Bill Gaither

One of the most successful songwriters in all of Christian music, Bill Gaither was an original member of the renowned gospel music act the Gaither Trio (comprised of Gaither, his brother Bill, and sister Mary Ann). Bill's wife, Gloria, would go on to replace Mary Ann in the group, and the trio was eventually inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1999. In addition to recording with the trio, Bill and Gloria recorded as a duo and as part of the Gaither Vocal Band. Gaither has been an extremely prolific composer of new gospel material, and has published more than 500 songs, including many that have become contemporary standards in the genre. His popular television program, The Gaither Gospel Hour, and a series of videos documenting many of the legends of southern gospel have led to the creative rebirth of what had been a declining genre of music. In all, Gaither has recorded over 40 albums, won five Grammy Awards, numerous Dove Awards, and has been the Gospel Music Association's songwriter of the year eight times. Gaither and his wife Gloria continue to live just miles from the farm in Alexandria, Indiana, where Gaither was born and raised. ~ Greg Prato & Steve Leggett, All Music Guide