55-655: The Cathedral Quartet , also known as the Cathedrals , was an American southern gospel quartet who performed from 1964 to December 1999. The group's final lineup consisted of Glen Payne (lead), George Younce (bass), Ernie Haase (tenor), Scott Fowler (baritone and bass guitar ), and Roger Bennett (piano and rhythm guitar). The Cathedrals formed in 1963 as a trio consisting of the California Weatherford Quartet lead singer Glen Payne , tenor Bobby Clark , and baritone Danny Koker. Initially
110-461: A synthesizer to its quartet vocals. In February 1990, Funderburk left to help form the quartet Perfect Heart. The Cathedrals hired tenor Kurt Young to replace him, but Young left the quartet after two months. Young was replaced by Ernie Haase , a young tenor from Indiana . Later that year, Trammell left to form Greater Vision with Gerald Wolfe. Scott Fowler, former lead singer of the Sound, became
165-465: A Mountain . Five months later, that album was followed by a two-DVD live performance release and the release of their second album (a live performance album), Happy Rhythm . 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). In August 2016, the group's album Better Together was released. In March 2017, it
220-665: A couple of years. Marshall Hall was his replacement. Wes Hampton succeeded Phelps in 2005. The group has had three number one songs on the Singing News chart. "Yes, I Know" held the top position from July to October 1997, as did "I Will Go On" in November 2006. "Greatly Blessed" was their third number one single. 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". In July 2008,
275-418: A devout love for God or an earthly love for a man or woman. Becoming popular through songbooks, such as those published by R. E. Winsett of Dayton, Tennessee , southern gospel was and is one of the few genres to use recordings, radio, and television technologies from the very beginning for the advancements of promoting the genre. One of the longest-running print magazines for southern gospel music has been
330-758: A house group of Rex Humbard 's Cathedral of Tomorrow , they called themselves the Cathedral Trio. The group became a quartet with the addition of Blue Ridge Quartet bass singer George Younce in 1964. They decided to become a full-time touring group in 1969, leaving the Cathedral of Tomorrow. Koker and Clark left the group to pursue other interests, and were replaced by tenor Mack Taunton and baritone-pianist George Amon Webster. The group signed with Canaan Records ; Canaan producer Marvin Norcross worked with them and Florida Boys lead singer Les Beasley to help
385-660: A piano" set up, southern gospel has evolved over the years into a popular form of music across the United States and overseas, especially among baby boomers and those living in the Southern United States . Like other forms of music, the creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of southern gospel varies according to the cultural and social context. It is composed and performed for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an entertainment product for
440-403: A sound with an edge to it. The traditional style southern gospel singers employ a more classical singing style. Lyrically, most progressive southern gospel songs are patterned after traditional southern gospel in that they maintain a clear evangelistic and/or testimonial slant. Southern gospel purists view lyrical content and the underlying musical style as the key determining factors for applying
495-564: A stroke. In December 2017, Steve Lee died. On June 13, 2023 Roy Tremble died aged 76 from a brief illness. On September 28, 2023 Roger Horne died aged 77. On April 2, 2024 Haskell Cooley died aged 84 after battling Alzheimer's disease . (As the Cathedral Trio) (As the Cathedral Quartet) (As Cathedrals Remember The Music) (As Cathedrals Family Reunion) Southern gospel See also: Southern gospel music
550-553: A tenor. Tremble, Webster, and pianist Lorne Matthews left the group and started their own trio called "The Brothers" in 1979. Their first replacement, Kirk Talley of the Hoppers , was a tenor; Steve Lee was added to sing baritone and play piano. Shortly before 1980, the group hired Roger Bennett as their pianist after hearing him play for their opening act. Lee left the group, and former member Roger Horne filled in briefly before Kingsmen bass guitarist and baritone Mark Trammell joined
605-408: Is a genre of Christian music . Its name comes from its origins in the southeastern United States . Its lyrics are written to express either personal or a communal faith regarding biblical teachings and Christian life, as well as (in terms of the varying music styles) to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music . Sometimes known as " quartet music" for its traditional "four men and
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#1732782567439660-608: Is emcee and piano player with Greater Vision and Danny Funderburk has recorded solo and has been in several groups since leaving Perfect Heart. Kirk Talley had a solo career from the Talleys breakup to December 2012, when he developed vocal problems. On April 11, 2005, George Younce died from kidney failure, aged 75. On March 17, 2007, Roger Bennett died aged 48 after battling 11 + 1 ⁄ 2 years of leukemia. On February 17, 2008 original baritone Danny Koker died aged 74. In 2010, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound released A Tribute to
715-487: Is named after gospel leader Bill Gaither . It was the successor-group of the Bill Gaither Trio . By the 1980s, Bill Gaither, along with wife Gloria Gaither , were both very successful songwriters . For example, their song, "He Touched Me" was covered by Elvis Presley , after which he named his album He Touched Me . Presley won a Grammy for the album. Bill Gaither felt that his trio had reached its peak in
770-430: Is sometimes called "quartet music" by fans because of the originally all-male, tenor-lead-baritone-bass quartet makeup. Early quartets were typically either a cappella or accompanied only by piano or guitar, and in some cases a piano and banjo in areas that were influenced by bluegrass music such as Appalachia . Over time, full bands were added and even later, pre-recorded accompaniments (soundtracks) were introduced. In
825-607: The National Quartet Convention without Payne. During a performance Payne called via telephone from his hospital bed, he sang the song I Won't Have to Cross Jordan Alone to which the audience gave him a standing ovation at the end. On October 15, 1999, Payne died from liver cancer at aged 72. After Payne's death, Bennett sung Payne's part until the group final concerts on December 9, 10 and 11, 1999 in Akron, Ohio . In 2000, former members Fowler and Bennett formed
880-492: The Singing News . They started in the early 1970s supplying radio airplay charts and conducting annual fan based awards. They also supply popular topic forums for southern gospel fans to meet and discuss the genre. The move to internet services has brought along companies such as SoGospelNews.com which has become a noted e-zine forum for southern gospel and has remained a supporter for the past twelve years. It too contains
935-473: The Southeast and Southwest , it has a nationwide and even international audience. The music remains "more country than city, more down-home than pretentious". In 2005, The Radio Book , a broadcast yearbook published by M Street Publications, reported 285 radio stations in the U.S. with a primary format designation as "southern gospel," including 175 AM stations and 110 FM stations. In fact, southern gospel
990-559: The 1990s thanks to the efforts of Bill and Gloria Gaither and their Gaither Homecoming tours and videos, which began as a reunion of many of the best known and loved SGM individuals in 1991. Thanks in part to the Homecoming series, southern gospel music now has fans across the United States and in a number of foreign countries like Ireland and Australia. By the 1990s, the "old-timey" quartet-style music began to develop to include more soloists and duos. Although still mostly popular in
1045-709: The Cathedral Quartet DVD/album set and was nominated for Southern Gospel Album of the Year at the 42nd GMA Dove Awards . On September 28, 2013 Webster died aged 67 from cancer. In 2014, former members Haase, Fowler, Funderburk, Trammell and Wofle released the Cathedrals Family Reunion , a DVD/album set to commemorate the Cathedrals 35 years journey in stories and songs. On May 22, 2014 original tenor Bobby Clark died aged 78 from
1100-704: The Old Friends two years later. In 2003, Haase and Garry Jones formed the Signature Sound Quartet. After Jones and Haase developed artistic differences, Jones left. Signature Sound Quartet became associated with Gaither and his Homecoming tour, and changed its name to Ernie Haase & Signature Sound . After leaving the Cathedrals, Trammell was the original baritone of Greater Vision before leaving to join Gold City. In 2002, Trammell formed his own quartet called Mark Trammell Quartet . Gerald Wolfe
1155-670: The Quartet's theme song. The Stamps Quartet was heard on the radio throughout Texas and the South. A handful of groups were considered pioneers in southern gospel music for a series of "firsts." The Blackwood Brothers, with James Blackwood and J.D. Sumner became the first group to travel in a bus, which is on display at the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee . Sumner also
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#17327825674391210-584: The Southern gospel group Legacy Five ; Fowler was the lead singer and bass guitarist, and Bennett was the group's emcee and pianist. Haase continued a solo career he had begun and, with Gaither's help, formed The Old Friends Quartet with Younce, Jake Hess , Wesley Pritchard, and Gold City alumnus Garry Jones on piano. They recorded two albums and a concert video for the Gaither Homecoming series, but Younce and Hess's poor health brought an end to
1265-556: The United States for the purpose of getting together regularly and singing songs in this style. Convention songs were employed by training centers like the Stamps-Baxter School Of Music as a way to teach quartet members how to concentrate on singing their own part. Examples of convention songs include "Heavenly Parade", "I'm Living In Canaan Now", " Give the World a Smile ", and "Heaven's Jubilee". Southern gospel
1320-402: The air, Southern Gospel USA, a weekly half-hour countdown show hosted by Gary Wilson, Classic radio programs such as The Old Gospel Ship and Heaven's Jubilee with Jim Loudermilk. Another online station is "The Gospel Station." Gaither Vocal Band The Gaither Vocal Band is an American southern gospel vocal group, named after its founder and leader Bill Gaither . On March 1, 2017, it
1375-431: The all-male quartets that would develop years later. The Statesmen were known for their showmanship and introduction of jazz, ragtime, and even some early rock and roll. Elements into their music and their stage appearance with trendy suits and wide audience appeal and were known for their signature song, "Happy Rhythm" (Rockin and a'Rollin). Traditional southern gospel music underwent a tremendous surge in popularity during
1430-589: The early 1990s. Gaither enlisted George Younce and Glen Payne for the album (which inspired the Gaither Homecoming videos), and the Cathedral Quartet was included on later videos in the series. In addition to touring and appearing in the Gaither Homecoming videos, the group appeared three times on NBC's Today show during the decade. Younce and Payne's health began to decline; Younce had kidney failure and heart disease by 1999, and Payne
1485-503: The first decades of the twentieth century, southern gospel drew much of its creative energy from the holiness movement churches that arose throughout the south. Early gospel artists such as The Speer Family , The Stamps Quartet, The Blackwood Family, and The Lefevre Trio achieved wide popularity through their recordings and radio performances in the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. On October 20, 1927, The Stamps Quartet recorded its early hit "Give The World A Smile" for RCA Victor, which become
1540-501: The group dropped the "new" part of their name. Although the previous album ( New Point of View ) had been more contemporary than its predecessors, the album with this version of the group ( One X 1 ) took it even further. After this album, Harris left and was replaced by Lemuel Miller. The group did not record an album with Miller before he too left. He was replaced by Imperials alumnus Jim Murray. This line up cut one album ( Wings ) before McSpadden left to start his solo career. Mark Lowry
1595-635: The group gain exposure. Norcross gave them performance time on the nationally syndicated television Gospel Singing Jubilee . With Canaan, the group experimented with different styles of dress and performance to find their identity. Gospel singer Bill Gaither invited the group to perform at his annual Praise Gathering in Indianapolis , and they received more requests for appearances. Gaither collaborated with Younce and Payne to produce their future albums for Word Records. The group began incorporating Younce and Payne's comedy routines, and added Roy Tremble as
1650-525: The group. In 1983 they left Canaan (Word), and signed with Riversong (Benson). Talley left the group in the summer of 1983 to form the Talleys with his brother, Roger, and sister-in-law, Debra. Danny Funderburk of the Singing Americans was chosen to replace him in December of that year. This lineup remained in place for several years, until Bennett left to help found Journey Records. Bennett
1705-500: 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). The band has released 29 albums (not including compilations), at least 19 of which have charted. The band has also released 10 DVDs, which feature many other Christian artists as well. The Gaither Vocal Band has been honored with two Grammys and 17 Dove Awards . The Gaither Vocal Band
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1760-537: The marketplace. The date of southern gospel's establishment, as a distinct genre, is generally considered to be 1910. The year the first professional quartet was formed for the purpose of selling songbooks for the James D. Vaughan Music Publishing Company in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee . Nonetheless, the style of the music itself had existed for at least 35 years prior—although the traditional wisdom that southern gospel
1815-554: The mid-1980s, but his desire to make another gospel hit kept the trio going. The original Vocal Band (called the New Gaither Vocal Band) was formed spontaneously, backstage of a Gaither Trio concert. It consisted of Bill Gaither and Gary McSpadden of the trio, along with two of the trio's backup singers, Steve Green and Lee Young. The quartet sang "Your First Day in Heaven" on stage that night. Their debut album,
1870-416: The music charts with forums and chat rooms available to the fans. Internet Radio has broadened the southern gospel music fan base by using computer technologies and continual streaming. Some of these media outlets are: Sunlite Radio which features many of the southern gospel programs likewise heard on traditional radio. This list includes The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil, which recently celebrated 30 years on
1925-552: The musical traditions of white musicians from the American South, the name Southern gospel was used to differentiate it from the black gospel tradition. Convention songs typically have contrasting homophonic and contrapuntal sections. In the homophonic sections, the four parts sing the same words and rhythms. In the contrapuntal sections, each group member has a unique lyric and rhythm. These songs are called "convention songs" because various conventions were organized across
1980-494: The quartet's baritone and bass guitarist; this was the final version of the Cathedrals. The full group (including present and former members, except for Danny Koker, Roger Horne, Lorne Matthews, Bill Dykes, Jim Garstang, Steve Lee and Kurt Young) recorded a concert, The Cathedral Quartet: A Reunion , in 1995. Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band recorded Homecoming , a tribute to Southern gospel music, during
2035-574: The same feed entitled, " enLighten on SiriusXm". Enlighten plays southern gospel and has several featured programs which air weekly including Paul Heil's Gospel Greats and Bill Gaither 's Homecoming Radio . Over the last decades, a newer version of southern gospel has grown in popularity. This style is called progressive southern gospel and is characterized by a blend of traditional southern gospel, bluegrass, modern country, contemporary Christian and pop music elements. Progressive southern gospel generally features artists who push their voices to produce
2090-580: The same title debuted in the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on the Music Video charts as well. It also garnered a Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country, Bluegrass Gospel Album. In January 2009, Hall and Penrod left. Gaither brought back some former members: English as lead vocal, Lowry as baritone and Phelps as tenor. The first album by this five-member version was Reunited , released in September 2009. It
2145-578: The self-titled The New Gaither Vocal Band , debuted in 1981. According to the liner notes of the CD compilation The Best of the GVB , the term "vocal band" was used instead of "quartet" because it did not limit Gaither in terms of sound or number of group members. According to Green on the Gaither Vocal Band Reunion video, he came up with the name and convinced Gaither to use it because he, at
2200-447: The southern gospel label to a song. Although there are some exceptions, most southern gospel songs would not be classified as Praise and Worship . Few southern gospel songs are sung "to" God as opposed to "about" God. On the other hand, southern gospel lyrics are typically overt in their Christian message unlike Contemporary Christian music (CCM) which sometimes has had "double entendre" lyrics, which could be interpreted as being about
2255-582: The time, did not want to be associated with "quartet music". Young left the group in 1982, and Jon Mohr was hired as the new bass singer. They then recorded the album Passin' the Faith Along . Later, tenor Green left and Larnelle Harris was hired. This group cut the New Point Of View album before Mohr left. Michael English was hired as the new lead singer, so McSpadden was moved down to baritone, and Gaither dropped to bass. At this point
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2310-599: The vocal band recorded a reunion DVD at the Gaither Studios — The Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, Volumes 1 and 2 . Except for Pierce, Franklin, and Miller, the former and present members appeared and performed. The two CDs debuted in the top two positions on Billboard ' s Contemporary Christian Album chart, marking the Gaither Vocal Band's first No. 1 on the Christian Album chart. The DVDs of
2365-453: Was "invented" in the 1870s by circuit preacher Everett Beverly is spurious. The existence of the genre prior to 1910 is evident in the work of Charles Davis Tillman (1861–1943), who popularized "The Old Time Religion", wrote "Life's Railway to Heaven" and published 22 songbooks. Some of the genre's roots can be found in the publishing work and "normal schools" or singing schools of Aldine S. Kieffer and Ephraim Ruebush . Southern gospel
2420-529: Was also the first album of the vocal band ever to feature only songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. A live album called Better Day was released in January 2010. In August 2010, they released the long-awaited album called Greatly Blessed , followed by I Am A Promise , a children's album, released in August 2011. Their most recent album was Pure & Simple , released in September 2012. In October 2013, it
2475-445: Was announced that Adam Crabb (of The Crabb Family ) would join the group as the fourth member and lead singer. Todd Suttles joined the group as the baritone singer one month later. Following their formation, the new quintet would go on to release a limited edition album, The New Edition , which could only be purchased at concert performances. In October 2014, the group released their first album together, entitled Sometimes it Takes
2530-509: Was announced that Lowry and English would be leaving the group to devote more time to their solo careers. English's departure was immediate whereas Lowry stayed on until they could find another baritone to replace him. Their last album as members, Hymns , was released in March 2014 and was nominated for a Grammy Award the following December. After their departure, several guests filled-in until two new members could be found. In January 2014, it
2585-414: Was announced that Phelps would be leaving the group on April 1, and Reggie Smith would join the group as tenor. In October 2017, this line-up released their first studio album, entitled We Have This Moment . In October 2018, there was another Gaither Vocal Band Reunion. It was a two-day concert, recorded live. Except for Green, Franklin, Miller & Pierce, all of the past and present members who were at
2640-486: Was announced that the Gaither Vocal Band lineup consisted of Reggie Smith, Wes Hampton , Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles, and Bill Gaither. 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. The lineup of the band has changed many times, with artists leaving to work on solo careers, and new and old ones coming to replace them. Besides Gaither, singers with
2695-431: Was convinced to replace him. Their Gospel roots project Homecoming was released in 1991. Murray left and was replaced by Terry Franklin . The album Southern Classics was released in 1993 with the hit "I Bowed on My Knees" (This song was co-written by Jeremy Ward). Later English left. He was replaced by Buddy Mullins. Mullins was only a temporary fill-in, but he was included on the album Testify . Franklin soon left and
2750-411: Was diagnosed with liver cancer. They decided to disband the group after a farewell tour, as the group's health permitted. The Gaithers and the Cathedrals recorded a live Cathedrals Farewell Celebration video on May 18, 1999, on which they were joined by The Statler Brothers , The Oak Ridge Boys , Sandi Patty , Guy Penrod , and the Gaither Vocal Band . The Cathedrals would make their final appearance at
2805-468: Was instrumental in creating the National Quartet Convention , an annual music festival where many groups, both known and well known perform for a week. The Speer Family was known for bringing blended groups to mainstream popularity where both male and female performers toured together. The best known group of the 1950s and 1960s was the Statesmen Quartet , which set the trend for broad appeal of
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#17327825674392860-514: Was promoted by traveling singing school teachers, quartets, and shape note music publishing companies such as the A. J. Showalter Company (1879) and the Stamps-Baxter Music and Printing Company . Over time, southern gospel came to be an eclectic musical form with groups singing traditional hymns, a capella (jazz-style singing with no instruments) songs, country, bluegrass, spirituals, and "convention songs". Because it grew out of
2915-534: Was replaced by yet another Imperials alumnus, Jonathan Pierce (formerly known as Jonathan Hildreth, his first and last name, then changed to his first and middle name). Strengthened by the popularity of the Homecoming video series, the Vocal Band added Guy Penrod at lead. After Pierce's departure, Gaither hired David Phelps at tenor. After Lowry's departure, Imperials alumnus Russ Taff sang baritone for
2970-513: Was replaced by young, classically trained pianist and vocalist Gerald Wolfe . With Wolfe at the piano and singing, the group contributed to Symphony of Praise a 1987 album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra . The album included " This Ole House ", "Champion Of Love", "I Can See The Hand" (written by Steven Curtis Chapman ), and "I've Just Started Living". During this period, the group added Trammell's bass guitar and
3025-497: Was the 9th most popular format for AM stations and the 21st most popular for FM. Southern gospel radio promoters routinely service more than a thousand radio stations which play at least some southern gospel music each week. Recent years have also seen the advent of a number of internet-only southern gospel "radio" stations. Two popular satellite stations that feature southern gospel are channel 34 on XM Satellite Radio and Channel 65 (changed from 67). On Sirius Satellite Radio. Both play
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