Gaither Homecoming

David Phelps, Gordon Mote, Bill Gaither (left to right) in April 2009

Gaither Homecoming is the name applied to a series of videos, music recordings and concerts, which are organized, promoted and usually presented by Christian music songwriter and impresario Bill Gaither.

Beginnings

On February 19, 1992, the Gaither Vocal Band had just wrapped up a recording session in a Nashville, Tennessee, working on an album called Homecoming, which featured many of the great voices of southern gospel music: The Speers, The Gatlins, Jake Hess, The Cathedrals, Howard & Vestal Goodman, Buck Rambo, Eva Mae Lefevre, James Blackwood, Hovie Lister, Jim Hill, and J.D. Sumner & The Stamps. After the session, the artists stayed around to chat, swap stories and sing old standards around the piano. The impromptu session was recorded on video and later published. The recording was so well received that Gaither began a series of professionally produced videos with larger gatherings of gospel musicians.

Format

The format for almost all of the videos in the series is very similar. A studio set or concert stage is home to a group of several dozen singers, with the front row featuring artists with longstanding and legendary careers in Southern Gospel music. They would be joined by younger artists, some of them up-and-coming acts in the Gaither Music Group publishing stable. Gaither would lead the group in several songs, with soloists and groups featured in additional songs. Comments by veteran singers, who would reminisce about their careers, are a staple of the series. In later videos, the inevitability of death found its way into the videos, as segments remembering artists who had died since the previous taping were featured.

Most videos also have accompanying CDs which can be purchased in a set or separately.

The videos and CDs regularly top sales charts, even many years after the series' inception and after the death of many favorite artists. The most recent videos, Gaither Homecoming Tour: Live From Toronto and Canadian Homecoming, were first and third, respectively, on Billboard's music video chart, and the companion CDs also hit the CCM charts. [1] More recently, the 2007 recording of "How Great Thou Art" was nominated for a Dove Award.

Concert series

In 1996, the video series gave birth to a concert tour, with a format similar to the videos but usually performed "in the round" in arenas. The concert dates are normally on Fridays and Saturdays, usually in separate cities.

In 2004, the Gaither Homecoming concert tour ranked 16th in Pollstar rankings of all tours, beating out pop music heavyweights such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and Rod Stewart.

Television series

Many of the video series have been repackaged into a series of hour-long or half-hour-long television shows (similar to an infomercial). They can be found on the following Christian or family-oriented cable/satellite channels. (There is also an Internet TV channel – gaither.tv)

In the U.S.

• Christian Television Network (CTN)
• PBS (titled Classic Gospel)
• RFD-TV
• TBN (titled Precious Memories)
• TCT
• Total Living Network (TLN)
• Heartland
• UplifTV

In Canada

• CTS
• Grace TV
• Miracle Channel
• VisionTV

Cruises

The Gaither Homecoming series has branched out into twice-yearly cruises. One cruise normally sails to Alaska in September, and the other to tropical ports in February.

It was on one of these cruises, in 2006, where regular pianist Anthony Burger, a longtime favorite of the Homecoming series, collapsed on-stage as a result of a heart attack while accompanying Gaither, his wife Gloria and the rest of the Homecoming Friends.

In 2009, for the first time, a Homecoming cruise was recorded for DVD/CD releases. Alaskan Cruise Homecoming and Majesty were released in January 2011.

Videography

This is an incomplete list of all the videos. Some of them may not be in the correct order.

• 1991: Homecoming
• 1992: A Praise Gathering
• 1992: Reunion
• 1993: Turn Your Radio On
• 1993: Old Friends
• 1994: A Christmas Homecoming
• 1994: Landmark
• 1994: Precious Memories
• 1995: All Day Singin' with Dinner on the Ground
• 1995: The Sweetest Song I Know
• 1995: Revival
• 1995: Holy Ground
• 1995: Ryman Gospel Reunion
• 1996: When All God's Singers Get Home
• 1996: Sunday Meetin' Time
• 1996: Sing Your Blues Away
• 1996: Moments To Remember
• 1996: Something Beautiful
• 1996: Homecoming Texas Style
• 1996: Joy To The World
• 1996: Joy in the Camp
• 1997: Back Home Again in Indiana
• 1997: This Is My Story
• 1997: Feelin' AT Home
• 1997: Special Homecoming Moments (certified platinum)
• 1998: Gaither Homecoming Celebration (recorded live on New Year's; released in January 2012)
• 1998: Singin' With The Saints
• 1998: Down By The Tabernacle
• 1998: Rivers Of Joy
• 1998: Hawaiian Homecoming
• 1998: Marching To Zion
• 1998: Atlanta Homecoming (at the Georgia Dome)
• 1998: All Day Singin' At The Dome (Atlanta)
• 1999: Singin' In My Soul
• 1999: So Glad!
• 1999: Sweet, Sweet Spirit
• 1999: Kennedy Center Homecoming
• 1999: Mountain Homecoming (Blue Ridge Mountains)
• 1999: I'll Meet You on the Mountain
• 1999: The Cathedrals: A Farewell Celebration
• 2000: Good News
• 2000: Memphis Homecoming
• 2000: Oh, My Glory!
• 2000: Harmony in the Heartland
• 2000: Irish Homecoming (in Belfast)
• 2000: Whispering Hope
• 2000: Christmas in the Country
• 2001: Christmas... A Time for Joy
• 2001: What a Time!
• 2001: London Homecoming
• 2001: Old Friends Quartet: Encore
• 2001: Gaither Vocal Band: I Do Believe
• 2001: A Billy Graham Music Homecoming, Vol. 1 & 2
• 2001: Journey to the Sky (certified gold)
• 2001: Passin' the Faith Along (certified gold)
• 2001: Mark Lowry on Broadway
• 2002: The Best of The Cathedrals
• 2002: Homecoming Bloopers
• 2002: Freedom Band
• 2002: I'll Fly Away
• 2002: New Orleans Homecoming
• 2002: God Bless America (at Carnegie Hall)
• 2002: Let Freedom Ring (at Carnegie Hall)
• 2003: Going Home (certified platinum)
• 2003: Heaven
• 2003: Australian Homecoming
• 2003: Red Rocks Homecoming
• 2003: Rocky Mountain Homecoming
• 2003: A Gospel Bluegrass Homecoming, Vol. 1 & 2
• 2004: Build a Bridge (at The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas)
• 2004: Dottie Rambo with Homecoming Friends
• 2004: We Will Stand (at The Potter's House)
• 2004: Tribute To Howard & Vestal Goodman
• 2004: Tribute to Jake Hess
• 2004: The Best of Mark Lowry and Bill Gaither, Vol. 1 & 2
• 2005: Church In The Wildwood (certified platinum)
• 2005: Hymns (certified platinum)
• 2005: Israel Homecoming (certified platinum)
• 2005: Jerusalem Homecoming (certified platinum)
• 2005: The Best of Guy Penrod
• 2005: A Tribute to George Younce
• 2005: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• 2005: The Best of Anthony Burger
• 2006: Canadian Homecoming (certified gold)
• 2006: Live from Toronto (certified gold)
• 2006: Christmas in South Africa
• 2006: Homecoming Christmas – Live From South Africa
• 2007: South African Homecoming
• 2007: Love Can Turn The World – Live From South Africa
• 2007: Amazing Grace (certified gold)
• 2007: How Great Thou Art (certified gold)
• 2007: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: Get Away, Jordan
• 2007: Gaither Vocal Band and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound...TOGETHER
• 2008: A Campfire Homecoming
• 2008: Homecoming Picnic
• 2008: Rock of Ages
• 2008: Country Bluegrass Homecoming, Vol. 1 & 2
• 2008: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: Dream On (Live from Chicago)
• 2009: Nashville Homecoming (at the Grand Ole Opry stage)
• 2009: Joy in My Heart
• 2009: Gaither Vocal Band: Reunion, Vol. 1 & 2
• 2009: The Oak Ridge Boys: A Gospel Journey
• 2010: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet
• 2010: Giving Thanks
• 2010: Count Your Blessings
• 2011: Alaskan Homecoming (cruise)
• 2011: Majesty (Alaskan cruise)
• 2011: Tent Revival Homecoming (at the Billy Graham Library)
• 2011: The Old Rugged Cross (at the Billy Graham Library)
• 2011: The Best of David Phelps
• 2012: Gaither Homecoming Celebration (filmed in 1998, never-before-seen material)
• 2013: Gaither Vocal Band: Pure and Simple, Vol. 1 & 2
• 2013: Women of Homecoming, Vol: 1 & 2
• 2014: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: Oh, What A Savior
• 2014: Cathedrals Family Reunion
• 2016: Mark Lowry: Dogs Go to Heaven
• 2016: Circuit Rider
• 2017: Give the World a Smile
• 2017: Sweeter as the Days Go By
• 2020: The Longer I Serve Him
• 2020: Canton Junction: Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• 2021: Glorious Church (filmed in 2001, never-before-seen material)
• 2021: The Collingsworth Family: Just Sing!
• 2022: The Oak Ridge Boys: Rock of Ages
• 2022: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: Something Beautiful
• 2023: Hallelujah Homecoming
• 2023: Power in the Blood
• 2024: The Collingsworth Family: Classics & Hymns

Hall of Honor Series

• 1994: The Goodman Family: The Journey (Vol. 1)
• 1994: The Speers Family: A Love Story (Vol. 2)
• 1994: Hovie Lister & The Statesmen: An American Classic (Vol. 3)
• 1994: O Happy Day: Old-Time Southern Singing Convention (Vol. 4)
• 1994: The Cathedrals: Fifty Faithful Years (Vol. 5)
• 1994: The Best of the Gospel Singing Jubilee: Number. 1-4 (Vol. 6)
• 1995: Cynthia Clawson: Thank God for The Promise of Spring (Vol. 7)
• 1995: The Blackwood Brothers: Family Reunion (Vol. 8)
• 1995: Jus' Jake and a Few Close Friends (Vol. 9)
• 1995: The Sweetest Song I Know (Vol. 10)
• 1997: The Gatlin Brothers: Come Home (Vol. 11)
• 1997: J.D. Sumner & the Stamps: God Still Lives in This Old House (Vol. 12)
• 1997: The LeFevres: A Song in your Heart at Night (Vol. 13)
• 1998: The Best of Jessy Dixon: Sanctuary (Vol. 14)

Featured artists

An asterisk (*) indicates that the artist is deceased.
Numbers indicate how many videos the artist has appeared in as a featured performer.

• Aaron Wilburn (2001–2020*) (died November 27, 2020)
• Acoustix (2007–)
• Alicia Williamson (2000–)
• Allison Durham Speer (1999–)
• Alvin Slaughter (2004)
• Amber Nelon Kistler (2003–2024*) 6 (died July 26, 2024)
• Amy Grant (2013) 2
• Andraé Crouch (1999–2015) (died January 8, 2015)
• Angela Primm (2002–)
• Ann Downing (1992–)
• Anthony Burger (1994–2006*) (died February 22, 2006)
• Armond Morales (2002– 2022*) (died December 5, 2022)
• The Arnolds Group (2002)
• Avalon (2001–)
• Babbie Mason (1995–)
• Becky Isaacs Bowman (1999–)
• Ben Isaacs (1998–)
• Ben Speer (1992–2017*) (died April 7, 2017)
• Benjy Gaither (2002–) 4
• Billy Blackwood (1996)
• The Bishops (1995–)
• The Blackwood Brothers (2000–)
• Bob Cain+ (1996–2000*) (died August 30, 2000)
• Bonnie Keen (1999–)
• The Booth Brothers (2002–) 14
• Boots Randolph+ (2004-2007*) (died July 3, 2007)
• Brenda Lee (2007)
• Brock Speer+ (1991-1999*) (died March 19, 1999)
• Buck Rambo+ (1991-2016*) (died February 21, 2016)
• Buddy Greene (1994–) 30
• Buddy Mullins (1995–) 14
• Calvin Newton (1994–2023*) 5 (died March 3, 2023)
• Carman (1998*) (died Feb. 21, 2021)
• Candy Hemphill Christmas (1995–) 17
• The Cathedrals (1991–1999) 9
• CeCe Winans (2001–) 2
• Charlotte Ritchie (1995–) 34
• Cherryholmes (2008–) 3
• Chonda Pierce (1998–) 2
• Chuck Wagon Gang (2011–) 2
• Cliff Barrows (2001*) 3 (died Nov. 15, 2016)
• Collingsworth Family (2008) 5
• The Crabb Family (2001–) 7
• Cynthia Clawson (1995–) 20
• Dallas Holm (1995–) 3
• Danny Gaither (1993–2000*) 4 (died April 6, 2001)
• David Phelps (1998–) 30
• Don Francisco (2001)
• Donnie Sumner (1996–) 7
• Dottie Rambo (1992–2008*) 5 (died May 11, 2008)
• Dove Brothers (2000–) 2
• Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver (1999–) 3
• Earl Weatherford (1992*) (died June 17, 1992)
• Ed Enoch (1994–) 2
• Ernie Haase (1996–) 9
• Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (2005–) 15
• Eva Mae LeFevre (1991–2009*) 11 (died May 18, 2009)
• Evie (2000–) 4
• Fairfield Four (1993)
• Florida Boys (1994–) 8
• Gaither Vocal Band (1991–) 57
• Gatlin Brothers (1991–) 7
• Gene McDonald (1998–) 23
• George Beverly Shea (2001–2011*) 4 (died April 16, 2013)
• George Jones (2008*) 2 (died April 26, 2013)
• George Younce (1991–2005*) 25 (died April 11, 2005)
• Glen Payne (1991–1999*) 10 (died October 15, 1999)
• Gloria Gaither (1991–) 28
• Gold City (1998–) 3
• Gordon Mote (2007–) 12
• Greater Vision (2000–) 5
• Greenes and Sons (2001–) 3
• Guy Penrod (1995–) 38
• Hayes Family (1996–) 9
• Henry Slaughter (1996*) (died Nov. 13, 2020)
• Hoppers, The (1993–) 21
• Hovie Lister (1991–2002*) 8 (died Dec. 28, 2001)
• Howard Goodman (1991–2002*) 17 (died Nov. 30, 2002)
• The Isaacs (1996–) 41
• Ivan Parker (1995–) 31
• J. D. Sumner (1991–1999*) 18 (died Nov. 16, 1998)
• Jack Toney (1996–2004*) 11 (died April 15, 2004)
• Jake Hess (1991–2004*) 39 (died Jan. 4, 2004)
• James Blackwood (1991–2002*) 10 (died Feb. 3, 2002)
• Jamie Grace (2013) 2
• Janet Paschal (1993–) 26
• Jason Crabb (2004–) 8
• Jeff Allen (2000–) 4
• Jeff & Sheri Easter (1994–) 33
• Jessy Dixon (1996–2008*) 46 (died Sept. 26, 2011)
• Jimmy Blackwood (1995–) 5
• Jimmy Fortune (2008–) 2
• Joel Hemphill (1995–) 4
• John Starnes (1995–) 7
• Johnny Cook (1993*) 2 (died May 14, 2000)
• Johnny Minick (1996–) 10
• Jonathan Pierce (1996–2020*) 3 (died May 10, 2020)
• Joy Gardner (1993–) 44
• Karen Peck and New River (1998–) 10
• Karen Wheaton (1996–) 4
• Katinas, The (1999–) 2
• Kelly Nelon (1993–2024*) 3 (died July 26, 2024)
• Ken Davis (1998–) 4
• Kevin Spencer Family (1999)
• Kevin Williams (1999–) 7
• Kim Collingsworth (2009)
• Kim Hopper (1998–) 25
• Kingsmen Quartet (1998–) 2
• Larnelle Harris (1994–) 20
• Larry Ford (1992–) 26
• Larry Gatlin (1991–) 6
• Lauren Talley (2000–) 6
• Lee Young (2009)
• Legacy Five (2001–) 6
• Lillie Knauls (1993–) 26
• Lily Fern Weatherford (1992–) 5
• Lynda Randle (1996–) 31
• Mark Lowry (1991–) 39
• Marshall Hall (2000–) 13
• The Martins (1995–) 25
• Mary Tom Speer Reid (1995–2014*) 11 (died Sept. 16, 2014)
• Meadowlark Lemon (1999–*) 2 (died Dec. 27, 2015)
• Mel Tunney (2002)
• Michael English (1991–) 19
• Michael Sykes (2000–) 5
• Mike Allen (1998–) 22
• Mylon LeFevre (1992–2023*) 3 (died September 8, 2023)
• Nancy Harmon (1996)
• Naomi Sego (1993-2009*) (died Nov. 3, 2017)
• Natalie Grant (2002–) 3
• The Nelons (1995–2024) 12
• Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (2008)
• Oak Ridge Boys (2002–) 6
• Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet (2004)
• The Peasall Sisters (2005)
• Perrys, The (2009)
• Ralph Stanley (2003–2008*) 4 (died June 23, 2016)
• Randy Owen (2007–) 2
• Randy Travis (2001–) 3
• Reba Rambo-McGuire (1994–) 3
• Reggie Smith (1998–) 33
• Rex Nelon (1994–2000*) 16 (died Jan. 24, 2000)
• Ricky Skaggs (2001)
• Robbie Hiner (1996–) 4
• Roger Bennett (1999*) (died March 17, 2007)
• Roger McDuff (1995–) 2
• Roger Talley (1993-)
• Russ Taff (1992–) 33
• Sandi Patty (1999–) 6
• Sherman Andrus (2002–) 2
• Sonya Isaacs (1996–) 17
• Speer Family (1991–) 6
• Squire Parsons (1993–) 18
• Stamps Quartet (1991–) 6
• Stan Whitmire (2004–) 3
• Statesmen Quartet (1996–) 2
• Statler Brothers (1990)
• Stephen Hill (1998–2012*) 30 (died August 5, 2012)
• Steve Green (2009)
• Suzanne Gaither–Jennings (1999)
• Tendero Kochibar (2003)
• The Old Friends Quartet (2000-2002) 3
• Talley Trio (2000–) 14
• Tanya Goodman Sykes (1992–) 26
• TaRanda Greene (2001–) 10
• Taylor Mason (2002–) 3
• Terry Blackwood (1995–) 33
• Terry McMillan (musician) (1998–*) 2 (died Feb. 2, 2007)
• Testify (Christian band) (2000 -2004)
• Three Bridges (2008–) 2
• Tim Lovelace (1997)
• Tim Parton (1996–) 3
• Tim Pettigo (1995)
• Tim Riley (2000)
• Tramaine Hawkins (2004–) 2
• Triumphant Quartet (2011)
• Vestal Goodman (1991–2003*) 38 (died Dec. 27, 2003)
• Voices of Lee (2006)
• Wes Hampton (2007–) 7
• Wesley Pritchard (1996–) 41
• Wintley Phipps (2001–) 6
• Woody Wright (1998–) 20
• Zig Ziglar (2001*) (died Nov. 28, 2012)

External links

• Gaither Homecoming's official web site