ "on the minor," they merge for the "essential": Jesus Christ. It's something to be shared, and he is pleased that his songs resonate around the world and between faiths. People respond to different genres, be it country, classical or, he said, "the power of rock music." People don't leave their problems at the door, so music, which he calls art, can be a powerful way to reach a tender soul. It's part of the continuing education that keeps him young. He finds different perspectives interesting, he said. When he has "justified" his activity for the day, he retires to a good book.ĭuring the recent cold snap it was "The Diversity Delusion" by Heather Mac Donald. When it's cold outside, he gathers wood, builds a fire and hits the treadmill. "I've learned more that last 10 years," he said. The list of those who have shared a stage with him reads like a who's who and includes many who performed in Abilene - Sandi Patty, Amy Grant and Carman, to name three. Or touring with up-and-coming performers. Ten thousand steps a day.Īnd it helps singing with those young guys in the band. Even recently, when temperatures dipped below zero as much of the U.S. ![]() He still is married to the woman he wed in 1962, when both were teachers and had no idea her skill with words and his writing music would create a talented tandem that rivals the pop duos of Lennon and McCartney, and Taupin and John. He's an Indiana boy, born in Alexandria, who still lives in his home state. The most obvious answer to Bill Gaither's longevity is good living. He compares performances to restaurants, which add new entrees to the menu while keeping favorite dishes. Still, he is hopeful that those who bought tickets leave most inspired by his music. "I think it's a little of both," he said. ![]() But the message also stirs "strong beliefs." He gave the example of Handel's "Messiah." It is enjoyed as wonderful music, as "King of kings!" resounds across auditoriums. "Did you fall asleep?" Gaither asks, mischievously. "You're asking the wrong guy," he said, warmly. Gaither told the Reporter-News that the answer from Hovie Lister of the Statesmen Quartet, the famous Southern gospel quartet, was: "Yes and yes. One common question, often asked of artists of the Christian genre, is if they consider their music a ministry or entertainment. ![]() After so many years writing, performing, recording, touring and thrilling audiences, what hasn't been asked Bill Gaither? ![]()
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